Table 1

The organisation of the bariatric surgery follow-up in the two outpatient clinics

Helse Førde Hospital TrustSt. Olav Hospital Trust
First contact with the specialist healthcare services
Patients attend a one-day preoperative information course. A bariatric surgeon, nutritionist, physical therapist, psychologist and bariatric outpatient nurse provides information about BS and a lifestyle intervention programme during the course.		First contact with the specialist healthcare services
Patients seeking BS have a consultation with a physician and a nurse during which the choice of treatment is decided.
Patients who seeks BS as preferred treatment are referred to a psychologist for a mental health assessment before surgery.Patients eligible for BS attend mandatory group sessions over 4 months, where a physician, psychologist, nurse and nutritionist educate the patients.
The patients meet for a preoperative consultation with a bariatric surgeon and a nurse, where the best choice of treatment for the patient is decided.After the mandatory group sessions, the patient will meet with the surgeon for preoperative information.
Follow-up after surgery
At:

  • 6 weeks, telephone consultation with a nurse;

  • 3 months, consultation with a bariatric surgeon and a nurse;

  • 6 and 12 months, consultation with a nurse;

  • 12–18 months, a one-day group-based course at the outpatient clinic;

  • 24, 60 and 120 months, consultation with a nurse.


Other healthcare specialities are consulted as needed.
The GP is intended to follow up the patient yearly in between.		Follow-up after surgery
At:

  • 1 week, telephone consultation with a nurse;

  • 6 weeks, consultation with a bariatric surgeon;

  • 1–3 months, one group session with a nutritionist;

  • 6 months, consultation with a nutritionist;

  • 12 months, consultation with a medical doctor;

  • 24 months, consultation with a medical doctor;

  • 36, 48 and 60 months, consultations with a nurse.

  • BS, bariatric surgery; GP, general practitioner.