title: [Follow-up after bariatric surgery].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The number of bariatric surgical procedures in Norway is increasing. Patients who undergo bariatric surgery may experience surgical, medical and nutritional complications. Follow-up of these patients is therefore important.
  
  
  METHODS
  The article is based on non-systematic literature searches in PubMed and on the clinical experience of the authors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Bariatric surgery induces significant and sustained weight loss and improves obesity-related disorders. Gastric bypass is the most commonly performed bariatric procedure in Norway. This procedure is associated with a 30-day mortality of below 0.5 %, while severe complications occur in approximately 5 % of patients. Late complications include internal herniation, intestinal ulcers and gallbladder disease. After surgery all patients are given iron, vitamin D/calcium and vitamin B12 supplements to prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Gastrointestinal symptoms and postprandial hypoglycaemia after surgery can be improved by dietary modifications, and the need for anti-diabetic and blood pressure lowering medications is reduced. Dose adjustment of other medications may also be necessary. Pregnancy is not recommended during the first year after bariatric surgery. Many patients need plastic surgery after the operation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Complications after bariatric surgery may manifest in the long term. Regular follow-up is required. General practitioners should be responsible for follow-up in the long term, and should be familiar with common and serious complications as well as normal symptomatology after bariatric surgery.
authors: Senter for sykelig overvekt i Helse Sør-Øst, Sykehuset i Vestfold og Universitetet i Oslo, Norway. dag.hofso@siv.no
authors: Dag
authors: D
authors: Hofsø
authors: Erlend T
authors: ET
authors: Aasheim
authors: Torgeir T
authors: TT
authors: Søvik
authors: Gunn Signe
authors: GS
authors: Jakobsen
authors: Line Kristin
authors: LK
authors: Johnson
authors: Rune
authors: R
authors: Sandbu
authors: Alf Tore
authors: AT
authors: Aas
authors: Jon
authors: J
authors: Kristinsson
authors: Jøran
authors: J
authors: Hjelmesæth
mesh_terms: D050110:Bariatric Surgery / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D015904:Biliopancreatic Diversion / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D004386:Duodenum / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015390:Gastric Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss