Private and NHS Bariatric Surgery – Important Information About Follow-Up Care
If you are considering, or have undergone, bariatric (weight loss) surgery either privately or through the NHS, please be aware that our practice is unable to provide the specialist monitoring and follow-up required during the first two years after surgery.
This position is in line with current national NICE guidance and local NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board (ICB) policy.
National guidance states that patients should receive a comprehensive follow-up package within the bariatric specialist service for a minimum of two years following surgery. This includes:
- Nutritional monitoring and supplementation
- Monitoring for surgical and medical complications
- Medication reviews
- Specialist dietetic support
- Psychological support
- Physical activity advice and support
NICE guidance further states that shared care with primary care should only occur after discharge from the bariatric surgical service.
During the first two years after surgery:
- Patients who have had surgery privately must obtain all follow-up care, blood monitoring, nutritional advice, supplementation guidance, and management of complications directly from their private bariatric provider. If you have had surgery abroad then you are advised to seek a private provider within the England to provide this monitoring and care when you return post-surgery.
- Patients who have had surgery through the NHS will continue to be monitored and managed by their specialist bariatric surgical team during this period.
Unfortunately, GP practices are not commissioned or resourced to provide specialist post-operative bariatric monitoring within the initial two-year period following surgery.
Following completion of the specialist follow-up period, care is usually handed over to primary care for ongoing annual monitoring and routine long-term management in accordance with national guidance.
If you are considering bariatric surgery, we strongly encourage you to discuss long-term follow-up arrangements and associated costs with your surgical provider before proceeding.
Useful guidance and further information: NHS Dorset – Bariatric Surgery Follow-Up Information