Essentials: Preoperative Optimization for Bariatric Surgery

The process of preparing an individual for metabolic/bariatric surgery (MBS) begins with preoperative medical, psychosocial and nutritional evaluation, followed by optimization of modifiable risk factors prior to surgery. This is a multidisciplinary approach involving a comprehensive team including the patient, the surgeon, medical specialists (cardiology, pulmonology, endocrinology, obesity medicine), mental health professionals, radiologists, anesthesiologists, bariatric nurses/coordinators, registered dieticians/nutritionists, and the patient’s support system. This chapter will discuss all of the components involved in the preoperative assessment of the patient and the steps that are recommended to ensure optimization prior to MBS with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes and reducing postoperative complications.