ASMBS Conference Coverage

Enhanced Recovery, Outcomes With a Novel Continuity of Care Program After Bariatric Surgery

Anthony Calabro, MA

Key Highlights

  • A novel care model improved early postoperative pain, respiratory function, and fluid intake.
  • Researchers observed greater weight loss and lower BMI at 3 months in the intervention group compared with the standard postoperative care.
  • Researchers also found improved glycemic control and patient satisfaction with the new care model group compared with standard postoperative care.

Patients receiving a novel continuity of care program after bariatric surgery experienced significantly better short-term recovery and long-term outcomes compared with those receiving standard care. Enhanced weight loss, improved glycemic control, and increased satisfaction were noted in the intervention group at 3 months. Researchers presented their study results at the 2025 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.

Bariatric surgery is a well-established treatment for obesity; however, postoperative care plays a pivotal role in determining patient outcomes. This study addressed the need for more structured follow-up by assessing a newly developed continuity of care program designed to improve both early recovery and sustained health outcomes.

In this randomized controlled trial, 80 patients undergoing bariatric surgery were divided evenly into two groups: one receiving the new continuity of care program and the other receiving standard postoperative care. The study evaluated key outcomes including pain scores, respiratory function, weight, glycemic control, and patient satisfaction at both early postoperative stages and at 3 months post-surgery.

Patients in the intervention group experienced superior short-term outcomes, including reduced pain levels, improved respiratory metrics, and better fluid intake. At 3 months, this group also demonstrated significantly greater weight loss, reduced body mass index, and improved glycemic markers compared with controls. Satisfaction scores were higher among patients who received the enhanced care protocol, reinforcing the value of the program from the patient perspective.

“The new continuity of care program significantly improved early postoperative recovery, pain management, and long-term weight loss in bariatric surgery patients,” the authors concluded.

Reference
Liu J, Zhang Z, Zhang CP, Tian P. Optimizing postoperative recovery and long-term outcomes in bariatric surgery: a randomized controlled trial of a novel continuity of care model. Presented at: ASMBS Annual Meeting; June 2025; Washington, DC. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://www.asmbsmeeting.com/event/2025/welcome.