Life After Surgery

Patients, with the support of their families and staff, must commit to a series of lifestyle changes and follow-up visits to ensure that MBS is effective and to initiate additional therapy for inadequate weight loss with adjunct anti-obesity medications, as needed. Support groups are offered monthly and required at least every three months for the first year after surgery. Patients will undergo frequent vitamin-level checks in the first year to ensure that levels stabilize. Visits occur with the dietitian and an nurse practitioner, physicians assistant, or pediatric bariatric surgeon at regular intervals after surgery.

Continuous support

Follow-up visits ensure that patients address any problems as quickly as possible, confirm that the body is healing from surgery, screen for vitamin deficiencies, and review whether the patient is getting sufficient nutrition and exercise. All patients and families must attend follow-up visits every year according to a specific timetable, including six visits in the first year.

The Pediatric Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery team provides continuous emotional support to patients and families. During follow-up support group sessions, patients and families can get their questions answered, voice their concerns, and receive guidance and encouragement from other patients and families. Patients are required to attend at least four support groups per year, virtually on telehealth, but everyone is encouraged to attend monthly.

Required vitamins and medications

Patients are required to do the following after bariatric surgery:

• Take vitamins and mineral supplements daily for the rest of their lives.
• Follow the Stanford 360 rule for the rest of their lives.
• Take prescribed medications and additional vitamins for six months to prevent complications.
• Avoid pregnancy until at least one year after MBS.
• Undergo blood draws and vitamin-level tests three times in the first year and then yearly for the rest of their lives.

After turning 21 to 25 years old, depending on the individual, patients are given the option to have their care transferred to the adult Stanford Health Care Bariatric Surgery and Medical Weight Loss Program. Alternatively, they may choose to follow up with a local provider.