• Mechanick JI, Kushner RF, Sugerman HJ, Gonzalez-Campoy JM, Collazo-Clavell ML, Guven S, Spitz AF, Apovian CM, Livingston EH, Brolin R, Sarwer DB, Anderson WA, Dixon J. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, The Obesity Society, and American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery Medical guidelines for clinical practice for the perioperative nutritional, metabolic, and nonsurgical support [trunc]. Endocr Pract 2008 Jul-Aug;14 Suppl 1:1-83. [777 references] PubMed

• December 3, 2008, Innohep (tinzaparin): The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has requested that the labeling for Innohep be revised to better describe overall study results which suggest that, when compared to unfractionated heparin, Innohep increases the risk of death for elderly patients (i.e., 70 years of age and older) with renal insufficiency. Healthcare professionals should consider the use of alternative treatments to Innohep when treating elderly patients over 70 years of age with renal insufficiency and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), or both.
• February 28, 2008, Heparin Sodium Injection: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) informed the public that Baxter Healthcare Corporation has voluntarily recalled all of their multi-dose and single-use vials of heparin sodium for injection and their heparin lock flush solutions. Alternate heparin manufacturers are expected to be able to increase heparin production sufficiently to supply the U.S. market. There have been reports of serious adverse events including allergic or hypersensitivity-type reactions, with symptoms of oral swelling, nausea, vomiting, sweating, shortness of breath, and cases of severe hypotension.

R16. Reasonable targets for preoperative glycemic control should be a hemoglobin A1c value of 7.0% or less, a fasting blood glucose level of 110 mg/dL or less, and a 2-hour postprandial blood glucose concentration of 140 mg/dL or less (see http://www.aace.com/pub/pdf/guidelines/DMGuidelines2007.pdf), but these variables are based on evidence related to long-term outcome and may not be applicable in this setting (Grade D).

R17. A protocol for perioperative glycemic control should be reviewed before the patient undergoes bariatric surgery (Grade D).

Thyroid

R18. Routine screening recommendations for hypothyroidism are conflicting. When thyroid disease is suspected, a sensitive serum thyroid-stimulating hormone level should be ordered (Grade D).

R19. In patients found to have thyroid dysfunction, treatment should be initiated before bariatric surgery (Grade D).

Lipids

R20. A fasting lipid panel should be obtained in all patients with obesity (Grade A; BEL 1).

R21. Treatment should be initiated according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines (see http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/cholesterol/) (Grade D).

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Fertility

R22. Candidates for bariatric surgery should minimize the risk of pregnancy for at least 12 months perioperatively (Grade C; BEL 3).

R23. All women of reproductive age should be counseled on contraceptive choices (Grade D).

R24. Women with a laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) should be closely monitored during pregnancy because band adjustment may be necessary (Grade B; BEL 2 [nonrandomized]).

R25. Estrogen therapy should be discontinued before bariatric surgery (1 cycle of oral contraceptives in premenopausal women; 3 weeks of hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women) to reduce the risks for postoperative thromboembolic phenomena (Grade D).

R26. Women with PCOS should be advised that their fertility status may be improved postoperatively (Grade D).

Exclusion of Endocrine Causes of Obesity

R27. Routine laboratory testing to screen for rare causes of obesity (for example, Cushing syndrome, hypothalamic obesity syndromes, melanocortin-4 mutations, and leptin deficiency obesity) is not cost-effective and not recommended (Grade D).

R28. Case-by-case decisions to screen for rare causes of obesity should be based on specific historical and physical findings (Grade D).

Cardiology and Hypertension

R29. Noninvasive testing beyond an electrocardiogram is determined on the basis of the individual risk factors and findings on history and physical examination (Grade D).

R30. Patients with known cardiac disease should have a formal cardiology consultation before bariatric surgery (Grade D).

R31. Patients at risk for heart disease should undergo evaluation for perioperative beta-adrenergic blockade (Grade A; BEL 1).

Pulmonary and Sleep Apnea

R32. All patients considered for bariatric surgery should have a chest radiograph preoperatively (Grade D).

R33. Patients with intrinsic lung disease or disordered sleep patterns should have a formal pulmonary evaluation, including arterial blood gas measurement and polysomnography, when knowledge of the results would alter patient care (Grade D).

R34. Patients should stop smoking at least 8 weeks before bariatric surgery and should plan to quit smoking or to participate in a smoking cessation program postoperatively (Grade C; BEL 3).

Venous Disease

R35. Patients at risk for, or with a history of, deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or cor pulmonale should undergo an appropriate diagnostic evaluation for DVT (Grade D).

R36. A prophylactic vena caval filter should be considered for patients with a history of prior pulmonary embolus (PE), prior iliofemoral DVT, evidence of venostasis, known hypercoagulable state, or increased right-sided heart pressures (Grade C; BEL 3).

Gastrointestinal

R37. All gastrointestinal symptoms should be evaluated and treated before bariatric surgery (Grade D).

R38. All patients considered for bariatric surgery who have increased liver function test results (2 to 3 times the upper limit of normal) should undergo abdominal ultrasonography and a viral hepatitis screen (Grade D).

R39. There is inconsistent evidence to recommend routine screening for the presence of Helicobacter pylori before bariatric surgery (Grade D).

Rheumatologic and Metabolic Bone Disease

R40. There are no evidence-based, routine preoperative tests required for evaluation of rheumatologic problems (Grade D).

R41. There are insufficient data to warrant routine preoperative assessment of bone mineral density with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (Grade D).

Psychiatric

R42. A psychosocial-behavioral evaluation, which assesses environmental, familial, and behavioral factors, should be considered for all patients before bariatric surgery (Grade D).

R43. Any patient considered for bariatric surgery with a known or suspected psychiatric illness should undergo a formal mental health evaluation before performance of the surgical procedure (Grade C; BEL 3).

R44. All patients should undergo evaluation of their ability to incorporate nutritional and behavioral changes before and after bariatric surgery (Grade D).

Nutritional

R45. All patients should undergo an appropriate nutritional evaluation, including selective micronutrient measurements (see Tables 13 and 17 in the original guideline document), before any bariatric surgical procedure (Grade C; BEL 3). In comparison with purely restrictive procedures, more extensive perioperative nutritional evaluations are required for malabsorptive procedures.

Early Postoperative Care (<5 Days)

Nutrition

R46. A clear liquid meal program can usually be initiated within 24 hours after any of the bariatric procedures, but this schedule should be discussed with the surgeon (Grade C; BEL 3).

R47. A consultation should be arranged with a registered dietitian who is a member of the bariatric surgery team (Grade D).

R48. A protocol-derived staged meal progression, based on the type of surgical procedure, should be provided to the patient. Sample protocols are shown in Tables 9, 10, and 11 of the original guideline document (Grade D).

R49. Nutrition and meal planning guidance should be provided to the patient and family before bariatric surgery and during the postoperative hospital course and reinforced during future outpatient visits (Grade D).

R50. Patients should adhere to a plan of multiple small meals each day, chewing their food thoroughly without drinking beverages at the same time (more than 30 minutes apart) (Grade D).

R51. Patients should be advised to adhere to a balanced meal plan that consists of more than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily for optimal fiber consumption, colonic function, and phytochemical consumption (Grade D).

R52. Protein intake should average 60 to 120 g daily (Grade D).

R53. Concentrated sweets should be avoided after RYGB to minimize symptoms of the dumping syndrome or after any bariatric procedure to reduce caloric intake (Grade D).

R54. Minimal nutritional supplementation includes 1 to 2 adult multivitamin-mineral supplements containing iron, 1,200 to 1,500 mg/day (d) of calcium, and a vitamin B-complex preparation (Grade B; BEL 2 [nonrandomized]).

R55. Fluids should be consumed slowly and in sufficient amounts to maintain adequate hydration (more than 1.5 L daily) (Grade D).

R56. Parenteral nutrition (PN) should be considered in high-risk patients, such as critically ill patients unable to tolerate sufficient enteral nutrition for more than 5 to 7 days or noncritically ill patients unable to tolerate sufficient enteral nutrition for more than 7 to 10 days (Grade D).

Diabetes

R57. In patients with T2DM, periodic fasting blood glucose concentrations should be determined. Preprandial and bedtime reflectance meter glucose ("finger-stick") determinations in the home setting should be encouraged, depending on the patient's ability to test and the level of glycemic control. Finger-stick glucose determinations should also be performed if symptoms of hypoglycemia occur (Grade A; BEL 1).

R58. Use of all insulin secretagogue drugs (sulfonylureas and meglitinides) should be discontinued (Grade D).

R59. In non-intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalized patients, a rapid-acting insulin analogue should be administered before meals and at bedtime to maintain maximal postprandial values below 180 mg/dL (Grade D).

R60. In non-ICU hospitalized patients, fasting blood glucose levels should be maintained between 80 and 110 mg/dL with the use of a long-acting insulin analogue, such as insulin glargine (Lantus) or detemir (Levemir) (Grade D).

R61. In the ICU, all blood glucose levels should be maintained ideally within the range of 80 to 110 mg/dL by using an intravenous insulin infusion (Grade A; BEL 1).

Cardiology

R62. Patients with known or presumed CAD and high perioperative risk should be managed in an ICU setting for the first 24 to 48 hours postoperatively (Grade D).

R63. Therapy with beta-adrenergic blocking agents should be considered perioperatively for cardioprotection (Grade D).

Pulmonary

R64. Appropriate pulmonary management includes aggressive pulmonary toilet and incentive spirometry, oxygen supplementation to avoid hypoxemia, and early institution of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) when clinically indicated (Grade D).

R65. Prophylaxis against DVT is recommended for all patients (Grade B; BEL 2 [randomized]) and may be continued until patients are ambulatory (Grade D). Early ambulation is encouraged (Grade C; BEL 3).

R66. Currently recommended prophylactic regimens include sequential compression devices (Grade C; BEL 3), as well as subcutaneously administered unfractionated heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin for 3 days before and after bariatric surgery (Grade B; BEL 2 [randomized]), and inferior vena cava filter placement in patients at high risk for mortality after PE or DVT (Grade C; BEL 3), with known pulmonary artery pressure exceeding 40 mm Hg (Grade D), or with known hypercoagulable states (Grade C; BEL 3).

R67. Respiratory distress or failure to wean from ventilatory support should raise suspicion and prompt an evaluation for an acute postoperative complication, such as PE or anastomotic leak (Grade D).

Monitoring for Surgical Complications

R68. In the clinically stable patient, meglumine diatrizoate (Gastrografin) upper gastrointestinal (UGI) studies or computed tomography (CT) may identify anastomotic leaks (Grade C; BEL 3).

R69. Exploratory laparotomy is recommended in the setting of high clinical suspicion for anastomotic leaks despite a negative study (Grade C; BEL 3).

R70. The presence of a new sustained pulse rate of more than 120 beats/min for longer than 4 hours should raise suspicion for an anastomotic leak (Grade D).

R71. A routine gastrografin UGI study may be considered to identify any subclinical leaks before discharge of the patient from the hospital (Grade C; BEL 3).

Fluid Management

R72. The goals of fluid management during the early postoperative period after bariatric surgery are maintaining a urine output of more than 40 mL/hour (h), avoiding volume overload, maintaining normal serum electrolyte levels, and limiting dextrose-containing solutions to avoid hyperglycemia (Grade D).

R73. Postoperative urine output must be monitored, with a target of more than 30 mL/h or 240 mL per 8- hour shift (Grade D).

Preventing Rhabdomyolysis

R74. Patients should have adequate padding at all pressure points during bariatric surgery (Grade D).

R75. When rhabdomyolysis is suspected, creatine kinase (CK) levels should be determined (Grade C; BEL 3).

Anemia

R76. The indications for transfusions of blood products after bariatric surgery are the same as for other surgical procedures (Grade D).

R77. Persistence of anemia without evidence of blood loss should be evaluated in terms of nutritional deficiencies during the late postoperative period (Grade D).

Late Postoperative Management (≥5 Days)

Follow-up

R78. The frequency of follow-up depends on the bariatric procedure performed and the severity of comorbidities (Grade D) (see Table 12 of the original guideline document).

Weight Loss

R79. Inadequate weight loss should prompt evaluation for (1) surgical failure with loss of integrity of the gastric pouch in gastroplasty or RYGB procedures, (2) a poorly adjusted gastric band, and (3) development of maladaptive eating behaviors or psychologic complications (Grade B; BEL 2 [randomized]).

R80. The assessment of inadequate weight loss after bariatric surgery should include imaging studies to determine the integrity of the gastric pouch, ascertainment of the patient's understanding of the meal plan and compliance, and psychologic evaluation (Grade D).

R81. Inadequate weight loss after a bariatric procedure without resolution or a recurrence of a major comorbidity may necessitate a surgical revision, such as conversion of a LAGB to either a RYGB or a BPD/DS (Grade D).

Metabolic and Nutritional Management

R82. In those patients without complete resolution of their T2DM, hyperlipidemia, or hypertension, continued surveillance and management should be guided by currently accepted practice guidelines for those conditions (Grade D).

R83. In those patients in whom T2DM, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension have resolved, continued surveillance should be guided by recommended screening guidelines for the specific age-group (Grade D).

R84. Patients who have undergone RYGB, BPD, or BPD/DS and who present with postprandial hypoglycemic symptoms that have not responded to nutritional manipulation should undergo evaluation for the possibility of endogenous hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (Grade C; BEL 3).

R85. Routine metabolic and nutritional monitoring is recommended after all bariatric surgical procedures (Grade A; BEL 1).

R86. Patients should be advised to increase their physical activity (aerobic and strength training) to a minimum of 30 minutes per day as well as increase physical activity throughout the day as tolerated (Grade D).

R87. All patients should be encouraged to participate in ongoing support groups after discharge from the hospital (Grade D).

Association of Malabsorptive Surgical Procedures with Nutritional Deficiencies

R88. The frequency and recommended nutritional surveillance in patients who have had a malabsorptive bariatric procedure are outlined in Table 13 of the original guideline document (Grade C; BEL 3).

R89. The recommended empiric vitamin and mineral supplementation after malabsorptive bariatric surgery is outlined in Table 14 of the original guideline (Grade B; BEL 2 [randomized and nonrandomized]).

Protein Depletion and Supplementation

R90. Protein intake should be quantified periodically (Grade D).

R91. Ideally, protein intake with meals, including protein supplementation, should be in the range of 80 to 120 g/d for patients with a BPD or BPD/DS and 60 g/d or more for those with RYGB (Grade D).

R92. In patients with severe protein malnutrition not responsive to oral protein supplementation, PN should be considered (Grade D).

Skeletal and Mineral Homeostasis, Including Nephrolithiasis

R93. Recommended laboratory tests for the evaluation of calcium and vitamin D metabolism and metabolic bone disease in patients who have undergone RYGB, BPD, or BPD/DS are outlined in Table 15 of the original guideline document (Grade D).

R94. In patients who have undergone RYGB, BPD, or BPD/DS, treatment with orally administered calcium, ergocalciferol (vitamin D₂), or cholecalciferol (vitamin D₃) is indicated to prevent or minimize secondary hyperparathyroidism without inducing frank hypercalciuria (Grade C; BEL 3).

R95. In cases of severe vitamin D malabsorption, oral doses of vitamin D₂ or D₃ may need to be as high as 50,000 to 150,000 units (U) daily, and more recalcitrant cases may require concurrent oral administration of calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D) (Grade D).

R96. In patients with RYGB, BPD, or BPD/DS, bone density measurements with use of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry may be indicated to monitor for the development or presence of osteoporosis at baseline, in addition to a follow-up study at about 2 years, in accordance with the recommendations from the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (http://www.iscd.org/Visitors/positions/OfficialPositionsText.cfm?from home=1) and the National Osteoporosis Foundation (http://www.nof.org/osteoporosis/bonemass.htm) (Grade D).

R97. Bisphosphonates approved by the US Food and Drug Administration may be a consideration in bariatric surgery patients with osteoporosis (T score -2.5 or below for the hip or spine) only after adequate and appropriate evaluation and therapy for calcium and vitamin D insufficiency. This evaluation should include and confirm a normal parathyroid hormone (PTH) level, 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of 30 to 60 ng/mL, normal serum calcium level, normal phosphorus level, and 24-hour urine calcium excretion between about 70 and 250 mg/24 hours. Therapy considerations should be based on the National Osteoporosis Foundation-World Health Organization 2008 Guidelines (http://www.nof.org/professionals/Clinicians_Guide.htm). If therapy is indicated, then intravenously administered bisphosphonates should be used if concerns exist about adequate oral absorption and potential anastomotic ulceration with use of orally administered bisphosphonates (Grade C; BEL 3).

R98. Recommended dosages of orally administered bisphosphonates in bariatric surgery patients with osteoporosis include the following: alendronate, 70 mg/week; risedronate, 35 mg/week or two 75-mg tablets/month; or ibandronate, 150 mg/month. Recommended intravenous dosages of bisphosphonates are as follows: zoledronic acid, 5 mg once a year, or ibandronate, 3 mg every 3 months (Grade D).

R99. There are insufficient data to recommend empiric supplementation of magnesium after bariatric surgery beyond what is included in a mineral-containing multivitamin that provides the daily recommended intake of magnesium (>300 mg in women; >400 mg in men) (Grade D).

R100. Oral phosphate supplementation may be provided for mild to moderate hypophosphatemia (1.5 to 2.5 mg/dL), which is usually due to vitamin D deficiency (Grade D).

R101. Management of oxalosis and calcium oxalate stones includes avoidance of dehydration, a low oxalate meal plan, and oral calcium and potassium citrate therapy (Grade D).

R102. Probiotics containing Oxalobacter formigenes have been shown to improve renal oxalate excretion and improve supersaturation levels and may therefore be used as well (Grade C; BEL 3).

Fat and Fat-Soluble Vitamin Malabsorption

R103. The routine use of serum fatty acid chromatography to detect essential fatty acid deficiency is not cost-effective and should not be performed because this deficiency has not been reported (Grade D).

R104. Routine supplementation of vitamin A is usually not necessary after RYGB or purely restrictive procedures (Grade C; BEL 3).

R105. In contrast, routine screening for vitamin A deficiency is recommended, and supplementation is often needed after malabsorptive bariatric procedures, such as BPD or BPD/DS (Grade C; BEL 3).

R106. Supplementation may be provided with use of vitamin A alone or in combination with the other fat-soluble vitamins (D, E, and K) (Grade C; BEL 3).

R107. The value of routine screening for vitamin E or K deficiencies has not been documented for any bariatric procedure, including BPD and BPD/DS (Grade C; BEL 3).

R108. In the presence of an established fat-soluble vitamin deficiency with hepatopathy, coagulopathy, or osteoporosis, assessment of a vitamin K₁ level should be considered in an effort to detect a deficiency state (Grade D).

Iron, Vitamin B₁₂, Folic Acid, and Selenium Deficiencies; the Nutritional Anemias

R109. Iron status should be monitored in all bariatric surgery patients and then appropriately treated as in any medical or surgical patient (Grade D).

R110. Orally administered ferrous sulfate, fumarate, or gluconate (320 mg twice a day) may be needed to prevent iron deficiency in patients who have undergone a malabsorptive bariatric surgical procedure, especially in menstruating women (Grade A; BEL 1).

R111. Vitamin C supplementation should be considered in patients with recalcitrant iron deficiency because vitamin C can increase iron absorption and ferritin levels (Grade C; BEL 3).

R112. Intravenous iron infusion with iron dextran, ferric gluconate, or ferric sucrose may be needed if oral iron supplementation is ineffective at correcting the iron deficiency (Grade D).

R113. Evaluation for vitamin B₁₂ deficiency is recommended in all bariatric surgery patients (Grade B; BEL 2 [nonrandomized]).

R114. Oral supplementation with crystalline vitamin B₁₂ at a dosage of 350 micrograms daily or more or intranasally administered vitamin B₁₂, 500 micrograms weekly, may be used to maintain vitamin B12 levels (Grade B; BEL 2 [nonrandomized]).

R115. Parenteral supplementation with either 1,000 micrograms of vitamin B₁₂ monthly or 1,000 to 3,000 micrograms every 6 to 12 months is necessary if vitamin B₁₂ sufficiency cannot be maintained by means of oral supplementation (Grade C; BEL 3).

R116. Assessment of vitamin B₁₂ status should be done annually in patients who have undergone RYGB or BPD/DS (Grade D).

R117. Folic acid supplementation (400 micrograms/d) is provided as part of a routine multivitamin preparation (Grade B; BEL 2 [randomized and nonrandomized]).

R118. Folic acid supplementation should be provided in all women of childbearing age because of the risk of fetal neural tube defects with folic acid deficiency (Grade A; BEL 1).

R119. Nutritional anemias resulting from malabsorptive bariatric surgical procedures might also involve deficiencies in protein, copper, and selenium, necessitating evaluation of these nutrients when routine screening for iron, vitamin B₁₂, and folic acid deficiencies is negative (Grade C; BEL 3).

R120. There are insufficient data to support routine screening for selenium deficiency or empiric selenium supplementation in patients after a bariatric surgical procedure (Grade D).

R121. In patients treated with BPD or BPD/DS who have unexplained anemia or fatigue, persistent diarrhea, cardiomyopathy, or metabolic bone disease, selenium levels should be checked (Grade C; BEL 3).

Zinc and Thiamine

R122. Because zinc deficiency has been described, physicians should routinely screen for it after BPD or BPD/DS, while bearing in mind that plasma zinc levels are unreliable in the presence of systemic inflammation (Grade C; BEL 3).

R123. There is inadequate clinical evidence to recommend empiric zinc supplementation after bariatric surgery (Grade D).

R124. All bariatric surgery patients should be provided with an oral multivitamin supplement that contains thiamine (Grade D).

R125. Routine screening for thiamine deficiency or additional empiric thiamine treatment (or both) is not recommended in bariatric surgery patients who are already routinely receiving a multivitamin supplement that contains thiamine (Grade C; BEL 3).

R126. Patients with protracted vomiting should be screened for thiamine deficiency (Grade C; BEL 3).

R127. In patients with persistent vomiting after any bariatric procedure, aggressive supplementation with thiamine is imperative; intravenously administered glucose should be provided judiciously in this situation because it can aggravate thiamine deficiency (Grade C; BEL 3).

R128. In patients presenting with neurologic symptoms suggestive of thiamine deficiency (that is, Wernicke encephalopathy and peripheral neuropathy), aggressive parenteral supplementation with thiamine (100 mg/d) should be administered for 7 to 14 days (Grade C; BEL 3).

R129. Subsequent oral thiamine supplementation (100 mg/d) should be continued until neurologic symptoms resolve (Grade C; BEL 3).

Cardiology and Hypertension

R130. Lipid levels and need for lipid-lowering medications should be periodically monitored and evaluated (Grade D).

R131. Use of antihypertensive medications should be evaluated repeatedly and reduced or discontinued as indicated with the resolution of hypertension (Grade D).

Gastrointestinal Complications

Diarrhea

R132. If diarrhea persists, an evaluation should be initiated (Grade C; BEL 3).

R133. Upper endoscopy with small bowel biopsies and aspirates remains the "gold standard" in the evaluation of celiac sprue (Grade C; BEL 3) and bacterial overgrowth (Grade C; BEL 3).

R134. Colonoscopy should be performed and a stool specimen should be obtained if the presence of Clostridium difficile colitis is suspected (Grade C; BEL 3).

R135. Persistent steatorrhea after BPD or BPD/DS should prompt an evaluation for nutrient deficiencies (Grade C; BEL 3).

Stomal Stenosis or Ulceration after Bariatric Surgery

R136. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be avoided after bariatric surgery because they have been implicated in the development of anastomotic ulcerations (Grade C; BEL 3).

R137. Alternative pain medication should be identified before bariatric surgery (Grade D).

R138. Persistent and severe gastrointestinal symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain) warrant additional evaluation (Grade C; BEL 3).

R139. Upper intestinal endoscopy is the preferred diagnostic procedure because, in many circumstances, upper endoscopy can also incorporate a therapeutic intervention with transendoscopic dilation of a recognized stricture (Grade C; BEL 3).

R140. Evaluation should include Helicobacter pylori testing as a possible contributor to persistent gastrointestinal symptoms after bariatric surgery (Grade C; BEL 3).

R141. Anastomotic ulcers should be treated with H₂ receptor blockers, proton pump inhibitors, sucralfate, antibiotics, and, if H pylori is identified, multiple antibiotics and bismuth (Grade C; BEL 3).

R142. Patients who previously underwent a RYGB with a nonpartitioned stomach and develop a gastro-gastric fistula should undergo revisional RYGB to separate the upper and lower gastric pouches (Grade D).

R143. Persistent vomiting, regurgitation, and UGI obstruction after LAGB should be treated with immediate removal of all fluid from the adjustable band (Grade D).

R144. Persistent symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, regurgitation, chronic cough, or recurrent aspiration pneumonia after LAGB are all problems suggestive of the band being too tight or the development of an abnormally large gastric pouch above the band. These symptoms should prompt immediate referral back to the surgeon (Grade D).

Gallbladder Disease

R145. Oral administration of ursodiol (300 mg twice a day) for 6 months postoperatively may be considered in patients not undergoing a prophylactic cholecystectomy (Grade A; BEL 1).

R146. There is a debate regarding performance of cholecystectomy for known gallstones at the time of RYGB, BPD, or BPD/DS procedures. There is no consensus regarding the need to perform cholecystectomy at the time of bariatric operations (Grade C; BEL 3).

Bacterial Overgrowth

R147. Although uncommon, suspected bacterial overgrowth in the biliopancreatic limb after BPD or BPD/DS should be treated empirically with metronidazole (Grade C; BEL 3).

R148. For antibiotic-resistant cases of bacterial overgrowth, probiotic therapy with Lactobacillus plantarum 299v and Lactobacillus GG may be considered (Grade D).

Incisional Hernias

R149. Repair of asymptomatic hernias should be deferred until weight loss has stabilized and nutritional status has improved, to allow for adequate healing (12 to 18 months after bariatric surgery) (Grade D).

R150. Incarcerated incisional or umbilical hernias in conjunction with abdominal pain necessitates aggressive surgical correction because of the risk of bowel infarction (Grade C; BEL 3).

Bowel Obstruction from Adhesions or Internal Hernias

R151. Patients with cramping periumbilical pain at any time after RYGB, BPD, or BPD/DS should be emergently evaluated with an abdominal and pelvic CT scan to exclude the potentially life-threatening complication of closed-loop bowel obstruction (Grade D).

R152. Exploratory laparotomy or laparoscopy is indicated in patients who are suspected of having an internal hernia because this complication can be missed with UGI studies and CT scans (Grade C; BEL 3).

Body-Contouring Surgery

R153. Body-contouring surgery may be performed after bariatric surgery to manage excess tissue that impairs hygiene, causes discomfort, and is disfiguring (Grade C; BEL 3).

R154. Circumferential torsoplasty or abdominoplasty may be used to remove excess abdominal skin (Grade D).

R155. Breast reduction or lift, arm lift, resection of redundant gluteal skin, and thigh lift can also be pursued (Grade D).

R156. Such procedures are best pursued after weight loss has stabilized (12 to 18 months after bariatric surgery) (Grade D).

R157. Tobacco use must be avoided and nutritional status maintained in bariatric surgery patients undergoing postoperative body-contouring procedures (Grade A; BEL 1).

Criteria for Hospital Admission after Bariatric Surgery

R158. Severe malnutrition should prompt hospital admission for initiation of nutritional support (Grade D).

R159. The initiation of enteral or parenteral nutrition should be guided by established published criteria (Grade D).

R160. Hospital admission is required for the management of gastrointestinal complications after bariatric surgery in clinically unstable patients (Grade D).

R161. Surgical management should be pursued for gastrointestinal complications not amenable or responsive to medical therapy (Grade D).

R162. If not dehydrated, most patients can undergo endoscopic stomal dilation for stricture as an outpatient procedure (Grade D).

R163. Revision of a bariatric surgical procedure is recommended in the following circumstances: (1) presence of medical complications clearly resulting from the surgical procedure and not amenable or responsive to medical therapy (for example, malnutrition) and (2) inadequate weight loss or weight regain in patients with persistent weight-related comorbidities who previously underwent a restrictive procedure (for example, VBG) (Grade C; BEL 3).

R164. Reversal of a bariatric surgical procedure is recommended when serious complications related to previous bariatric surgery cannot be managed medically and are not amenable to surgical revision (Grade D).

Definitions:

Levels of Scientific Substantiation in Evidence-Based Medicine*

* Levels 1, 2, and 3 represent a given level of scientific substantiation or proof. Level 4 or Grade D represents unproven claims. It is the "best evidence" based on the individual ratings of clinical reports that contributes to a final grade recommendation (see the "Rating Scheme for the Strength of the Recommendations" field).

Grades of Recommendations*

*The final recommendation grades were determined by the primary writers by consensus on the basis of (1) "best evidence" ratings (see "Levels of Scientific Substantiation" table above) and (2) subjective factors.

• Mechanick JI, Kushner RF, Sugerman HJ, Gonzalez-Campoy JM, Collazo-Clavell ML, Guven S, Spitz AF, Apovian CM, Livingston EH, Brolin R, Sarwer DB, Anderson WA, Dixon J. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, The Obesity Society, and American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery Medical guidelines for clinical practice for the perioperative nutritional, metabolic, and nonsurgical support [trunc]. Endocr Pract 2008 Jul-Aug;14 Suppl 1:1-83. [777 references] PubMed

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Electronic copies: Available in Portable Document Format (PDF) from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) Web site.

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