ChatGPT/GPT-4 (large language models): Opportunities and challenges of perspective in bariatric healthcare professionals.

ChatGPT/GPT-4 is a conversational large language model (LLM) based on artificial intelligence (AI). The potential application of LLM as a virtual assistant for bariatric healthcare professionals in education and practice may be promising if relevant and valid issues are actively examined and addressed. In general medical terms, it is possible that AI models like ChatGPT/GPT-4 will be deeply integrated into medical scenarios, improving medical efficiency and quality, and allowing doctors more time to communicate with patients and implement personalized health management. Chatbots based on AI have great potential in bariatric healthcare and may play an important role in predicting and intervening in weight loss and obesity-related complications. However, given its potential limitations, we should carefully consider the medical, legal, ethical, data security, privacy, and liability issues arising from medical errors caused by ChatGPT/GPT-4. This concern also extends to ChatGPT/GPT -4's ability to justify wrong decisions, and there is an urgent need for appropriate guidelines and regulations to ensure the safe and responsible use of ChatGPT/GPT-4.

Evolución de la cirugía bariátrica en Chile y el mundo / Bariatric Surgery's History in Chile and the World

Resumen La obesidad es reconocida como "la gran epidemia" del siglo XXI. Los primeros tratamientos fueron enfocados en el manejo médico, sin lograr los resultados esperados, por lo cual surge la cirugía bariátrica (CB) como la mejor alternativa. Inicialmente la obesidad se concibe como una figura de poder en el imperio egipcio, luego como enfermedad por Galeno e Hipócrates, reapareciendo más tarde como símbolo de fecundidad en Europa. Las primeras técnicas fueron el bypass yeyuno-colónico por Payne y De Wind modificado luego por Scopinaro, consolidándose más tarde como el bypass actual por Mason, Wittgrove e Higa. Por su parte, la gastrectomía en manga fue concebida por Gagner como puente de la derivación biliopancreática, pero dado sus excelentes resultados se consolida como técnica por sí sola. A su vez, la CB evidencia efectos metabólicos inesperados, posicionándose en la actualidad como el mejor tratamiento tanto para la obesidad como para el síndrome metabólico. En Chile la CB se inicia en 1986 con González del Hospital Van Buren con la experiencia en bypass yeyuno-ileal, continuando con Awad y Loehnert del Hospital San Juan de Dios. Luego se consolida con el desarrollo de la CB moderna tanto en la Universidad Católica como en la Universidad de Chile, llegando en la actualidad a ser un procedimiento ampliamente difundido en todo el país. El objetivo principal de la siguiente revisión es analizar el concepto de obesidad en la historia y la evolución de la CB en Chile y el mundo, rememorando sus inicios y destacando su constante desarrollo.

Obesity is recognized as "the great epidemic" of the 21st century. The first treatments were focused on medical management, failing to achieve the expected results, which is why bariatric surgery (BC) emerges as the best alternative. Obesity was initially conceived as a power figure in the Egyptian empire, later as a disease by Galen and Hippocrates, later reappearing as a symbol of fertility in Europe. The first techniques were the jejuno-colonic bypass by Payne and De Wind, later modified by Scopinaro, to finally consolidate as the current bypass by Mason, Wittgrove and Higa. For its part, sleeve gastrectomy was conceived by Gagner as a bridge for biliopancreatic diversion, but given its excellent results, it is consolidated as a technique by itself. In turn, BC shows unexpected metabolic effects, currently positioning itself as the best treatment for both obesity and metabolic syndrome. In Chile, BC started in 1986 with González at the Van Buren Hospital with his experience in jejuno-ileal bypass, continuing with Awad and Loehnert at the San Juan de Dios Hospital. Later, it was consolidated with the development of modern BC both at the Catholic University and at the University of Chile, currently becoming a widely disseminated procedure throughout the country. The main objective of the following review is to analyze the concept of obesity in history and the evolution of BC in Chile and the world, recalling its beginnings and highlighting its continuous development.

When to resume bariatric surgery after COVID-19 pandemic?: results of patients' and surgeons' survey.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus Disease 2019 is affecting most countries around the world, including Poland. In response, all elective surgeries have been postponed. We asked patients and surgeons when they want bariatric surgery to resume after pandemic. The main aim of the study was to determine patients' and surgeons' expectations about when to resume bariatric surgery regarding COVID-19 pandemic state. METHODS: The study was conducted in two groups: Group 1-bariatric patients; Group 2-bariatric surgeons. Two online surveys were distributed. RESULTS: A total of 895 patients, 299 before, 596 after surgery and 32 surgeons took part in survey. All patients and surgeons declared willingness to resume bariatric surgeries after pandemic and responded that they should be resumed immediately the World Health Organization announces end of pandemic (42%). The majority of patients before surgery answered that bariatric procedures should be resumed immediately the number of daily incidents begins to decrease (53%). In the patient group, current body mass index (p < 0.001) and contact with COVID+/quarantined persons (p < 0.001) had impact on the response to resumption of bariatric procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Patients opted to wait for bariatric surgery until the oncological queue has become shorter. Surgeons presented a readiness to resume both procedures in parallel.

Impact of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders on weight-related behaviours among patients with obesity.

How the impact of the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders is influencing physical, mental and financial health among vulnerable populations, including those with obesity is unknown. The aim of the current study was to explore the health implications of COVID-19 among a sample of adults with obesity. A retrospective medical chart review identified patients with obesity from an obesity medicine clinic and a bariatric surgery (MBS) practice. Patients completed an online survey from April 15, 2020 to May 31, 2020 to assess COVID-19 status and health behaviours during stay-at-home orders. Logistic regression models examined the impact of these orders on anxiety and depression by ethnic group. A total of 123 patients (87% female, mean age 51.2 years [SD 13.0]), mean BMI 40.2 [SD 6.7], 49.2% non-Hispanic white (NHW), 28.7% non-Hispanic black, 16.4% Hispanic, 7% other ethnicity and 33.1% completed MBS were included. Two patients tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and 14.6% reported symptoms. Then, 72.8% reported increased anxiety and 83.6% increased depression since stay-at-home orders were initiated. Also 69.6% reported more difficultly in achieving weight loss goals, less exercise time (47.9%) and intensity (55.8%), increased stockpiling of food (49.6%) and stress eating (61.2%). Hispanics were less likely to report anxiety vs NHWs (adjusted odds ratios 0.16; 95% CI, 0.05-0.49; P = .009). Results here showed the COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on patients with obesity regardless of infection status. These results can inform clinicians and healthcare professionals about effective strategies to minimize COVID-19 negative outcomes for this vulnerable population now and in post-COVID-19 recovery efforts.

Bariatric Space, Technology, and Design: A Round Table.

BACKGROUND: Planning and executing healthcare for the patient or resident living with obesity can be a challenging task that has implications to the occupational health professional. METHODS: Leading global experts in the areas of occupational health, ergonomics, bariatrics, technology, and patient care were identified and invited to participate in a round table discussion. Questions posed to experts were based on literature that addressed patient handling and mobility, architectural design recommendations, clinical care of the person with obesity, and ergonomic guidelines. FINDINGS: Experts agreed that special considerations must be in place to care for the person who is obese. These special considerations should address not only clinical care of the patient, but ways to protect workers from occupational injury associated with clinical care. Experts suggested that, in some situations, a bariatric training suit may be helpful in better understanding space and design challenges, as well as a better understanding of the physical limitations associated with a larger body habitus (although simulated). Further, experts agreed that insensitivities often stem from failure to have proper space, technology and design accommodations in place. Conclusions/Application to Practice: The occupational health professional is a key resource to teams charged with planning and executing healthcare for the patient or resident living with obesity. Interprofessional understanding and communication can lead to a more comprehensive approach to space, design and technology that not only addresses the patient, but the worker providing direct care.

Inicios de la cirugía bariátrica y metabólica en España / Beginnings of bariatric and metabolic surgery in Spain

La cirugía bariátrica (CB) de bari = peso y iatrein = cura) trata la obesidad y comienza en España en 1973. Su mayor desarrollo ocurre tras la fundación de SECO (Sociedad Española de Cirugía de la obesidad) en 1997. La finalidad de este trabajo es reflejar los cambios que han ocurrido en éstos 42 años

Bariatric surgery (BS) from the Greek bari = weight and iatrein = cure) treats obesity and began in Spain in 1973. Its greatest development occurs after the founding of SECO (Spanish Society of Obesity Surgery) in 1997. The purpose of this work is to reflect the changes that have occurred in these 22 years

Retirada difícil del balón intragástrico con colonización fúngica grave: ¿cómo lo hago? Respuesta-comentario del Grupo Español de Endoscopia Bariátrica / Difficult explant of intragastric balloon with severe fungal colonization: How do I do it? Response-commentary of the Spanish Bariatric Endoscopy Group

No disponible

Standardization of Bariatric Metabolic Procedures: World Consensus Meeting Statement.

BACKGROUND: Standardization of the key measurements of a procedure's finished anatomic configuration strengthens surgical practice, research, and patient outcomes. A consensus meeting was organized to define standard versions of 25 bariatric metabolic procedures. METHODS: A panel of experts in bariatric metabolic surgery from multiple continents was invited to present technique descriptions and outcomes for 4 classic, or conventional, and 21 variant and emerging procedures. Expert panel and audience discussion was followed by electronic voting on proposed standard dimensions and volumes for each procedure's key anatomic alterations. Consensus was defined as ≥ 70% agreement. RESULTS: The Bariatric Metabolic Surgery Standardization World Consensus Meeting (BMSS-WOCOM) was convened March 22-24, 2018, in New Delhi, India. Discussion confirmed heterogeneity in procedure measurements in the literature. A set of anatomic measurements to serve as the standard version of each procedure was proposed. After two voting rounds, 22/25 (88.0%) configurations posed for consideration as procedure standards achieved voting consensus by the expert panel, 1 did not attain consensus, and 2 were not voted on. All configurations were voted on by ≥ 50% of 50 expert panelists. The Consensus Statement was developed from scientific evidence collated from presenters' slides and a separate literature review, meeting video, and transcripts. Review and input was provided by consensus panel members. CONCLUSIONS: Standard versions of the finished anatomic configurations of 22 surgical procedures were established by expert consensus. The BMSS process was undertaken as a first step in developing evidence-based standard bariatric metabolic surgical procedures with the aim of improving consistency in surgery, data collection, comparison of procedures, and outcome reporting.

Impact of Patient Attrition from Bariatric Surgery Practice on Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Obesity has become a global epidemic. Bariatric surgery remains the most successful modality for producing sustained weight loss. Attrition rates after bariatric surgery are currently reported between 3 and 63% depending on the type of bariatric operation and the length of follow-up provided by the bariatric surgery team. It is currently unknown if patient attrition from bariatric surgery programs impact clinical outcomes. The availability of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) and the Mayo Clinic Midwest unified electronic medical record (EMR) provide a unique opportunity to explore this topic. METHODS: Raw data was downloaded from MBSAQIP database for all laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) cases between May 1, 2008 and January 8, 2015 (N = 1242). Baseline weight and preexisting comorbidities (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia) were recorded using the MBSAQIP database and the EMR. Current weight and comorbidity data (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia) were subsequently collected at the time closest to the patient's surgical anniversary dates during the following assessment periods: years 1, 2, and 3 after surgery. Mean percentage total weight loss (TWL) was calculated at each time frame for each patient. Data was summarized using descriptive statistics, including counts and percentages for categorical variables by either year or year and location. RESULTS: The number of patients seen by the bariatric surgery practice (BSP) compared to those seen by other providers within our practice (attrition to bariatric surgery practice (ABSP)) was highest in year 1 and reduced each subsequent year (year 1: BSP N = 740, ABSP N = 166, year 2: BSP N = 425, ABSP N = 309, and year 3: BSP N = 235, ABSP N = 325). The mean TWL in the BSP and ABSP groups at year 1 was 31.84% versus 30.19%, at year 2 was 31.34% versus 29.67%, and at year 3 was 29.01% versus 27.71% respectively. Differences were statistically significant between groups at years 1 and 2 (p < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was not found in year 3 despite a trend towards higher TWL in the BSP group. Among all patients, statistically significant differences (p < 0.0001) were observed between baseline and years 1, 2, and 3 for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms the problem of patient attrition to follow up at our BSP. It is also the first to suggest a difference in weight loss outcomes among patients seen in BSP compared to those seen by other providers (ABSP) at 1 and 2 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). The potential implications of this observation on long-term weight maintenance after LRYGB and the impact on metabolic comorbidities remain unknown but warrant further investigation. It also warrants the development of strategies to improve patient retention in BSP and/or engagement of medical providers to achieve that end.

Predicted weight loss result of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: Review of the first 82 consecutive patients in an Asian bariatric unit.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a great concern in developed countries such as Taiwan. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is becoming a popular and stand-alone bariatric procedure. The aim of this study is to analyze the factors that affect the weight loss outcome in our patients after LSG. METHODS: Eighty-two consecutive patients who underwent LSG between Oct. 2012 and Sept. 2015 were included. Patients were asked to fill out questionnaires during first visit. The endpoint of this review was the factors affecting excess weight loss (%EWL) ≧ 50% at post-operative 12-months. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients (81.7%) completed 12 months of post-operative follow-up. The pre-operative mean weight and height were 109.7 kg and 165.7 cm (BMI of 40.4 kg/m2). There was no surgical mortality, but 2 (2.4%) patients suffered from severe complications. The mean post-operative body weights in post-operative months 1, 3, 6 and 12 were 100.4 kg, 90.5 kg, 88.0 kg, 83.6 kg, with 18.8%, 37.1%, 57.1% and 51.2% EWL. The percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) after 12 months follow-up was 23.2%. In univariate analysis, younger patients achieved better than 50% EWL (p = 0.013). Patients who reported pre-operative alcohol consumption, without psychiatric history and without osteoarthritis showed a better trend of achieving 50% EWL. In multi-variate analysis, younger patients (p = 0.042), with pre-operative alcohol consumption (p = 0.036) and without psychiatric history (p = 0.040) significantly achieved more than 50% EWL. CONCLUSION: Younger age, pre-operative alcohol consumption and absence of psychiatric disease were positive predictor factors for successful weight loss after LSG.

Devices and Endoscopic Bariatric Therapies for Obesity.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In this review, we describe the FDA-approved and investigational devices and endoscopic bariatric therapies for the treatment of obesity. We focus on literature published in the past few years and present mechanisms of action as well as efficacy and safety data. RECENT FINDINGS: Devices and endoscopic procedures are emerging options to fill the significant treatment gap in the management of obesity. Not only are these devices and procedures minimally invasive and reversible, but they are potentially more effective than antiobesity medications, often safer for poor surgical candidates and possibly less expensive than bariatric surgery. As many patients require a variety of management strategies (medications, devices, procedures, and/or surgery) in addition to lifestyle modifications to achieve clinically significant weight loss, the future of obesity treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach. Combinations of advanced treatment strategies can lead to additive or synergistic weight loss. This is an area that requires further investigation.

[Centers for bariatric medicine : why and how ?] / Centres de médecine bariatrique : pourquoi, comment ?

Obesity is a chronic, complex and relapsing disease. Because of this complexity, work up and follow up of affected patients implicate different specialists, working in synergy to diagnose and treat obesity and its complications. This follow up is specialized, and should be available in integrated centers of bariatric medicine offering all modalities of treatments with proven efficacy, whether medical, surgical or psychotherapeutical.

L'obésité est une maladie chronique, complexe et récidivante. Du fait de cette complexité, la prise en charge clinique des patients affectés doit impliquer différents spécialistes, travaillant en synergie pour diagnostiquer et traiter les différentes facettes de l'obésité et de ses complications. L'organisation de cette prise en charge spécialisée devrait s'articuler autour de centres intégrés de médecine bariatrique offrant tous les traitements reconnus efficaces, qu'ils soient médicaux, chirurgicaux ou psychothérapeutiques.

Attitude Isn't the Only Thing, It's Everything: Humanistic Care of the Bariatric Patient Using Donabedian's Perspective on Quality of Care.

Comprehensive care of bariatric patients is challenging. Although structural knowledge exists about safe care given correct equipment and supplies, care processes also must be humane. The literature suggests morbidly obese patients may fear the health system because of past negative experiences. The purpose of this literature review was to examine quality issues in the care of bariatric patients in light of Donabedian's structure-process-outcomes model, emphasizing process components. Using the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), MEDLINE, and PsycINFO; the criteria English language and years 2005 to 2017; and the search terms morbid obesity, obesity, bariatric, attitudes, health professionals, health clinicians, and patient care yielded 150 articles. Of those, 35 were pertinent to the review. A subsequent search using the terms Donabedian, care, and quality in MEDLINE and CINAHL resulted in 68 and 36 citations, respectively; 4 were used. When the searches were combined, no articles were identified. Findings show care providers generally understand structure aspects (knowledge or what to do) but need increased understanding of optimal care interventions (process issues or how to perform an intervention), including physical and psychological aspects. Organizations have a responsibility to ensure appropriate equipment and supportive services are available to achieve desired outcomes. Structure components will not overcome barriers or prevent complications if uncaring attitudes (processes) interfere with interpersonal interactions. Implications for clinical practice include requisite reflection on personal belief systems and empathetic understanding of precursors to morbid obesity development. Research needs to analyze what process issues are hampering quality care delivery and how to eradicate deficiencies. Health professionals can promote optimal bariatric patient outcomes by developing necessary insight and clinical wisdom. Obesity is a worldwide epidemic and those affected deserve improved care now.

Effects of obesity therapies on sleep disorders.

Obesity is a significant risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), and has also been linked to reductions in sleep quality and quantity. Weight loss has been shown to be an effective treatment for improving OSAS; however, there is a high degree of variability in improvements of OSAS in response to weight loss. There are three modalities of obesity therapies: 1) lifestyle modification, which includes changes in dietary intake and physical activity, along with behavioral interventions; 2) pharmacologic agents; and 3) bariatric surgery. Individuals have a highly variable response to the various obesity interventions, and maintenance of weight loss can be especially challenging. These factors influence the effect of weight loss on sleep disorders. There is still a need for large, well-controlled studies examining short- and long-term efficacy of weight loss modalities and their impact on long-term treatment of OSAS and other sleep parameters, particularly in youth. Nonetheless, given our current knowledge, weight reduction should always be encouraged for people coping with obesity, OSAS, and/or sleep disruptions and resources identified to assist patients in choosing a weight loss approach that will benefit them the most.

The history of metabolic and bariatric surgery: Development of standards for patient safety and efficacy.

Weight loss surgery, also referred to as bariatric surgery, has been in existence since the 1950's. Over the decades, it has been demonstrated to successfully achieve meaningful and sustainable weight loss in a large number of patients who undergo these procedures. Additionally, the benefits observed across a number of metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia, are often to a degree, independent of the weight loss, thus the term "metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS)" has become a better descriptor. Throughout its long history, MBS has evolved from an era of high morbidity and mortality to one of laudable safety despite the high-risk nature of the patients undergoing these major gastrointestinal procedures. This article will describe the historic evolution of MBS and concentrate on those events that were instrumental in reducing the morbidity of these operations.

Organization of future training in bariatric gastroenterology.

A world-wide rise in the prevalence of obesity continues. This rise increases the occurrence of, risks of, and costs of treating obesity-related medical conditions. Diet and activity programs are largely inadequate for the long-term treatment of medically-complicated obesity. Physicians who deliver gastrointestinal care after completing traditional training programs, including gastroenterologists and general surgeons, are not uniformly trained in or familiar with available bariatric care. It is certain that gastrointestinal physicians will incorporate new endoscopic methods into their practice for the treatment of individuals with medically-complicated obesity, although the long-term impact of these endoscopic techniques remains under investigation. It is presently unclear whether gastrointestinal physicians will be able to provide or coordinate important allied services in bariatric surgery, endocrinology, nutrition, psychological evaluation and support, and social work. Obtaining longitudinal results examining the effectiveness of this ad hoc approach will likely be difficult, based on prior experience with other endoscopic measures, such as the adenoma detection rates from screening colonoscopy. As a long-term approach, development of a specific curriculum incorporating one year of subspecialty training in bariatrics to the present training of gastrointestinal fellows needs to be reconsidered. This approach should be facilitated by gastrointestinal trainees' prior residency training in subspecialties that provide care for individuals with medical complications of obesity, including endocrinology, cardiology, nephrology, and neurology. Such training could incorporate additional rotations with collaborating providers in bariatric surgery, nutrition, and psychiatry. Since such training would be provided in accredited programs, longitudinal studies could be developed to examine the potential impact on accepted measures of care, such as complication rates, outcomes, and costs, in individuals with medically-complicated obesity.