Causes of treatment abandonment in obese adult patients who underwent bariatric surgery at the Luque General Hospital – 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial, endocrine-metabolic disease considered a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases. Bariatric surgery is an effective therapeutic alternative for severe obesity. However, postoperative follow-up neglect compromises its long-term effectiveness, and the causes remain unclear. Objective: To determine the causes of treatment abandonment in adult patients with obesity who underwent bariatric surgery at the Luque General Hospital. Materials and Methods: A quantitative, observational, and cross-sectional study was carried out. The study included 48 adults aged 20 to 60 years who underwent bariatric surgery between 2018 and 2024. Non-probability sampling was used for consecutive cases. Data were collected using a survey previously validated by pilot testing. Variables such as age, sex, type of surgery, economic, psychological, and social factors, perception of care, support groups, and satisfaction with the results were evaluated. Results: 74% were female, with a mean age of 38 ± 12 years. 80% underwent gastric sleeve surgery, and 20% underwent gastric bypass. The main reason for absenteeism was the overlap between consultation and work hours, cited by 59%. To a lesser extent, 7% reported lack of mobility, 4% financial difficulties, and another 4% psychological reasons. Only 4% reported dissatisfaction with care, 39% missed appointments, 4% unanswered questions, 6% delays in appointment scheduling, and 3% lack of amenities. Only 15% were absent due to satisfactory results and 3% due to a lack of support groups. Conclusion: The main reason for absenteeism was the overlap between work hours and appointments. It is recommended to implement more flexible, virtual follow-up sessions with extended hours.