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A Scoping Review: Bariatric Providers’ Knowledge and Behaviors Related to Contraceptive Counseling

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Abstract

Bariatric surgery is a common treatment for obesity, and about half of patients undergoing these procedures are patients of reproductive age. Following bariatric procedures, rapid weight loss and an increase in fertility occur. Guidelines recommend pregnancy delay for 12–24 months postoperatively. It is important that patients capable of pregnancy undergoing bariatric procedures receive preoperative contraceptive counseling. Studies surveying bariatric providers demonstrate that most providers understand the importance of delaying pregnancy and contraceptive counseling. However, deficiencies in bariatric provider knowledge, comfort, and practice with contraceptive counseling were identified. These gaps highlight opportunities for improvement in preoperative care to ensure patients are receiving appropriate contraception.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, 340 Kingsland St., Nutley, NJ, 07110, USA

    Sameeha Shaikh, Kiana Cruz, Antonia F. Oladipo & Melissa M. Figueroa

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hackensack University Medical Center, 30 Prospect Ave, Hackensack, NJ, 07601, USA

    Antonia F. Oladipo & Melissa M. Figueroa

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  1. Sameeha Shaikh
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  2. Kiana Cruz
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  4. Melissa M. Figueroa
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Correspondence to Melissa M. Figueroa.

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- Fertility is increased following bariatric procedures.

- Patients capable of pregnancy undergoing bariatric procedures should receive preoperative contraceptive counseling to assist in following recommendations to delay pregnancy postoperatively to optimize bariatric and pregnancy outcomes.

- Results from surveys of bariatric providers’ knowledge of delayed pregnancy guidelines and contraceptive counseling demonstrate deficiencies in provider knowledge, comfort, and practice regarding contraceptive counseling; we offer recommendations to improve these gaps.

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Shaikh, S., Cruz, K., Oladipo, A.F. et al. A Scoping Review: Bariatric Providers’ Knowledge and Behaviors Related to Contraceptive Counseling. OBES SURG 34, 1358–1365 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-024-07090-y

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