Impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on bariatric patients in Podlaskie Voivodeship in Poland

Abstract

Background: The first case of COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) in Poland was reported on March 4th, 2020 and resulted in cancellation of bariatric procedures during the lockdown in Poland. The lockdown caused difficult access to all means of medical care. The study was conducted show the impact of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus) pandemic on bariatric patients’ status in one of Polish regions. Methods: The survey was designed and distributed to bariatric patients. The questionnaire was divided into two parts: demographic characteristics of participants and part concerned the impact of the pandemic on bariatric patients. Results: 116 bariatric patients participated in the survey. 109 of them (94%) reported at least one accompanying disease. The mean value of the willingness to perform the bariatric procedure among women it was 8.8 (±2.2 SD) and men 8.5 (±2.3 SD). The mean value of the impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the willingness to perform the bariatric in the group of women was 3.0 (±3.0 SD) and in the group of men - 3.2 (±3.0 SD). Statistical analysis shows that there is no statistically significant difference between those date. Conclusions: Despite the pandemic and higher risk of mortality and complications after COVID-19 infection, bariatric patients declare the high level of willingness to perform the bariatric procedure and the impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic does not play an important role in a process of deciding to undergo the bariatric procedure. Delay of surgery can significantly increase the disease load in these patients, so cancelling or postponing treatment is not advisable.

Duodenal microbiota and weight-loss following sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass – a pilot study

“…This led to development and improvement of prophylaxis and treatment techniques, with bariatric surgery becoming the best solution for individuals suffering from morbid obesity, which are usually unable to reduce weight by other, non-invasive methods (2). However, last two years of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic reduced the availability of the bariatric centres and many of the procedures were postoponed (3). That is why the diet before the surgery is also very important leading to better outcomes after surgery (4).…”