The avoidable delay in weight loss surgery for those with BMI over 50

Background Many insurance companies mandate medically supervised weight loss programs (MSWLPs) prior to bariatric surgery. This retrospective study aims to elucidate whether the average 6-month preoperative medical-management period decreases preoperative BMI for those with BMI ≥ 50. Methods All adult patients with bariatric consultation at any time at the New York University Langone Health campuses during the period 2015 to 2021 were evaluated via electronic medical records. Only patients with ≥ BMI 50, without previous bariatric surgeries, and those with 6-month insurance-mandated medical visits were included. A paired t -test was performed on the difference in BMI and percent-weight loss among the subjects at least 6 months before surgery and on the day of surgery. Results Of the 130 patients with BMI ≥ 50, undergoing preoperative 6-month office weigh-ins, the mean difference in BMI was − 1.51 ( P