Alcohol Use Following Bariatric Surgery—A Cause for Concern and Call to Action

Gould reflects on alcohol use after bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery is increasingly used to address clinically severe obesity and associated health conditions. The number of surgeons and centers offering these procedures has dramatically increased. Bariatric surgery is safer and more accessible than ever. The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program accredits centers if they meet certain requirements. The advent of accreditation has coincided with improved safety of bariatric surgery. As programs lose contact with patients, it is important that the medical community be aware of issues that bariatric surgery patients may encounter.