Screening

Intake

An initial acquaintance is made during the intake interview. A general assessment is made of the obesity problem and any other medical conditions. Together with the patient, the different treatment options are reviewed and the surgical treatment is briefly discussed. The principle of multidisciplinary screening is explained and the necessary arrangements are made.

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You can make an appointment for an intake interview on your own initiative or after referral by your general practitioner. Sometimes another physician-specialist to whom you are in follow-up for another condition (arthrosis, sleep apnea, etc...) may also refer you because it is expected that treatment of the obesity will also have beneficial effects on the other condition.

Assessment of current dietary habits

Together with the dietician the current dietary habits are reviewed and an estimate is made of the average daily amount of kilocalories  ingested. A food diary is given to the patient during the intake interview, which the patient should start filling out one week before the appointment with the dietician. 

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Furthermore, it is discussed with the dietitian which previous dietary attempts have already been made and how these were experienced by the patient. Together with the patient, the principles of a healthy diet are reviewed and, if necessary, some information is already given about the dietary guidelines that should be followed during surgical treatment.

Evaluation of obesity and metabolic consequences

A general medical evaluation of the patient is performed by the endocrinologist, including extra attention to possible metabolic consequences of the disease (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol...). This requires an extensive blood sampling. 

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The endocrinologist also checks for any other hormonal or medicinal causes that may (partially) explain the obesity and takes these into account for the further treatment plan.

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Psychological evaluation

The psychological evaluation involves identifying how you view obesity and your expectations of possible treatment. It also examines whether you have an eating disorder and evaluates your general state of mind. 

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This psychological evaluation is important to tailor the pre- and postoperative course to your personal profile. This evaluation is also useful when non-surgical treatment is chosen.

Additional evaluations

Depending on your medical history and the intake interview, additional advice or tests may be requested:

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* Sleep study (for sleep apnea diagnosis)

* Pulmonary function

* Cardiac function (cycling test, ultrasound of the heart)

* Ultrasound of the blood vessels

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