Transition Readiness in Adolescents with Severe Obesity Presenting for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery

Abstract

Background:

Adolescents with severe obesity are increasingly being considered for metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). Adolescents with chronic health conditions, such as excess weight, have unique healthcare needs as they transition to independence managing their healthcare. Adherence to life-long behavior changes is associated with improved outcomes, although many adolescents struggle with vitamin adherence post-MBS. Transition readiness to independently manage health behaviors has not yet been studied in this population.

Materials and Methods:

This quality improvement project examines the transition readiness skills (using the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire) in a MBS-seeking adolescent sample (N = 14) in an effort to better understand health-related transition readiness in adolescent patients. We sought to (1) describe the transition readiness of adolescent patients, and (2) ascertain whether this is a useful construct to measure in adolescent MBS psychosocial evaluations.

Results:

This sample of MBS-seeking adolescents has similar transition readiness to other adolescents with special healthcare needs. Being older is associated with increased independence and managing medications, keeping appointments, and tracking health issues. Weight status (body mass index) was not significantly related to transition readiness. There were diverse profiles of transition readiness across adolescents.

Conclusion:

Transition readiness is a useful and valuable construct to include in adolescent MBS presurgical evaluations.