While obesity continues to be a rising concern in the United States, Singapore is not exempted from this trend and has been experiencing an uprising trend in the prevalence. A steep increase was observed between 2004 and 2010, where the obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2 ) prevalence among adults aged 18 to 69 years shifted from 6.9% to 10.8%, as compared to the previous 7 years, where the prevalence was at 6.0% in 1998. Currently, bariatric surgeries are the most successful and durable intervention for obesity. There are emerging data on these procedures as treatments for individuals with Type 2 diabetes (T2D), as well as a mean to reduce cardiometabolic risk factors. Postoperative follow-ups, involving a multidisciplinary approach for patients who underwent a bariatric surgery, have been recognised as essential in the management and maintenance of sustained weight loss as well as minimising complications. However, there had been a high appointment default rate observed for postoperative follow-up appointments in Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH). From 2001 to 2002, more than 90% of patients defaulted on postsurgical psychologist’s appointments while more than 70% of these patients defaulted on postsurgical appointments with the dietitian. The high default rate has an influence in the patient’s management and maintenance of sustained weight loss, chances of complications, as well as the economic cost and manpower borne by the hospital. The current study aimed to further explore factors that could lead to a better understanding of the poor adherence to follow-up appointments.
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