In 2013, my sister Carey underwent bariatric surgery at what was deemed a 'Center of Excellence'. She met all the preoperative requirements, completing various screenings and consultations. Yet, there was one crucial aspect overlooked—the increased risk of alcohol use disorder post-surgery. Tragically, this oversight came to bear devastating consequences. In 2018, Carey passed away from alcohol poisoning, a fate she was unknowingly at risk for following her weight loss surgery. This knowledge gap is not an isolated issue but a pervasive problem.

Research highlights a startling statistic: approximately 1 in 5 bariatric surgery patients develop problems with alcohol use. Moreover, those who have undergone weight loss surgery (WLS) are three times more likely to die from drug or alcohol-related causes. Despite the increasing body of research supporting these facts, many healthcare professionals and centers do not include education on addiction risks as part of the standard preoperative or postoperative care for bariatric patients.

The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) plays a crucial role in establishing guidelines for bariatric centers across the nation. It is imperative that this body includes comprehensive education on the potential for addiction following bariatric surgery as part of their accreditation criteria.

Ensuring that patients are fully informed about all postoperative risks, including substance addiction, will equip individuals with the knowledge to make safer, more informed decisions about their health and recovery journey. This education could include workshops, counseling sessions with addiction specialists, and informative materials that clearly outline the risks and signs of alcohol use disorder.

We owe it to patients like Carey and their families to ensure that such life-saving surgery does not turn into a silent killer due to a lack of information and preparative resources. By signing this petition, you are advocating for a necessary change that could save countless lives. Please join me in urging the MBSAQIP to mandate addiction risk education for bariatric surgery patients as part of their accreditation standards.