A survey was administered to patients and health care staff at Edmonton and Whitehorse. Patient charts were reviewed. A multivariate linear regression predicted the main effect of travel distance and other clinical covariates on follow-up compliance.
Postoperative body mass index, complications, and satisfaction scores were similar. Whitehorse patients had higher rates of follow-up (85.6% vs 71.1%, P = .002).
The Whitehorse Bariatric Program provides perioperative obesity care comparable to a larger center. Patient follow-up and satisfaction suggest a highly successful program. This may serve as a model for improving access to obesity services across Canada.