Digital Follow-Up and Nursing Education in Bariatric Surgery Patients

Overview

This randomized controlled experimental study aims to evaluate the effect of a PHP-MySQL database-based digital follow-up system combined with structured nursing education on quality of life, body mass index (BMI), and exercise habits in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Although bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for morbid obesity, long-term success depends largely on adherence to lifestyle modifications, including regular physical activity and sustained behavioral change. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will receive structured nursing education along with an 8-week digitally monitored exercise program starting at postoperative month four. The control group will receive standard postoperative care. Outcomes will be assessed using the Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life Questionnaire II (MA-II), BMI measurements, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The study aims to provide evidence for integrating digital health technologies and structured nursing interventions into postoperative bariatric care.

Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial disease associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and reduced quality of life. Bariatric surgery is considered the most effective long-term treatment for morbid obesity; however, sustainable outcomes depend on adherence to postoperative lifestyle modifications, including regular physical activity, nutritional regulation, and behavioral adaptation. Despite the effectiveness of surgery in achieving initial weight loss, some patients experience insufficient weight reduction or weight regain due to poor adherence to recommended lifestyle changes. Digital health technologies have emerged as promising tools for improving patient monitoring, self-management, and behavioral compliance. Mobile and web-based follow-up systems may enhance communication between patients and healthcare professionals, facilitate structured exercise adherence, and promote sustained behavioral change. Additionally, structured nursing education plays a critical role in empowering patients, increasing health literacy, and improving postoperative adaptation. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a PHP-MySQL database-based digital follow-up system combined with structured nursing education in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to intervention and control groups using a simple randomization method. The intervention group will receive structured nursing education and participate in an 8-week digitally monitored exercise program beginning at postoperative month four. The control group will receive standard postoperative care without structured digital follow-up. Primary outcome measures include changes in quality of life assessed by the Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life Questionnaire II (MA-II). Secondary outcomes include changes in body mass index (BMI), physical activity levels measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and exercise adherence rates recorded through the digital platform. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of evidence-based postoperative follow-up models integrating digital health systems and nursing-led behavioral interventions in bariatric care.