UK-based SME offers bariatric surgery follow up support to bariatric providers via an online platform under outsourcing agreement

A UK-based SME has developed a weight loss surgery hub online to offer support and information to patients following bariatric surgery – gastric band, balloon, bypass and sleeve. The SME is looking to enter new markets and wants to partner with bariatric providers to offer a source of support as part of the patients’ aftercare programme. It is envisaged that this partnership will take the form of an outsourcing agreement.

As the number of people classified as obese rises, bariatric surgery is increasingly being used as a method of enabling such patients to lose weight and so reduce their chance of developing obesity related health conditions. However, even after this surgery lifestyle changes are imperative to long term success and that can prove challenging for them. The bariatric providers tend to offer some support to these patients but often this doesn't extend to the ongoing support at home that these patients need. A UK-based SME has developed services to provide this ongoing support. As this service can be accessed online, it is available to patients at home, or wherever they may be. This support website offers a vast array of specialist advice and information in the form of: - Recipes and meal plans - Articles and videos - An activity hub for exercise advice - A Weigh in station where weight and measurements can be logged - A Forum where members can talk to each other and ask questions - Regular new updates, articled and healthy eating info The site is written, run and manned by experts in the field of bariatric surgery – dietitian, nurse, personal trainer and cognitive behaviour therapy counsellors Having developed a presence in the UK the SME is now looking to expand into new markets in other countries. They are therefore looking to connect with surgeons and clinics that provide bariatric surgery. The SME will provide their management and support services to these partners to enable partners to provide better follow up to patients. It is envisaged that the partnership will take the form of an outsourcing agreement.