Beyond Numbers: Improving Nutritional Management of Bariatric Surgery Patients Through Improved Intake, Counseling and Physical Diagnosis

Abstract

Surgery is considered the most effective intervention for obesity to date offering significantly improved health through the management of weight, obesity-related co-morbidities and enhanced quality of life. The number of obese individuals who have chosen to undergo surgical interventions has been steadily rising. As such, in/outpatient dietetic practitioners operating in the bariatric scope are facing high volume census numbers and fast-paced environments. Clinicians must be equipped with the competency and tools to efficiently manage bariatric patients in all stages of their journey. This workshop stresses the idea that good nutritional care starts at the beginning of a patient’s journey and cannot depend on biochemical indices alone. Therefore, in addition to laboratory medicine, we will explore effective counseling strategies and bariatric best practices, how to optimize clinician interview techniques and streamline the intake process using ‘red flag’ references and screening tools that review critical anthropometric, clinical and dietary questions needed to identify manifestations of potential problems all of which can be promptly implemented in the clinical setting to support clinician aptitude and efficiency, as well as favorable long-term patient outcomes.