Innovative Obesity Management in an Overloaded System: Efficiency through the Lens of a Bariatric Dietitian

Abstract

With the annual number of bariatric surgeries rising exponentially, Canadian Dietitians often find themselves functioning as the sole nutrition practitioner in their interdisciplinary team and facing complex consultations with bariatric patients as an added encumbrance to their already heavy patient load and overwhelming schedule. Consequently, available time for administrative duties, staff development, and precepting often suffer, and possibly even the quality of patient care. Practical and efficient tools and strategies to managing bariatric and obese patients living with co-morbidities are essential to optimizing the dietetic role. The anecdotal experiences of a World Obesity Federation certified Bariatric Dietitian are explored and evidence-based counseling recommendations are discussed to establish effective counseling strategies, bariatric best practices, technological supports, and methods to streamline the interview/intake process in order to support clinician proficiency and efficiency, as well as establish favourable long-term patient outcomes.