The purpose of this program is to inform nurses about the bariatric choice of procedures and preoperative care.  After studying the information presented here, you will be able to-

• Review normal anatomy of the digestive system
• Describe the types of procedures used to treat morbid obesity
• Identify the anatomical and physiological changes associated with specific bariatric procedures
• Discuss the risks and benefits of specific bariatric procedures
• Discuss some preoperative considerations for patients considering bariatric surgery

The purpose of this program is to inform nurses about bariatric co-morbid conditions and complications.  After studying the information presented here, you will be able to-

• List co-morbid conditions that may be a result of obesity
• Review co-morbid conditions that may influence criteria for bariatric surgery
• Discuss treatments and implications for medications in these conditions
• Review postoperative considerations for monitoring and medication treatments

The purpose of this program is to inform nurses about bariatric complications and postoperative complications.  After studying the information presented here, you will be able to-

• Discuss common postoperative complications after bariatric surgery
• Review signs and symptoms of common postoperative complications
• List appropriate nursing strategies to prevent selected complications
• Review some procedure specific complications, signs and symptoms and treatments of bariatric procedures

The purpose of this program is to inform nurses about bariatric eating disorders and psychological concerns related to bariatric surgery.  After studying the information presented here, you will be able to-

• Review common psychological issues related to bariatric surgery
• Discuss preoperative evaluation of psychosocial concerns related to bariatric surgery
• Review postoperative psychosocial considerations in bariatric patients
• Discuss pre and postoperative treatment of psychosocial concerns in bariatric surgery individuals

The purpose of this program is to inform nurses about bariatric nutritional considerations.  After studying the information presented here, you will be able to-

• Discuss the nutritional consequences of bariatric surgery
• Discuss dietary stages after bariatric surgery
• List strategies to improve diet tolerance
• Review specific nutrition deficiencies possible after bariatric surgery

The purpose of this program is to inform nurses about bariatric obesity.  After studying the information presented here, you will be able to-

• Define obesity; identify the factors that contribute to obesity
• Calculate body mass index; and review the incidence of obesity in the U.S.; review body changes that may be noted on physical exam of the obese patient
• Discuss the common obesity comorbid conditions

The purpose of this program is to inform nurses about the bariatric principles of weight loss.  After studying the information presented here, you will be able to-

• Review the common principles of weight loss strategies including diet, exercise, behavior modification, medications and surgery
• Identify a prescribed activity plan; discuss specific behavior modification strategies for weight loss
• List medications commonly used for weight loss
• Identify when weight loss surgery is a recommended weight loss intervention

The purpose of this program is to inform nurses about the bariatric safety concerns and special equiptment used for transferring.  After studying the information presented here, you will be able to-

• Discuss bariatric safety concerns and practices
• List key assessment questions when reparing to lift or transfer a bariatric patient

The purpose of this program is to inform nurses about  bariatric special populations.  After studying the information presented here, you will be able to-

• Review considerations for bariatric surgery in special populations adolescents and older adults
• Discuss criteria specific for adolescents candidates for bariatric surgery
• Discuss pregnancy concerns specific to postoperative bariatric patients
• Discuss specific considerations regarding bariatric surgery in older adults

The purpose of this program is to inform nurses about  bariatric support groups and education for the patient.  After studying the information presented here, you will be able to-

• Review basic principles of patient education
• List teaching tools and strategies; discuss support groups after surgery; review helpful group rules
• Discuss team approach to management of bariatric patients

The purpose of this program is to inform nurses about  bariatric surgical care.  After studying the information presented here, you will be able to-

• Review perioperative considerations regarding specific co-morbid conditions
• List common injuries in surgical patients with morbid obesity
• Discuss nursing strategies and positioning of morbidly obese surgical patients to prevent injury