Enhancing Nursing Care by Understanding the Bariatric Patient's Journey

Abstract

Patients who undergo obesity-related bariatric surgery seek a lasting solution to weight loss and a desire for a healthier lifestyle. Perioperative nurses should be prepared to provide sensitive, high-quality care to this population. Effective assessment and management of bariatric patients involves understanding the motivating factors for seeking bariatric surgery, such as to address the stigma and health problems associated with obesity. Nurses should be knowledgeable about expected outcomes of bariatric care, including long-term processes and lifestyle changes that patients must participate in to sustain weight loss. The informed perioperative nurse is essential to the successful treatment of bariatric patients in their journey to healthier living.

Use of group discussion as an educational strategy during nursing appointments for patient undergoing bariatric surgery

“…[14] Encourages knowledge sharing (including benefits, risks and challenges) and allows for greater advocacy in health for the patient. [15,16] In this study, it was observed that the preoperative education with group approach makes it possible to deepen the dialogue with the active participation of those involved in the process. Allows participants to express their opinions, concepts and impressions about the proposed theme, in addition to work reflexively group manifestations.…”

“…Knowledge after Group Discussion Patients informed, motivated and accountable interact more effectively with health professionals and strive to perform actions that produce health outcomes, [20] becoming more aware of the operational risks and are more quiet and more willing to adhere to the post-operative care. [15,16] For the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), the empowerment of patients is essential with the support of care goals, freedom in solving problems and participation in clinical decision-making processes along with the health team. [21] Nurses play a key role in the care of patients undergoing bariatric surgery both preoperatively and postoperatively.…”

An Interventional Approach to Obesity in an Ambulatory Care Setting

“…Neil and Roberson [13] explored patients who undergo obesity-related bariatric surgery and found to be three main motivating categories for weight loss: psychological, medical, and quality of life. This study indicated that the nurse often is the key point of contact and main care provider during all per operative phases for patients undergoing bariatric surgery.…”

“…This study indicated that the nurse often is the key point of contact and main care provider during all per operative phases for patients undergoing bariatric surgery. The must be well informed of the patients' motivating factors, as well as the patients' multiple-step preparation for surgery, so that the patients can be well informed, motivated, and cognizant of the operative risks [13].…”

Family Influences on Patients’ Decisions to Undergo Bariatric Surgery

“…Factors that can affect patients’ decisions to undergo surgery include financial stability, opinions of health care providers, perceptions of bariatric surgery, comorbidities, and family member support . Additionally, preoperative requirements for a psychological evaluation; nutritional counseling; documented attempts at weight loss; and, in some circumstances, costly screenings, such as sleep studies or cardiac clearances, create a complicated presurgical approval process for patients . Although the literature indicates that choosing to undergo bariatric surgery is a complex decision, evidence regarding the ways that families influence patients’ decisions is lacking.…”