BARIATRIC SURGERY

Course overview

Bariatric surgery is an umbrella term that refers to multiple types of surgical procedures that promote weight loss by resection of the stomach to limit its size and/or resection of the intestines to limit absorption of nutrients. Potential candidates for bariatric surgery are individuals with severe obesity that is most commonly defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater or those with a BMI of 35 or greater who have a significant obesity-related condition, such as severe sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, type 2 (DM2), or cardiomyopathy. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of bariatric surgery, and to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.