ABSTRACT
With the number of bariatric procedures performed in the United States steadily increasing [1], clinicians must provide optimal care for patients to ensure positive surgical outcomes. Research demonstrates that bariatric surgery improves comorbidities, and decreases morbidity and mortality rates greater than other medical approaches to weight loss, such as drug therapy and behavior modi-˜cation [1-2]. Patients who have undergone weight-loss surgery require follow-up for their medical, surgical, and nutritional needs. As part of the bariatric team, dietitians serve as nutrition experts and are tasked with providing optimal guidance and care as patients approach surgery and during their early and late postoperative periods. Clinicians must ensure they are monitoring patients’ progress postoperatively to reduce the risk of complications and achieve maximum results with weight loss and health gains. Pursuing bariatric surgery involves extensive preparation for a lifetime of changes with eating and lifestyle patterns. All patients are unique in their pursuit of surgical weight loss and may face barriers as they adapt to lifestyle changes. Clinicians specialized in bariatrics are the primary force in establishing readiness for surgery to ensure success.
