Patients' perception of the nursing contribution to gastric band surgery.

Gastric banding is an established and effective form of weight-loss surgery. However, the nursing contribution to it remains largely unexplored. Using semi-structured interviews, this study explored the experiences and opinions of 20 purposively recruited patients about their nurses' contribution to weight-loss surgery. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Three themes emerged. First, the provision of knowledge and fostering of understanding, both before and after surgery, focusing on information that addresses patients'needs. Second, staying in touch throughout the treatment period,being available whenever problems arise and advice or interventions are needed. The third theme concerned qualities demonstrated by the nurses. Open-minded patient engagement combined with person centered care fostered confidence in patients and promoted a close therapeutic relationship. Nurses make a substantial contribution to weight-loss surgery, caring for their patients' physical, surgical and,most importantly, psychosocial needs. Their role descriptions should emphasise the psychological, supportive aspects of this role.

Self-care predictors for success post-bariatric surgery: a literature review.

The prevalence of obesity in the United States has more than doubled from 1980 to 2008. Obesity leads to a multitude of comorbidities, most notably diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, resulting in more than $147 billion annually in healthcare costs. Bariatric surgery is becoming a common weight loss option for morbidly obese individuals. Studies in this review examine patients who have undergone laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Patients initially lose large amounts of weight postoperatively; unfortunately, around 30% of these individuals begin to regain weight 18-24 months after surgery. The purpose of this article is to analyze the current literature to ascertain which self-care variables are predictors of successful long-term weight loss after bariatric surgery. The studies analyzed in this review found that patients who undergo a surgical weight loss intervention lose more weight faster than patients who do not have a surgical weight loss intervention. However, patients reported feeling unprepared for the extreme psychosocial and lifestyle changes after bariatric surgery. Findings from these studies point to the need for future research in the area of postsurgical psychosocial support for successful long-term weight loss maintenance.

Perioperative care of the patient with morbid obesity.

Obesity recently has been called an epidemic. In the United States, more than 60% of adults are overweight. Although obesity and morbid obesity share numerous etiological factors (eg, genetic, environmental, psychosocial, economic), accepted treatment options differ. Morbid obesity requires urgent and definitive correction to treat both current and possible future complications and to help prevent a probable shortened lifespan. Generally, it is accepted that nonsurgical approaches to weight loss for a person who is morbidly obese are unsuccessful. This Home Study describes the major surgical procedures currently available to treat morbid obesity and discusses the information that nurses need to know about perioperative care of patients who are morbidly obese.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding for morbid obesity.

Morbid obesity, with its accompanying human and monetary costs, is a serious and growing health problem worldwide. Surgical treatments are recognized as being effective, but until recently, the available surgical options entailed invasive techniques that permanently altered the gastrointestinal tract. In June 2001, the US Food and Drug Administration approved an adjustable gastric banding system that can be implanted laparoscopically for the treatment of morbid obesity. This article discusses laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, including patient selection and evaluation, perioperative care, and the importance of a team approach to patient management and follow-up care.

Vertical banded gastroplasty: a treatment for morbid obesity.

Stomach stapling to aid the morbidly obese patient with weight loss has been available for years. Unfortunately, some methods of bariatric surgery (e.g., gastric bypass surgery) can lead to serious complications. This article discusses vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) and presents on overview of morbid obesity and its inherent medical problems, the screening process and the physical and psychological needs of patients undergoing bariatric procedures, the anatomy and physiology of normal digestion, and the perioperative nursing considerations in caring for a patient undergoing VBG.

Obesity: a rapidly expanding challenge.

: Explore the health implications of obesity, commonly performed surgical procedures, and postoperative care needs of bariatric surgery patients.

Clinical nurse specialist as leader of a bariatric program.

Bariatric surgery is an appropriate intervention for the treatment of morbid obesity. Using the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialist's "spheres of influence" model, the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is able to lead in the development and maintenance of an effective hospital-based bariatric program. The three spheres include the patient/client, the nurse/nursing practice, and the organization. The CNS is vital in guiding the education and support for patients and hospital staff. S/he is also instrumental as a leader in developing an environment that is conducive to supporting the bariatric patient population. By employing the three spheres in the program, everyone involved will benefit and positive patient outcomes can be expected.

Surgical treatment for morbid obesity.

Many people find it difficult to lose weight. Surgery is often considered a last resort for morbidly obese people after more traditional methods of weight control have failed. Patients require expert nursing care peri-operatively.

Psychological aspects of delivering nursing care to the bariatric patient.

The purpose of this article is to discuss the physical and emotional challenges in caring for the bariatric patient and the potential biases that may complicate that process. Issues regarding fat biases, physiological and psychological components of eating, as well as nursing-patient dynamics are discussed. The intention is to show how societal pressures, personal struggles with weight, and misperceptions regarding the obese combine to subtly influence our thinking, attitudes, and subsequent behaviors. Providing a better understanding of this interplay may create more empathy for both nurses and the morbidly obese and facilitate a more comfortable atmosphere of caring for both.

Bariatric weight loss surgery: patient education, preparation, and follow-up.

Bariatric weight loss surgery is no small undertaking. It requires a lifelong commitment on the part of the patient. Education is the key to helping patients achieve optimal health and a better quality of life as a result of having undergone weight loss surgery.