1.  Has reached epidemic proportions in recent
years.
 More than one-third of U.S. adults (35.7%)
are obese.
 Obese individuals historically have suffered
discrimination due to their weight, and as a
result must be shown increased sensitivity.

2.  Surgery which is performed to enable the
patient to lose significant weight and
maintain that weight loss.
 Surgery which is the only effective therapy
for morbid obesity and its complications
according to the National Institutes of
Health.
 A serious surgery which is very effective
when paired with lifestyle changes in diet
and exercise.

3. Designated a Center of
Excellence by the American
Society for Metabolic and
Bariatric Surgery
Committed to a high level of bariatric
care, working to promote patient safety and
advocacy, participating in comprehensive data
tracking and analysis regarding our patient
outcomes.

4. •Those who are morbidly obese (a
body mass of greater than 40).
•Those with a body mass of 35-40
who have other serious medical
problems such as diabetes, heart
disease, or arthritis.

5.  For a patient to have bariatric surgery, that
person must have failed other weight loss
programs.
 Bariatric surgery is NOT a “quick fix”; it is a
last resort for morbidly obese patients.

6.  Transferring the morbidly obese patient: If
patient is awake, have them help you.
Educate patient on what you are about to
do.
 If patient is asleep, you will need 5
caregivers to move patient. Use equipment
such as the roller or the slider. When moving
the bed, have 3 caregivers available to move
the bed.

7. Weigh with care
Many large patients are embarrassed and
anxious about being weighed. It’s important
to maintain privacy, don’t announce the
patient’s weight, simply record the weight
without judgment or comment. Unless the
patient asks to know his/her weight, don’t
volunteer that information.

8. Create a weight-friendly environment
 Make sure our rooms are weight-friendly.
 Make sure we have appropriately-sized
equipment to accommodate large patients.
 Make larger size gowns available.
 Make sure our furniture is sturdy.

9. Be mindful of language
Many patients feel embarrassment, shame, and
anxiety surrounding their weight so it is
important for providers to recognize and
implement language about weight that
patients prefer and feel comfortable with.
Preferred words: weight, excess weight, BMI
Undesirable: fatness, heaviness, large
size, weight problem

10. Implement Sensitive Practices
Recognize that obese patients may have
experienced negative interactions with
providers because of weight bias. As a result,
patients may be more reluctant to voice
concerns, ask questions, or participate in
conversations with providers.
We should strive to foster patient-centered
communications.

11.  This is the end of presentation. Click on the
blue Quiz button next.