At-Home Solution For A Common Bariatric Surgery Prep Delay

 

Interdisciplinary Approach to Bariatric Surgery Care 

Bariatric surgery demands a coordinated team approach involving nurses, dietitians, psychologists, case managers, patient care coordinators, and physicians. Pre-operative care includes psychological, nutritional, medical, and anesthesiology evaluations, with personalized tests as needed. Glycemic control is essential, but lack of preoperative weight loss shouldn't disqualify patients. Pharmacists manage medications, while nurses offer counseling and support. 

Pre-Operative Evaluations and Medical Clearances 

According to the AACE Perioperative Guidelines bariatric surgery patients must go through a series of evaluations, testing and treatments if necessary before surgery. These assessments help identify any underlying conditions that could affect surgical outcomes, ensuring a comprehensive approach to patient safety. 

General Health Assessments:  

  • Nutritional: includes micronutrient measurements  

  • Pulmonary: echocardiogram, chest radiograph and smoking cessation  

  • Psychiatric: Physiological evaluation and behavioral assessment 

  • Women’s health: pregnancy and hormones 

Medical conditions  

  • Gastrointestinal disorders:  GI symptoms, abdominal ultrasound, H pylori screening 

  • Gout: prophylactic treatment 

  • Lipids: treat according to guidelines 

  • Thyroid disease: Routine screening and initiate treatment prior to surgery 

Other Pre-operative Assessments: 

  • Lifestyle changes: Start exercising regularly, stop smoking, and permanently stop alcohol or drug use. 

  • Medical clearance: A primary care physician or cardiologist may need to clear the patient. 

  • Sleep apnea screening: STOP-Bang or Epworth Sleepiness or Berlin Questionnaire are used to screen for risk of sleep apnea.  

  • Dietitian visits: Insurance may require the patient to meet with a dietitian before surgery. 

  • Transportation: The patient will need someone to drive them home from the hospital. 

  • Hospital stay: The patient should talk to their doctor about how long they're expected to stay in the hospital. 

  • Birth control: The patient should use reliable birth control for at least two years after surgery. 

By conducting these evaluations, healthcare providers can develop a holistic understanding of each patient's health, tailoring the surgical approach to their specific needs. 

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea 

Diagnosis doesn't spell the end of the road for those found with sleep apnea. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines offer a practical solution. These devices keep airways open during sleep, reducing apnea episodes and improving sleep quality. For bariatric patients, using a CPAP machine before and after surgery can significantly reduce complication risks and enhance recovery. 

Streamlining Sleep Apnea Screening with BetterNight 

BetterNight is ideal for bariatric surgeons seeking efficient sleep apnea screening protocol for their patients. This end-to-end solution administers the Home Sleep Test, providing faster results than traditional sleep labs. Say goodbye to sleep test bottlenecks! 

Transparent patient data is proactively shared with the referring Physicians reducing the time and complexity associated with traditional sleep studies. Bariatric surgeons are empowered with timely data provided by BetterNight so they are freed up to focus helping more patients! 

Enhance Bariatric Surgery Outcomes with At-Home Solutions 

Pre-operative sleep apnea screening is vital for bariatric surgery. Identifying high-risk patients enhances surgical safety and outcomes. Understanding obesity's link to sleep apnea and utilizing solutions like BetterNight can improve patient care. Streamlined, at-home screening methods offer efficient, patient-centered care, paving the way for a promising future in bariatric surgery. 

 
Sleep HealthDominic Munafo M.D. FABSMsleep apnea, bariatric surgery, obesity