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Evaluation

Education Session

Clinical-Procedural

1066 - Tables Turned: Our Bariatric Journey from OR Nurse to Patient

Sunday, April 12, 2026
9:15 AM - 10:00 AM CST
Location: R02 - R05
CE: .75 Contact Hours
Disclosure(s):
Peter B. Graves, BSN, RN, CNOR: Ansell Healthcare, Inc: Consultant (Ongoing); Bravida Medical: Consultant (Ongoing); Johnson & Johnson MedTech, Inc: Speaker/Honoraria (includes speakers bureau, symposia, and expert witness) (Ongoing); Nanosonics: Speaker/Honoraria (includes speakers bureau, symposia, and expert witness) (Ongoing); Protection Products: Consultant (Ongoing), Speaker/Honoraria (includes speakers bureau, symposia, and expert witness) (Ongoing)
Rebecca Vortman, DNP, RN, CNOR, NEA-BC: No financial relationships to disclose
Overview/Abstract: This presentation offers an overview and personal exploration of bariatric surgery—viewed through the eyes of two operating room nurses who became the patient. As obesity rates rise, perioperative teams are increasingly challenged to care for patients with complex needs, but rarely do they see the experience from the other side of the table. In this session, we share our journey through preoperative preparation, diet, surgery, and recovery—not only as patients, but as clinicians acutely aware of the systems, gaps, and opportunities for improvements within perioperative care areas.

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the emotional and physical impact of bariatric surgery, the challenges patients face navigating the healthcare system, and the critical importance of respect, communication, and individualized care. Through personal reflection, clinical insight, and actionable recommendations, this session aims to enhance the perioperative nurse's understanding, improve outcomes, and inspire surgical teams to re-evaluate how they care for patients living with obesity and those seeking their care.

Learning Objectives:

  • Upon completion, participant will be able to describe current trends, procedures, and utilization rates in bariatric surgery, including the most common surgical options and their impact on obesity-related comorbidities
  • Upon completion, participant will be able to identify key barriers to accessing bariatric care and outline strategies to improve equitable, multidisciplinary, and patient-centered surgical pathways
  • Upon completion, participant will be able to reflect on the patient-provider experience of bariatric surgery to promote empathy, advocacy, and improved perioperative support for individuals undergoing metabolic surgery