[Care of patients who have undergone bariatric surgery]

A wide range of problems are caused by obesity, since patients are affected not only physically, but also psychologically, socially and in their working life, with major socio-economic consequences. The application of technical surgical has opened a new field in the treatment of this complex illness, long term treatment being the only effective kind for morbid obesity. With most surgical techniques, the patient should control food intake for life and maintain some adapted habits of physical activity. For this reason it is necessary for professionals in different areas to help patients to develop strategies to persevere with their programs. Evaluation of the patient's physical and psychological needs should be carried out prior to the planning of appropriate measures. Outpatient follow-up must focus on educating, motivating, training and advising the patient nutritionally, so that he or she is able to modify his or her eating habits and maintain a healthy lifestyle during the pre- and postoperative phases. Evaluation using Patterns serves as a tool to analyze disorders in the patient. Once the situation has been evaluated, we can proceed to the nursing diagnoses (NIC) on which we will base the interventions and pertinent activities which, in combination with those carried out by other members of the multidisciplinary team, will achieve optimum results. With all the information obtained, properly organized and discussed by the team, it is possible to personalize the Planning of Care with food registration, food choice, elaboration of a weekly diet, and the general dietary recommendations. Each of the results obtained (NOC) is evaluated in terms of the possible indicators, on the corresponding scale of measurement. In addition to patient motivation, effective instructions about changes in lifestyle and the need to accept treatment and follow-up are the key to positive collaboration with the multi-professional team in the application of strategies.