What are the advantages of a bariatric surgery care team? Today, you will discover the vital role of an integrated health team in bariatric surgery. On this episode of the BariNation podcast, we are thrilled to interview Heidi Bednarchuk, exploring why a cohesive bariatric surgery care team is key to patient care success. From pre-op preparation to post-op support, discover how to choose a team that supports your obesity treatment journey and enhances quality of life. Heidi shares insights on building an integrated health team for bariatric surgery, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for long-term wellness.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:   

The critical role of a bariatric surgery care team in ensuring successful patient care throughout the obesity treatment journey

How an integrated health team collaborates to provide comprehensive pre-op preparation and post-op support for lasting results

Why prioritizing quality of life is key to choosing the right bariatric surgery care team for your needs

Practical questions to ask to identify an integrated health team for bariatric surgery that supports long-term wellness

The importance of patient care advocacy and how a cohesive team enhances obesity treatment outcomes

Tune in, and don’t forget to join the BariNation Community to attend community meetups, watch exclusive bonus content and support the podcast for as little as $5 per month!  You can also contribute to BariNation and become a Drive To Thrive Supporter with a one-time or recurring donation.

TIMESTAMPS: 

• 02:50 Heidi’s role in integrated health team leadership for patient care and the vital role of the bariatric surgery care team beyond pre-op preparation and post-op support
• 12:28 Heidi explains why evaluating the bariatric surgery care team is crucial for quality of life in the obesity treatment journey, such as roles like the bariatric nurse
• 14:33 Heidi uses a fruit smoothie analogy to describe a cohesive, integrated health team for bariatric surgery, enhancing quality of life
• 25:05 Advice on questions to identify an effective bariatric surgery care team, focusing on interdisciplinary team communication
• 32:24 Heidi discusses studies showing patient care priorities like nutrition and mental health in post-op support, often overlooked
• 42:24 Discussion of the stigma, eliminating old mindsets and communicating with care teams who are not integrated                                                                                                                      
• 47:30 Emphasis on staying connected with the bariatric surgery care team to avoid post-surgical support drop-off for obesity treatment

KEY TAKEAWAYS:  

An integrated health team for bariatric surgery collaborates to enhance quality of life and address challenges in obesity treatment.

Asking the right questions helps identify an effective bariatric surgery care team focused on interdisciplinary team communication.

Patients must advocate for their own patient care needs to build a bariatric surgery care team that supports long-term success in obesity treatment.

ABOUT THE GUEST: 

Heidi Bednarchuk, APRN, CNS, CBN, FASMBS-IH, is a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse at the Bariatric and Comprehensive Weight Loss Program at the Mayo Clinic.  She has worked in metabolic and bariatric surgery since 2012 and genuinely loves her work. She is committed to supporting individuals affected by obesity and to highlighting the vital role Integrated Health plays in delivering lasting, patient-centered outcomes. Heidi is also the Immediate Past President of the Integrated Health Leadership Council at ASMBS (American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons), having held multiple leadership and committee roles over the past several years.

Heidi Bednarchuk - LinkedIn

Patients’ experiences of life after bariatric surgery and follow-up care study

A Comparison of Health Professionals' and Patients' Views of the Importance of Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery Study

A systematic scoping review of multidisciplinary team working in surgical services: the need for bariatric surgery research

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

TREO Foundation - The Walk

TREO Walk Discounted BariNation Membership 

BariNation - Partnership Monthly Membership   

BariNation’s How to Find an Obesity Specialist Guide