From the Editor
With obesity increasingly becoming a worldwide problem, the popularity of bariatric surgery has skyrocketed in recent years. A report by MedMarket Diligence predicts that “bariatric surgeries . . . will remain one of the true high-growth surgical procedures.”
Read on for a collection of resources on the topic, including a crossword puzzle to sharpen your skills.
And in our Student Spotlight, we’re pleased to present Jaymee Davis,who attended a recent SutureStar Summit in Denver.
Surgical Video: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass – Live Surgery
Carolina Surgical in Charlotte, NC, is a Center of Excellence in Weight Loss Surgery.
Click here to view Carl Lowe, Jr., M.D., FACS, as he goes through the steps of a live laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery. This video is presented by Carolina Surgical of Charlotte.
An extensive collection of resources about weight-loss surgery–ranging from clinical trial reports to news, patient handouts and videos–is available at this website, co-sponsored by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
Click here to view a helpful chart, Clinical Pearls for Emergency Care of Bariatric Surgery Patients offered by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). The preceding link shows the chart in PDF format; you may also order a full-size Emergency Room poster at the ASMBS Store.
And finally, the above chart from a MedMarket Diligence report shows the current trend for different types of metabolic/bariatric surgery internationally.
Bariatric Surgery Podcasts
Bariatric Advantage, a leader in micronutrient replacements for pre- and post-operative weight loss surgery patients, offers webinars on a number of topics related to Bariatric surgery and weight management.
Practical Discussion by Yale School of Medicine: This collection contains practical discussions with Yale’s leading faculty and researchers on health care and various timely issues. Bariatric surgery is #7.
Bariatric Surgery
Test your knowledge of bariatric surgery terminology, specifically, terms related to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery, with this month’s crossword puzzle. Click here for the puzzle and clues, and a link to the answers.
iPad Apps of the Month
Mercy Bariatrics: The Mercy Bariatric app is a free app to help patients on their weight loss journey. It helps them explore what to expect before, during and after bariatric surgery as well as the multiple minimally invasive procedures available today
Bariatric Times, Clinical Developments and Metabolic Insights – Evidence-based, peer-reviewed information on bariatric and metabolic medicine available wherever and whenever you need it. This app allows you to access issues of Bariatric Times through your mobile device and is free of charge.
Barimate is a weight management app written specifically for patients who have had all types of obesity surgery or are considering it. The cost is $7.99.

Credentials: RN, CNOR, CPHQ
Student Status: Current student in NIFA’s RNFA program
City and State: Mammoth Lakes, CACurrent Work: Perioperative Nurse Manager, Mammoth HospitalPath to RNFA: I decided to become a nurse after my father had surgery when I was around 10 years old. I thought the hospital was exciting, and I felt the desire to care for others. I also was attracted to becoming a nurse due to the lifestyle benefits as well as the opportunity to change specialties throughout your career. I earned my RN at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, California. Over my career so far I have worked as a floor nurse, ICU/CCU, OR, and management, both in Quality and Perioperative.
On deciding to become an RNFA: We had all PAs covering First Assist needs at my hospital with the exception of one person who is also the OR Supervisor. We repeatedly had coverage issues during the day when the PAs were in clinic and unavailable to help. As a working manager, I thought it would be beneficial if I became an RNFA so the supervisor and I could better cover daytime needs.


Prerequisites for becoming an RNFA
NIFA Office Hours