Pharmacotherapeutics for bariatric surgery patients in the primary care setting: An overview for nurse practitioners

Abstract

Patients who have undergone bariatric procedures for weight loss are increasingly seen in the primary care setting. Due to theunique characteristics of surgical weight loss procedures, the prescribing practices of health care providers must be evaluated.This article addresses the anatomical changes associated with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass,biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch, and vertical sleeve gastrectomy, because absorption, distribution, metabolismand excretion of medications may be more complex for bariatric surgery recipients than for other patients. Associated prescribingmodifications for primary care providers caring for bariatric surgery recipients in the primary care setting are also discussed.