Background:
Obesity is a worldwide epidemic. In the United States alone much of the adult population is overweight, with many of those being obese to include women of childbearing years. With the increase in the number of bariatric weight loss surgical procedures being performed across the country, it is imperative to educate women, and their health care providers, on how to ensure good health in the event of future pregnancies. Along with the increase in the number of women having weight loss surgery, there comes an increase in the number of women having metabolic and nutritional related deficiencies. Millions of women of childbearing years have struggled with weight problems their entire lives. For many weight loss surgery was the only option, and many of these women plan on having children. The purpose of this project is to increase knowledge/awareness of appropriate preconception care for patients contemplating, or who have had bariatric weight loss surgery to ensure successful pregnancy outcomes, as is consistent with the Healthy People 2010 initiative.

Objectives:
Upon completion of this class each participant will be able to:
Discuss the importance of follow-up care to ensure preconception health for successful pregnancy outcomes


Methods:
Various health care settings will be utilized. A pre-test will be developed to identify knowledge base and risk factors/behaviors. A post-test will be developed to identify knowledge gained and identify changes in behaviors.


Results:
It is anticipated that the education outcomes of this project will suggest that preconception education is a necessity, not only for the patients, but for healthcare professionals, to ensure successful pregnancy outcomes. Reduction in obstetrical complications will reduce health care financial expenditures (ie: length of stay for both mother and infant). The above project provides an opportunity for a performance improvement initiative.


Conclusion and implications for practice:
Health care professionals who manage women of childbearing years who are contemplating, or have had weight loss surgery, need to become more aware of the risk factors for this population of patient, and the necessity for preconception care. This educational awareness can have a profound impact on the successful outcomes for women and their babies.