Annual ECHO OBN Curriculum
Outline of session topics for the 2026 year
Regional Case-Based Session Topics
Modern GLP Therapy & Bariatric Surgery: Two pillars of care, working together
- Review surgical and pharmacotherapy options for patients
- Understand GI side effects, options on titration, and stepwise GI management
- Recognize mental health as a central driver of outcomes
- Learn about GLP-1 reintroduction post-RYGB
Understanding Mental Health Impacts on Bariatric Surgery Patients
- Understand approaches to managing mental health before and after surgery
- Review the impact of medication choice on weight gain/loss
- Utilize OARS method to surface barriers patients won’t volunteer
- Learn how to overcome psychological barriers among patients in their weight loss journey
- Recognize psychiatric illness after surgery
- Understand post-op risks and binge eating symptoms to counsel proactively
- Know where to refer patients for psychosocial interventions pre- and post-surgery
Postoperative Care of the Bariatric Surgical Patient and Complications
- Recognize time-sensitive surgical and structural complications
- Identify red flags requiring urgent escalation
- Understand implications of CT imaging with internal hernias
- Recognize post-prandial hypoglycemia
Dealing with Major Nutritional Deficiencies within Bariatric Care
- Differentiate nutritional vs surgical complications, recognize red flags
- Identify and manage common deficiencies
- Distinguish dumping vs postprandial hypoglycemia
- Apply lifelong, comprehensive monitoring for micronutrient deficiencies
- Support in choosing the right multivitamin and supplements for their patients
Not completely in Remission? How to treat Co-morbidities after Bariatric Surgery
- Understand active medication review post-op
- Provide ongoing chronic disease management
- Recognize appropriate weight loss trajectories for patients post surgery
- Safely manage non-metabolic therapies
- Recognize and monitor altered drug absorption and psychiatric risk
Weight Trajectories after Bariatric Surgery: Normal vs. Concerning
- Recognize weight recurrence and non-response
- Conduct a structured assessment of weight regain
- Identify and address psychological and disordered eating factors
- Review medications for weight impact
- Prioritize comprehensive medical and behavioral optimization
Beyond the Prescription: Managing Obesity Medications Effectively
- Recognize altered medication absorption post-surgery
- Learn to appropriately use anti-obesity pharmacotherapy
- Understand how to continuously monitor and adjust medications as weight and physiology change
- Anticipate and manage special medication considerations
