My excitement was similar to when I was 7 years old, gearing up for the first day of school. Dressed in my crisply pressed white lab coat, I headed to the surgical wing of my clinical site, ready to observe a bariatric surgery. I envisioned myself perched high above the operating room, watching from a viewing gallery filled with doctors, nurses, and medical students just like on Grey’s Anatomy. Instead, I was told to change into scrubs, bouffant cap, shoe covers, and glasses—if I really wanted to look like I knew what I was doing—before joining the surgical team in room 6. Yup, I was going to be in the operating room—one of the many benefits of a teaching hospital. Entering the room, I was greeted by a nurse who was neatly laying out an array of surgical instruments, while others efficiently and duteously prepared for the task at hand. The Attending physician introduced himself, reviewed the steps of the procedure, and provided a brief patient history—30 year old female with a BMI >50, who successfully completed the pre-surgery program and here for a laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Overall, the procedure was relatively quick. First trocars were inserted into the abdomen for the cameras and instruments to pass through, followed by locating, marking, and dissecting out specific anatomical structures. Next, a tube was passed into the stomach, serving as the template/guide for stapling so that a banana-like “sleeve” could be created. The newly formed sleeve was then tested for leaks before the excised portion of the stomach was removed. The surgical lap sites were sutured and voila done before lunch!
I am extremely grateful to have had the chance to observe a bariatric procedure along with assessing patients and providing post-surgery nutrition education during my clinical rotation. Many patients willingly shared their personal stories, causing me to consider and question my personal views and attitudes towards bariatric surgery. Thus, I truly believe that opportunities such as this are one of the numerous benefits of completing a dietetic internship. Yes, one can learn a lot by attending lectures, reading text books, and reviewing journal articles. Yet, the act of applying and implementing said knowledge helps to tie everything together and bring the bigger picture into focus.
I am extremely grateful to have had the chance to observe a bariatric procedure along with assessing patients and providing post-surgery nutrition education during my clinical rotation. Many patients willingly shared their personal stories, causing me to consider and question my personal views and attitudes towards bariatric surgery. Thus, I truly believe that opportunities such as this are one of the numerous benefits of completing a dietetic internship. Yes, one can learn a lot by attending lectures, reading text books, and reviewing journal articles. Yet, the act of applying and implementing said knowledge helps to tie everything together and bring the bigger picture into focus.
