Description

The Masters in Behavioral Health Course provides an overview of psychosocial and biobehavioral aspects of metabolic and bariatric surgery, with a focus on novel research findings and relevant, timely clinical topics. The course is designed for psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, licensed counselors, psychiatric nurses, and other behavioral and medical health professionals who work with patients who have metabolic and bariatric surgery. This educational content is designed for an intermediate/advanced level.

The Masters in Behavioral Health Sessions (I, II and III) include a blend of abstract presentations and discussions with panelists. Here are the abstracts scheduled for this session:

1. Disordered Eating and Weight Loss in Adolescents 10 Years After Bariatric Surgery Presented by Richard Boles, PhD
2. Effectiveness of a virtual versus in-person group intervention for binge eating among patients seeking bariatric surgery Presented by Gina Gerardo, PhD
3. Social Determinants of Health as Predictors of Metabolic Surgery Completion among Adolescents Presented by Maral Misserian, MCN, RD, LD
4. Improvements in Weight Stigma from Pre to Post Bariatric Surgery and Longitudinal Effects on Mental Health, Dysregulated Eating, and Body Mass Index Presented by Larissa McGarrity, PhD

Learning Objectives

1. Elucidate the specialized role of behavioral health professionals in the assessment and treatment of individuals considering and undergoing metabolic bariatric surgery.
2. Summarize psychosocial and behavioral issues commonly present in individuals pursuing metabolic and bariatric surgery, changes that occur with surgery, and their association with outcomes.
3. Consider ways to improve and expand behavioral health assessment and treatment methods, including current guidelines and group-based intervention, for patients pursuing and undergoing bariatric surgery.
4. Explore diverse clinical issues (including body image, optimizing gender affirming care, post-operative challenges, and the recommendation to delay surgery) in the treatment of patients prior to and following metabolic bariatric surgery and a process for navigating these scenarios.