Speech Therapy in Bariatric Surgery: Clinical Assessment and Rehabilitation

Bariatric surgery transforms a patient’s relationship with food, but successful long-term adaptation requires more than just surgical intervention. Speech-language pathologists play a critical role in helping patients navigate changes in chewing, swallowing, and airway protection both before and after surgery. This text-only course provides a comprehensive foundation in speech therapy for bariatric care, giving you the theoretical knowledge to support patients during this major transition. You will explore the physiological impacts of obesity, learn how to conduct thorough pre-operative myofunctional assessments, and implement targeted rehabilitation strategies to support safe and efficient swallowing post-surgery. What you'll learn: - Understand the physiological and anatomical changes associated with bariatric surgery. - Perform comprehensive pre-operative speech and myofunctional swallowing assessments. - Apply evidence-based anamnesis protocols tailored to bariatric patients. - Design post-operative rehabilitation plans to address mastication and swallowing difficulties. - Analyze clinical case scenarios to identify common post-surgical eating adaptations. - Collaborate effectively within a modern multidisciplinary bariatric care team. The course begins with foundational concepts of obesity and surgical interventions, progresses through assessment methodologies, and concludes with practical rehabilitation strategies and written clinical case studies. It is designed for speech-language pathologists, speech therapists, and advanced students looking to expand their clinical practice. No prior experience in bariatric therapy is required. Start reading today to enhance your clinical skills and support your patients' recovery journey.