The Role of the Registered Dietitian in the Management of the Patient with Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

The Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is a credentialed medical practitioner who specializes in the field of nutrition and dietetics. RDNs can work in dedicated fields such as Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (MBS), and they have an integral role on the interdisciplinary team. While MBS provides the surgical and metabolic tools to help patients who suffer from the disease of obesity, the RDN role is critical to affect positive patient outcomes. RDNs provide the necessary pre- and postoperative nutritional assessment, education, and counseling to support and facilitate the patient’s weight management and health goals. The RDN has a decisive function to provide evidence-based interventions to prevent and treat nutrition-related risks and complications. RDNs also provide lifelong support and guidance and form strong rapport and relationships with patients. This chapter will provide specific information on the roles and responsibilities of the RDN on the interdisciplinary MBS team.