Overview

Many healthcare providers, including pharmacists, may not be fully aware of the nuanced effects of bariatric surgery on medication therapy. This activity provides an opportunity to bridge gaps in knowledge and improve patient outcomes.

The educational goal for this CE activity is to equip pharmacists with the knowledge and tools needed to safely and effectively dose and manage medications for patients who have undergone weight loss surgery, as this population continues to grow. This includes understanding the physiological changes caused by weight loss surgeries, their impact on medication therapy, and available evidence-based strategies to overcome these challenges.

Target Audience

Pharmacists in all practice settings.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the anatomical and physiological changes following bariatric surgery and their impact on drug absorption, distribution, metabolism or excretion.
• Identify medications or therapeutic classes that may require adjustments in dosing, formulation, or monitoring in post-bariatric surgery patients.
• Review evidence-based strategies for managing medication therapy, including therapeutic drug monitoring and the selection of appropriate formulations for bariatric surgery patients.
• Discuss the role of pharmacists in interdisciplinary care teams for post-bariatric surgery patients, focusing on optimizing medication safely, efficacy, and adherence.

Evaluation

All participants will have the opportunity to review the educational sessions and speakers and to identify future educational needs.

Statement of Disclosure

In accordance with the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) Standards for Continuing Pharmacy Education, The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy requires that program faculty disclose any relationship (e.g., shareholder, recipient of research grant, consultant or member of an advisory committee) that the faculty may have with commercial companies whose products or services may be mentioned in their presentations. No one involved in the planning of this program has any relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Content Creator

Lydia Maskell, PharmD

Lydia Maskell, PharmD, is a PGY1 Pharmacy Resident at Brown Health Medical Group Primary Care. She is originally from Waddington, New York, and graduated from the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy in May of 2024. Dr. Maskell’s clinical interests include chronic disease states and medication therapy management. She hopes to stay in Rhode Island and pursue a career in ambulatory care following the completion of her residency in July.

CE Credit

Steps to complete the program and claim credit:

1. Watch the video at the top of this page.
2. Login or create an account in LUX LMS, URI’s learning management and CE reporting system, using your email address and professional license number. Complete all required account set up fields to ensure accurate CE reporting.
3. Select “Available On-Line Activities” or “Home Study Programs” to find the educational activity.
4. Select Take Post-Test and proceed to secure online payment (Visa, MC, AMEX, Discover and Electronic Checks are accepted).

Requirements for Credit

Completion of the online educational activity and a program evaluation are required to earn credit. No partial credit is available for this program. Evaluations must be completed at www.uripharmacycpd.org within 60 days.

The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This application-based program will provide 1.0 Contact Hour (0.1 CEU) for pharmacists. UAN: 0060-0000-25-028-H01-P

Release Date: June 25, 2025 Expiration Date: June 25, 2026