CONCURRENT SESSION 3: Pre-op Weight Considerations

Orthopedics and Obesity: Finding a Joint Solution

Najwan Alsulaimi, MBBS, ABIM
Bariatric Fellow
University of Ottawa and LEAF Weight Management Clinic
Ottawa, ON

Najwan Alsulaimi earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree at King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia. She then completed her residency in internal medicine at George Washington University in Washington, DC. 

Her interest in Obesity as a disease has started early. Her brother suffers from obesity and early-onset Type 2 Diabetes which motivated her mother, a professional chef, to author a cookbook targeting diabetic patients and Dr. Alsulaimi to learn and teach nutrition to her high school peers then to choose Medicine as a profession. This was the base for her clinical interests in treating and preventing obesity as a chronic disease with a comprehensive and long-term multi-disciplinary approach. She believes that personalization is key in a successful weight management collaboration. She empowers individuals to enjoy making healthier decisions throughout the day. 

Dr. Alsulaimi is currently doing a fellowship in Bariatric Medicine through University of Ottawa.

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Presentation Overview:

There is significant evidence in the literature to support the premise that patients with excess
weight are at a higher risk of peri-operative complications of total joint arthroplasty. Orthopedists and other professionals are increasingly challenged to determine the best options for these patients and to counsel patients regarding the management of their weight. During this session, we will discuss the current evidence and practice of preoperative weight management prior to orthopedic procedures.