Tracy Shelton is a business owner and mom of two teenagers who leads a busy lifestyle. Four years ago, she underwent bariatric surgery at Fort Sanders Regional
Medical Center and has since lost 175 pounds. She works hard to maintain her habits post-operation, and encourages others who are in similar situations that there are options available.

Down and Depressed

Tracy before Gastric Sleeve

After suffering an injury that tore several ligaments in her left knee, Shelton had multiple surgeries to fix her damaged tissue. It was a devastating time that required a long recovery process. One year after knee surgery she reached her highest weight, which was about 310 pounds.

“I have always been an active person, and my weight hovered around the 200 mark,” Shelton explains. “But being inactive after my knee injury made me depressed. I was so limited in my mobility during that time. My doctor told me the extra weight I put on was putting a strain on my body, especially my knee that was trying to heal. He suggested I look into bariatric surgery, so I did.”

Tracy is 175 lbs lighter after surgery

At Fort Sanders Regional

Shelton underwent a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, known as a vertical sleeve gastrectomy. The surgeon removes a portion of the stomach through several small incisions in the upper abdomen. Limiting the size of the stomach restricts the amount of food a person is able to consume.

Mark Colquitt, MD, bariatric surgery specialist with Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons, performed the procedure in June 2018 at Fort Sanders Center for Bariatric Surgery. “We knew of Dr. Colquitt, and he was great,” she says. “I had a good experience with the nurses, too.”

She stayed one night in the hospital and went home the following day. Dr. Colquitt says many patients getting a sleeve gastrectomy tolerate the procedure very well and often go home the same day.

Dr. Colquitt explains the type of weight-loss procedure depends on the patient and their other health conditions. He emphasizes the safety of the procedures and how well his patients are able to tolerate them. “Tracy was clearly a good candidate for the sleeve,” he says.

“Physical recovery is quick,” Dr. Colquitt says. “Within a week, patients can typically get back to their usual activities.

Mark Colquitt, MD
Bariatric Surgeon

“The biggest thing for a patient right after bariatric surgery is to follow the diet progression, control their eating and drinking habits, and to wait 30 minutes after eating before drinking liquids. Otherwise, the flushing of the food with liquid could affect weight loss or cause discomfort.”

Milestones and Motivation

Shelton owns a home cleaning service and is on her feet most of the day. “Now that I’ve lost all the weight, I realize how much I struggled to move around before. With a heavier body it would hurt to be on my feet all day.”

Now weighing 135 pounds, she says it was a personal milestone to see a number on the scale read less than 200 pounds. She can also enjoy amusement parks with her two children. She says, “Before, I wouldn’t have the energy, or I was told I was too big for the ride. Now, it’s a lot more fun because I can move around easier.”

A New Way of Living

Shelton has come off her depression medication and says her mindset shift has played a major part in her weight-loss and health journey. Shelton encourages everyone who may be struggling with body image or eating habits to reach out for help.

“Anyone who has asked me how I do it, I tell them, you have to have a good doctor, good support and ask for help if you need it. If you don’t know how to meal prep, or feel you are falling behind or not making progress, just ask for help.

“I would definitely recommend Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center to a friend,” she says.

Dr. Colquitt encourages patients to attend the classes, meet with dieticians and accept the lifestyle changes indefinitely, especially related to eating and drinking, in order to keep the weight off.

“For Tracy, our first goal was to reduce her BMI from 48 to 40, then when that happens, strive for 35, then 30, so she would not be in the obese category anymore,” he says.

“It’s about creating healthy habits that help us live longer and enjoy the quality of life that we want, and she has done that. She has done great.”

If you’re considering bariatric surgery, the first step is to watch the free onliner informational seminar offered by Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons. Visit the GET STARTED page for details on how to view it.

Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons is affiliated with the Fort Sanders Center for Bariatric Surgery in Knoxville. Foothills is a division of Premier Surgical Bariatrics.

The post Friendsville Mom Loses 175 Lbs After Weight Loss Surgery first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Bariatric surgery can often benefit morbidly obese people or those with obesity-related illnesses who have been unable to lose weight through other methods. Parkwest Medical Center’s Center for Bariatric Surgery is led by K. Robert Williams, MD, FACS, FASMBS, who is board certified in bariatric surgery with New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery and Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville. Dr. Williams has performed more than 1,500 bariatric procedures in the past decade. The team at Parkwest is excited to offer this surgical specialty to our community.

Dr. Williams will perform the following weight loss procedures at Parkwest Medical Center:

• Biliary Pancreatic Diversion: With this procedure, portions of the stomach are removed. The small pouch that remains is connected directly to the final segment of the small intestine, completely bypassing the upper part of the small intestines. Weight loss occurs because most of the calories and nutrients are routed into the colon where they are not absorbed.
• Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB): This is a laparoscopic procedure with small incisions in the upper abdomen. The surgeon puts an adjustable band around the top part of the stomach. This creates a very small stomach pouch. The small stomach pouch means that you’ll feel full after eating less food. The band is adjustable.
• Gastric sleeve (laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy): This type of procedure permanently reduces the stomach to the size and shape of a banana, which restricts the amount of food that can be eaten. Patients lose weight by eating fewer calories. This procedure also impacts the production of ghrelin, a hormone that may be partly responsible for making you feel hungry.
• Gastric bypass (laparoscopic Roux-en Y): Considered the gold standard for weight loss surgery, this procedure reduces the stomach through stapling and “bypasses” the large intestines, which results in less calorie absorption and creates a sense of satisfaction with less food. The surgery results in less production of ghrelin.

Interested in Learning More About Weight Loss Surgery at Parkwest Medical Center?

Attend one of our FREE monthly informational seminars. Call (865) 374-PARK (7275) to register today!

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The post Dr. Williams Leads Parkwest Center for Bariatric Surgery first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Factors Leading to Obesity

There are several factors that contribute to the United States’ growing problem with obesity. Some of these factors include:

• Consumption of too many calories
  The average person’s daily calorie intake has almost doubled in the last 10 years. Over-eating is a main cause of overweight and obesity.
• Sedentary lifestyle
  The increasing number of modern conveniences has caused many people to become less active. The lack of physical activity can affect how the hormones work, especially with food. A sedentary lifestyle can also lead to unstable insulin levels which can cause weight gain.
• Lack of sleep
  Lack of sleep doubles one’s risk of becoming obese. Sleep deprivation can cause hormonal changes which can lead a person to overeat.

Health Risks Associated with Obesity

Since 2013, the American Medical Association has officially classified obesity as a disease.  It is a chronic disease with many health problems associated with it. These include heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoarthritis, gout, some cancers, and breathing problems like sleep apnea.

Managing Obesity

Initially, lifestyle changes like adjusting one’s diet and physical activity, are recommended for people who are obese. While lifestyle changes work for some obese individuals, they may not work for others especially those with a BMI of 40 and above with comorbidities. For patients who belong in this category, bariatric surgery is often recommended.

Bariatric surgery aids in weight loss as it can restrict the amount of food one can consume and cause malabsorption of nutrients. For many patients, the risk of death from obesity-related conditions is greater than the risks associated with the procedure, a key reason why the number of patients electing to have bariatric surgery continues to increase. Patients who have had the procedure report improvements in their health, quality of life, social interactions, employment opportunities, and overall well-being.

If you are struggling with obesity, the staff at Foothills Weight Loss Specialists or New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery can evaluate your individual eligibility to recommend the best treatment option for you.

The post Obesity is a Chronic Disease first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Are you healthy enough for surgery? Many physicians are assessing the health of their patients and encouraging  them to “get in shape” before they are able to undergo any surgical procedure. Some medical professionals are referring to this preparation as “pre-hab.”

Pre-habilitation

Patient preparation, or “pre-habilitation” has often been overlooked in the past. Because surgery can potentially put a lot of stress on the body, patients should go in for an operation healthy and prepared. The team at Premier Surgical in Knoxville stresses the importance of overall health to their patients when discussing surgery options.

Of course, some procedures are required with little-to-no notice, but patients who have scheduled operations should do their best to prepare ahead of time. By improving their health before going into surgery, they are able to lessen the risk of complications both during and after the procedure.

Studies have shown that patients who smoke, are obese, or have an unhealthy diet and lifestyle have more wound-healing complications and issues with infection or inflammation after surgery. The healthier a patient is going into surgery, the better chance they have of a quick and easy recovery time. This also may mean reduced time in the hospital. Many patients who go through pre-habilitation need less supervised physical therapy and are able to perform regular, daily tasks earlier in the recovery process.

Health and Nutrition Before Surgery

Not only should patients strive to be physically in shape, but they should also be conscious of basic nutrition and eating habits. The food one eats can affect the body’s inflammation and pain levels. Patients who consume a lot of unhealthy trans and saturated fats may have increased inflammation in the body, resulting in more pain after surgery.

Patients are encouraged to choose lean meats such as poultry or fish, and to opt for low-fat dairy products. Fruits and vegetables are also an important part of a healthy diet, especially dark greens and berries. They provide the body with both nutrients and antioxidants to strengthen the immune system and aid in fighting off infections. Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber which also helps to reduce inflammation.

Are you preparing to undergo a surgical procedure in the near future?  Learn more about the specialties and services offered at Premier Surgical in Knoxville on our website.

We want you to have a successful surgery and a speedy recovery!

The post Getting in Shape for Surgery first appeared on Premier Surgical.

In the last 18 months, Debra Hinson, 50, has lost nearly 100 pounds. The Sevierville resident said she has revamped not only her body, but her mind and spirit as well.

“I have been on every diet that you can possibly think of my whole life,” Hinson said. “Grapefruit diet, cabbage soup. But nothing worked for long. “I have always been heavy. My family is heavy. I’ve tried cutting my food in half, diet plans and programs, Fen-Phen, just about anything,” she said. “At one point I was up to 267 pounds.”

Facing sleep problems, depression, arthritis and a very high body mass index, Hinson turned to Jonathan H. Ray, MD, with Foothills Weight Loss Specialists, and a surgeon at the Center for Bariatric Surgery at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville.

After reviewing her case, Dr. Ray recommended sleeve gastrectomy, a minimally invasive weight loss procedure in which the stomach is reduced to about 25 percent of its original size. The remaining stomach, instead of being kidney-shaped, is shaped more like a tube or sleeve. The surgery is performed with laparoscopic instruments, typically through five small incisions in the abdomen.

“The sleeve gastrectomy is the most common weight loss operation performed in the world,” said Dr. Ray. “It’s a less complex operation with lower risks and costs, providing near comparable weight loss and improvement or resolution of co-morbid conditions as compared to more complex procedures. This is very attractive to most patients.”

He performed Hinson’s procedure in September 2014. Dr. Ray said most patients lose a significant amount of weight and keep it off with a sleeve gastrectomy.  “They can do well with surgery if they will change their living habits. They need to become accountable and more active, eat better and exercise,” he said.

And that’s what Hinson has done. Always an exerciser and runner, she still runs three or four days each week.

“I have a love-hate relationship with running,” she said with a laugh. “I started running before the surgery, and I actually ran the Covenant Half Marathon in 2011 at 225 pounds. It took me three hours and 30 minutes to run it. I ran the full marathon before surgery, too. It took me six hours and 19 minutes. So now I’m working up to running the marathon again at a lower weight.”

She added that her eating habits have undergone the biggest change. “Portion control has been an issue. Now I don’t have a choice,” she said. “Once you have this surgery your portion control is made for you. If I eat more than I should, I’ll be sick.”

Hinson eats a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. For breakfast she might have a whole-wheat English muffin with turkey bacon and ham. For lunch she has a chicken breast or tuna and a salad. And dinner? She plans that out ahead of time.

“Tonight it’s salmon, quinoa and sautéed spinach,” she said. “Food preparation, that’s a big thing. Planning your meals is a big, big help. I shop and plan for the week, and planning is your success. This is not just a diet; it’s a lifestyle change, and to be successful you have to plan.”

Hinson acknowledges the weight could come back if she overeats, because her stomach could enlarge again. “I could graze all day and gain the weight back, or I can eat the way I should eat. My choice is to eat the right way,” she said.

Most patients, Dr. Ray said, are successful in their weight loss goals. “The majority of patients, can keep off the weight long-term if they adhere to the proper bariatric diet, adequate exercise, attend support groups and regular follow up visits,” said Dr. Ray.

He noted that a benefit of the surgery is its positive effect on chronic health conditions.

“Most patients having this surgery have chronic health conditions. Type II diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea  usually markedly improve or resolve following weight loss surgery. This results in a reduced number of medications needed as well as in substantial savings on the cost of medications.

“ Less than one percent of patients have any major complications, and most people go home within 36 hours of surgery. Most only have mild discomfort following the surgery and by one week start a healthy bariatric diet,” Dr. Ray said.

“Our biggest thing is, if you’re ready to make a change and ready to make a commitment, you can do fine. If you’re ready to live it out and be supported by other patients who have walked the walk, you can do it. Our  commitment to you is that we will be with you through your entire journey and for the rest of your life.”

The Center for Bariatric Surgery offers a number of support groups for patients after their bariatric surgery. Hinson attends a monthly group at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center.

“I go to a monthly support group,” said Hinson. “It’s always informational. They ask whether you’re having problems or pain, and we swap recipes. This month they went shopping to read food labels, which is great. It’s always a learning process.”

Hinson said her sleep problems have resolved, and she no longer struggles with depression.

“I’m within 27 pounds of my goal weight, and I’m still working on it,” she said. “I think when you go on a diet and it works for awhile, and then it doesn’t work and you fail, that brings you down. Since I had ‘the sleeve’ and have lost the weight, my self-esteem has come up. I’m not taking antidepressants. I feel better all around.”

Hinson said she would recommend Dr. Ray and his staff to anyone thinking about bariatric surgery.

“I have recommended Dr. Ray to anyone who has come to me and said they were interested. He is the most inspirational and compassionate man. His bedside manner is great, and he’s a friend. He puts himself in your shoes. He’s truly there with you.

“I would do the surgery again in a heartbeat,” she added. “All I can say is, it’s a blessing and I’m glad I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Ray. He’s great and this has been a godsend for me. I know I’ll have many more years to go with what he has given to me.”

To learn if you’re a candidate for bariatric surgery with Foothills Weight Loss Specialists, call (865) 984-3413 or visit www.foothillsweightloss.com

The post A blessing for body, mind and spirit first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Daniel and Stacey Rorie have lost a combined 250 pounds after coming to Foothills Weight Loss Specialists and the Bariatric Center of Excellence at Fort Sanders Regional. “I did not realize how much the weight had slowed me down,” says Daniel.

The Rories, who live in Blaine, Tenn., have lost a combined total of about 250 pounds with the help of Fort Sanders Center for Bariatric Surgery. Life has changed.

Married since 1993, the Rories have two teenagers, ages 16 and 18. Before bariatric surgery, the simple task of getting the kids where they needed to go on time was exhausting.

“We couldn’t do a lot of the things we wanted to do with them, anymore,” Daniel says. “Between trying to keep up with both of them, we were just worn out.”

They tried a series of diets, but nothing worked. “We did low fat, we did low calorie, we did vegetable soup,” Daniel says. “Anything you can think of, we did it.”

The results were always the The results were always the same. They would lose several pounds, but then gain the weight back. Sometimes, they gained more than they had lost.

The turning point came in the summer of 2014 when Daniel had what he calls “a heart scare.” After being rushed to a hospital at 339 pounds, he decided it was time to go to the next level. “As a last resort, I started researching surgery,” he says.

Stacey, at 267 pounds, was still a little reluctant. “I’ve been an ER nurse for a long time,” she says, “and as an ER nurse, all you see are the patients who have complications.”

She hadn’t yet become acquainted with the high standards and success rates at the Bariatric Center of Excellence at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. “I needed to really spend some time in the literature, and see what was out there,” Stacey says.

Their research led them to the Foothills Weight Loss Specialists office of Drs. Mark Colquitt and Jonathan Ray. “I looked around all over the country, and a lot of the weight loss surgeries were done by clinics,” Daniel says. “It was important to both of us to have the surgery at a hospital, where the doctors were local, and you could actually get in touch with the surgeons.”

Dr. Mark Colquitt and Dr. Jonathan Ray

Stacey felt good about going to Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. “We learned that Dr. Colquitt and Dr. Ray have a good reputation,” says Stacey, “and that they provide a lot of support outside of just the surgery.”

Research had also told the Rories that if they wanted surgery to be uccessful long term, they were going to need plenty of that support. Fort Sanders Center for Bariatric Surgery offers support groups, and membership agreements with Fort Sanders Health and Fitness Center, among other efforts, to ensure patients’ success after checking out of the hospital.

“It’s more about focusing on that whole life change,” Stacey  says. After reviewing all the options, the Rories made a decision to undergo the gastric sleeve procedure, which reduces the size of the stomach. The procedure has a high success rate and low incidence of complications.

Deciding that they would do it together or not at all, Daniel and Stacey Rorie underwent the procedure on the same day in 2014. Today, Daniel is 150 pounds lighter, and Stacey has lost more than 100 pounds.

“It was fantastic,” Stacey says of her experience with Fort Sanders Center for Bariatric Surgery. “I can’t brag on it enough.”

“I can honestly say it’s much more than I expected,” Daniel agrees. “I cannot believe how much support there is, and how involved they still are in our lives.”

Stacey is smaller now than she was in high school. Daniel says he feels 20 years younger. “It’s just a whole new world, really,” Daniel says. “I did not realize how much the weight had slowed me down.”

Stacey agrees, saying this process has made them aware of just how much morbid obesity had taken from them. Weight loss surgery has been as much about what they’ve gained as it has been about what they’ve lost.

“I don’t think we realized the things we gave up,” Stacey says. “For example, when we first got married we used to do a lot of hiking and a lot of camping, and then we realized we hadn’t done any of that in a really long time.”

“We’re now able to go out and do things that we have not been able to do in years, and we just have much more fun together,” Daniel says. “It’s definitely changed us, it’s changed the way we approach other people, and it’s made a huge difference in our lives.”

What you should know…

Daniel and Stacey Rorie did their homework before choosing bariatric surgery. If it’s something you’re considering, here’s how they say you can make sure you have the best possible experience.

Have the surgery in a facility that is an accredited center with the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP).

Find a surgeon who has experience and a good reputation. Make sure extensive support will be available after the surgery.

Be ready to change your way of thinking about food.

To learn more about the weight loss options available through Foothills Weight Loss Specialists and the Fort Sanders Center for Bariatric Surgery, visit www.foothillsweightloss.com or call 865-984-3413.

The post Husband and Wife Find Answer to Weight Loss Battle first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Lori Rogers’ transformation from before weight loss surgery to after is astonishing. Thanks to Dr. Jonathan Ray of Foothills Weight Loss and the Center for Bariatric Surgery at Fort Sanders Regional, she has lost close to one 100 pounds

Moments of joy can come from the strangest of circumstances. Lori Rogers’ laundry is a perfect example. She was going about the mundane task of folding clothes when she stopped to look at a pair of her shorts. She held them up, and that’s when she got that little burst of happiness.

“Never in my lifetime did I think I would be wearing something this small,” Rogers says.

Rogers has lost about a 100 pounds since weight loss surgery performed by board certified surgeon Jonathan Ray, MD. Ray and Mark Colquitt, MD of Foothills Weight Loss Specialists, perform weight loss procedures at the Center for Bariatric Surgery at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center.

“It’s not about the size that I’m wearing,” Rogers explains, “but it’s about realizing where I was at, how far I’ve come, and how much better I feel because I’ve lost so much weight.”

Rogers has indeed come a long way in her weight loss journey, and she came a long way to get started. Her home is in Cleveland, Tenn., but her insurance would only cover weight loss procedures performed by a few providers in Knoxville.

Before Lori RogersKnoxville was a place where her weight had devastated her in the past. She has vivid and not-too-happy memories from the time she landed a position as an usher for the University of Tennessee’s football program.

“I’m a big UT fan, and I was really excited about getting a chance to go up there and work,” Rogers says. “I ushered about half the season, but I had to stand for five hours at each game, and my feet would hurt so bad that I would be almost in tears on the drive back to Cleveland.”

Rogers came to terms with the fact that it wasn’t a problem that could be solved by changing shoes. There was no denying the real source of her pain and exhaustion. “I knew it was my weight. I had to walk up lots of steps in the stadium, and I would be out of breath,” she says.

“My heart would just race rapidly as I went back and forth through the stadium. That was one of the big things that helped me decide I had to do something.”

The weight first began piling on, she says, with pregnancy and the birth of her children. She had always considered herself an average-sized person, so when her weight went above average and stayed there it was a problem inside and out.

First, it was her self-esteem that suffered, because she was unhappy with the way she looked. Then the weight began to take its toll physically. Rogers’ family loves to be outdoors, and she began to notice that she couldn’t enjoy activities like hiking or even playing in the yard. Her blood pressure and cholesterol worsened. Then there was the back pain, and the pain in her feet.

“I tried every kind of diet,” Rogers says. “I might lose a little bit of weight, but then I would gain it right back.” Weighing 223 pounds at a height of five feet and three inches, she took stock of her life, and where it was going. “I’ve got to do something,” she said to herself at the time, “or I’m just going to die obese.”

A good friend who was also planning to have weight loss surgery invited Rogers to go along for a visit to Dr. Ray. Rogers had a chance to see firsthand how Dr. Ray and his staff interacted with patients, and something clicked. She knew they would give her both the expertise and the personal care she needed.

“I absolutely fell in love with Dr. Ray and his staff,” Rogers says. “They were super amazing.” She knew she had made the right choice from the first time she met with Dr. Ray. “He gave me all the different options, everyone was so encouraging,” Rogers says.

“They are really concerned about you as a person.” After hearing all the information, then taking some time to think and pray about it, Rogers says she opted for the gastric sleeve procedure in February, 2013.

“Since that day, things have gone for the better, every day,” Rogers says. “I went from a size 22 pants to a size five or smaller, and from a size 2XL to a size small or medium.” Rogers only mentions those sizes to measure the change for people who want to know. The best part of the transformation for her has been from the inside out.

“I’m healthy now, I don’t take blood pressure medicine anymore, and I’m down to one pill a day on my heart medicine instead of three,” Rogers says happily. “I can go hiking, I can get outside and play with my kids, I can stand on my feet, and I feel so much better about myself.”

She’s also able to take on Neyland Stadium, walking the steps from the bottom to the top, “and I still have breath in my lungs when I get to the top – I don’t feel like I’m going to pass out!”

Rogers advises other who are struggling the way she was to get the facts about medical procedures that can help. She realizes that the decision to undergo weight loss surgery is a very personal one. It certainly was for her. But she came to realize that living with obesity put her at greater risk than surgery ever would.

“Dr. Ray is awesome, and I would recommend him as one of the best in the United States!” she says. “I highly recommend weight loss surgery, and I would do it over again.”

For information about a free bariatric surgery informational seminar, visit click here or visit www.foothillsweightloss.com.

The post Life gets better every day – Rogers finds Knoxville surgeon for life-changing procedure first appeared on Premier Surgical.

There’s good news and bad news when it comes to the number of weight loss surgeries performed in the United States. The good news: more Americans than ever are having bariatric surgery. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), over half a million people in the United States under went a weight loss procedure between 2011 and 2013. That’s a 15 percent increase. It means more people are taking steps to overcome obesity and the many comorbidities associated with it such diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, and acid reflux.

The post Bariatric Surgeries are Up, But the Obesity Fight Continues first appeared on Premier Surgical.

The guidelines urge primary health providers to measure patients’ body mass index (BMI) at least annually and identify those who may be at high risk of heart attack, stroke, or other diseases because of their excess weight. Physicians are encouraged to develop individual weight loss plans for patients who are overweight (with a BMI of 25 or more) or obese (BMI of 30 or higher).

Individual weight loss plans may include lifestyle and behavioral programs that feature a reduced calorie diet, exercise, and counseling.

For morbidly obese patients (BMI over 40 or BMI of 35 with comorbidity), the offer to refer the individual to an experienced bariatric surgeon for consultation and evaluation is suggested as an adjunct to the comprehensive lifestyle intervention.

This recommendation may help dispel misconceptions some physicians have long held about the merit and safety of bariatric surgery. The new guidelines note that bariatric surgery “leads to improvements in both weight-related outcomes and many obesity-related comorbid conditions. The benefit-to-risk ratio may be favorable in appropriately selected patients at high risk for obesity-related morbidity and mortality.” While the new guidelines are an important step in giving primary care physicians a tool to help patients win the war on obesity, there is still much room for improvement. Attitudes towards obesity are still slow to change. More education is needed to help the public, and even physicians, recognize that obesity is a chronic condition that requires lifetime treatment.

It may ultimately be up to patients to arm themselves with information, such as these new guidelines, and demand that their healthcare provider better partner with them in managing their weight and their long-term health.

Mark A. Colquitt, MD, FACS, FASMBS, is Director of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery at Blount Memorial Hospital in Maryville, Tennessee, and is a bariatric surgeon with Foothills Weight Loss Specialists, a division of Premier Surgical Associates. Colquitt is board certified by the American Board of Surgery. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and is a member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. For more information, visit www.foothillsweightloss.com.

The post New Guidelines Give Physicians Roadmap for Obesity Treatment first appeared on Premier Surgical.

For generations, the Southerland family have lived and died in the tiny town of Washburn, Tennessee. The rural community, nestled in the Clinch Valley, has barely over 2,500 residents. There’s no police station or even a red light. The closest city, Rutledge, is over Clinch Mountain, some 15 miles away.

“It’s very rural country,” said Karen Cullom. “My mother’s family, the Southerlands, have probably been in Washburn over a hundred years. Going back from my mother, Pauline Southerland, her mother, and mother before them.”

Karen also raised her daughter, Laken Bailey, in Washburn. The Southerland women are close knit and share many family traits and traditions. However, one family tradition the women have fought to break is the cycle of obesity.

Food and family go hand-in-hand, especially in the south. Families share meals and pass along favorite recipes. Unfortunately, they often pass along unhealthy ways of cooking and eating.

“Good country cooking with lots of butter and lard,” explained Karen. “My Granny couldn’t fix green beans without adding a spoonful of lard. That’s what we ate.”

And with a diet that included lots of fat, sugar, and salt, Karen, her mother Pauline, and daughter Laken, packed on the pounds. The turning point came when Karen needed knee surgery at age 39.

“The doctor said to have the knee replacement, I had to lose a lot of weight first,” said Karen. “He recommended bariatric surgery.”

Karen attended one of our Foothills Weight Loss Specialists’ surgical seminars and started the process of becoming a bariatric surgery patient. I performed a gastric bypass on her in February of 2010. In this procedure, the small intestine is rerouted to a smaller stomach pouch, thereby limiting the amount of food a person can eat and reducing calorie absorption.

The surgery was life-changing for Karen. “My quality of life was better. I lost over 100 pounds and could breathe better, and had more endurance,” said Karen. “Just walking across the parking lot or up the stairs, my knees felt better.”

Karen wanted the same success for her mother and daughter. “My Mom was my support person, and I encouraged her to do the surgery. I knew it could also help Laken. She was so young, and I think she was scared to acknowledge she had a weight problem.”

Twenty-year-old Laken was reluctant about the procedure. “I had been overweight my whole life and gained more after I had a baby,” said Laken. “I was scared to do surgery, but I saw how much it helped my Mom.”

Laken and her Grandmother, Pauline, attended a seminar at Foothills Weight Loss Specialists to learn more about bariatric surgery.

“I wanted to get off my cholesterol and blood pressure medicine,” said Pauline. “Laken and I decided to do the surgery process together.”

Grandmother and granddaughter became teammates, with Karen cheering them on. Laken underwent gastric-bypass in December of 2011 and Pauline had the same procedure a month later. Adjusting to the surgery and a new way of eating wasn’t easy.

“I had my surgery right before Christmas, and it was terrible lying there drinking protein shakes, while everyone ate casseroles and cake,” remembered Laken.

But, as the weight came off, Laken, her mother, and grandmother encouraged each other to exercise and to stick to their healthier diets. “We realized we all did best when we fix and eat our food together,” said Laken.

Foothills Weight Loss Specialists’ dietician taught the women new ways to cook.

“We learned how to fix food better,” said Karen. “We get fresh vegetables from our garden. Instead of frying with lots of butter or lard, now things are steamed or baked.”

And, the women eat differently. “I can’t eat ice cream at night anymore,” said Pauline. “I carry little 100 calorie snacks with me and avoid the foods I can’t eat.”

At a follow-up visit at our office in August, Laken had lost 60 pounds and Pauline nearly 50 pounds. Both enjoy being able to move more easily with their new, lighter bodies.

“At Myrtle Beach, I parked and walked six blocks to play putt-putt with my great-grandson,” smiled Pauline.

And Laken is determined that a healthy lifestyle, not obesity, is the family tradition she passes on to her young son.

Jonathan H. Ray, MD, FACS, FASMBS, is a bariatric surgeon for Foothills Weight Loss Specialists, a division of Premier Surgical Associates. Ray is board certified by the American Board of Surgery. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. He is a member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. For more information, visit www.foothillsweightloss.com.

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