Bariatric medicine: Difference between revisions

Bariatric medicine is a subspecialty of medicine that focuses on the treatment of obesity and related diseases. It involves the use of surgical procedures and medical treatments to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

* While each patient is different, the following are general guidelines.  

* W8MD affiliated physicians use evidence base medicine with thorough understating of obesity and over 50 of its associated conditions.

* Adapted based on ASBP guidelines, our practice guidelines use the latest evidence in medical research.

* As bariatric medicine experts, we understand the complex hormonal and metabolic effects of obesity, specifically insulin resistance which plays a key role in increasing the risk associated with obesity.

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==Initial Patient Work-Up==

The course of treatment will be based on the patient’s history, physical examination, laboratory work and ECG (when indicated). The focus of the practice will be extensive education on the effects of metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, inflammation, with counseling on behavior modification and nutrition. If these tests were performed recently by other health care providers, we can work with you to obtain copies of these tests that might have been ordered by their primary care providers such as lipid profiles, TSH, EKG etc. to the extent possible. We also intend to involve the patient’s other care givers, especially the primary care provider, in the long term management of the patients obesity associated conditions such as lipid management, hypothyroidism etc. The practice will focus on Behavior therapy, nutrition counseling, eating disorder management, and meal replacement plans.

[[ File:Weight-loss-success-stories.jpeg|thumb|left|Success stories]]

A history of each patient will be taken and recorded. It will include an evaluation of dietary status, a weight history and a history of mental status. Whenever this is a self-fill-in, or computerized history, or one taken by assistants, our physicians will personally evaluate significant positive responses and make appropriate notations.

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==Physical Examination==

The physical examination will include the following:

* Height, weight, blood pressure and pulse.

* Additional examinations will be done which are appropriate for the patient’s age and state of health. Usually this would include examinations of the head, neck, thyroid, heart, lungs, abdomen and extremities.  

* The patient’s records will indicate the status of observations made.

==Diagnostic Studies==

* Laboratory Work: An “executive-type” profile including testing for thyroid function (TSH suggested), liver, kidney function, lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, uric acid, urinalysis, HgA1c etc. will be completed in addition to other laboratory work if indicated. If these tests were ordered recently by other providers, a copy will be requested.

* [[Resting metabolic rate test]] - A test that measures resting metabolic rate.

* Electrocardiogram: Required if there is reasonable evidence of present or past significant cardiac disease. In addition, the potential value of an ECG will be considered if coronary heart risk factors are present; e.g., hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemias or a strong family history of cardiac disease.

* Optional Tests: Body composition using skinfolds, infrared or impedance testing may be performed as additional testing. Other tests may be included at the discretion of our physicians/physician extenders.

* A program, as developed by Dr Tumpati, will be provided for helping the patient in maintaining the weight loss that has been achieved.

* Meal Replacements

* A meal replacement program that aims to limit the choices to the patients and provide a balanced low calorie, low carbohydrate diet will be made available to the patients that might be interested in these products

==Bariatric surgery==

Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective treatments for obesity and is recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater, or a BMI of 35 or greater with obesity-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea. The most common bariatric surgeries are gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding.

==Medications==

Bariatric medicine involves the use of medications, such as appetite suppressants, and lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications and regular exercise, to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

==Comprehensive approach==

Bariatric medicine is a comprehensive approach to the treatment of obesity and related diseases. It involves the use of surgical procedures, medical treatments, and lifestyle modifications to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight and improve their overall health.  

==How can [[W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep and Medspa]] help?==

W8MD is a leading medical weight loss, sleep, and medspa center that offers a comprehensive approach to health and wellness. With experienced doctors trained in the field of [[bariatric medicine]] using evidence based medicine, W8MD is able to help thousands of patients not only [[lose weight]] but also to maintain the weight.

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