Today, I will briefly open the door and discuss the pain of obesity–the physical pain and specifically how this toll impacts the body.
I am a board-certified, fellowship-trained, and practicing bariatric surgeon with 15 years of experience. I specialize in bariatric surgery, complex revisions, but also perform many general surgeries, including gallbladder surgery and hernia repairs. My practice, LoneStar Bariatrics, is located throughout the metroplex, and I have offices in Plano, Hurst, and Waxahachie.
As a private practitioner, I assume many roles, including psychologist, endocrinologist, cardiologist, nephrologist, but truly, my biggest and most important role is being a supporter and fighting for patients’ insurance coverage as much as their health care.
Today, my role is no more important than an advocate and writer.
First, I want to discuss and target obesity and joint pain.
The mental, physical, and psychological pain is not just a heavy burden but can be debilitating. Even crippling.
This also translates into significant stress on the knee. The mechanical stress increases the load such that every pound matters and exerts approximately four to six pounds of pressure on each knee. Thus, a person who is 10lbs overweight places an additional 40-60 pounds of pressure on their knees. This load accelerates wear and tear and can lead to conditions like osteoarthritis. Studies show morbid obesity patients are nearly 10 times more likely to develop knee osteoarthritis.
In addition to contributing to arthritis and other musculoskeletal issues, obesity can cause diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, sleep apnea, liver disease, certain tumors and cancers, and psychiatric disorders.
The struggles of bariatric surgery are numerous. And yes, this struggle is a heavy, painful burden, literally and figuratively, as stated above.
I would like to introduce my FIVE-step process on how to combat obesity:
#1 guilt and admission
#2 identify causes
#3 plan
#4 implement
#5 analyze results
I will detail each of these in my upcoming posts.
Though we each have some similar stories and experiences, our stories are also unique and differ, as do our successes and pains. Pain means suffering and struggles. Each and every one of us experiences these. Both!
Our staff at LoneStar Bariatrics want to help. Help shed light, help you shed pounds, and offer options!!
Non-invasive options such as:
- Music
- Exercise
- Mind & Body techniques
- Scripture
More invasive options, including:
- Medicines
- Surgery
Let me start by telling you that if you believe, if you reach deep within, you CAN stop the pain.
You can prosper.
You can succeed.
You can move a mountain.
But… YOU must stay motivated. You must commit.
People are motivated for a number of different reasons. We want to identify YOUR reason.
We want you to succeed!
I hope you enjoy this article detailing some of the support and advocacy for both health care providers and patients. While reading this today, stop, self-reflect, and analyze your story.
