Why a Bariatric Practice?
As our clinic has just launched its new website, I find myself reflecting on all of the reasons behind why I wanted to start a Weight Management Clinic in 2001. Why I would want to leave a single physician consulting practice with one staff nurse (Wendy) and develop what has now become a physician based behaviour modification clinic consisting of 4 counsellors and 2 client staff support workers.
When I decided to move toward the preventative side of medicine, I truly had no idea of the burgeoning scientific knowledge that was developing into the cause and treatment of obesity. To learn and stay ahead of others, we felt that the continuing medical education of all our staff was an absolute necessity. In 2008 alone I have attended 3 major review ‘summits' (Boston, Cleveland and Phoenix), the counsellors have attended 2 or 3 in Montreal, Phoenix and Tampa and some of the support staff have attended a recent behaviour modification course in Boston.
When I reflect upon the traditional ‘doctor' role I used to have, it now seems rather simplified. I would identify a disease and treat it accordingly. However, helping people change their own health by reducing weight and exercising, learning stress reduction and learning to become self-sufficient in their own health care is a huge challenge.
Obesity is a very complicated disorder involving neuro- hormones (brain) and gut hormones, along with over 100 genes that dictate our weight. Now add to that our changing society with larger portions, TV's, computers, cars, along with the necessity of most families having to have two incomes and manage children, financial stresses, and many other factors. It becomes very difficult to help people lose weight and then keep it off for a lifetime.
We have no drugs for obesity. There are no ‘fat burners'. Also, we cannot yet modify our genetic makeup or modulate those brain and gut hormones which dictate how much and where we will layer fat. Similarly, there are not any reliable long term studies to really show us how each individual should eat. There are many books, many food guide pyramids and many theories, yet it still comes down to what works for any particular individual.
For some, the only hope is surgical intervention (gastric bypass or the lap band); for most, it's a willingness to seek help for ongoing behaviour change. Each of us at our clinic knows how hard it is. We know how frustrating it is, but we know how healthy people will become if they only don't allow themselves to become discouraged.
When I see those people that we have been able to take off insulin, who are now able to walk without cane or walker, who are off their blood pressure medication or who just discover how wonderful life becomes when they are able to look the way they want and feel who now feel confident in their appearance, this encourages me. I then truly feel like a doctor, because I've not only helped the physical aspect of a person, I've attended to their psychological needs as a human being.
This undertaking is the hardest thing I've done in my career. Who would have thought? Helping people when they are down on themselves, trying to get them not to give up on themselves is not an easy task. But, if we can help as many people as we can achieve a good life balance and help them to become physically and psychologically healthy, then the effort was worth it.
We are your support. We will always stand with you in times of adversity.
I can only hope that none of you ever give up on yourselves, because we will never give up on you – no matter what the issue is that is holding you back.
Keep on trying. You can do it.
Dr Doug