Across America, over 70 million adults are obese. That alarming number continues to increase with the prevalence of artificial food additives, sedentary jobs and lifestyles, and unhealthy habits. While medical intervation can transform lives, weight loss surgery is far from an easy fix. It’s hard work!
No Easy Solution
According to the Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Wisconsin Madison, 41% of adults and 15% of children in Wisconsin are obese. As these numbers increase each year, so does the potential of developing additional health problems like hypertension, sleep apnea, diabetes, and joint issues.
Despite the major health repercussions of obesity and a desire to make a change, losing weight can be challenging. More than ever, people are considering weight loss surgery to lose weight and regain control of their lives.
“This is a disease; it’s not a choice,” says Dr. Raymond Georgen, a Board-Certified General Surgeon and Co-Director of the ThedaCare Bariatrics program. “What you must remember is that if you decide to go down the surgical path, you must use it correctly.”
The program was launched in 2002 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah. It features a multidisciplinary approach that combines nutrition education and support groups with surgical weight loss options.
A person’s weight loss journey often begins with a realization.
“It takes a lot of courage to look in the mirror and say, I’m obese or I’m morbidly obese,” Dr. Georgen says. “The first part of the journey is the recognition and enrolling in a bariatric program.”
Success Requires Commitment
Opting to undergo surgery to shed weight isn’t a simple process. Instead it is one that requires dedication.
Dr. Raymond Georgen, Co-Director, ThedaCare Bariatrics
Losing weight takes time and commitment.
“It’s not like a fad diet out there,” Dr. Georgen says. “It’s an emotional commitment that you must make.”
Individuals who consume too many calories may find themselves gaining weight.
“That’s great if it’s your checking account, but it’s not great when it’s your body,” Dr. Georgen says. “The surplus, if not expended, is stored in the body as fat, which can spiral out of control.”
A BMI calculator can help people gauge whether they’re at a healthy weight. In general, a BMI between 18.5 and 25 indicates a normal weight. A BMI between 25 and 29 is considered overweight, and a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.
“When you hit a BMI of 35, that’s called severe obesity,” Dr. Georgen says. “That’s when people start showing up on our radar screen as someone who could benefit from surgical intervention.”
Obesity can negatively impact a person’s lifespan and quality of life. It can also lead to many other medical problems.
“If you’re 30 years old and you weigh 150 or 200 pounds more than you should already, many problems will continue as you age,” Dr. Georgen says. “If we can intervene in a way to prevent that from happening to people, it makes them healthier.”
Obesity doesn’t just stem from consuming too many calories. It also comes down to how a person lives.
Many of environmental factors can make that little glowing ember of a medical problem turn into a big fire.
Dr. Raymond Georgen, Co-Director, ThedaCare Bariatrics
Instead of walking, many people now drive. Or instead of preparing a well-balanced meal, some turn to fast food for the sake of time. By identifying these influences, people can make impactful changes for the future.
Help is Available
Struggling with obesity need not take over a person’s life. Help is within reach.
“Surgery is not a quick fix,” Dr. Georgen says. “It’s a tool that you must use lifelong.”
Those looking to transform their health have access to an incredible team of professionals at ThedaCare Bariatrics. It includes psychologists, dietitians, care navigators, exercise physiologists, nurse practitioners, and surgeons.
“We were one of the first in the United States and continue to be designated as a center of excellence,” Dr. Georgen says. “That’s based on having a multidisciplinary team and getting good results for our patients.”
People receive support throughout their journey, beginning with exploring surgery.
“We have a day that’s called Bariatric Boot Camp,” Dr. Georgen says. “People will spend an entire day with our team before surgery learning how to use the surgical tool that we give them.”
The team also encourages people to seek support from their friends and loved ones.
“Some of the people who do the best are families who do it together,” Dr. Georgen says. “Having family and friends rally with a patient in their journey yields an opportunity for long-term success.”
Food journaling also can help.
“People get an honest assessment of why they’re in the predicament they’re in,” Dr. Georgen says. “Food journaling allows people to recognize patterns in behavior like engaging in stress eating, consuming too much food at once, and associating emotions with meals.”
Are You Ready for Change?
“Our mantra is to allow people to get their lives back,” Dr. Georgen says. “It’s like a whole new world when that weight comes off. As a health care professional, it’s very exciting to bring joy to people and have them reach their best quality of life.”
To get started with the ThedaCare Bariatrics Program, begin here and shift focus to a healthier you!
