Obesity is a complex condition that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. Fortunately, various weight management programs and surgical options are available to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthier lifestyle. This article explores different approaches to weight loss, highlighting the services offered by TriStar Centennial Center for Weight Management and Comprehensive Medical Weight Loss (CMWL), while also delving into general strategies and considerations for those seeking to manage their weight effectively.
TriStar Centennial Center for Weight Management
Located on the TriStar Centennial Medical Center campus in Nashville, TN, the TriStar Center for Weight Management has been serving the community for over 20 years. The center specializes in laparoscopic and robotic bariatric procedures, offering a range of services tailored to individuals struggling with obesity.
Comprehensive Approach
TriStar Centennial Center for Weight Management adopts a comprehensive approach to managing obesity and its related health issues. Their patient-centered care combines evidence-based medicine with an individualized plan of care. The center offers a wide array of options, including:
- Weight loss classes with a dietitian
- Medical weight loss programs
- Weight loss (bariatric) surgery treatment options
The team at TriStar reviews each patient's individual eligibility for weight loss surgery, as well as the pros and cons of each procedure.
Surgical and Non-Surgical Options
TriStar offers a diverse range of options to cater to each patient's unique needs, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and medical weight loss programs. They primarily focus on noninvasive weight management techniques, such as counseling and behavior modifications. If surgery is deemed appropriate, their surgical experts discuss the options with the patient to decide on the best course of action.
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TriStar Centennial Medical Center utilizes minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopy and robotic-assisted surgery, to perform bariatric procedures. These procedures involve tiny incisions with specialized surgical instruments.
Support After Weight Loss Surgery
Recognizing that diet and lifestyle will be different after a weight loss procedure, TriStar's team helps patients understand what this lifestyle change entails.
Comprehensive Medical Weight Loss (CMWL)
Comprehensive Medical Weight Loss (CMWL) offers personalized weight management programs tailored to individual needs and goals, with locations in Centennial and Salida, CO. CMWL emphasizes patient education, nutritional counseling, and comprehensive support to ensure long-lasting results. They offer attentive care and aim to schedule appointments quickly.
Weight Loss Injections
CMWL offers cutting-edge weight loss injections designed to support weight loss efforts by targeting specific aspects of metabolism and appetite control. Licensed providers assess individual needs to determine the most appropriate injections.
Phentermine
Phentermine, a medication for short-term weight loss support, is carefully evaluated for each patient to determine if it's an appropriate addition to their weight management strategy. CMWL provides thorough guidance on its use and monitors progress to ensure optimal results and safety.
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Hormone Therapy
CMWL offers hormone therapies to address weight issues related to hormonal imbalances:
- Estrogen Therapy: For patients whose weight issues may be related to hormonal imbalances.
- Testosterone Therapy: For men experiencing weight management challenges due to low testosterone levels, and for women when appropriate, with careful monitoring.
Thyroid Assessments and Treatments
Recognizing the link between thyroid function and weight management, CMWL provides comprehensive thyroid assessments and treatments for patients whose weight issues may be related to thyroid imbalances.
EMSCULPT NEO
CMWL offers EMSCULPT NEO, a non-invasive body contouring treatment that combines muscle building and fat reduction, complementing their weight loss programs.
Aesthetic Injectables
In addition to weight loss-specific injections, CMWL offers a range of aesthetic injectable treatments to support overall health and appearance.
IV Therapy
CMWL provides IV therapy to support weight loss and overall wellness by replenishing essential nutrients, boosting hydration, and enhancing the body's natural detoxification processes.
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Bariatric Surgery: Eligibility, Procedures, and Considerations
Bariatric surgery may be an option depending on individual needs and goals. Candidacy is based on factors such as general bariatric surgery eligibility requirements and body mass index (BMI).
Eligibility
Generally, candidates for bariatric surgery:
- Have a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea.
- Have been unsuccessful with other weight loss methods, such as diet and exercise.
- Are committed to making long-term lifestyle changes.
Types of Bariatric Surgery
- Gastric Bypass: Creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the small intestine, limiting food intake and reducing calorie absorption.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: Removes a portion of the stomach, creating a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach, which reduces food intake.
- Gastric Balloon: A non-surgical option involving the placement of a balloon in the stomach to create a feeling of fullness.
Pre- and Post-operative care
The care of patients begins with the informational seminar and continues through follow-up visits after surgery. The patient is cared for by trained, qualified, sensitive staff who are trained in HIPAA-mandated standards and COE philosophies.
Non-Surgical Weight Management Options
For individuals with a BMI less than 30, non-surgical options like gastric balloon procedures or pharmacotherapy may be suitable.
Medical Weight Loss Programs
Medical weight loss programs involve a combination of strategies, including:
- Dietary changes: Working with a registered dietitian to develop a healthy eating plan.
- Exercise: Incorporating regular physical activity into daily routine.
- Medications: Using FDA-approved weight loss medications to suppress appetite or reduce fat absorption.
- Behavioral therapy: Addressing emotional and psychological factors that contribute to overeating.
The Importance of Aftercare and Support
Regardless of the chosen weight loss method, aftercare and ongoing support are crucial for long-term success. This includes:
- Support groups: Connecting with others who have undergone similar experiences.
- Psychological support: Addressing emotional and psychological challenges related to weight loss.
- Continued consultation with dietitians and exercise physiologists: Receiving guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Facility Considerations
From the moment a patient walks into our lobby, it is obvious that all aspects of our center, including the furniture and layout, are designed with the needs of the morbidly obese patient in mind. The nursing floor recently purchased bariatric beds manufactured by Hill-Rom. These beds are a wonderful addition to our program because they are equipped with air mattresses that inflate on the sides to provide comfort for patients of various sizes. All of the beds are equipped with a trapeze to assist the patient with bed mobility and transfers in and out of bed, while also providing digital readouts of the patient’s weight if desired. Each patient room is also equipped with a bench seat. The seats will accommodate patients weighing up to 1000 pounds and are wide enough to accommodate the larger patient. Each room is also equipped with an over-the-commode seat riser. It accommodates a patient’s weight up to 1000 pounds and provides a higher seat for the patient when he or she is sitting or rising from the commode. The unit is also equipped with walkers for patients weighing up to 750 pounds. We are currently introducing a system to centrally monitor pulse oximetry on our standard postoperative floor. Finally, we recently added a cart caddy that was specially designed to assist in transport. It can tow a bed or stretcher up to 1600 pounds.
Trends in Weight Management
Less invasive approaches for treating morbid obesity, such as endoscopy, drug therapy, and gene therapy, are gaining traction. Insurance companies are increasingly offering coverage for weight loss surgery, but with strict requirements. Many patients opt to pay for surgery out of pocket. Treating patients at an earlier stage of obesity is also becoming more common, including adolescents and those who meet weight criteria but haven't developed related health issues.
Strategies for Patient Safety
In the operating room, appropriate bariatric equipment and a minimum of four staff members are used when moving or transferring patients. The nursing unit is equipped with a patient lift that is used as needed. If a patient needs assistance with transferring, a minimum of two staff members are required to assist while using proper body mechanics. Another way to improve patient safety is through the use of eMAR bar code technology, which assists with proper medication administration. New staff nurses are trained under an extended orientation process working with a preceptor. They begin by reading our bariatric handbook, which was developed by our nursing staff with input from the surgeons and covers the care of the postoperative bariatric patient. We have a list of required skills and competencies that must be performed by new staff members throughout their orientation phase and are monitored by the preceptor. All new staff members are required to attend an informative bariatric seminar, hosted by the surgeons and attended by prospective patients. New staff orientation can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the previous experience of the nurse.
Strategies for Retaining and Motivating Staff
Our staff is motivated by the positive results they see in their patients’ progress. It is gratifying to our nurses to watch a patient progress from the immediate postoperative phase to discharge. Many of our patients return to our floor for visits when they are at the facility for their postoperative follow-up visits with their surgeons. The financial counselors also develop ongoing relationships with the patients. The hospital also hosts an annual reunion for the patients. The nurses are invited to reunite with the patients for which they cared. The surgeons offer educational in-services at least quarterly, which the nursing staff is required to attend. The nursing staff is also required to attend sensitivity training annually. Our facility uses a program called HealthStream to track education credits.
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