Weight loss is a multifaceted journey, and for many, achieving sustainable results through diet and exercise alone can be challenging. Kettering, Ohio, offers a range of weight loss programs tailored to individual needs, from medical weight loss with medication to surgical interventions. This article explores the various options available, highlighting the expertise and comprehensive care provided by Kettering-based programs.
The Importance of Addressing Weight
Losing weight extends beyond aesthetic goals. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for overall well-being. Increased Body Mass Index (BMI) can elevate the risk of developing serious health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Additionally, excess weight can strain joints, leading to pain and reduced mobility as we age.
Challenges in Weight Loss
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is paramount for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. However, several factors can make this challenging:
- Pain during exercise: Physical activity can be difficult if it causes pain, limiting the ability to exercise effectively.
- Food cravings: Cravings can sabotage even the most dedicated efforts to eat well.
- Time constraints: Busy schedules can make it difficult to prioritize physical activity, prepare healthy meals, and get enough sleep.
- Underlying medical conditions: Certain medications, like beta blockers, can contribute to weight gain.
- Genetics: Genetic predisposition can influence metabolism and fat storage, making weight loss more difficult for some individuals.
- Lack of knowledge: Insufficient understanding of balanced nutrition can hinder effective dietary changes.
Medical Weight Loss Programs in Kettering, Ohio
When willpower and lifestyle changes are not enough, medical weight loss programs offer a structured and supervised approach to weight management. These programs are guided by healthcare experts and often incorporate medication, nutritional guidance, and exercise plans.
Gameday’s Medical Weight Loss Program:
Gameday offers a physician-led weight loss program designed to help individuals achieve better health without surgery or intense dieting. Their approach begins with a comprehensive assessment of your overall health, including medical history, current medications, and any underlying medical conditions that may impact weight loss efforts.
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GLP-1 Injections (Semaglutide):
Gameday’s medical weight loss programs utilize GLP-1 medications like Semaglutide. Semaglutide mimics the hormone GLP-1, which regulates hunger and food intake. It also suppresses the hormone glucagon, preventing feelings of hunger. Studies have shown that GLP-1 injections, combined with exercise, can result in significant weight loss. A recent study of 1,961 people with a BMI over 30 and without diabetes found that GLP-1 injections combined with exercise resulted in a mean decrease in body weight of 14.9% over 68 weeks. It is important to note that it often is not until 4 or more weeks on a dose of 0.5 mg that patients will start to see a decline in weight.
Important Considerations for GLP-1 Injections:
- Effectiveness: GLP-1 is most effective when combined with exercise and changes in diet.
- Side Effects: Potential side effects can include headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, changes in mood, constipation or diarrhea, heartburn, and bloating.
- Administration: GLP-1 injections are typically given once per week as a subcutaneous injection. The dosage is usually increased over time, depending on individual health, weight, and needs.
Klinic:
Klinic connects individuals with expert medical weight loss doctors who can create bespoke solutions tailored to individual needs. They emphasize the importance of regular consultations with medical professionals to ensure treatment remains aligned with progress.
Compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide:
These medications can be compounded, allowing for personalized doses. This tailored approach ensures higher effectiveness and responsiveness to individual needs. Typically, patients with a BMI of 30 or higher qualify for prescription weight loss medication. However, individuals with a BMI of 27 or above, suffering from weight-related conditions such as hypertension or type 2 diabetes, may also be eligible.
Kettering Health's HMR Weight Loss Program:
Kettering Health has been offering the HMR weight loss program for over 25 years. HMR combines diet, activity, and lifestyle changes supervised by an expert team of medical providers, including dietitians and bariatric surgeons. US News has ranked HMR as the No.1 Best Weight Loss Diet for the past two years. Regular accountability is proven to help people achieve their goals, which is why Kettering Health offers a monthly weight loss support group.
Surgical Weight Loss Options at Kettering Health Network
For individuals with severe obesity or weight-related health problems, bariatric surgery can be a life-changing option. Kettering Health Network offers a comprehensive bariatric program with a dedicated bariatric unit and staff.
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Kettering Bariatrics and Weight Loss Surgery Program:
Kettering Health Network has two divisions: Kettering Bariatrics at Kettering Medical Center and Weight Loss Surgery at Kettering-Sycamore. Both divisions work closely together to provide quality and seamless care to bariatric patients. The combined staff consists of 13 members, including:
- Program Manager: Chris Sexton, BSN, RN, coordinates the elements for the Weight Loss Surgery team.
- Psychologist: John Wade, PhD, provides psychological support pre- and postoperatively.
- Office Coordinator: Hilary Cooper manages program administration.
- Exercise Physiologists: Heather Van Pelt and Tavien Feaster guide patients in physical activity.
- Educational RN: Ann Hunt, RN, MS, Ed, provides all pre- and postoperative patient education.
- Dietitians: Tamara Johnson, Dawn Noe, and Kristin Flohre provide patients with pre- and postoperative education.
- Surgeon: David Schumacher, MD, FACS, FASMBS, heads up Kettering Bariatrics.
Facility and Resources:
Kettering Medical Center-Sycamore has two state-of-the-art endosuites for laparoscopic bariatric procedures, including Bercholdt ceiling suspended units, suspended HD LCD screens, and Hercules beds, which elevate to 30 degrees and hold 1,000 pounds. Procedures are scheduled through Central Scheduling at Kettering Medical Center.
Patient Care Pathway:
Each patient attends an educational session preoperatively, followed by individual meetings with a dietitian, exercise physiologist, and psychologist. The patient also meets with the surgeon for a review of their history and a physical examination. Patients undergo preadmission testing at the hospital and attend a three-hour educational session with the educational RN. Postoperatively, patients have follow-up appointments with the dietitian at six weeks, 12 weeks, and six months. The exercise physiologist meets with patients six weeks and six months postoperatively. All program staff are available to patients for a lifetime of support.
Surgical Expertise:
David Schumacher, MD, FACS, FASMBS, is a board-certified general surgeon specializing in laparoscopic general surgery and surgical weight loss. Dr. Schumacher is a pioneer in laparoscopic weight loss surgery and minimally invasive general surgeries, having performed these operations as early as 1992. From 2005 to 2019, Dr. Schumacher was the Director of Bariatric Surgery at Kettering Bariatrics. Throughout his career, Dr. Schumacher has performed over 4000 bariatric cases, including laparoscopic procedures for gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, band placements, duodenal switch, SIPs procedures, conversion of sleeve to Roux, conversion of older procedures to more recent, and revisional surgery.
Types of Bariatric Procedures Offered:
Kettering Health’s weight loss team provides information on various surgical options and resources to help patients determine the right procedure for their individual situation.
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- Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
- Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Adjustable Gastric Band
- Duodenal Switch
- SIPs Procedures
- Conversion of Sleeve to Roux
- Revisional Surgery
Patient Safety and Education
Patient safety is a top priority at Kettering Medical Center-Sycamore. The hospital has fostered a “no-blame culture” for error reporting and participates in quality improvement initiatives. Patient education is a cornerstone of the program. Patients attend a three-hour educational session upon entering the program, where they meet with each discipline preoperatively. They also receive a manual written by the program staff and surgeon, emphasizing the education received throughout the preoperative process. Patients have complete access to the program staff pre- and postoperatively for any questions or needs. Kettering Medical Center-Sycamore has a five-year minimum follow-up plan for all bariatric patients, with a goal of lifetime follow-up for each patient.
Managed Care Considerations
The driving force of managed care is to reduce healthcare costs for Medicare and commercial insurance companies, which means lower reimbursements to hospitals. This has forced a reduction in the average length of stay of inpatients and switched many hospital visits to an outpatient setting. Managed care has created compliancy issues that require additional focus on patient stays. In addition to compliance issues, many procedures and tests require pre-certification or notification before treatment, resulting in payers denying payment if all the complex rules are not followed. Managed care contracts for commercial payers are becoming more and more complex. Reduction in physician reimbursement has also affected how healthcare providers do business. There are fewer doctors to fill physician vacancies.