Bariatric Times - June 2008 - (Page 14)

14 Practice Management Bariatric Times • June 2008 TABLE 1. Multidisciplinary Treatment for Obesity • A multidisciplinary team brings together unique skills and knowledge essential for effective weight loss and maintenance. • Every member should work to improve patient comfort, communication, knowledge, and self-sufficiency. • Frequent visits and person-to-person contact are critical— obesity is a chronic disease and should be treated as such. • Small steps and achievable goals promote long-lasting lifestyle change and successful, healthy weight loss. THE PHYSICIAN • Engage the patient on the subject of weight and treat as a valid health concern. • Use patient-focused communication—listen. • Discuss issues in nontechnical language and address health literacy. THE REGISTERED DIETITIAN • Emphasize energy balance. • Encourage portion downsizing. • Emphasize the use of high volume, quality food (highest in water and fiber) to improve diet satisfaction. THE EXERCISE SPECIALIST • Define the differences between physical activity and exercise. • Encourage the patient to increase physical activity through NEAT and general lifestyle. • Guide the patient toward small, easily achievable activity goals. THE BEHAVIORAL THERAPIST • Use motivational interviewing techniques to help the patient overcome mental obstacles for lifestyle change. • Help the patient identify realistic goals. • Highlight discrepancies between the patient’s goals and current behavior. THE NURSE • Make the patient feel accepted. • Enhance comfort by providing adequately sized furniture and equipment. • Educate and provide the patient with valid resources so that they are equipped to explore health topics outside of the medical setting. nurse are essential, as are long-term commitment and clear, frequent communication. Every aspect of a patient’s life is relevant to the weight loss effort. If a clinician is harried, judgmental, or uncomfortable with the subject of weight loss, he or she may impede treatment. Likewise, losses achieved during initial treatment must be maintained via ongoing contact between patient and providers. Continued support is necessary, not just for a few months or a year, but for many years.3, 4 Obesity is a chronic, progressive, and life-threatening disease. But for all that portends, small but lasting lifestyle modifications can produce significant health benefits. At any given time, approximately 33 to 40 percent of adult women and 20 to 24 percent of adult men are trying to lose weight.35 More often than http://www.newdirectionsystem.com http://www.newdirectionsystem.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Bariatric Times - June 2008

Bariatric Times - June 2008 Endoluminal Treatment Options for Morbid Obesity: Devices and Techniques for Natural Orifice Approaches The Multidisciplinary Approach to Weight Loss: Defining the Roles of the Necessary Providers Acute Bleeding after Gastric Bypass Editorial Message Contents ASMBS: 25 Years Editorial Board Surgical Site Infection In The Morbidly Obese Patient: A Review Consultant's Corner The Link Between Sleep Loss and Obesity: Understanding the Mechanisms Responsible for Weight Gain with Sleep Deprivation Volume Matters Journal Watch Advertiser Index

Bariatric Times - June 2008

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