News updates are sent daily. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Discovery to feature Scottsdale bariatric doctor
Digg|
Save|
License|
Print|
E-mail|
Physicians and the public can learn more about surgical weight loss options for morbidly obese people in an upcoming television broadcast, said a Scottsdale Healthcare surgery director who appears in the show.
Dr. Robin Blackstone is part of "CME: Bariatric Surgery," which will air on the Discovery Health Channel at 9 a.m. Sunday and repeat for eight consecutive Sundays on Cox Cable Channel 70.
Blackstone is Scottsdale Healthcare’s medical director of the bariatric surgery program, which offers procedures such as reducing stomach size to limit food intake.
The Discovery program features a panel of experts who share the latest data and discuss issues related to the overall health risks associated with morbid obesity.
"Education is the most important thing," Blackstone said. "Some of the primary care physicians don’t recognize what obesity is and how at risk those people are. We want to help them better understand."
According to MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, morbid obesity refers to those who are 50 percent to 100 percent — or 100 pounds above — their ideal body weight.
Morbidly obese people are at a higher risk of developing serious medical problems such as diabetes, sleep apnea and high blood pressure.
Panelists on the show talk about when bariatric surgery should be considered, as well as the importance of making a lifelong commitment to lifestyle changes after surgery, Blackstone said.
"We hope that the next time doctors open their doors and look at a patient who is morbidly obese that they get them to someone who can help them," he said.
Please add your comments, but follow these guidelines to keep this a safe, credible place for discussing the news: