Great Videos on the WLS Process and Issues of Obesity from Duke
This is a link to the Duke WLS Program website's informational videos. While I am not advocating you go to Duke for your WLS as I did. I do think Dr. DeMaria who is a leader in obesity research and surgery provides a lot of really good accurate information in his WLS seminar on the subject. If your in the investigation phase of the WLS process I think watching this is time well spent since he has been doing WLS surgery for almost 20 years and was handpicked by Dr. Grant (inventor of the WLS program at Duke) to replace him at Duke when he retired last year. The Duke WLS video website is:
http://www.dukehealth.org/Services/WeightLossSurgery/Treatme nts/InformationalVideos Dr DeMaria's video is: Introduction by Eric DeMaria, MD (RealVideo, 1:02:16) with discussion of the problem of morbid obesity, its complications, medical and surgical management, and outcomes of surgery. The other videos from the Hilary, Patrick, Beth, and Dr. Applegate are also typical of what a good WLS process should encompass. Since Duke's program is a National WLS Surgical Center of Excellence and has one of the lowest complication rates in the US. They actually publish their complication rates on their website, have you seen that anywhere else, I haven't. I think having a good understanding of Duke's process will benefit you when you compare the programs in your area of the country. Good accurate information at the start of this process can save your life down the road. There still a lot of doctors in the WLS business that shouldn't be, so it's very important to arm yourself with the facts. I'm not trying to scare anyone but if the programs you are investigating are not meeting these types of standards, look for one that does. Your life is depending on it. I hope this help you make a more informed decision. Good Luck Brothers, Tim
Hilary Blackwood, NP, discusses the medical evaluation to prepare for surgery.
Katherine Applegate, PhD, explains the psychological part of the Duke WLS Program
Patrick Mahaney, RD, outlines his role in nutritional assessment and tracking along with the dietary modifications necessary for success.
Elizabeth Millard, discusses insurance coverage and processing
Brandy Morris, explains how one determines one's status during processing for surgery
Ruth Long, CRNA, discusses anesthesia considerations for surgery.
