June 05, 2024

199: Weighing Your Options: Anti-Obesity Medications and Weight Loss Surgery, A Deep Dive with Dr. Carl Pesta

43 minutes

Welcome to the very first professionally produced episode of the BariNation Podcast! Your hosts, April Williams, Jason Smith, and Natalie Tierney, are thrilled to embark on this journey with you. In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Pesta, a renowned expert in bariatrics. Dr. Pesta starts the discussion by sharing the critical markers of obesity. He then delves into the various preliminary approaches to overcoming the disease of obesity, including bariatric surgery. He also highlights how different cultures are affected. The conversation continues with an in-depth look at post-surgery medical approaches, weight loss statistics, the safety of bariatric procedures, insurance considerations, and the importance of patient readiness for surgery. Finally, Dr. Pesta leaves us with an essential tip: don’t give up. Take the first step and commit to weight loss for long-term good health.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[0:33] Hosts April Williams, Jason Smith, and Natalie Tierney are excited to welcome you to the first professionally produced BariNation Podcast.

[8:38] Dr. Pesta shares his background and profession. He provides the markers of obesity

[15:17] Dr. Pesta explains the different options patients should explore going from a preliminary approach to bariatric surgery and how cultures are affected differently

[22:50] Discussion of continuation of various medical approaches after surgery

[28:59] Dr. Pesta discusses weight loss in percentages, the safety of bariatric surgery and insurance coverage

[33:47] Discussion of readiness of a patient to have surgery

[37:36] One consideration is that once you start the weight loss medication, it is a lifelong decision

[41:22] Explanation of the BariNation Community and why membership is beneficial

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[10:05] Obesity is a disease. A doctor can diagnose a patient to determine whether they are obese by establishing the patient’s BMI.

[15:34] Research shows that improving a patient’s BMI earlier helps them return to a normal body mass index under 25.

[30:05] Data supports that bariatric surgery is even safer than having your gallbladder out because of all the workups done before weight loss surgery.

RESOURCES:

BariNation - Website

BariNation - Podcast

BIOGRAPHY:

Dr. Carl Pesta is a McLaren Macomb board-certified general surgeon who specializes in advanced laparoscopic surgical weight loss procedures. He is also a “Center of Excellence” bariatric surgeon.

He earned his medical degree from the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Pesta completed his residency at McLaren Macomb and a bariatric surgery proctorship at Henry Ford Bi-County Hospital. He performs a wide variety of bariatric procedures, as well as revision and conversion procedures.

Dr. Pesta is leading the comprehensive bariatric program Dr. Carl Pestaat the McLaren Macomb. With 18 years experience as a surgeon, Dr. Pesta has performed more than 5,000 bariatric procedures. The bariatrics program at McLaren Macomb provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to caring for the healthcare needs of patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

ABOUT:

If the BariNation podcast helps power your bariatric journey, become a monthly podcast supporter and help us produce the show! Visit www.barinationpodcast.com and help us support people treating the disease of obesity with humor, humility, and honesty.

About BariNation: BariNation is a bariatric educational organization on a mission to empower patients to access and utilize the tools, resources, and education needed to find and maintain personal wellness. We connect patients with the support they need, when and where they need it. BariNation produces an award-winning weekly podcast distributed on all major podcast and video platforms and hosts a support membership community that teams up with credentialed and licensed bariatric experts and clinicians.

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By April Williams

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