If you’ve ever wondered how to make a real impact in the fight for obesity care and bariatric surgery access, this episode is for you. 

We are thrilled to host Dr. Renee Hilton to explore the power of bariatric surgery advocacy—what it takes to push for policy change, how mentorship plays a critical role, and why patient stories are the key to breaking down the stigma surrounding obesity. From the challenges of insurance coverage to the growing conversation around GLP-1 medications, this discussion sheds light on the hurdles and opportunities in bariatric surgery advocacy. Join us to learn how you can be part of the movement for change.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Opening and intro
• (01:37) Dr. Hilton shares her professional journey and why she is passionate about advocacy
• (07:12) Access to care and pursuing advocacy for bariatric surgery in Georgia
• (19:19) Patient's stories make a difference, the stigma surrounding the surgery, and the percentage of people needing the surgery is extremely high
• (28:15) The number on the scale is not as crucial as the comorbidities and how to get involved in advocacy
• (36:22) Insurance companies make obese patients jump through hoops
• (43:15) GLP-1 medications and discussion of who pays for the care needed

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Successful advocacy requires more than passion—it demands mentorship, strategy, and collaboration. Learning from experts and leveraging resources like ASMBS is key to driving policy change.
• The impact of patient stories on policymakers is substantial. These stories demystify the bariatric surgical procedure, make it relatable, and help to break down the stigma surrounding it.
• Despite widespread insurance coverage for bariatric surgery, utilization rates remain low. This discrepancy underscores the significant role of stigma in preventing individuals from seeking necessary treatment. While advocacy for obesity treatment is evolving and gaining recognition, the need to demonstrate a clear return on investment (ROI) remains a significant challenge. 

RESOURCES:

• BariNation Website 
• Join the BariNation Membership community meetups to support you on your journey with obesity treatment. https://barination.com/pages/join-our-community
• Want to see bonus content? Head over to https://www.patreon.com/BariNationPodcast to get more and support the podcast for as low as $5 per month!    

GUEST RESOURCES:

Renee Hilton, M.D. - Facebook

Renee Hilton, M.D - Instagram

Augusta University - Website

Renee Hilton, M.D. - X

BIOGRAPHY: 

Dr. L. Renee Hilton-Rowe is an Associate Professor at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University Medical Center and serves as the Section Chief of Minimally Invasive Surgery and the Director of the Center of Obesity and Metabolism. She is the past ASMBS State Access to Care Representative for the state of Georgia and is currently serving as the immediate past president of the Georgia ASMBS state chapter. She is the Access to Care Committee Chair for ASMBS. 

ABOUT:

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