Teresa LaMasters, MD, FACS, FASMBS, DABOM, DABS-FPMBS, a highly qualified professional with expertise in the medical management of obesity, joins us today to answer your questions about weight loss surgery and weight loss medicine. Among her many accolades, she is the Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at UnityPoint Clinic Weight Loss Specialists in West Des Moines, Iowa and has performed over 4000 bariatric surgeries in the past 17+ years. 

How do we talk about body positivity, health at all sizes and obesity as a disease in the same sentence? In this episode we address the stigma surrounding weight loss surgery and emphasize that obesity is a life threatening medical condition that can and should be treated, and as early as possible. Did you know obesity is a brain disease? Understanding obesity is so important, not only for those struggling with it, but for everyone, because it is so prevalent. Today, Dr. LaMasters opens our eyes to this misunderstood health condition and leaves us with some tools and hope for the future. 

Dr. LaMasters Links:

UnityPoint Clinic Weight Loss

Dr. LaMasters: [email protected]

Obesity Action Coalition

ASMBS

Active Bariatric Nutrition

Obesity Medicine Association

(00:00:00) Introducing Teresa LaMasters

(00:02:43) Teresa LaMasters’ personal story and what led her into this field.

(00:05:54) The stigma associated with the disease. It’s not a willpower problem.

(00:09:40) Walking the line between body positivity, health at all sizes, and obesity as a disease.

(00:11:03) Obesity is complex, there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment, and the role genetics play. 

(00:16:04) Judgment, frustration, shame and blame for those with the disease.

(00:17:40) Why obesity is a “brain disease” and how it feels unfair. 

(00:24:29) The importance of getting treatment asap, your body’s idea of normal and trying to get to perfection. 

(00:30:45) BMI calculation is a useful tool but isn’t always an accurate measure of obesity for athletes, and other measures to employ. 

(00:38:10) Getting nutritional needs met after surgery and myths about calorie intake, specifically for athletes. The importance of what you eat and when, and navigating bad advice.

(00:45:15) Post bariatric patients can be athletes and what to expect realistically. 

(00:47:28) Macros and any type of diet that supports muscle growth after surgery, and dieticians that specialize in bariatric athletes. 

(00:52:36) Thoughts on Ozempic and similar drugs, food noise, and the support needed when taking the medication.

(01:15:30) How to get in touch with Dr. LaMasters and helpful resources

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