With one third of adults in the US estimated to be obese, the fight against the killer disease has never been so pressing. One surgery that has pioneered innovative methods to combat obesity is Blossom Bariatrics. The New Economy joins its founder Dr Thomas Umbach find out how practitioners there are helping patients with the physical and emotional transition to a healthier lifestyle.

The New Economy: Dr Umbach, what are the health problems that obesity can contribute to or exacerbate?

Dr Thomas Umbach: Well we are actually learning that all medical problems are worsened by obesity. Which is one of the rewarding things for me, because you get to help somebody to lose some of those medical problems.

So things that you’d expect such as diabetes, heart failure, breathing troubles, those that we expect from being obese. But there are also things we don’t expect like migraines, foot pains, and infertility: all these things can be helped by losing weight as well.

[T]here are also things we don’t expect like migraines, foot pains, and infertility: all these things can be helped by losing weight as well

The New Economy: One of the issues that is barely spoken about is the mental health issue, that can be caused by the social stigma around obesity.

Dr Thomas Umbach: Right. It is severe, it is pervasive and it even exists to the degree of our insurance companies. Because we now know that obesity is a disease and should be treated just like every other disease. But it’s not; the insurance companies discriminate against it on a daily basis.

The New Economy: So what are the patient’s emotional needs both before and after surgery?

Dr Thomas Umbach: Well one of the most amazing things that I find about these patients with these patients is that they do come in and see us, and you’ve got to understand these are patients that have been trying to lose weight for 30 years, or so and maybe failing for 30 years.

And then to come out that morning and wake up and say ‘OK I’m going to try again, I’m going to try something new Dr Umbach, and we’re going to try one more time, after 30 years,’ I find amazing and is a real testament to our patients. So we are very conscious of that and we like to support our patients in a positive way; both at their first appointment and in their follow up appointments.

The New Economy: So the surgical procedure itself is just a small part of a much larger programme of lifestyle change.

Dr Thomas Umbach: Right, the surgery provides a tool for patients to do the job, just like running shoes are a tool to go running with. We recognise it as a small part here at Blossom Bariatrics, and we support our patients in a wide variety of ways. That includes yearly annual visits with me after the first year. It includes being able to reach out to the nutritionist at any time via email. And it includes support groups led by a professional, someone who has had surgery and also specialises in eating disorders.

Also before they come in to see us, we send them information. We send them an excellent programme called an ME, that provides them detailed information about the surgeries before they even come in and talk to me. So even before they come to see us they are getting support, and they may not even know it.

The New Economy: And you’re embracing modern ways of delivering that support: online forums and now video advice?

Dr Thomas Umbach: Right. Just as all businesses are moving to an online environment, we have a nutritionist who is available just through email, so you can reach out to them at any time. We have an internet presence on our website that’s very broad, support there on the website including videos and so forth. And we also offer classes online and support group online so, absolutely.

We have an internet presence on our website that’s very broad, support there on the website including videos and so forth

The New Economy: And I’m sure having a reassuring surgeon such as yourself, must be very helpful.

Dr Thomas Umbach: Yes, unfortunately these patients have been though a lot of doctors and they’re often at times very harsh and discouraging. So we try very hard here to have people who are very positive and energetic and supportive, and understand what patients are going through. I think that’s very important to have a Centre like that.

The New Economy: So how much of your work would you describe as life-style coaching; helping people develop healthier, happier lifestyles?

Dr Thomas Umbach: Well I see our number one role in Blossom Bariatrics is to be positive and a good role model for our patients. We are very aware that these patients have been discriminated against, they are very depressed, they’re tired, they may be in pain, and so at every interaction we are always trying to be positive with them.

I try to take it upon myself at each visit with patients, to give them something positive that’s happening with them. So if they’re successful and losing weight we will celebrate that. Don’t think ‘I’ve got to lose 500Ib more,’ celebrate the fact that you have already lost 20. Tap yourself on the shoulder and take a break just to encourage yourself. We support them in the lifestyle changes, even before they have come to see us. We try as hard as we can to support these patients.

The New Economy: Dr Umbach, thank you.

Dr Thomas Umbach: Thank you, thank you very much.