Posts by Alex Chavez5

Elizabeth Richardson said:You’ve actually got a few different things going on here—lap banding, gastric balloons, sleeve gastrectomy—they're all just different ways to tackle obesity. There are threads with hundreds of posts discussing them, so definitely take a look around.

Before I even start looking at treatment options, I really want to get to the root cause of the problem. Once we figure out what's actually driving this, I assume the doctors will be able to point us toward the right procedure.

mistyranger51 said:Maybe try seeing Professor Korsic first. Has he ever run thyroid hormone tests before? It could be hypothyroidism.

Not yet. I did a little digging on Korsic, and it looks like he might be getting ready to retire soon. 😢 I’m going to give the Mayo Clinic a call on Monday.

For anyone stumbling upon this thread, just so you don't have to go hunting for the info:

Mayo Clinic, DEPARTMENT OF ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLIC DISEASES
Head: Professor Mirko Koršić, PhD
Head Nurse: Đurđa Hršak, RN

tel. +1 555-012-3886, 555-012-301, 555-012-867
Endocrinology Lab +1 555-012-299
Fax +1 555-012-517

http://www.mayoclinic.org/endocrinology-dept-info

mistyranger51 said:Down in Cleveland, the Mayo Clinic actually has a dedicated weight loss clinic.

Have you ever been there? How often do you usually have to go in? We’re living in Washington, D.C., but he's from out of the country, and people in Cleveland mostly speak his language... I’m worried I might need a translator, especially since my medical vocabulary isn't exactly top-notch.

I saw in Washington, D.C. that Dr. Koršić—an endocrinologist at Johns Hopkins—specializes in weight issues.

That’s great info! I'll give them a call. I assume I'll probably need a referral from my General Practitioner first... but what if the issue isn't endocrine-related? I know plenty of general internists deal with weight management too.

Anyway, thanks so much for all the suggestions, everyone. I'm hitting the phones this Monday!

Dana Miller2 said:I don't have a definitive answer for you, but your best bet is to start with your General Practitioner—they can get you a referral to a specialist.
A close friend of mine actually signed up for one of those high-end weight loss schools. Everyone gave her a hard time for throwing money away, but honestly? It worked for her. They built a custom meal plan, but more importantly, it finally gave her the push she needed to actually get moving. That was the real game-changer.

This thread is picking up, but I'm seeing zero actual results here so far. :-(
Those "weight loss schools" always feel a bit sketchy to me when they promise stuff like "lose 40 pounds in two weeks." We aren't looking for a miracle cure; we're looking for a sustainable program where you lose maybe 3 pounds a month and actually stay healthy.

rapidcanyon9 said:First off, you have to be honest with yourself. You need to admit if you’re actually overeating to the point where your weight is caused by bingeing, or if... well, you really need to see an endocrinologist.

It’s not even about me (I’m "just" overweight, and I know exactly why that is ;-)), it’s about my boyfriend. He’s about 5'9" and weighs over 300 pounds. Honestly, he eats pretty well—lots of veggies, way more fish than meat, he isn't crazy about sweets, snacks, or soda, and he only drinks in moderation. I'd say he actually eats less than the average guy his age. It's true he spends most of his days glued to a computer and doesn't get much exercise, but looking at old photos, he was already heavy back when he was 25 and working as a scuba instructor... this has been a lifelong thing for him.
Last year, he went for a checkup at a clinic in Nemetov and he's perfectly healthy; his cholesterol is totally fine. Neither Montignac nor the Dietitians Association approach really made a dent, so I'm convinced he needs to see a specialist.
It's not that he's willing to go on his own accord 🙄 ... but man, I would love to avoid worrying about a heart condition if there's any way possible. 🤣

Which kind of specialist should I be looking for regarding obesity? I really need someone who can dig into the underlying causes and then put together a solid diet and exercise plan.
Since the root issue could fall under several different specialties—like a gastroenterologist or an endocrinologist, for instance—where's the best place to start? Also, do those big-name weight loss clinics actually employ medical specialists?