What makes AdventHealth's approach to bariatric care different, and how are they setting patients up for long-term success?
In this special episode, BariNation is hitting the road and recording in a professional broadcast studio! Join hosts Jason, Natalie and Sarah as they sit down for this special episode, recorded live at AdventHealth in Central Florida. They’re joined by two expert guests, Dr. Melissa Bagloo and Dr. Shiva Seetahal, to dive deep into the bariatric patient process and the holistic approach AdventHealth takes to support long-term success. This conversation covers everything from qualifications for surgery to the latest advancements in metabolic care. Plus, hear about the exclusive $29/month membership to the BariNation community for patients of the AdventHealth system. Get ready for an insightful and game-changing discussion on the future of obesity treatment and what it means for bariatric patients everywhere!
IN THIS EPISODE:
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(00:00) Opening and introduction
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(02:00) Qualifications for bariatric surgery and how does it work
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(09:25) AdventHealth provides various surgeries and how they support their patients
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(15:52) What co-morbidities does bariatric surgery treat, and when should you consider anti-obesity medication
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(21:51) Discussion of adolescent surgery, treating the whole person, the science behind bariatric surgery and the metabolic effects
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(29:13) Knowing what surgery is right for you, the AdventHealth difference, medications and patient support
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(39:46) What predictions are there for the future of obesity treatment
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
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The qualifications for bariatric surgery have broadened, allowing more patients to access life-changing treatment. Previously, candidates needed a BMI of 40 or a BMI of 35 with medical conditions. Now, individuals with a BMI of 35 (without medical issues) or a BMI of 30 (with medical conditions) may qualify. This expansion reflects growing recognition of bariatric surgery’s benefits, including diabetes resolution, improved fertility, and reduced cancer risks.
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AdventHealth in Central Florida emphasizes a holistic, team-based approach to bariatric care. Bariatric providers communicate closely with primary care doctors, endocrinologists, and cardiologists to ensure continuity of care before and after surgery. This integrated model helps patients receive comprehensive support for long-term success.
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Bariatric surgery is not just about reducing stomach size and is not a one-time fix, but fundamentally alters hormone regulation and metabolism. This shift is why many in the field now refer to it as “metabolic surgery” rather than simply "weight loss surgery," helping to combat the stigma and highlight its role in treating obesity-related diseases.
RESOURCES:
Check out this exclusive AdventHealth BariNation Monthly Membership for only $29/mo!
Join the BariNation Membership community meetups to support you on your journey with obesity treatment. https://barination.com/pages/join-our-community
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GUEST RESOURCES:
Melissa Bagloo, MD - AdventHealth Website
Shiva Seetahal, MD - AdventHealth Website
Dr. Melissa Bagloo is a board-certified bariatric and general surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. A Florida native, she trained in the Northeast before joining AdventHealth. She earned her medical degree from the University of Florida. She completed her general surgery residency at NYU, followed by a minimally invasive and bariatric surgery fellowship at Weill Cornell and Columbia. Specializing in advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery, Dr. Bagloo has performed over 500 robotic and thousands of minimally invasive procedures. She is dedicated to whole-patient care, helping patients achieve lasting weight loss with minimal recovery time.
Dr. Shiva Seetahal is a board-certified surgeon specializing in minimally invasive and laparoscopic procedures, strongly focusing on patient care and satisfaction. He earned his medical degree with honors from the University of the West Indies, completed his surgical residency at Howard University Hospital, and pursued a Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery fellowship at Atlanta Medical Center. He has been actively involved in research, has published numerous works, and has served on editorial boards for surgical journals. Dr. Seetahal is also a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
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 and 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.