MDNews - Greater Kansas

eat, while changing the hormonal feedback for satiety, which some feel is the primary cause of weight loss." Proven and Promising Results Bariatric surgery leads to a weight reduction ranging from 50–75 percent of excess body weight. A recent closely fol- lowed clinical trial known as STAMPEDE, or Surgical Treatment and Medications Potentially Eradicate Diabetes Effectively, found that patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy lost more weight, had better kidney function and improved symptoms of diabetes and high blood pressure, and saw greater improvements in their quality of life than those treated with medications and lifestyle changes alone. "Bariatric weight-loss surgery is very beneficial to the community," Dr. Latchman adds. "Most patients are off their hyper- tensive medications in a year's time. Even among people with diabetes, their condition is so much improved that their insulin is able to be decreased or eliminated. It also reduces obstructive sleep apnea, and the overall patient outlook is improved. They love not having to take all these medications daily. The older patients are more energized and are enjoying being more active with their grandchildren, and in general they then tend to feel more motivated than restricted." Patient Support Better health is a journey no patient should have to take alone. Patients enter- ing the Girard Medical Center bariatric program have a partner and advocate in Bariatric Coordinator Kelci Newkirk, RN. "I meet the patient at their initial consult with Dr. Latchman and get them started on the process of all of the pre-op testing," Newkirk says. "This consists of scheduling appointments, requesting records from pre- vious appointments if needed and writing orders for procedures. Once the patient has completed all of the pre-op requirements, I schedule the surgery and start them on their pre-op diet. I work closely with the dietitian to ensure that they have a clear Elisa, one week prior to surgery and six months post-surgery COV ER FE AT UR E PHOTOS © GIRARD MEDICAL CENTER understanding of the pre- and post-op diets. If the patient has bariatric coverage, I work with their insurance company to find out requirements for medical necessity, and obtain the documentation from their providers. The patient accounts manager and I work together to make sure all insur- ance requirements are met." Her support continues even after the surgery. "I am in the surgery and the recovery room, and I coordinate the care on the floor when the patient arrives in a room," Newkirk adds. "I see the patient with Dr. Latchman the day after surgery and discharge them home when they're ready. This includes education and coordination of care after the patient goes home. I follow up with the patients and keep in close contact with them for the first few months at all of their follow-up appointments with Dr. Latchman. I set up support groups for the patients to meet on a monthly basis and seminars every three to four months for people who are interested in learning about weight-loss surgery." Dr. Latchman explains that many patients would benefit from the procedure but hesitate to consider it because they have many questions about whether it is a good fit for them or about their ability to get back to work and normal life in a timely manner. "I want patients to know that anyone can come in for a free consultation and to be evaluated for this procedure," she says. "We will spend the time and educate them and answer all their questions and guide them in the right direction. We are excited about our program and taking care of the community." Dr. Latchman, along with GMC, is honored to offer positive interventions that help patients avoid other life-altering possible eventualities, such as amputa- tions and coronary bypass procedures. For Dr. Latchman, helping patients live longer, healthier lives is the most gratifying aspect of medicine. For more information, please call Kelci Newkirk at 620-724-5116 or visit www.girard medicalcenter.com. ■ 8 | Greater Kansas MD NEWS ■ M D N E W S . CO M

• Cover