Personal, Politics, or Just Paparazzi?

From abcnews.com.go

I actually like Chris Christie, the Governor of NJ.  Or maybe I liked him more in the past,  prior to Sandy.  I am not sure.  However, his recent news that he had a weight loss surgery (LapBand 2/13) was interesting on a number of fronts.

It is kind of sad that when you are a public figure, because you are a public figure, and fair game.  His weight has always been an issue on many fronts, and he stands to gain in those same areas:

 Personally.  Certainly the health aspect of hauling around such excess weight for so long.  Although I think he did proclaim himself as the "healthiest fat person I know"on Letterman recently, we all know that really isn't completely true, and irreversible health consequences are already likely very underway. (Has he ever had a sleep study?)  Better health is hopefully right around the corner.

As a related aside, I find it interesting that if a patient doesn't carry an official diagnosis of a weight-related malady, then they are 'healthy' until proven otherwise.  Another reason to stay away from the Doctor's office, I guess...

Politically.  Most say that to be able to run for a national office, weight loss is essential, as there is no way he could make it physically through such quest, fulfill his job requirements satisfactorily, or decisively  prevail in the arena of public opinion while exhibiting such a degree of obesity.  That's a sticky subject, especially given the degree of obesity in our US populous as it stands now - he may be actually more relatable than others because of his obesity.  Which leads me to the next area of discussion, Pa-Pa-Paparazzi.

And, by Paparazzi in this context, I mean not only the media and it's relentless pursuit of the facts to support their own agenda, but the stereotypical ideas and perceptions and faulty conclusions of those in the public.  In a word, US.  All of us.

When I started to work in Bariatric Surgery about 6 years ago, I thought I entered in with a reasonable and open mind about patients with obesity, their struggles, and their desires to get well.  I also thought I had a decent handle on what they go through psychologically as they come to see us for help.

I had to honestly set aside much of what I had expected.   I listened as I discovered what was truly important to them, and what convinced them to come and see us for a chance at a healthy remainder of their lives.  Usually it was because they could see what was coming, and soon, down the pike if their weight was not controlled durably and definitively.  They had too much to live for, but not able to keep up.

Alos, how had they arrived at our office for treatment?  These stories area always unique and interesting, and parallel their journeys as they look for help along the way toward wellness.  There are certainly some common ideals that surround this group of patients, as you can imagine.

The desperation of these patients is pronounced and visible, and they seek true connection and engagement from their health care team.  We are fortunate to have a group of providers that exhibit that they are comfortable with who that individual patient is,  and what they have become, as impacted upon by obesity.  Taking the 'blame' and judgement out of the equation makes them feel more respected, and allows us to get down to the business at hand - durable surgical weight loss.

They hope for a chance at really turning things around for their health, their quality of life, and their relationships.  They are  poised but uncertain of their impending success,  Having failed at many other attempts at weight loss, as well as potentially other important battles in their lives, they are ready for a victory that matters, one that will be life-changing, and hopefully long - lasting.

Being a part of a team that makes this happen as a daily occurrence makes coming to work fun.

Speaking of which, I had a patient today who came in at an initial weight over 500 #.  She is now 18 mos S/P Bypass.  A young woman, mid 20's, and she now has gotten her weight down 280# to just over 225... She is a new creation, literally.  Good stuff.

To finish, I think the Chris Christie story is a combination of all three components, and that makes it an intriguing look into a public figure deciding to have Bariatric Surgery.  Public or private, there are probably more similarities than differences with the patients that you refer for weight loss surgery.

The part of the story that is likely the most important will probably end up being a mere footnote to his future success. I am sure he will be in touch with his buddy Rex Ryan across town, who has already shared some trade secrets on living with his Band.  The Jets may have been better for Rex pre-Band, but his story is not concluded yet either.  Go Jets!

Addendum:  Just after I hit 'publish' last night I was checking emails, and I saw one from the ASMBS on the Chris Christie issue, with the added aspects of access to bariatric surgical procedures, as well as the impact of Health Care Reform on the potential limited availability of weight loss surgeries in the future.  Take a look at the press release here.