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WLS Surgical Associates
and Texas Bariatric Innovations Newsletter

April 2010
 Greetings!

Drugs which are designed to decrease appetite are abundant. We are looking at the current role of medication which might be offered 2 or more years after bariatric surgery.  The article below will educate you about phentermine.
 
Sincerely,  Joseph A. Kuhn, MD
APRIL SUPPORT MEETING: 
 
    April 12  (Mon)  Medical City Dallas
            7777 Forest Lane, Building A
            Cafetorium  (NEW TIME, PLACE
            7:00-8:00
    April 8  (Thurs)  Baylor Park Lane
            9101 N Central Expwy
            2nd floor conference room
            6:30 to 7:30
    April 15 (Thurs) Baylor Southwest FW
            2nd floor conference room
            6:00 to 8:00
   

 Personal Story
 
 
MEDICAL CITY SUPPORT MEETING:

 
It is not just about "THE WEIGHT"
 
Presented by Jane Clarke, MA, LPC, LFMT
  and Martha Sue Hagar, MA
 
They are going to address issues of social/emotional adjustment after Weight Loss surgery. 
Will have breakout sessions afterwards. 

April 12, 2010   7:00 pm
 
Building A, Meeting Room (In Cafeteria) Medical City Dallas
   7777 Forest Lane  (free parking)
 
 
 
 
 
Miracle Drugs For Weight Loss

Phentermine has been FDA approved for 50 years. Last year Phentermine prescriptions represented 75% of all diet drugs prescribed by a physician. 
 
Phentermine is a deriviative of amphetamine and works by decreasing appetite and stimulating metabolism.  It can have addictive properties and should  only be prescribed for 3 months. 
 
In the clinical studies, the patients lost more weight than the placebo drug (fake meds) over a 12 week period.  The difference wasn't very big (10-15 pounds), since the patients taking the placebo drug were also seeing their doctor frequently, suggesting that some people will lose weight just following a close regimen within a structured system.  There was no long term followup.   
 
The drug carries a small risk of worsening blood pressure, causing rapid heartbeat, nervousness, or insomnia.  There is a very small risk of heart valve problems.  It cannot be taken together with several antidepressant drugs.  
 
Phentermine is not typically covered by most insurance companies.  The cost of the medicine is between 20-40$ per month, depending on the pharmacy. 
 
Our consideration is whether it could be offered to patients who are two years out from weight loss surgery as a 3 month regimen to stimulate weight loss.  If there was a strong interest on the part of our patients, we would try to implement such a program, with appropriate monitoring.  As newer agents become available, it would be beneficial for our patients to attempt to offer them to our patients.
 
 
Baylor Clinic and Nova Clinic

Dr. Kuhn has decided to see some new patients in the Baylor clinic at Northpark.  Those patients that attend the Baylor Seminar may also elect to have the first appointment and followup care at the Baylor clinic near Park Lane and hwy 75. 
 
We also see patients who are seen through Nova Body Solutions, which promotes bariatric surgery at Vista Hospital in Garland

New Referrals

 
 
 
For new referrals, we will mail a DVD to a potential person who is considering their options or who simply wants to learn more about bariatric surgery.
 
You can Email our new patient coordinator to assist with mailings:
 
 
 
COE emblemCOE emblem
 
 
 
Sincerely,
 

Joseph Kuhn, MD, Medical Director
 

WLS Surgical Associates
REALIZE SEMINARS AT OUR OFFICE

We have started offering seminars at our office every Wednesday from noon to 1pm.  Of course, we also send DVDs and arrange one on one visits for all that prefer that option.  Both can be arranged through Pam.
 
Buddy System
do you want to help?

Would you be willing to offer words of encouragement to new patients who are scheduled to have surgery?  This could be done over the internet or phone. 
 
If so, send an email to our new patient coordinator
 
 
OLD NEWSLETTERS


Sometimes, there can be valuable news in old newsletters.  You are welcome to review old newsletters on the website beginning later this week.  
 
 
 
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