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Weight Loss Care
Mayo Clinic Bariatric Center in Florida
Kirsten Frederiksen, M.D., Medical Director, Bariatric Center, Florida: The disease of obesity is different for every person,
and our program really focuses on the patient as a whole.
Victoria Gomez, M.D., Director of Bariatric Endoscopy, Bariatric Center, Florida: Many patients with weight issues are very reluctant to seek medical care because fear of being judged. It's very astonishing when patients open up to you and they talk to you about their experiences, and I always thank them for being okay with feeling vulnerable to talk to me about their weight issues.
Enrique Elli, M.D., Surgical Director, Bariatric Center, Florida: At Mayo Clinic, we receive patients
that they are wanting to change their life. We'll give them the option of different treatment, not just, you know, one size fits all.
We tailor the approach to their needs, maybe surgery, maybe endoscopic procedure, maybe medication.
Dr. Frederiksen: Mayo Clinic is really innovative in the weight loss space. In bariatric surgery, we're doing more procedures all the time that aren't being done elsewhere.
Dr. Elli: We are offering this new technology; it's called MagDI, which is a bariatric operation performed with magnets,
and it's very, very minimally invasive. It's done by endoscopy through the mouth, through tiny incisions in the abdomen. Mayo Clinic in Florida was one of the first to do this procedure in the country.
Dr. Gomez: The beauty of it is that here at Mayo Clinic, we have so many options for our patients nowadays. We really prioritize healthy and sustainable weight loss. This is not a quick fix. We really value our patients receiving the proper education,
counseling, and support so that they understand that the weight loss process and having a healthier lifestyle is lifelong.
Dr. Elli: We see patients that come back to see us and say, 'Hey, thanks to you, I was able to walk 10 miles, which I couldn't do before. I can go and play with my kids.' So that's very rewarding and that's how you know that you're making a huge impact in their life.
Dr. Frederiksen: The one bit of advice I would give to anyone who's struggling with weight is that they're not alone.
There are treatment options now that can help. And so not to suffer in silence or to feel they're alone, but to really explore options
and not be afraid to pursue care.
Dr. Gomez: The first thing I always say is, make that appointment.
Dr. Frederiksen: Rest assured, you're in the best hands. This is really an incredible institution with world-renowned surgeons, physicians, staff. You can't really get better care than here.
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