Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast
The podcast and book were started with my patients in mind. Due to time restrictions, I recognized the need for more education on fibromyalgia and related illnesses. If you have not checked out the book, the podcast is meant to supplement what was covered there. Many people worldwide will never be able to see me as their doctor, and I hope this podcast offers valuable insights, information, and wisdom from a medical doctor using a multifaceted evidence-based approach from the perspective of a pediatrician, internist, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist. If you are a doctor or another health care professional caring for those with invisible illnesses, I hope these serve you well. Many people have either been told or read that fibromyalgia isn't real or that it is just all in their heads. This misunderstanding, unfortunately, causes harm and is a disservice to those suffering. If you are one of the estimated more than 10 million people in the United States who are suffering from fibromyalgia, then you know it is real. If you don't have fibromyalgia, you will, at a minimum, gain a deeper understanding of what you or your loved one is experiencing. If you have fibromyalgia, you will feel validated for what you have endured. I have over 27 years of experience as a doctor and am continuing to learn about medical problems, including invisible illnesses like fibromyalgia and related problems. You can learn more by visiting www.conqueringyourfibromyalgia.com.
Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast
Ep 180 Exploring Bariatric Surgery's Impact on Chronic Pain and Obesity
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The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Chronic Pain Syndromes
In this episode, we explore the significant relationship between obesity and chronic pain, and the impact of weight loss on conditions such as fibromyalgia, specifically highlighting bariatric surgery. Key aspects discussed include different types of bariatric surgeries, their mechanisms, benefits, risks, and long-term commitment required for success. Various studies are reviewed showcasing the effects of weight loss on knee osteoarthritis, chronic pain improvement post-surgery, and overall physical function. Future episodes promise to delve into the impact of GLP-1 agonists, very low-calorie diets, and whole food plant-based diets on chronic pain and autoimmune conditions.
00:00 Introduction to Chronic Pain and Obesity
00:39 Understanding Eating Disorders and Weight Loss
01:11 Overview of Weight Loss Interventions
01:45 Bariatric Surgery Explained
03:47 Types of Bariatric Surgery
05:47 Post-Surgery Effects and Benefits
06:46 Risks and Long-Term Commitment
08:29 Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Chronic Pain
08:35 Study on Knee Osteoarthritis and Bariatric Surgery
14:41 Predictors of Chronic Pain Post-Surgery
16:55 Longitudinal Study on Pain and Function
20:23 Meta-Analysis on Back Pain and Bariatric Surgery
22:53 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview
A Fibromyalgia Starter Pack, which is a great companion to the book Conquering Your Fibromyalgia, is now available. Dr. Michael Lenz practices general pediatrics and internal medicine primary care, seeing patients from infants through adults. In addition, he also will see patients with fibromyalgia and related problems and patients interested in lifestyle medicine and clinical lipidology. To learn more, go to ConquringYourFibromyalgia.com. Remember that while Dr. Lenz is a medical doctor, he is not your doctor. All of your signs and symptoms should be discussed with your own physician. He aims to weave the best of conventional medicine with lifestyle medicine to help people with chronic health conditions live their best lives possible. Dr. Lenz hopes that the podcast, book, blog, and website serve as a trusted resource and starting point on your journey of learning to live better with fibromyalgia and related illnesses.