A recent study showed that those with private health insurance lost more weight after having weight-loss surgery than those covered by Medicare. The reasoning behind it in part is because apparently Medicare patients tend to weigh more before having the surgery and are more likely to be struggling with other issues like depression and high blood pressure.

In addition, since Medicare patients are generally starting more disadvantaged than those with private insurance, follow-up exercise and nutrition are really critical.

John Morton, MD, of the Stanford University School of Medicine, who conducted the study, said "The Medicare group lost 57 percent of its excess weight, but in comparison with the private insurance group, this was much less, with the private insurance group losing about 82 percent of their extra weight."

In addition Medicare group had somewhat more complications with the surgery, and in general they had higher BMI prior to having the surgery.

I have known many people that have pursued this avenue for weight loss and hands down the biggest winners (or ‘losers,’ I should say), have been those that did a lifestyle overhaul incorporating regular exercise and consistent nutrition. If you have the wherewithal to take the surgery on by all means, here's hoping you have the wherewithal to do what it takes after. Not to mention, there is the positive effect diet and exercise can have on the surrounding issues such as diabetes, high cholesterol and blood pressure.

I recently attended the Texas Ambulatory Surgery Center Society’s (TASCS) meeting in Austin. What an amazing organization and informative conference! The conference was Feb. 2-3, in order to capitalize on the timing of TASCS’ Advocacy Day on Feb. 3. The first day was devoted to updates with regard to rules, regulations and legislation concerning Texas ASCs. The second day, attendees were invited to the Texas State Capitol to chat with lawmakers about the current state of the ASC industry and define their needs directly to those who can affect change.

Bobby Hillert, executive director of TASCS, did a phenomenal job of organizing the event which resulted in over 70 in attendance between the two days.

Impressively, the 380 or so Texas ASCs employ almost 7,400 people. Even more impressively, these facilities are expected to contribute almost $1.7 billion to the state economy. 
 
Kudos to Bobby for a simply amazing job on the conference and bringing together thought leaders from all over the state to energize this powerful community!

Well how about some positive news for a change? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a new report on Outpatient Surgeries on the Rise. Doesn't it feel great to hear that anything is "on the rise" right now (other than the unemployment rate, of course)? Granted this reflects the time period from 1996 to 2006, but heck, I'll take some good news.

For the full report, please click HERE.
 
Being the unbridled optimist, good news like this is precisely what the doctor ordered. I have to say I'm on board with those that, at least partially, blame the media for the severity of our current economic situation. I saw a segment Sunday morning in which in their vast wisdom, Good Morning America took a family of four in the Northeast as the topic of their "reporting from the frontlines." Both employed? Check. Both businesses healthy? Check. Scaling back? CHECK. They cut all expenses including the family vacation, going out for recreation and even weekly pizza night. Why? Zoom in on mom...."I'm petrified!!!"
 
Nothing like spreading abject fear to pull our nation out, eh?
 
As mentioned in a previous blog, I strongly believe that creativity, hope and unbridled optimism is what will get this country back on its feet. So sign me up for rallying the troops and together let's do it!