Our Someone 2 Know is Reno Dr. Lars Webb. He specializes in bariatric surgery - a procedure that can be used to treat obesity.
The doctor says the disease has seen a sharp rise in the U.S. - and he wants to remove the stigmas that impact patients and even physicians.
For Dr. Webb it all begins with a strong rapport with patients - and prospective patients. "I just fell in love with the population. It's rare in medicine, especially in general surgery, you get to follow someone for life and that's the goal with bariatric surgery."
Gastric bypass surgery is just one tool, says Dr. Webb because it's about so much more than just losing weight. "Obesity is probably the number one health problem we have in the United States. it contributes to everything: heart disease, lung disease, cancer..."
The doctor says the stigma surrounding obesity is what stops many people from getting the care they need. "I think that's really unfortunate. You know, I’ve heard providers, physicians and nurse practitioners and our PA's say I don't feel comfortable talking about obesity."
Dr. Webb will keep trying to break down barriers and clarify misconceptions about poor lifestyle choices and character flaws. He says obesity is a disease. "A mix of things, we have onboard genetics and onboard endocrine system that makes us more susceptible to being obese. You know, some people aren't some people are. I do think the environment we live in has a lot to do with that, too, and we don't get to change either one of those things."
It was almost by happenstance that Webb became interested in medicine and surgery.
"I got a job when I was 18, working in the OR, actually, as an orderly, mopping the floors and just fell in love with the pace of the work there, fell in love with the people who were there."
Northern Nevada - he has always loved -
"It's always been home, you know, as a kid growing up everyone's like – I’ wanna go somewhere else!’ But, having been a lot of other places - there's no better place!"
The doctor says he loves to be outdoors with his family - and when he's indoors he wants to change patients’ lives for the better. "To be able to have these people come in and have them for many months before surgery and have them as a patient forever after that - and I think that's one of the most important pieces of it and one of the things I like best."
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If you are considering bariatric surgery there are a great many resources available to prepare you before - and support you after - the procedure. There are classes and nutritionists, and support groups like Overeaters Anonymous - and much more.
The surgery is minimally invasive and is covered by most insurance, for those who qualify.
FOR MORE DETAILS, see links here -
Dr. Lars Webb at Western Surgical Group
75 Pringle Way Suite #1002
Reno, Nevada 89502
Phone: 775-323-7500
Fax: 775-789-9208
Email: info@westernsurgical.com
WEBSITE - https://www.westernsurgical.com/
Find “Resources” Tab for more information
Overeaters Anonymous (meetings in Reno) –
Overeaters Anonymous (meetings in Reno) -
