For any of you that are on my Facebook fan page, you heard of our results from the facility visit last weekend.  I have to admit, I was a little nervous. 

 

As part of my Board Certification in Bariatric Medicine, I have to do over 100 hours of additional education in Obesity medicine, I have to take the written boards, and I have to have a member of the American Society of Bariatric Medicine review team actually come to my office and go through my charts at random. You can imagine that this might be very anxiety provoking, not only for me, but for my team.

 

I had completed the additional education over a year ago. I also took my Bariatric Board exam last October in California. I placed 10th in the nation. That is unheard of for a gynecologist. The physician that came to my office last Saturday was hesitant to come to the office because she stated that gynecologist historically do not do well on the site and chart review.  She spent most of the day last Saturday with me at the office. Dana Reser, the Director of Dr. Haendiges' Medical Weight Loss Program, has done an excellent job of getting things organized and the patients managed.  The physician reviewer came to the office and spent about 2.5 hours going through our charts. 

She gave us a glowing endorsement. She stated that I was one of the top two offices that she has ever reviewed. She kind of chuckled and said that she was known as the toughest reviewer that the ASBP uses.  She gave us a report of "no deficits". 

 

There were a few comments that really made me happy and proud of the program that we have put together for our patients. She stated that it is rare to see a clinic with such a high success rate, a more intense or ill patient population, and the passion for which my team and I have displayed with our patients and our practice.  Our results do speak for themselves she noted.  

I write this today not to toot our horn but to tell you that we are so dedicated to the reduction in disease and death related to obesity of the people in our community, locally and nationally.  Obesity is killing Americans.  I went to medical school to help people. I believe that what I am doing now is more helpful to our community than anything that I have ever done before in the practice of medicine. 

 

I have several young men in my practice for which I am treating them for severe obesity. There is a much bigger problem than just the obesity. Because of changes in his body related to his weight, he was headed to liver insufficiency, cholesterol problems, and diabetes. In fact, one such patient is only 14, he would have been a diabetic in less than a year. His insulin level was the highest that I've seen in his generation. There is an interesting fact that is really quite disturbing. The generation of children now living are the first generation that is NOT expected to outlive their parents. The number one reason for this is the metabolic disturbances that occur due to obesity, poor eating, and a sedentary lifestyle.  I am so excited for this young man. He has lost over 20 pounds of fat in the past three weeks, he has much more energy and confidence, he is doing well with his motivation, attitude, and school work.  When people ask me, "why did retire from Obstetrics, you don't have to look any further than this young man.  My desire and the desire of my staff is to help people. If people were able to lose their weight, manage their own metabolic disturbances, or have the skill set to change their behaviors permanently, my expertise would not be necessary.

 

I have done an entire residency in Bariatric Medicine and am now officially Board Certified in Bariatric Medicine. I am passionate about helping everyone that needs help or wants help. I have also designed the same program that we do here at the office but in a virtual office setting. If you know someone that lives away, or if you are not able to or do not want to come to the office, you can also participate in our program as an online alternative. 

 

As a celebration for our Bariatric Review, I am offering a "Bring a Buddy Bonus".  If you and a friend, a spouse, or a co-worker join the program together, you will both get 10% off of the full 2 month program. If you are interested in this or have thought about doing it, your time to act is right now!  If you want to join, call 765-459-8248 and reserve your spot for this Tuesday. Remember, we do offer Saturday hours. If you are interested in the online experience, go to www.AmericaBeThin.com and enroll. 

 

I think if you are sick and tired or being sick and tired, achy, grumpy, and constantly having to take prescription medications, then come to our office for our special Celebration seminar this Tuesday! Your life will change! You can improve your health and reduce your risks. Call now to reserve your appointment!

 

To your Health,

 

Dr. Michelle Haendiges