The Meharry-Vanderbilt Community Engaged Research Core will sponsor “Partnering to Help People with Obesity Better Understand Their Surgical Options” on Friday, March 1. The event is scheduled from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the Metro Public Health Department, Centennial Room B, located at 2500 Charlotte Ave., Nashville.
Obesity increases the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer, among other health problems. People struggling with obesity issues may seek weight loss surgery as an option; however, finding the right treatment can be as challenging as obesity itself.
This is the same challenge that the Rev. Neely Williams faced. She struggled with her weight for 28 years, reaching more than 300 pounds. “The more I weighed, the less I was able to move. And the less I moved, the more I weighed,” Williams said.
Following weight-loss surgery, Williams decided to take action that could help others: She became the patient co-investigator for a patient-centered outcomes research institute (PCORI) study of the three most common types of bariatric surgery.
Williams will share her patient experience as a co-investigator, study findings on weight-loss surgeries, and the local and national impact on the research.
A light breakfast will be provided. Please RSVP to cerc@vumc.org or call (615) 963-2817.
