Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.

BariatricPal

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
  • Appearance

Join BariatricPal free

  • Ask your own questions
  • Reply and follow topics
  • Message other members
  • No cost, no spam

Anyone see "Big Medicine"?

Its a new show I think on TLC and its about these 2 baratric surgeons father and son who perorm mostly gastric bypasses (I havent seen any lap bands done yet). But I was just wondering if anyone saw this and whether or not you thought this was a good idea this show? I mean does it inform or glamorize these procedures? Will it have a positive or negative effect? Will people think these surgeries are for just anyone? Chime in please!

  • Replies 55
  • Views 4.8k
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Featured Replies

Hi tink

I saw the show advertised during the INSIDE THE BROOKHAVEN OBESITY CLINIC marathon I watched on Sunday. I think it's an interesting concept. I worry about the people being objectified and perhaps used for rating purposes. I think it just depends on how the information and subjects are presented.

Of course, just my two cents.

Nathalie

  • Author

Hey great name you have, its mine too! except I spell it Natalie. Yes my concern too was perhaps the exploitation of the subject of obesity, but I do think that they so far have portrayed these people as normal honest good people like all of us. However I am concerned that they do not drive home the fact that these people have tried dieting for years unsuccessfully and that the surgery was their last hope. I am afraid this might glorify the operation and many people will think this is a quick fix.., Anyone?

I watch the show. Like the doctors. It appears they only perform bypasses. I feel it's time for a show about Bandsters. Alot of people aren't as familar with the band as bypass.

I watch the show. Like the doctors. It appears they only perform bypasses. I feel it's time for a show about Bandsters. Alot of people aren't as familar with the band as bypass.

:clap2: I TOTALLY agree! It's time for some publicity for the lapband. Yeah, I've seen some advertisments, but it would be great to get a mini-series documentary on the lapband...follow a few patients over the course of a year and watch their journey! Now THAT would be good television! hehe

I love Big medicine. I htink they do a good job but i really want a lap band episode. I hate the show INSIDE THE BROOKHAVEN OBESITY CLINIC. I was watching it the other day and they had 2 people that had decided to get GB and the narrator said well they hace opted for the fast easy way out unlike like _ who will be working hard and doing it without surgery. How can a show about obesity be so negative towards bariatric surgery? I was afraid that Big Medicine was gonna be like that but i was really happy with the show.

Yes, I watch Big Medicine and I like it, so far. I, too, wish they had more Lap Band coverage. I think GB is just too invasive. Why don't we make it happen w/the Lap Band series???

Ariel: Wow. I didn't catch that comment on the Inside Brookhaven. I'm really disappointed b/c I've been watching this show, too. :) I agree. How can they be so negative towards bariatric surgery? I'm a bit confused by that one. ;)

I could kick myself. My PCP told me about Garth, but I didn't go with him because I couldn't find anything about him doing lapbands. He does do lapbands. His father and him and now Dr. Spiegel are operating out of University General, a new hospital here in Houston. Five star establishment.

The two Davis's are a hoot and bring some refreshing comedy to a subject that has not always been funny. It is a 10 episode show with them so I'm sure they will have lapband surgery in there.

I was glad to see the profiles of the plastic surgeons because I wanted to know more about Rappaport featured in the first episode.

We've got to hope that more will be said about lapbandsters as there are more and more of us. I try to put all these shows in perspective, but I do learn something from each of them. If nothing, it keeps the whole thing real for me. :)

I love Garth, knew him when he was just a little resident.

I haven't seen the show, I need to try to catch it, there is another thread around here about it.

  • 4 weeks later...

They are finally going to show a lapband patient on next weeks show. Also on this week episode a lady was having a revision and they said her first surgery was a malina band? What is that?

I love BIG MEDICINE. I have it on Tivo. I like the fact that they are showing real cases--where everyone doesn't get approved and the public gets to see that it's a real political, emotional, and financial struggle just to "get to the operating table"

I CAN'T STAND the lady psychiatrist....If it were left up to her, everyone would be screwed up and no one would be eliglbe for surgery!!

I love this show too... Can't wait for next week because they said they will have a band patient but there will be trouble because her husband doesn't want a "skinny woman"... Hah!!

I would like to know what the Melina band is too... I wish they would have said, the patient said that it was 10 years ago; maybe it wasn't adjustable?

Great thread!

Dr. Robert Davis was my surgeon and Garth is my fill doctor. I was only Dr. Robert's third lap band. Garth is more experienced since it is the newer surgery. Dr. Robert advocates gastric bypass and tried to talk me into it. I was afraid however. It has been very difficult so far getting the fills I need in this 10cc VG band to meet with success.

I like the show. Those guys really are kind and compassionate. I was really impressed that Garth came to all the support meetings and answered any and all questions. That was before the film crew started coming.

I guess the really big people are more interesting and thats why they show people with very high BMI's.

The psychologist, Mary Jo, is coming off like an itch-bay on the show. She is really a nice lady but she doesn't mince words. Yes, she is very thin and a real sharp dresser and beautiful. She specializes in addictions. She is cool even tho she is a skinny person.

I like the show but sometimes it is too painful to watch.

Join the conversation

You can post as a guest; create a free account to track replies, follow topics, and be part of the largest weight loss surgery community.

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.