Greater Columbia Bariatric Surgeons

About Dr. Fox

About Greater Columbia Bariatric Surgeons
At Greater Columbia Bariatric Surgeons, Dr. Earl Fox and his team provide bariatric services and weight loss support to patients from in and around West Richland, Washington.
Patient care is the primary focus of each and every member of the staff, from the receptionist who greets patients at the door to the doctor who meets with patients to discuss their specific set of needs before creating an individualized treatment plan. Providing the highest possible level of service is a team effort to ensure that every patient is treated like the distinct individual that he or she is.
Dr. Fox has been in practice since 1986. He went on to become one of the earliest surgeons to offer bariatric surgery using FDA-approved bands. Since then, he has specialized in adjustable gastric banding (also known as LAP-BAND®) and has performed more than 2,000 of these surgeries. His dedication and hard work have led his practice to grow over the year. Dr. Fox retired from bariatric surgery June of 2019. He still takes care of existing Bariatric patients and does just medical weight management at this time.

Obesity

The Care You Deserve

Obesity has reached an epidemic stage in America, and it is a problem that affects people of every age, in every region of the nation, and from every walk of life. At Greater Columbia Bariatric Surgeons in West Richland, Washington, a comprehensive obesity treatment program can help patients live healthier lives.

Obesity Treatment 

Helping You Get Healthy

by Earl Fox, MD

With the American population becoming heavier on average, why is obesity such a health concern?

Research suggests that the American population is growing heavier every few years, and the “average” body size of today is far different from what it was for the average citizen’s parents and grandparents. According to the medical community, people who have a Body Mass Index that exceeds 30.0 are considered to be clinically obese. Of course, there are circumstances that can impact BMI, and doctors use other diagnostic tools in determining the difference between simply being overweight and being obese. Obesity is a serious medical condition, and it increases a patient’s risk for diabetes, stroke, heart disease and a wide range of other maladies.

How is obesity treated?

There are many different treatment options for people who are struggling with obesity. Some people are able to find success with dietary adjustments and increased physical activity, while others will struggle for years trying different diet and exercise programs that offer little in the way of success. For many people, a medically supervised weight loss program is a better fit. This approach gives patients an individualized action plan and the support of a highly skilled team of medical professionals. In some cases, bariatric surgery is the best path to a healthy weight.

How do behavioral therapies help with obesity treatment?

Behavioral therapy is the practice of observing, accepting and adapting the ways that an individual behaves throughout the course of any given day. It begins with keeping a record of all food taken in, as well as the conditions surrounding each meal. Physical activity is also tracked. Next, individuals seek the support of a behavioral specialist, who can help them understand the triggers that lead to excessive consumption. Finally, alternative behaviors are learned and integrated into the individual’s daily life, which can have a great deal of impact on long-term health and weight management.