In our previous episodes, we’ve discussed the latest in medical weight loss and the safety of metabolic surgery. But for many patients, the most important factor in long-term success isn’t a specific procedure — it’s the relationship with their primary care doctor.
In this episode, Drs. Sarah Samreen and Andrea Stark welcome Angela Raimer, MD, a family physician and UTMB chief medical officer for outpatient primary care. They discuss how the primary care office acts as a “medical home” before and after specialty weight loss treatment, ensuring a patient’s care is coordinated, safe, and sustainable long term.
Connecting the dots: Your primary care navigator
Healthcare can be confusing, especially when navigating multiple specialists. Dr. Raimer explains that a primary care provider acts as the central hub for a patient’s health history. “People will come in confused,” Dr. Raimer noted. “One specialist might say one thing, and another says something that contradicts it. We help patients navigate that and give them ownership over their health.”
By starting the workup in the primary care office, doctors ensure that by the time a patient reaches a bariatric specialist, they are clinically prepared and emotionally ready for the next phase of their journey.
Wellness vs. early detection
A major takeaway from the conversation is the distinction between preventing a disease and catching it early. Dr. Raimer noted that while tools such as mammograms or colonoscopies are vital for early detection, true prevention happens during annual wellness visits. These visits focus on “the big three” predictors of quality of life:
Exercise: For brain health and functionality, not just the scale.
Intentional eating: Being mindful and intentional about nutritional needs.
Mental health and sleep: Managing the physiologic impacts of stress.
The bariatric safety net
The partnership between primary care and specialty bariatrics is a lifelong loop. Drs. Samreen and Stark emphasized that the work done in the surgical suite or the obesity clinic is supported by the long-term surveillance provided by primary care.
“I have a patient who sees me every four weeks because she’s reached her goal, but she feels like I’m that safety net,” explained Dr. Stark. This coordination ensures that even years after a procedure, patients have a doctor monitoring their bariatric-specific labs and maintenance medications, preventing the detachment that can lead to weight recurrence.
A relationship built on trust
Talking about weight can be difficult, but Dr. Raimer emphasized that the goal is always health, not aesthetics. “I try to focus on the health outcomes, not on the physical appearance,” she said. “I’m not trying to get you into a bikini; I’m trying to make sure you don’t have a heart attack.”
By treating obesity as a chronic disease rather than a crisis, UTMB primary and specialty teams work together to provide a seamless, evidence-based roadmap for every patient.
Ready to take the next step? Whether you want to establish a “medical home” for your annual wellness visits or are interested in exploring specialty weight loss options, UTMB Health is here to help.