Dr. Ryan Marek, PH.D. is a psychologist in Houston, TX specializing in psychology.
Houston
Houston, TX 77084
11 Serene Creek Place
The Woodlands, TX 77382
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Binge-Eating Disorder
Binge-eating disorder (BED) is a condition where people repeatedly consume large amounts of food in one setting. People with BED feel that they are unable to control the amount of food they eat, and may continue after reaching a point of fullness. These binges are often accompanied by feelings of sadness, guilt, and shame. BED may lead to physical symptoms like:
People with BED tend to experience cycles of negative emotions and binges. For example, a traumatic event may lead a person with BED to binge eat. Feelings of shame and guilt following a binge might prompt another binge. While in the midst of a binge, people with BED may feel comforted or happy from a sudden rush of dopamine. This can promote a repeated pattern of overeating to alleviate negative emotions. Binges or BED episodes are often provoked by:
Other risk factors for BED include experience with dieting, mental health problems, and a family history of eating disorders. BED may progress and worsen over decades, increasing the chances of causing obesity, or related conditions such as diabetes and joint pain.
Treatment for BED aims to reduce binge frequency and to help patients gain healthy eating practices. Therapy, nutrition counseling, and eating disorder support groups help patients to recover from BED. For example, patients are frequently asked to share their binge patterns and feelings to develop a treatment strategy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common BED treatment. This technique helps patients avoid negative thought patterns that trigger binges. Another treatment option is medication. For example, the FDA approved Vyvanse as an oral medication for BED. While typically used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), Vyvanse prevents binging by curbing impulses for some people with BED. People with BED are frequently prescribed antidepressant medication, which may accompany cognitive behavioral therapy. With proper treatment and support, many with BED are able to break free from the cycle of overeating and improve their eating habits.
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery is a procedure that promotes weight loss by reducing the stomach and altering how the digestive system absorbs and processes food. The procedure treats morbid obesity, where one's weight impairs day-to-day function or poses serious health risks. Gastric bypass surgery is used only after other weight loss treatments are unsuccessful.
Generally, gastric bypass surgery is performed on patients who have a BMI of 40 or greater, or a BMI of 35 or greater with a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes. Bariatric surgeons frequently expect patients to first attempt natural weight loss for about six months to prove to the surgeon that the patient is capable of maintaining a post-surgery diet and exercise regimen.
For obese patients, gastric bypass surgery has many potential health and weight benefits. Gastric bypass surgery restricts the amount of food the stomach contains, as well as:
During gastric bypass surgery, the stomach is stapled to reduce its size, and a small hole is created in the stomach and attached to the middle section of the small intestine. This direct connection between the stomach and the middle of the small intestine creates a channel for some food to bypass the normal route. By bypassing the upper small intestine and larger region of the stomach, food is not fully absorbed and patients do not retain the same amount of calories as before. This procedure is also sometimes referred to as "Roux-en-Y" gastric bypass surgery. Some bariatric surgeons may perform a "laparoscopic bypass" which uses a tiny camera (laparoscope) to guide the procedure.
Gastric bypass surgery is performed with general anesthesia and as preparation, a liquid diet is required for two weeks prior to undergoing the surgery. After the surgery, patients will spend about two days in the hospital and may miss work for two to three weeks. In the first month after the surgery, patients are only able to consume small portions of liquid or soft food. Even after reintroducing solid food, patients feel full quickly, sometimes after eating just two or three tablespoons. Some patients experience "dumping syndrome" (rapid processing of food into the small intestine), which is common during the recovery process. Gastric bypass surgery patients must also make permanent lifestyle changes. For example, gastric bypass patients are required to take vitamins for life after surgery and required to forever avoid certain foods, such as alcohol, sugar, and high fat food.
While the gastric bypass recovery process can be challenging, surgery results are usually swift: most gastric bypass surgery patients lose nearly half to two thirds of their starting weight within two years of surgery.
Weight Loss Surgery (Bariatric Surgery)
Bariatric or weight-loss surgery is a surgical procedure performed to help significantly obese patients lose weight when more traditional methods, such as dieting and exercise, have not helped. Depending on the type, these surgeries change the gastrointestinal tract to limit how much food can be eaten and also change how food is absorbed by the body. Of the various bariatric surgeries available, the most common is gastric bypass.
By far the most common of the gastric bypass surgeries is called Roux-en-Y. During this surgery, part of the stomach and small intestine are detached from the gastrointestinal tract, in order to make the tract smaller. The surgeon divides the stomach into two parts. The working stomach, at the end of the esophagus, is now tiny - only the size of a walnut. This makes patients feel full after eating a small amount of food. Then the small intestine is also divided, and after bypassing a section of the small intestine to reduce food absorption, the intestine is attached to the small stomach pouch. The patient now has a working stomach and intestine like before, only much smaller.
Because gastric bypass is used to treat extreme obesity, it can reduce the risk of some of the problems associated with obesity. Gastric bypass can help treat or reduce the risk for such conditions as heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and type 2 diabetes. However, it is a major surgery and also carries risks itself. Any surgery can lead to infection, bleeding, or blood clots, and weight loss surgery in particular carries risks of leaks in the gastrointestinal system, malnutrition, bowel obstructions, and vomiting.
Typically patients are considered candidates for gastric bypass surgery if they have a BMI greater than 40, or sometimes if they have a BMI between 35 and 40 but are suffering from obesity-related illnesses such as diabetes. The outlook is generally good, with most patients losing between 50-75% of their excess weight in 1-2 years. However, patients must follow strict diet guidelines so that the stomach can heal, starting with no food at all, then followed by a liquid diet for some time. For many severely obese patients who have tried strict diets before without success, gastric bypass surgery is the tool that allows them to finally achieve their weight loss and health goals.
He has a state license in Texas.
Licensed In: Texas
Dr. Ryan Marek, PH.D. appears to accept the following insurance providers: Blue California, Cigna and Aetna.
According to our sources, Dr. Ryan Marek, PH.D. accepts the following insurance providers:
Dr. Ryan Marek, PH.D. has a good overall rating with an average of 3.0 out of 5 stars based on 2 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Ryan Marek, PH.D. from all over the web to help you find the right in Houston, TX.
Dr. Ryan provided an excellent pre-surgical psychological assessment. His expertise and professionalism immediately made me feel at ease. He took the time to fully understand my concerns and made sure I felt at ease throughout the process. Dr. Ryan's insights were extremely helpful in mentally preparing me for the upcoming surgery. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for compassionate and effective psychological support during their medical journey.
The Aetna web site has this Dr under adolescence category. I made an appointment for my son THREE WEEKS ago, this Dr is hard to get in to see because he is only in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They called me TODAY, the DAY of his appointment (it is now 10:41 am and his appointment is at 2:30) only to tell me that this doctor does not see anyone under the age of 17! I've waited for THREE WEEKS for nothing. Now I have to start over. MY SON NEEDS HELP NOW! When I made the appointment, I gave them his birthday to look up the insurance! They KNEW how old he was!!! I'm VERY frustrated.
Dr. Ryan Marek's specialty is psychology. Areas of expertise for Dr. Marek include back pain, gastric bypass surgery, and adult psychiatry. Dr. Marek is in-network for Blue California, Cigna, and Aetna insurance. He has received the following distinction: Early Career Research Award - Society for Personality Assessment. DocSpot reports that he is accepting new patients at his office in.