expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Gary Knighton, D.O.

Family Practitioner | Obesity Medicine

Hi I'm Dr. Gary Knighton. On a daily basis, I see patients that are frustrated with their bodies or their skin, often feeling powerless and painfully aware of their appearance and insecurities. Whether we choose to admit it or not, we all have them. Sadly, our society drives and negatively validates dangerous eating habits, fad diets (such as hCG, starvation or both). Our patients come in loaded with concerns and leave with a smile on their face, feeling better about themselves and looking great! Our patients are why we do what we do as we help them take control over their lives. I have patients come and see me from all over the U.S. I have a unique way of helping my patients understand that we can't change our genetics, we can't change our age, and, in most cases, we can't change our stresses which direct the body to survive rather than live. I have helped thousands formulate a plan to bridge the gap between our genetic programming to store and turn it to burning and losing weight. More importantly, I help them keep it off! It has been over 60 years since we have had any significant breakthrough medication/technology to help with the treatment of overweight/obesity. Now we have Zepbound (Tirzepatide) which is going to be a game changer in the treatment of obesity. I battle being overweight and I have been to enough family reunions to know what my genetics look like, so I am excited for Zepbound (Tirzepatide) for myself. This dual receptor medication is going to be amazing for decreasing percent body fat, therby increasing weight loss, and will be a great recipe to help maintain. Many patients have the false belief that just because they lose that it will stay off. Less than 5% can do that, and we can't change our genetics, age and stress. For example, if my A/C goes out in Arizona and I get it fixed it will take a lot of energy to cool the house but not much to maintain it. Also, just because my house gets down to a desirable temperature, I don't go outside and turn the breaker off and expect my house to stay cool. I will go stride for stride with anyone and help them get to where they want to be. The greatest drug in the world is "Do I feel good and do I feel good about myself?" If the answer is yes to both; greatest drug in the world.
30 years Experience
Dr. Gary Knighton, D.O.
  • Mesa, AZ
  • A.T. Still University of Health Sciences Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Accepting new patients

How do I cope with not recognizing myself after bariatric weight loss?

That is a difficult and understandable question. Most of it is repetition of viewing and accepting your new self. You have had many years of seeing your old self so be patient READ MORE
That is a difficult and understandable question. Most of it is repetition of viewing and accepting your new self. You have had many years of seeing your old self so be patient and give yourself time to recognize your new self and size. I battled with weight for years and after losing it I can say it took some time to see my new self as me and to fully believe that I will stay this size for years to come. It takes work but it is worth it!

Why do I hate myself after eating late at night?

It is because you viewed yourself as failing yourself. You had a goal and you didn't meet it. However, you can get help to lessen your appetite at night as well as be directed READ MORE
It is because you viewed yourself as failing yourself. You had a goal and you didn't meet it. However, you can get help to lessen your appetite at night as well as be directed with food choices that won't trigger late night hunger. Find a qualified bariatrician at www.obesitymedicine.org

Why do I feel depressed when I'm overweight?

Your sure can. Binge eating is a form of addiction and self sabotage. When we are overweight we have thoughts that range from "why try" to punishing ourselves. It is important READ MORE
Your sure can. Binge eating is a form of addiction and self sabotage. When we are overweight we have thoughts that range from "why try" to punishing ourselves. It is important to find successes and change our view of ourselves. Trust me, I have been there when I was overweight. Find a good bariatrician at www.obesitymedicine.org and find a good therapist if necessary. Find your new and better self; trust me the effort is worth it!

Which probiotics are best for gas and bloating?

Live, refrigerated and lactose free probiotics. You can find them in the refrigerated section of your health food stores.

Can gastric bypass surgery cause a chronic cough?

It can. Be sure to follow up with your bariatric surgeon as it can be a sign of something more significant.

What makes someone addicted to food?

See a therapist immediately. Also, find a good bariatrician in your area through www.obesitymedicine.org as she might need medications to treat the disorder.

How can I improve my mental health without medication?

Don't be afraid of all medication. Medication, in some cases, helps our conditions and keeps us on track. When I grew up there were no cell phones and I had to use a pay phone. READ MORE
Don't be afraid of all medication. Medication, in some cases, helps our conditions and keeps us on track. When I grew up there were no cell phones and I had to use a pay phone. Technology gave me a cell phone. Some medications give us the same advantage. If we are not where we want to be, there is nothing wrong with using a tool to help. If I broke my arm, I wouldn't want to heal without a cast. See a good bariatrician in your area by going on www.obesitymedicine.org and they can help with or without medication.

Why do I feel so awful after binge eating?

Binge eating is a condition and an addiction. We feel awful because we failed ourselves but just couldn't stop. Sometimes our itch to binge eat is like being rolled in poison ivy READ MORE
Binge eating is a condition and an addiction. We feel awful because we failed ourselves but just couldn't stop. Sometimes our itch to binge eat is like being rolled in poison ivy and be told not to scratch. Find a good bariatrician through www.obesitymedicine.org and they can really help you get your life back.

Can celiac cause weight gain?

It sure can. Follow closely with a bariatrician through www.obesitymedicine.org if you have put on too much weight. Otherwise work with your physician by following more of a ketogenic READ MORE
It sure can. Follow closely with a bariatrician through www.obesitymedicine.org if you have put on too much weight. Otherwise work with your physician by following more of a ketogenic diet. Sometimes when we avoid wheat and gluten we overcompensate with other carbs and weight comes on.

Keto fat burner pills?

I love the ketogenic way of eating. However, I am not a big fan of some of the "fat burner pills" out there as they can disrupt the thyroid. A good source of information for the READ MORE
I love the ketogenic way of eating. However, I am not a big fan of some of the "fat burner pills" out there as they can disrupt the thyroid. A good source of information for the keto way of life is: www.keto-adapted.com.

What causes acid reflux after gastric bypass?

Many things can cause the reflux from eating too much volume to problems with the surgery itself. Follow up with your bariatric surgeon for an evaluation. If it continues then READ MORE
Many things can cause the reflux from eating too much volume to problems with the surgery itself. Follow up with your bariatric surgeon for an evaluation. If it continues then see a gastroenterologist.

When do you notice weight loss after gastric sleeve surgery?

If you don't see weight loss following the gastric sleeve surgery then see a bariatrician to help as you might need further treatment to include medications to help. To find one READ MORE
If you don't see weight loss following the gastric sleeve surgery then see a bariatrician to help as you might need further treatment to include medications to help. To find one in your area visit: www.obesitymedicine.org.

Will I gain weight after bariatric surgery?

Many patients will gain weight after bariatric surgery. It is important to work with a bariatric physician in addition to your bariatric surgeon to not only facilitate your weight READ MORE
Many patients will gain weight after bariatric surgery. It is important to work with a bariatric physician in addition to your bariatric surgeon to not only facilitate your weight loss but also to keep your weight down. Most patients feel all that they need is the surgery and that will be the complete answer, and that is not accurate. Sometimes a bariatric physician will need to prescribe medications to help keep the metabolism working and the appetite controlled to maintain the progress made.

How to help son who is being cyberbullied for being overweight?

Working with a good bariatric physician to help him lose the weight as well as a good therapist to help him realize his value. Cyberbullying can be scarring, but being overweight READ MORE
Working with a good bariatric physician to help him lose the weight as well as a good therapist to help him realize his value. Cyberbullying can be scarring, but being overweight can be scarring as well. It is important to address both issues.

What can you do if you can't stop binge eating?

There is usually a psychological trigger to binge eating. It is important to find a good therapist to identify what triggers the self-sabotage. It is also important to find a bariatric READ MORE
There is usually a psychological trigger to binge eating. It is important to find a good therapist to identify what triggers the self-sabotage. It is also important to find a bariatric physician to help, and may require medication to minimize the physiological desire to binge.

What percentage of gastric bypass patients regain weight?

Some studies show 50% of those who have had gastric bypass will begin regaining weight after 2 years. It is important to work closely with a bariatric physician near you to help READ MORE
Some studies show 50% of those who have had gastric bypass will begin regaining weight after 2 years. It is important to work closely with a bariatric physician near you to help keep the weight off.

Does being overweight affect a person psychologically?

Of course it does. Consciously and subconsciously your brain knows you are not healthy and not the person you want to be. If you want to start on the road to becoming healthy and READ MORE
Of course it does. Consciously and subconsciously your brain knows you are not healthy and not the person you want to be. If you want to start on the road to becoming healthy and the person you want to be, I suggest finding a bariatric physician to help you. Visit: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ to find one near you.

Why do I feel so hateful that I'm overweight?

Because you know that you are not who and what you want to be. That builds resentment inwardly and externally. To find help to lose your weight and become happier I recommend you READ MORE
Because you know that you are not who and what you want to be. That builds resentment inwardly and externally. To find help to lose your weight and become happier I recommend you visit: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/ to find a bariatric physician near you to start your journey to get you where you want to be and a much happier person. I battle with weight and know exactly how you feel because that used to be me.

When should you have gastric sleeve surgery?

When considering any surgery, you should consider when you feel that you have done all that you can to lose. I recommend seeing a non-surgical bariatric physician first to see READ MORE
When considering any surgery, you should consider when you feel that you have done all that you can to lose. I recommend seeing a non-surgical bariatric physician first to see if you can lose the weight without surgery. You can find one near you by visiting: https://obesitymedicine.org/find-obesity-treatment/

That would be what I consider the first step.

What percentage of gastric bypass patients regain weight?

Most studies have shown that 50% will gain their weight back.