Surgery for obesity & metabolic diseases
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When it comes to weight loss, there's a wealth of non-surgical options that can help you achieve your goals. Whether you're looking to shed a few pounds or embark on a significant transformation, these methods can be effective without the need for surgery.
In this blog post, we'll explore five non-surgical options for weight loss and provide a detailed explanation of each.
You might find this post contradicting to what we preach, and it is true, but some people are entirely reluctant to have surgery, and it is something we respect, but as a bariatric surgeon, I am completely aware that there is no better option than weight loss surgery to achieve the best and most tangible results in terms of the number of pounds lost and changes in patient's general health condition and quality of life. I have no doubt that weight loss surgery is the best treatment for obesity and metabolic diseases.
The different non-surgical options to consider are:
Diet and nutrition are the cornerstone of any successful weight loss journey. This non-surgical approach involves making conscious choices about the foods you consume. A balanced, calorie-controlled diet is key, often incorporating whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains while reducing the intake of high-calorie and low-nutrient foods.
By monitoring your daily calorie intake, you create an energy deficit, which leads to weight loss. This sustainable approach can be customized to your preferences and dietary restrictions. It is considered the cornerstone of weight loss; some even state that it represents the highest percentage of weight loss achievement over exercise and other measures.
Regular physical activity is essential for weight loss. Exercising like walking, jogging, swimming, or strength training helps you burn calories, build muscle, and improve your overall fitness. The combination of cardio and strength exercises is particularly effective because it not only promotes calorie burn during workouts but also increases your resting metabolic rate, helping you burn more calories throughout the day.
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, as health authorities recommend. I insist to my postop patients, though, that the idea is not to "Kill" yourself exercising; it is more relevant and purpose-oriented to focus on regular exercise than trying to compensate for inactivity in one session. Extreme or vigorous exercise in a person who is not used to it will more frequently than not tend to abandon the activity. Remember, it is a marathon, not a 100-meter race.
Weight loss isn't just about what you eat; it's also about why you eat. Behavioral therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindful eating, helps individuals understand and address the emotional and psychological factors contributing to overeating.
By identifying triggers and developing healthier coping strategies, you can establish a more positive relationship with food. This non-surgical approach encourages mindful, intuitive eating and can lead to more sustainable weight loss. This kind of therapy is very beneficial for patients who don't want surgery and to patients who will undergo surgery; at Obesity Free, we always include this evaluation as part of their initial preoperative and follow-up process.
Sometimes, healthcare providers may prescribe weight loss medications to complement your non-surgical efforts. These medications can help control appetite, reduce fat absorption, or alter metabolism. They should always be used under medical supervision and in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise plan.
Medications can provide an extra boost to your weight loss journey, especially if you have difficulty losing weight through diet and exercise alone; you must keep in mind that leaving all the responsibility to medications is not enough for your goal because, at some point, you will have or want to stop medications, at that point, you will be left with other changes you've made which usually are exercising and healthy eating habits.
Achieving lasting weight loss involves more than just diet and exercise; it requires a holistic approach to your lifestyle. Ensure you get enough sleep, manage stress, and reduce sedentary behaviors. Poor sleep and high stress levels can contribute to weight gain, making it essential to address these factors. Prioritizing self-care and maintaining a balanced lifestyle can significantly support your weight loss goals.
These five non-surgical weight loss options provide a diverse range of strategies to help you achieve your weight loss goals. While each approach can be effective on its own, combining them can yield even more significant results. If you want long-lasting results, you need to combine them. Remember that successful weight loss is a journey, and the best approach will be tailored to your individual needs and preferences.
If, after making these changes and trying your best, you still have difficulty achieving your weight loss goals, I encourage you to consider weight loss surgery.
I have no patient who has regretted having surgery; their only regret is not having it done before; if you have fear of gastric sleeve surgery, I invite you to contact us, and we will give you our honest opinion on your specific risk of complications, which is most of the times very low when things are done correctly, having proper preoperative evaluations, testing, counseling, etc.
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