Weight Loss

What we can do for you

If you are interested in losing weight, you have probably done quite a bit of reading on the subject. By now you probably know that weight gain can be attributed to many different causes. Among them, you may have seen some weight creep up due to an underactive thyroid gland. As a result, your metabolism has slowed and you have started putting on weight. Or it could be that you have been using insulin to manage your diabetes and have also experienced weight gain. Another possibility could be that you have had to be under a steroid treatment to treat conditions such as asthma or arthritis. These tablets tend to increase appetite in some people which leads to weight gain. Or you may have put on weight simply as a result of the passage of time since as people age, they tend to become less active, lose muscle mass, and put on weight. Or you may simply feel tired and stressed and use eating as an emotional tool to deal with these situations.

As you can see, getting the right treatment for successful weight loss cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach. Give us a call to schedule an initial consultation.

During your appointment our medical experts will:

Review Your Medical and Weight History

You will have an opportunity to share your medical history, explain when and why your weight issues began and how you have been dealing with them. You will be asked about your exercise habits, your eating habits, how you have attempted to control your hunger, and also talk about stress levels, medications you may be taking, and your family’s health history. You may also comment on any health issues that may be bothering you at this time.

Give You a Physical Exam

Your doctor will gather the needed measurements, take your vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate. Lungs and abdomen will be examined. Your doctor will then use this information to calculate your body mass index or BMI and establish your overall health profile and what treatment may be appropriate for you.

The circumference of your waist will also be measured to determine if there could be any risks associated with it. Other conditions will also be evaluated, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Finally, blood tests will be performed to establish whether there are any risk factors that may prevent you from undertaking weight loss treatment. Your cholesterol levels, liver function, and other markers will be measured.

By gathering all of this important information, your doctor will be able to determine how much weight you need to lose and plan treatments accordingly.

Weight Loss Treatment

The most important goal with any serious weight treatment option is to help you regain or preserve your health by reaching a healthy weight. A team of specialists will work with you to achieve this objective. You will also receive information that will help you understand what changes you need to make to your eating habits and how to start incorporating exercise into your life. Everything will happen under supervision and by taking one small step at a time. By making a commitment to follow these instructions you will start to see results.

Making Changes to your Diet

You know that weight loss comes from eating the right food in the right portions but it may be hard at the beginning to master the right way to eat, and that’s fine. This is a long-term plan and there is no need to hurry and get frustrated. Avoid having unrealistic expectations or believing that this is something that will yield results overnight. Your best bet for success is to acquire good eating habits that will stay with you forever.

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any foods or if there are certain foods that you cannot eat.

Incorporate Exercise and Activity

If you have not been exercising regularly, don’t feel pressured to start exercising for hours every day. Start by incorporating something as simple as walking into your daily life. Aim to reach 10,000 steps a day. You may want to increase the intensity of your physical activity as you feel stronger and more confident.

Prescription Medication for Weight Loss

In certain situations, weight-loss medication is indicated to achieve results. This will not mean that diet and exercise modifications need to be put aside, on the contrary, it has to be a concerted effort. Considering your health history, your doctor will make the best recommendations tailored just for you.

Endoscopic Procedures

These procedures can be performed without cutting into your skin. They involved either placing stitches in your stomach to reduce its size or inserting a balloon filled with water to help you feel fuller faster. They are usually selected after diet and exercise have been unsuccessful. They may help you lose between 5% and 20% of your weight.

Bariatric Surgery

With this surgery, you may end up either limiting the food you feel comfortable eating or being unable to absorb food and calories, or both. It works best if you make a commitment to keeping the weight off for life. Meaning that a good diet and exercise routine need to be present as well.

The options to achieving weight loss are many and your doctor will work with you to establish the best protocol to help you achieve your goals. It’s a process that can not be taken lightly and can bring important improvements to your health.

FAQs

What is the best treatment for weight loss?

Besides diet and exercise, you may try behavior modification to change your habits. Ultimately, you can have an endoscopic procedure or bariatric surgery to reduce the amount of food you can consume.

What can doctors prescribe for weight?

Tell your doctor if you have allergies or take any supplements. Also, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Among the most commonly prescribed drugs, your physician might recommend Xenical (blocks your body from absorbing fat), Saxenda (tells your brain your stomach is full), Qsymia (curbs your appetite), or Plenity (expands in your stomach to make you feel full).

How can I lose weight fast?

To jump-start your diet, you may go on a low-carb diet and eat more protein. Also, focus on whole foods and avoid junk food. And, if you are comfortable counting calories, a reduced-calorie diet will also work.

Schedule an Appointment

Preventing Weight Regain

The human body is not a static piece of art. It is continuously evolving and changing and so are our habits and commitments. Our health specialists will work with you to help you achieve your goals and keep the weight off. This means a long-term relationship and always keeping your goals in mind. Remember that this is a project for your health and longevity and investing in these worthy causes can not be taken lightly. Give us a call and schedule your initial consultation.