Obesity is a common medical condition, and it is one that is sometimes difficult to treat. Losing excess weight is a challenge for anyone, but if you are severely overweight, traditional weight loss treatments, such as diet and exercise, may not be effective. In this case, bariatric surgery may offer long-term success and a chance to improve your health and wellbeing.
What types of bariatric surgery are available?
- Lap Band® surgery
- Gastric bypass surgery (Roux-en-Y)
- Duodenal switch surgery
- Sleeve gastrectomy
- Gastric balloon for weight management
Who is a good candidate for bariatric surgery?
It is important to speak with your doctor about your weight loss options. Bariatric surgery is not right for everyone. Generally, patients who qualify for bariatric surgery must have a BMI over 40 or a BMI over 35 while experiencing health problems associated with weight.
Also, most patients who receive bariatric surgery were unsuccessful with other conventional, non-surgical weight loss treatment methods.
Prescription weight loss medication
Medications are usually only prescribed if the person has a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of at least 27 and a comorbidity. Weight loss medication isn’t for everyone, and many patients on prescription medication still need to focus on diet and exercise.
Nutrition
Breakfast Options:
2 Hardboiled eggs, 1 piece lean deli ham, sliced strawberries
Or
1 cup Greek yogurt and blueberries
Lunch:
Taco salad:
Chopped Romaine lettuce
Tomatoes
Shredded cheese
Black, pinto, or kidney beans
Grilled chicken or ground turkey
Olives
Avocado
Plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream mixed with ranch dressing packet
Salsa
Dinner:
White chicken chili – This is a crockpot recipe
Veggies and red pepper or other flavored hummus (carrots, cucumbers, red bell peppers, celery)
Recipe:
3 cans white beans
2 cans low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 can diced green chilies
2 tsp cumin
1 red or green bell pepper (chopped)
1-2 cups shredded chicken breast or thigh meat
2 tsp minced garlic
