One of the most common resolutions people make at the beginning of each year is to lose weight. However, many people may have a hard time sticking to this goal if they cannot find a weight loss method that offers long-term results and maintains a balanced, healthy quality of life.
The right approach to weight loss may be different for everyone, but a natural approach that emphasizes consistency and moderation when it comes to your diet and exercise may offer the results you’re looking for. When you attempt to lose weight through this method, you should:
- Incorporate single-ingredient and high-protein foods into your diet
- Cut back on fried food, fast food, and other processed foods
- Drink more water (about 15.5 cups per day for men and 11.5 cups per day for women)
- Reduce your intake of liquid calories through soda, sugary drinks, alcohol, and other beverages
- Perform at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise (about 22 minutes each day if you exercise throughout the entire week) and at least one set of resistance exercises that target all major muscle groups
While most people may achieve their weight loss goals by following these guidelines throughout the year, they may not be sufficient for people with extreme obesity or those who suffer from chronic conditions related to obesity. Certain prescription medications recommended by a doctor can often help, but for some people, bariatric surgery may be the right path forward.
Bariatric surgery is performed on the stomach and intestines to reduce food absorption. It includes several different types of procedures, such as:
- Sleeve gastrectomy
- Gastric bypass
- Gastric revision
- Lap band
- Duodenal switch
- Obalon balloon
Bariatric surgery is best suited for people who are:
- Over a body mass index (BMI) of 40
- Over 100 lbs. above their ideal weight
- Experiencing severe pain in weight-bearing joints
- Suffer from obesity-related chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, or degenerative joint disease
At Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Bariatric Surgery Center, procedures are performed using the da Vinci robotic surgical platform. This technology allows for a minimally invasive approach and reduces scarring, pain, and recovery time. To schedule an appointment and learn more about our approach to bariatric surgery, please call us at 718-408-6977 or 718-670-8908.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.