Obesity is a significant health concern in America, contributing to premature death and various health issues. With the prevalence of obesity expected to rise, finding effective weight loss solutions is crucial. Beaumont offers comprehensive weight loss programs, including both non-surgical and surgical options, designed to help patients achieve and maintain a healthier lifestyle. These programs address not only weight loss but also related health issues like high cholesterol, insulin resistance, risk for diabetes, and heart disease.
Non-Surgical Weight Loss Programs
Beaumont provides medically supervised non-surgical weight loss programs tailored to individual patient needs. These programs are designed to provide a structured and supported approach to weight loss, addressing the underlying factors contributing to obesity.
Custom-Tailored Approach
Recognizing that there's no one-size-fits-all solution for obesity, Beaumont emphasizes a step-by-step, multidisciplinary approach to weight management. This begins with a full medical evaluation to identify any underlying health issues related to obesity. Based on this evaluation, a custom-tailored plan is developed, incorporating various strategies.
Diet and Nutrition
A medically supervised diet is a cornerstone of the non-surgical programs. Dr. Mithani creates custom meal replacements based on the patient's medical evaluation. This ensures that patients receive the necessary nutrients while managing their calorie intake effectively.
Exercise
Exercise is a key component of weight loss programs at Beaumont. Regular physical activity helps burn calories, improve cardiovascular health, and build muscle mass. The specific exercise plan is tailored to the individual's fitness level and medical condition.
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Medications and Supplements
There are many FDA-approved medications and supplements that can help with weight loss.
Metabolic Testing
Metabolic testing may be included in the weight loss plan. This test reveals information about the rate at which your body uses calories during different types of activities, helping to fine-tune the program for optimal results.
Semaglutide: A Cutting-Edge Solution
Premier Urgent Care offers medical weight loss solutions like Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic® and Wegovy®. Semaglutide is a prescription medication that helps lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes and has also been shown to significantly reduce body weight. It works by activating the GLP-1 receptor in your body, slowing down how fast food moves through your stomach, making you feel full longer, and helping reduce cravings. In clinical trials, adults using Semaglutide lost nearly 15% of their body weight, while teens saw similar results in adolescent studies.
Surgical Weight Loss Options
For individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater, or those who have not achieved significant weight loss through other methods, Beaumont offers surgical weight loss options. These surgeries aim to help patients achieve long-term success by altering the digestive system to reduce food intake and/or absorption.
Types of Bariatric Surgeries
Beaumont's accredited center for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Services offers several surgical options, including:
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Sleeve Gastrectomy: This procedure involves removing two-thirds of the stomach, creating a long, narrow tube or "sleeve." This reduces the amount of food the stomach can hold, leading to a quicker sense of fullness and decreased appetite.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Considered the "gold standard" bariatric procedure, gastric bypass involves creating a small pouch from the stomach and connecting it directly to the small intestine. This bypasses a portion of the small intestine, reducing the absorption of calories and nutrients. However, Gastric Bypass may cause dumping syndrome because food moves quickly through the small intestine.
Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery can offer numerous benefits, including:
- Significant weight loss: Bariatric surgery can lead to substantial and sustained weight loss.
- Improved health: Surgery can help reduce symptoms of diabetes, lower the risk for heart disease, and alleviate chronic pain.
- Reduced medication: Many patients are able to reduce or eliminate medications for conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure following surgery.
Considerations Before Weight Loss Surgery
Weight Loss Surgery is not for everyone and requires careful consideration.
- Lifestyle Changes: Bariatric surgery represents a major and permanent change in your digestive system that requires strict adherence to a specific dietary regimen.
- Nutritional Supplements: Following gastric bypass, patients are required to take life-long nutritional supplements to prevent deficiencies.
- Military Service: A history of bariatric surgery is a bar to military service, and receiving bariatric surgery while on active duty may be grounds for separation.
The Surgical Journey
Patients begin their journey before surgery, with a pathway for clearances and preparations completed and filed. This includes:
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- Consultation and Planning: The care team helps patients assess their options, make informed decisions, and provides support throughout the process.
- Pre-operative Education: Patients receive comprehensive education prior to surgery to understand the procedure, risks, and necessary lifestyle changes.
- Dietary Guidelines: Patients follow specific diet phases prior to surgery to prepare the body for the procedure and promote healing. It is important that patients do not progress through diet phases too quickly for their safety and healing.
Post-Operative Care
Following surgery, ongoing support and maintenance are crucial for long-term success. This includes:
- Regular Check-ups: Patients attend regular check-ups to monitor their progress and address any concerns. You should see your PCP within 2 weeks post-surgery.
- Nutritional Guidance: Dietitians provide guidance on post-operative nutrition to ensure adequate intake of nutrients and promote healing.
- Support Groups: Support groups offer a platform for patients to connect with others who have undergone weight loss surgery, share experiences, and provide encouragement.
- Exercise: Patients should exercise right away, although at low intensity, to promote blood flow and movement without becoming exhausted.
Recovery and Healing
It is important to allow yourself time to recover fully after surgery, so make sure you plan accordingly. Most patients can return to work after one or two weeks, however, you will have notably less energy. You should see your PCP within 2 weeks post-surgery.
Addressing Common Concerns
- Loose Skin: Some patients may experience loose or excess skin following significant weight loss. In some cases, yes, plastic surgery can help correct this condition.
- Medication Adjustments: Following surgery, medications need to be reviewed and potentially changed or adjusted.
- Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies: Patients should take a multivitamin in almost all cases, and may need more iron, calcium, and vitamin D following surgery.
Financial Considerations
- Insurance Coverage: Check with your insurance provider to see what coverage is available to you. Likely not all costs will be covered. You may have to appeal for coverage of these costs.
- Flex Spending Accounts: While insurance may not cover all costs, your flex spending account can be used for eligible expenses.
The Importance of Support
Losing weight-and keeping it off-is a lifelong commitment. Beaumont provides ongoing support every step of the way with checkups, educational resources and classes, coaching, and more. A dedicated Support Team will be with you throughout your entire process, including emergencies.