Obesity is a significant health concern affecting millions of people. For those who have struggled with weight loss through traditional methods like diet and exercise, bariatric surgery can be a life-changing solution. Nashville, Tennessee, offers a range of weight loss surgery options and comprehensive weight management programs to help individuals achieve their health goals. This article explores the various surgical and non-surgical options available in Nashville, providing detailed information to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery isn't a quick fix but rather a tool to help you achieve sustainable weight loss and manage obesity-related health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. It requires commitment and dedication from both the patient and the healthcare team, involving significant lifestyle adjustments to maintain weight loss and improve overall health.
Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for You?
If you cannot lose weight through means of healthy diet and exercise, bariatric surgery may be an option for weight management. Determining whether you are a candidate for weight loss surgery involves several factors, including general eligibility requirements and your body mass index (BMI). Taking a free assessment is a good first step to explore your options.
Comprehensive Weight Loss Programs in Nashville
Nashville Weight Loss Solutions
Nashville Weight Loss Solutions, led by Dr. Houston, offers a variety of tools to help individuals lose weight, whether it's 20 pounds or 200 pounds. With the recent introduction of the gastric balloon and newer weight loss medications, they can help a greater number of people succeed in their weight loss journey. The team works with you to develop a comprehensive, personalized plan to help you achieve results based on your unique weight loss needs.
The Surgical Clinic
The Surgical Clinic provides comprehensive care tailored to individual needs. Their board-certified surgeons are leaders in bariatric surgery, committed to delivering safe, effective results. They emphasize a multidisciplinary approach, recognizing that long-term success requires more than just the procedure.
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TriStar Health
At TriStar Health hospitals, the mission is to improve your quality of life and maximize your health. For some patients, this is achieved through weight management programs and treatment for obesity. If you need additional support beyond healthy dieting and exercise programs, bariatric surgery options can be explored. As a bariatric patient, you will receive ongoing support from weight loss coaches.
Vanderbilt Surgical Weight Loss Program
The Vanderbilt Surgical Weight Loss program offers advanced care to help you lose weight and improve your overall health. If you’ve been unable to reach a healthy weight with nutritional and lifestyle improvements alone, surgery might be a better and safer option. The team will work with you to develop a personalized care plan combining surgery, nutrition, exercise, and psychological support.
Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital
At Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital, the care team understands that weight loss isn’t one-size-fits-all. They take the time to listen, understand your goals, and help you build a plan that’s right for your body and your lifestyle.
Tennessee Style Weight Loss
Tennessee Style Weight Loss, led by Dr. Patrick T. Davis, offers a clinic built on medical expertise and personal guidance. They focus on uncovering the underlying causes of weight gain through detailed medical evaluations, looking at hormones, metabolism, habits, and medical history.
Types of Bariatric Surgery Offered in Nashville
Nashville offers various types of bariatric surgery, including both traditional and minimally invasive surgical options.
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Gastric Bypass
During gastric bypass surgery, the stomach is divided into upper and lower pouches. This limits how much food you need to feel full and allows ingested food to bypass some parts of the stomach and small intestine. This reduces the number of calories you get from eating, and it causes gut hormones to release earlier, making you feel less hungry. Ideal candidates include patients with a BMI greater than 35 with additional conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
A sleeve gastrectomy limits the amount of food you can eat; however, unlike lap banding or gastric bypass, approximately 80 percent of your stomach ends up being removed. Like gastric bypass, ideal candidates include patients with a BMI greater than 35 and with additional conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea. A sleeve gastrectomy is also considered a treatment for metabolic syndrome.
Duodenal Switch
A duodenal switch limits how much you can eat. Ideal candidates for a duodenal switch include patients with a BMI that is greater than 55.
Intragastric Balloon
An intragastric balloon is inserted orally, guided through your esophagus, and placed directly into your stomach. The balloon stays in place for six months and, during this time, you will feel fuller faster. This option may be suitable for individuals with a BMI less than 30.
Minimally Invasive and Incisionless Techniques
Nashville Surgical Associates, led by Dr. Zachary Callahan, offers the latest in minimally invasive and incisionless weight loss surgery. These techniques aim to reduce recovery time and scarring.
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Non-Surgical Weight Management Options
For individuals with a BMI less than 30, non-surgical options may be more appropriate.
Medical Weight-Loss Programs
Medical weight-loss programs provide treatment in a clinical setting with a licensed healthcare professional, such as a doctor, registered dietitian, and/or a psychologist. These programs offer services including nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral modification counseling. They are rooted in carefully crafted activity plans and may involve discussion of utilization of pharmacotherapy or weight-loss medications.
Gastric Balloon Procedure
As mentioned above, the gastric balloon is a non-surgical option suitable for individuals with a BMI less than 30. It is inserted orally and remains in place for six months to help you feel fuller faster.
Pharmacotherapy
Pharmacotherapy involves the use of weight-loss medications under the supervision of a healthcare professional. These medications can help to suppress appetite or reduce the absorption of fat.
Life After Weight Loss Surgery
After a bariatric procedure, your diet and lifestyle will be different from what they previously were. Healthcare teams will help you understand what this lifestyle change entails, both now and later. They will develop personalized diet and exercise plans for you, designed to ensure you can have long-term success in losing weight.
Support and Comprehensive Care
Achieving long-term success after bariatric surgery requires ongoing support. Many programs in Nashville offer comprehensive care, including:
Weight Loss Coaches
As a bariatric patient at TriStar Health, you will receive ongoing support from our weight loss coaches.
Multidisciplinary Teams
Vanderbilt and other centers employ multidisciplinary teams of surgeons, bariatricians, nurses, dietitians, psychologists, and exercise physiologists to provide personalized care.
Long-Term Support
From your initial evaluation through surgery and post-operative care, you’ll receive ongoing support to help you maintain a healthy weight.
Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery offers significant benefits for individuals with severe obesity, including:
- Substantial long-term weight loss
- Remission of type 2 diabetes
- Improvements in hypertension and sleep apnea
- Enhanced quality and longevity of life
Choosing the Right Program
Selecting the right weight loss surgery program in Nashville requires careful consideration. Factors to consider include:
- Expertise and Experience: Look for board-certified surgeons with years of experience in bariatric surgery.
- Comprehensive Care: Ensure the program offers multidisciplinary support, including nutrition counseling, exercise guidance, and psychological support.
- Personalized Approach: Choose a program that tailors its approach to your unique needs and goals.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Prioritize programs that offer safe and comfortable facilities.
- Long-Term Support: Select a program that provides ongoing support to help you maintain your weight loss.