A brand “NewStart” at life: Get to know your weight loss options
Erik Wilson, M.D., is division chief of elective general surgery for McGovern Medical School at UT Health and medical director of bariatric surgery at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center.
It’s a new year – there’s no better time to make changes for a better quality of life, especially if you struggle with weight loss. Dr. Erik Wilson, professor of surgery at UTHealth and medical director of bariatric surgery at Memorial HermannTexas Medical Center, unpacks how those grappling with obesity can overcome health challenges with weight loss surgery.
Q: If I’m obese, what are my options to lose weight?
A:
Oftentimes, people who are obese think there are no options to overcome their weight challenges, but no matter how much extra weight you have, there are treatment options available.
There are three general categories of treatment options for weight loss. The first is medically supervised weight loss, where we help people work on their eating habits and supplement with medications to control hunger. The second category is minimally invasive endoscopic procedures like endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty and intragastric balloons. These more permanently reduce the amount of volume the stomach can handle, affecting how full you feel after eating. Lastly, we have bariatric surgery, which includes procedures like adjustable gastric banding, gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and duodenal switch. These surgeries have even more permanent effects such as changes in appetite, feelings of fullness and metabolism.
By offering a comprehensive array of treatment options, Memorial Hermann’s NewStart weight loss program can work closely with patients to determine what works best for them, as there is no one-size-fits-all to weight loss.
Q: Who makes a good candidate for weight loss surgery?
A: Those who are overweight or obese, and actively want to change their health for the better, make great candidates for weight loss surgery. One way to determine if you are obese is by calculating your body mass index (BMI). Typically, if you have a BMI over 40 or between 35 and 40 with obesity-related medical conditions, weight loss procedures may be an option for you. Overall, if you can’t seem to lose weight after making deliberate attempts, struggle with hunger or have health problems tied to your weight, then you should talk with your doctor about your options.
Obesity is a complex disease, and many struggle to achieve healthy weight loss on their own. We know obesity isn’t your fault, and you shouldn’t feel embarrassed or ashamed to seek help.
Q: What are the benefits of weight loss surgery?
A: Obesity is the baseline problem for many other serious health issues, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, joint pain and countless others. Weight loss surgery doesn’t just treat obesity, but it can also help treat these other diseases and conditions.
Weight loss surgery also helps patients achieve a renewed social life, more energy, better mobility, higher self-esteem and decreased joint pain, among many other benefits that are more than just what’s on the scale.
A big misconception about bariatric surgery is that it’s not safe, when in reality the risk of death associated with bariatric surgery is about 0.1%, according to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). More importantly, the risks of obesity outweigh the risks of any weight loss surgery for many patients. Bariatric surgeons with UTHealth who practice at Memorial Hermann always assess and ensure patients understand any risks before pursuing a certain procedure.
Q: How do I maintain my new healthy lifestyle after surgery?
A: Weight loss procedures work as tools to help you keep the weight off and stay healthy,
As part of the NewStart program, patients are assessed beforehand to ensure they can make the lifelong commitment required to maintain a healthy life post-surgery. Patients also are educated on what it will take to keep the weight off by helping them realize that getting weight loss surgery isn’t just a one-and-done event. Patients are seen at least once a year for the rest of their lives to help them with any challenges they may face and provided with resources and support throughout their journey.
Ready to take the first step in your weight loss journey? Learn about your options with Memorial Hermann’s NewStart programby visiting memorialhermann.org/ weightloss meaning they can’t work alone. While you’ll feel less hungry, you should commit to healthy nutrition and regular exercise to maximize the benefits of your surgery.