We get a lot of questions about the best ways to lose weight and keep it off in the long term, and our answer is almost always the same. A combination of a healthy diet and exercise, along with bariatric surgery, is scientifically proven to be the best way for the obese and morbidly obese to lose incredible amounts of excess weight. However, sometimes, non-surgical bariatric weight loss is the only answer.
With traditional bariatric surgery, patients lose weight through non-invasive, laparoscopic techniques such as gastric sleeve or gastric bypass procedures. With non-surgical weight loss, patients lose weight through more gradual steps. A gastric balloon or endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty are a few examples that help shrink the size of the stomach.
But other non-surgical bariatric weight loss choices don’t rely on foreign bodies or changes to your physiology. These options focus on lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and behavior adjustments to promote healthy weight loss. And there are no risks of complications when you follow weight loss procedures without surgery.
Bariatric Weight Loss Without Surgery
Even if you don’t qualify for a procedure, there are still ways to lose that excess weight. Let’s take a look at a few non-surgical weight loss options:
- Dietary Changes
- Portion Control and Planning
- Changes to Behavior
- Physical Activity
- Medication
- Support Groups
- Dietary Changes
It’s all about finding that balance and loading up on healthy options. Fill your plate with whole foods, lots of fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains while cutting down on the processed stuff, sugars, and unhealthy fats. Removing alcohol and sugary drinks from the dinner table will also go a long way to helping you lose weight.
WeightWise has a team of dietitians that can help you sort the good from the bad. They’re like your personal guides to navigate this food journey, giving you advice tailored specifically for you. By increasing the healthy foods in your diet, and removing the not-so-healthy foods, you’ll see the pounds melt away.
Portion Control and Planning
Along with healthier eating, structured meal planning and portion control can contribute significantly to weight management. Eating regular, balanced meals with controlled portion sizes helps regulate caloric intake and promotes healthier eating habits.
Working with a nutritionist or dietitian can provide personalized guidance on dietary choices, meal planning, and achieving a balanced and sustainable approach to weight loss. You don’t have to make this trip alone–we offer a metabolic weight loss program for those who aren’t candidates for bariatric surgery.
Changes in Behavior
Behavioral therapy can address the emotional and psychological aspects of overeating. Behavioral strategies help individuals recognize triggers for unhealthy eating habits and develop coping mechanisms to manage stress, boredom, or emotional eating. By removing those triggers, you’ll have greater control of your weight.
Physical Activity
But, as we all know, it’s not just about what or how much you eat. Even if you watch what you eat, a sedentary lifestyle can keep you from losing weight as well. Find activities you enjoy, whether it’s walking, cycling, swimming, or group fitness classes. Consistency is key, and gradually increasing activity levels can lead to burned calories and sustainable weight loss.
Medication Management
While we aren’t big proponents of throwing pills at a problem, prescription medications may be considered in some cases. These medications work in various ways, such as reducing appetite or blocking the absorption of certain nutrients. It’s important to discuss potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
Support Groups
Even though obesity continues to be one of the leading health problems in this country, it can often seem like you’re alone when trying to lose weight. Joining support groups or seeking guidance from a weight loss counselor can provide valuable encouragement and accountability.
Non-surgical bariatric weight loss methods offer a holistic and gradual approach to achieving and maintaining a healthier weight. While results may take time, the emphasis on lifestyle changes increases the likelihood of long-term success.
It’s essential to consult with healthcare professionals, including dietitians and physicians, to create a personalized plan that aligns with individual health goals and preferences. Remember, every individual is unique, and finding the right combination of strategies that work for you is key to a successful non-surgical weight loss journey.
Issues That Get in the Way of Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery, while effective for many, may not be suitable for everyone. Several factors may come into play for a potential client that precludes them from being an ideal candidate for weight loss surgery. One of the most common reasons is the patient doesn’t meet the body mass index (BMI) threshold needed for a bariatric procedure.
Bariatric surgeries such as a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass require a patient to have a BMI of 30 or more with health issues and 35 or more without the requirement of comorbidities. On the flip side, if someone is extremely overweight, they may not be a viable candidate for weight loss surgery either.
Weight-Related Issues
In either case, non-surgical bariatric weight loss methods are recommended. For those extremely overweight, they will be required to lose weight before a weight loss procedure. For one, the excess weight can make it more difficult to perform surgery as accessing the stomach or small intestine is harder.
There are also increased surgical risks if multiple diseases are present. Conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, cardiovascular issues, and difficulties in anesthesia administration can elevate the overall risk profile for the surgical procedure. Addressing these comorbidities before surgery will lead to better outcomes.
Individuals with excessive body weight may also face challenges during the postoperative recovery period. Mobility issues, delayed wound healing, and a higher risk of infections are factors that can complicate the recovery process. And while weight loss surgery is effective, it may not result in the same percentage of excess weight loss for everyone.
Additional Issues
There are also non-weight-related reasons for not getting weight-loss surgery. Certain medical conditions or complexities may increase the risks associated with surgery. Severe heart or lung issues, for example, might make surgery less advisable. Individuals with a history of extensive abdominal surgeries or complex abdominal conditions might also be kept from bariatric surgeries.
Emotional or psychiatric conditions may be in play, too. Disorders or severe mental health issues may impact a person’s ability to adhere to post-op requirements. Surgery is just one part of the weight-loss puzzle–some strict guidelines must be followed for a bariatric procedure to be successful.
If an individual is unwilling or unable to make these changes, the effectiveness of the surgery may be compromised. If you’ve had multiple procedures in the past, but continue to have weight issues for these reasons, there may be too much scar tissue to deal with as well.
It’s very important to talk about any of these factors with your surgeon before a final decision can be made. A comprehensive evaluation, considering individual health history, lifestyle factors, and medical conditions, helps determine the most suitable approach to your weight loss goals.
Non-surgical weight loss procedure options and lifestyle interventions may be needed for those who do not meet the criteria for weight loss surgery. For many, insurance also plays a part in whether or not they can pay for a bariatric procedure. There are very strict rules to follow (BMI, earlier attempts at losing weight, health issues directly caused by excess weight) before reimbursements are offered.