What is a bariatric doctor? What is bariatric medicine? How can they help obese patients with health problems, such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes?
There are many weight loss trends that come and go, with a lot of different people who claim to be experts. But the reality is that the weight loss programs that truly work come from years of training and medical research, not just the latest passing diet and exercise trends.
Weight-Loss Doctors
Weight loss doctors, otherwise known as bariatricians or bariatric doctors, help obese individuals lose weight and live a healthier, more active lifestyle for the long term.
Bariatric doctors specialize in treating obesity and the conditions that come with that. Through a variety of highly specialized surgeries and treatment plans, these physicians can help patients lose a significant amount of body fat that can help put them on the path toward healthy living.
Bariatric doctors are licensed medical doctors. They train through the American Society of Bariatric Physicians. They undergo various training. This includes several hundred hours studying obesity and the diseases or chronic health conditions that can stem from it.
Bariatric medicine refers to the whole realm of bariatric surgeries. Some of these weight-loss surgeries involve removing part of the stomach (sleeve gastrectomy). Others reroute part of the small intestine (Roux-en-Y, or gastric bypass). Bariatric doctors can implant weight-loss balloons. They perform gastric banding techniques, too, and many other procedures.
Each procedure aims to limit the amount of food that a person can consume.
You should consider seeing a weight loss physician if you are struggling with obesity. Also: if traditional weight loss methods have not worked for you. Speak with a board-certified bariatrician. They have the medical expertise needed to help get your weight loss surgery started is an important first step.
Choices
Deciding to undergo bariatric surgery is a big deal. It requires the healing and recovery process of surgery. But it also requires a mental and physical commitment to making a lifestyle change.
At WeightWise, our team of doctors and staff are dedicated to helping transform the lives of patients from all walks of life. Living with extra weight commonly causes health problems. These can include digestive, heart, circulatory, and respiratory problems. It can also negatively impact the way you experience what life has to offer.
If you are ready to take the next step to lose weight and keep it off, we can help. Contact our compassionate team of bariatric professionals today to learn more about weight loss surgery and see if it is right for you.