Weight Loss & Bariatric Department

Our clinic adopts an integrated approach to weight loss, recognizing that sustainable results require addressing physical, nutritional, and psychological factors. Our team of specialists, including physicians, dietitians, therapists, and exercise physiologists, collaborates to develop customized plans that align with each patient’s unique needs, preferences, and medical history. We emphasize evidence-based treatments, patient education, and ongoing support to empower individuals on their weight loss journey.

Medical Weight Loss Section

• Evaluation by medical professionals to identify any underlying health issues contributing to weight gain.
• Discussion of medical weight loss options, including medications and, if necessary, surgical referrals.
• Regular monitoring of health metrics to safely manage weight loss.

Nutritional Counseling Section

• One-on-one sessions with registered dietitians to develop personalized eating plans that fit your lifestyle.
• Education on healthy food choices, portion control, and meal planning.
• Support in overcoming nutritional challenges and establishing long-term healthy eating habits.

Behavioral Therapy Section

• Access to psychologists or therapists specializing in weight management to address emotional and psychological aspects of eating.
• Strategies for developing a healthier relationship with food, including coping mechanisms for stress eating and binge eating.
• Tools to improve motivation, set realistic goals, and maintain weight loss over time.

Exercise Physiology Section

• Assessments with exercise physiologists to determine fitness levels and identify safe, effective activities.
• Customized exercise programs designed to increase physical activity, improve metabolism, and support weight loss.
  Guidance on incorporating physical activity into daily routines and overcoming barriers to exercise.
• Comprehensive assessments to understand your weight loss goals and health status.
• A collaborative discussion of your personalized weight management plan, covering medical, nutritional, behavioral, and exercise components.
• Continuous support and follow-up appointments to track progress, adjust plans as needed, and address any challenges.
  Access to group support sessions and workshops focusing on various aspects of weight management.
• Encouragement and resources to help you navigate the weight loss process and achieve long-term success in managing your weight and health.

Our clinic adopts a multidisciplinary approach, combining the expertise of bariatric surgeons, nutritionists, psychologists, and exercise physiologists to ensure holistic care for our patients. We prioritize thorough pre-operative evaluation and personalized surgical planning to determine the most suitable procedure for each patient. Post-surgery, we offer extensive support, including nutritional counseling, behavioral therapy, and physical activity guidance, to facilitate successful weight management and lifestyle transformation.

• An initial consultation to assess your suitability for weight loss surgery, considering your health history, weight loss goals, and any existing comorbidities.
• Detailed explanations of available surgical options, risks, and benefits, helping you make an informed decision.
• Pre-operative assessments and tests to prepare you for surgery and minimize risks.
• A personalized surgical plan, tailored to your specific needs and health objectives.
• Comprehensive post-operative care, including diet and lifestyle modification programs to support your recovery and weight loss journey.
• Regular follow-up appointments with your surgical team to monitor your progress, adjust your care plan, and address any concerns.
• Access to a support network of healthcare professionals and peers to encourage and guide you throughout your transformation.
• Education on maintaining your weight loss, preventing weight regain, and living a healthier, more active life post-surgery.
• Opportunities to participate in workshops and seminars focused on healthy living and weight management strategies.

We employ a multidisciplinary strategy that emphasizes emotional well-being, nutritional health, and sustainable lifestyle changes. Our team, consisting of counselors, dietitians, and wellness coaches, collaborates to provide comprehensive care. From mental health support to dietary guidance and weight maintenance strategies, we create personalized care plans that address the unique needs and challenges of each patient. Our approach is rooted in education, empowerment, and continuous support, aiming to foster resilience and promote positive health outcomes.

• Pre- and Post-Surgical Counseling: Personalized sessions to mentally and emotionally prepare you for surgery, address anxieties, and set expectations for recovery. Post-surgery, counseling focuses on adjusting to changes and managing emotions related to weight loss and lifestyle adjustments.
• Nutritional Support Post-Surgery: Tailored dietary plans to aid in recovery and ensure you meet your nutritional needs without compromising your weight loss goals. Guidance covers meal planning, portion control, and understanding nutritional labels, alongside managing dietary restrictions and introducing new eating habits.
• Weight Loss Maintenance Programs: Comprehensive programs designed to help maintain weight loss long-term, incorporating healthy eating, physical activity, and behavior modification strategies. Regular check-ins and support group meetings provide motivation, accountability, and community support.
• Educational Workshops and Seminars: Offering insights into nutrition, exercise, mental health, and lifestyle management post-surgery, facilitated by experts in each field.
  Regular Follow-up Appointments: With our multidisciplinary team to monitor your progress, adjust your care plan as needed, and address any concerns or challenges that arise.
• Access to Online Resources and Support: Including meal planning tools, fitness trackers, and forums for patient-to-patient support, enhancing your support network outside clinic hours.
  Family and Caregiver Support Sessions: Educating loved ones on how best to support you through your recovery and lifestyle transition, fostering a supportive home environment.

Body Mass Index (BMI) Assessment
BMI assessment is the primary method used to determine eligibility for bariatric surgery, categorizing individuals based on their body mass relative to height. It helps identify those who are candidates for surgery, typically those with a BMI of 40 or higher, or 35 and above with obesity-related health conditions.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
A comprehensive metabolic panel is crucial for evaluating your overall health status, including glucose levels, liver and kidney function, and electrolyte and fluid balance, which can affect surgery outcomes and dictate specific needs for surgical preparation.

Nutritional Assessment
Nutritional assessment by a registered dietitian plays a critical role in preparing for bariatric surgery and ensuring long-term success. It involves evaluating your dietary habits, understanding nutritional deficiencies, and planning for a post-surgery diet that will support weight loss and health.

Psychological Evaluation
Psychological evaluation ensures that patients are mentally prepared for the lifestyle changes required by bariatric surgery. This assessment helps identify emotional triggers for eating, assesses mental health conditions, and ensures a support system is in place to aid in the post-operative recovery.

Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass, one of the most common forms of bariatric surgery, involves creating a small stomach pouch and rerouting the small intestine to this pouch, significantly reducing food intake and calorie absorption. This procedure has proven effective in achieving substantial long-term weight loss.

Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy involves removing approximately 80% of the stomach, leaving a tube-shaped stomach about the size of a banana. This reduction in stomach size helps decrease appetite and food intake.

Adjustable Gastric Band
The adjustable gastric band involves placing a band around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch that can hold only a small amount of food. This band can be adjusted to change the size of the opening to the rest of the stomach as needed for managing weight loss.

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch
This procedure combines aspects of gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, involving significant reduction of the stomach and rerouting of a large portion of the small intestine. It offers substantial weight loss benefits but carries a higher risk of complications and nutritional deficiencies.

Diet and Nutritional Changes: After bariatric surgery, patients must adhere to a strict diet that begins with liquids and gradually progresses to solid foods. Long-term dietary changes are necessary to avoid complications and ensure adequate nutrient intake.

Exercise and Physical Activity: Regular physical activity is crucial after bariatric surgery to aid in weight loss, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance mood. A tailored exercise plan helps patients start slowly and gradually increase their activity levels as they recover from surgery.

Regular Follow-ups: Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor weight loss, nutritional health, and overall well-being. These check-ups help catch and manage any potential complications early and adjust treatment plans as needed.

Counseling: Participation in counseling can provide crucial emotional and psychological support during the weight loss journey. Sharing experiences with a professional can be incredibly beneficial and motivating.