Medical-assisted weight loss and weight loss surgery are popular topics. News stories about medications, supplements, diet techniques, and surgery are everywhere. But for those who are considering weight loss, what really works? What are the safest ways to pursue weight loss?
Weight loss care is personal
Obesity affects more than 93 million Americans and is a disease that can lead to other health conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and even certain types of cancer. If you or someone you love is considering weight loss, Bassett Healthcare Network’s Metabolic and Bariatric Weight Loss team is here to help you reach your weight loss goals under the guidance of medical professionals you can trust. Our providers, dietitians, surgeons, psychologists, and physical therapists approach weight loss care with compassionate and holistic methods to support people who are seeking better health. Our program is a comprehensive, office-based metabolic and bariatric weight loss model.
Weight loss care services
At Bassett, a patient’s weight loss journey always begins with a medical screening. One of our physicians or nurse practitioners will perform a physical exam, speak with you about your history, and discuss your individual goals. We will then build your care team for an individualized treatment approach. This may include enlisting the expertise of a dietitian, psychologist, medical provider, physical therapist, and surgeon. If you are a candidate for surgery, your care team will help you prepare. Surgeries are laparoscopic, which means the surgeon makes small incisions and uses a minimally invasive approach.
At Bassett, we provide weight loss treatment paths that may include (alone or in combination):
• Lifestyle education — your care team will work with you on nutrition education and other lifestyle recommendations that support weight loss and your overall health.
• Medical weight loss — medical weight loss (or medication-assisted weight loss) may be a treatment option for some. Our team of medical providers will work with you if you qualify to create a safe medication plan and monitor your progress under close clinical guidance. There are different prescription drugs for weight loss — some are used for a very short time, while others may be prescribed for weeks or months. Your care team will determine the best medicine for you based on your health history. Healthy lifestyle changes with nutrition and exercise are always important in addition to medicine. Patients should check with their insurance provider about specific plan coverage.
• Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) surgery — for patients who are candidates for surgery, LSG surgery may be a treatment option. During this procedure, a surgeon will remove about 80% of the stomach, leaving a smaller tube-shaped stomach that looks like a shirt sleeve. After healing, a person will eat much less.
• Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery — some patients may be eligible for gastric bypass, where a surgeon reduces the size of the stomach to a small pouch that attaches to the small intestine. Food will bypass the rest of the stomach and upper part of the small intestine, reducing the amount of fat and calories absorbed.
• Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAP-BAND) — for other patients, gastric banding surgery may be effective, where a surgeon places an adjustable band around the top part of the stomach, creating a small pouch and reducing a person’s appetite. The band can be adjusted in the future.
Surgery and medication are not for everyone. No matter what treatment path patients may embark on with their care team, healthy lifestyle changes are the most important ingredient in lasting weight loss. This is not easy and requires dedication. Our team is here to support, cheer on and tailor your treatment in ways that will give you the greatest chance of long-term weight loss success. We also offer support groups for patients pursuing weight loss surgery.
Weight loss is health care. Speak to your primary care practitioner for a referral. You may also call 607-547-3400 or visit bassett.org/weight-loss to learn more and meet our team.