If you’ve struggled to lose weight and tried just about every diet or plan, it may be time to consider a long-term, scientifically proven approach, bariatric surgery.
The prevalence of obesity has risen dramatically over the past 20 years, and more people experience the health effects of obesity than any other disease.
“Often by the time patients get to our office they’ve tried many times to lose weight and have spent years researching medical weight loss options,” says Carl Pesta, MD, bariatric surgeon and Medical Director of the Bariatric Surgery Institute at McLaren Macomb. “Then something changes or develops in their life that drives them to take the next step. Maybe it’s a recent diabetes or hypertension diagnosis, or they can no longer do something they enjoy.”
The first step to getting long-lasting help is meeting with your primary care provider to discuss healthy lifestyles and explore weight loss options. In some cases, bariatric surgery might be the best option. In general, weight loss surgery is considered for those who haven’t been able to lose weight through diet and exercise. To qualify for coverage through most insurance plans, the person considering surgery would have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher.
If you think seeing a bariatric specialist is your next step, consider a consultation at the Bariatric Surgery Institute at McLaren Macomb: 586-493-2274, or visit mclaren.org/MacombBariatrics for more information.