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The diet industry is a huge money-maker in the United States, and with good reason. Recent studies indicate that almost 40 percent of adults in the U.S. are obese, and about 17 percent of teenagers. When there are so many diets from which to choose, why are so many people still struggling with their weight? It could be because permanent weight loss requires more than just a diet: it takes a lifestyle change. Eat mindfully. Start reading labels, to get an idea of what you’re putting into your body in terms of calories, carbs, and sugar. Use smaller plates to

After you’ve had bariatric surgery, following recommended dietary guidelines is extremely important. Your doctor will provide you with a plan designed to limit the calories you consume, while still allowing for enough nutrients to prevent deficiencies and preserve your muscle tissues. At first, you might be overwhelmed with all the rules. As time goes by, though, you’ll find yourself unconsciously incorporating these guidelines into your daily routine. Along the way, your healthcare team will be there to offer support if you struggle. There are a few general guidelines that all bariatric surgical patients should follow. You’ll need to eat balanced

Weight loss is challenging, especially if you have a lot of weight to lose. If you’ve been unsuccessful in trying diet and exercise alone, bariatric surgery may be the solution. There are different types of weight loss surgeries, and sometimes these procedures are medically necessary when an overweight person’s health is in danger. It can be expensive, though, so you may be wondering: is bariatric surgery covered by insurance? It’s a valid question because bariatric surgery is expensive. The cost of bariatric surgery varies based on the type of surgery you’re having, the surgeon’s fee, and the hospital you choose,

When you undergo bariatric surgery, you’ll have to ease yourself back into eating. At first, you’ll only be able to consume clear liquids, and then you’ll progress to a pureed diet supplemented by protein shakes. The next phase will be a soft diet, incorporating high protein foods and up to 64 ounces of fluids each day. Finally, though, you’ll transition into the stabilization phase, which is a great option in terms of a lifelong diet not just for bariatric patients, but for anyone who wants to stay healthy and fit. With some planning and the right resources, you can have

If you’re someone who struggles with weight loss, you know that the causes of obesity are not simple. It’s easy for people to say “eat less and exercise more”, but when it comes down to reality, it’s often tough to shed those extra pounds. If you are having trouble meeting your weight loss goals, even though you watch what you eat and exercise regularly, have you considered that stress might be an underlying factor? Recent research indicates that this is a very real possibility. Of course, weight is impacted by many factors. When people eat too much, ingest a lot

If you’ve been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you’ve probably been told it’s a progressive disease. Without a major shift in your lifestyle, you can expect it to get worse, with higher A1C levels and more medications in your future. There are steps you can take, though, to manage your diabetes, reduce your AIC, and live a healthier life. Weight loss is high on the list, so many people wonder: can bariatric surgery cure type 2 diabetes? First, it’s important to understand that there is no cure for type 2 diabetes. Even if the symptoms seem to have reversed, your

Obesity is a crisis in America, and if you’re obese, you know that it can get in the way of your daily activities. Being overweight can cause fatigue, and can make your joints ache because carrying around extra weight puts a strain on your body. But did you know that obesity can cause life-threatening health issues like heart disease? Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States, claiming about 600,000 lives every year. People who are obese are at a higher risk of coronary artery disease and heart attack than those who

Are you carrying some extra weight? If your BMI is 30 or above, your extra weight is classified as obesity. While you may not be experiencing any health problems yet, obesity can have a major impact on your body and seriously reduce the quality of your health. In fact, severe obesity can lead to disability and even, in some cases, early death. Why is obesity so dangerous? The primary reason is that it increases your risk of a number of diseases that can be life-threatening. Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes nearly doubles

If you are considering gastric sleeve surgery, it’s natural to wonder about the scarring that could be left behind after the procedure. The size of the incisions used in any surgery determines the amount of scarring that will occur. Fortunately, as your bariatric surgeon will explain, gastric sleeve surgery incisions are usually very small. Gastric sleeve procedures are performed using multiple micro-incisions. Generally, there are a total of five incisions - three ¼ inch incisions, one ½ inch incision, and one ½- ¾ inch incision. In some cases, patients don’t have any scars at all once healing is completed. When

Most weight loss surgeries are well tolerated by patients, but, as with all surgical procedures, they do come with the risk of complications. One potential complication that patients can experience after any kind of significant weight loss, including gastric sleeve procedures, is gallstones. Before your procedure, your weight loss surgeon will discuss the risk with you and review some things you can do to reduce your chances of developing them. Here is what you need to know. What Are the Symptoms? Some gallstones don’t cause any symptoms at all, particularly when they are small. However, when the stones are large