Why We’re So Thankful for Weight-Loss Surgery This Thanksgiving
At NYBG, bariatric surgery is more than just a weight-loss option. For so many people, it’s a life-changing, and sometimes life-saving, opportunity. It’s also how we as doctors can have a positive effect on our patients and help them live longer, healthier lives. As we approach Thanksgiving, we wanted to take some time to talk about why we’re so thankful for weight-loss surgery.
Bariatric Surgery Breaks the Cycle of Diets
Most people try to lose weight through dieting, but find that they don’t see long-term results. Once they stop their diet, the weight starts to come back – and then they feel they have to start dieting again. Weight-loss surgery breaks this cycle for good because bariatric procedures aren’t diets; they’re lifestyle changes. Unlike a diet, bariatric surgery gives patients the tools to sustain their weight loss for a long, long time.
Surgeries like the gastric bypass and gastric sleeve permanently alter stomach anatomy, which means that patients must eat smaller portions as their stomachs can hold less. Additionally, they affect hormonal balances in the body to reset patients’ metabolisms, helping them feel hunger less frequently and maintain a lower weight.
The bariatric lifestyle is more effective than a diet alone because it is less restrictive and more sustainable. Diets tell you what not to eat, often omitting important nutrients; our nutritionists explain how to eat in a healthy, nourishing way. Patients learn to eat proteins first to make sure they get the nutritional benefits they need, then to supplement their remaining requirements as necessary.
An extra bonus: with weight-loss surgery, you can still enjoy the holidays! Diets will tell you, in no uncertain terms that you cannot have X, Y, or Z – however, the bariatric approach is about eating less and making healthy choices, not restrictions. Patients are encouraged to eat their turkey first and then enjoy their favorite fixings in moderation, and to try out some substitutions for traditionally “unhealthy” ingredients!
Weight-loss surgery is sustainable because it’s not about denying yourself food – it’s a tool to help patients make positive food choices for life!
Patients Lose More Than Just Weight
Bariatric surgery has the unique advantage of helping patients lose more than just weight – in fact, many studies show that surgery is a definitive treatment for weight-related comorbidities. 90% of type 2 diabetes patients who chose a bariatric procedure saw improvements to their condition, and 78% saw complete remission – some of our amazing patients have even told us that the day of their surgery was the last time they ever needed their medication.
Weight-loss surgeries have also been shown to positively affect other common conditions linked to obesity, including hypertension, sleep apnea, COPD, joint pain, acid reflux, and heart disease.
Along with overcoming health problems, studies show that bariatric patients tend to lose some significant stressors in their lives. People who suffer from obesity and overweight can experience both mobility and self-esteem issues – after losing the majority of their excess weight, many patients are able to move easier and have been shown to have improved relationships with their family members and friends.
A big part of healthy living involves establishing a loving support system that excludes anyone who speaks or acts negatively in response to a patient’s decision to live well. This, in turn, leads to increased emotional stability and a happier lifestyle. We host support groups for new and experienced patients alike, click here to register for one.
It Extends and Improves Patients’ Lives
Since weight-loss surgeries help patients overcome potentially life-threatening conditions, it makes sense that they tend to live longer. In fact, research published in The New England Journal of Medicine showed that bariatric surgery decreased mortality rates by 40% compared to those who did not choose surgery!
Studies also show that these procedures greatly improve quality of life for most patients. Obesity can cause people to have more difficulty performing common activities; tying shoes, climbing stairs, going on rides with their children, and even taking off their shirt at the beach can all be painful, daunting tasks.
After their surgeries, our patients are excited to tell us how much their procedures have helped them. They often say they’re able to sleep better, play with their children longer, and fit into clothes they’ve always wanted! We couldn’t be happier for them and their new lease on a healthier life.
Weight-Loss Surgery Lets Us Help Patients
At NYBG, our favorite part of the day is getting to help our patients live healthy, happy lives. We perform the procedures that let husbands and wives live longer, and allow mothers and fathers spend more time with their children. We get to affect our patients’ lives in such a positive, personal way and we cannot express how grateful we are for it!
If it weren’t for bariatric surgery, many more lives would be at risk and we never would be able to meet and help so many wonderful people. We are so thankful for our amazing patients and for the opportunity to help them live the long, healthy lives they want and deserve!
If you’re looking to change your life through weight-loss surgery, call NYBG – we would love to take this journey with you.
COME TO NYBG.
When it’s time to start a successful weight-loss journey, it’s time to call NYBG! We’re the best practice around and our numbers prove it:
- 13 skilled surgeons who are leaders in bariatrics
- 15,000 successful procedures performed with more every day
- The #1 gastric balloon practice by volume – most balloons placed in the United States
- 24/7 access to online seminars
- 100s of videos for patients explaining procedures, answering common questions, and showcasing previous patients
- Since 2000, we boast 18 years of success!
Our commitment to patient success and excellence has earned us accreditation from the Metabolic Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). This prestigious achievement recognizes only the top bariatric practices. Stop waiting; start achieving better health today.
