As Science and Medicine advance, there are more and more diseases and conditions that can be treated less invasively. Or even situations where medications can completely replace surgery.
Good examples are various kinds of laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgeries or even Coolsculpting replacing Liposuction in some cases.
With the introduction of a new powerful group of medications – GLP1 agonists and GLP1/GIP- the exciting news is that obesity can be treated medically for many people.
It is now possible to lose over 100 lbs with the help of medications, which makes this treatment almost as effective as Metabolic (Bariatric) surgery.
So, is Bariatric surgery a thing of the past?
No, not yet, but let’s face it, if we can create a similar result without cutting a patient open, removing part of the stomach and part of the small intestine, well, that is what most patients would choose to try first.
What’s important for you to know: if you are prone to gain weight, if you are binging, if you tried and tried numerous times to do it yourself and were “lacking willpower” – well, it’s not your fault, it’s a combination of genetics and some other environmental factors.
Obesity is NOT a lack of willpower or laziness. It’s a medical condition, and treatment is actually covered by many insurance companies.
Discover what non-surgical weight loss actually means and how the options for treatment can be personalized to your unique body.
What is Non-Surgical Weight Loss?
Non-surgical weight loss refers to methods and strategies used to promote weight reduction without resorting to surgical intervention.
Unlike weight loss surgeries such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, which alter the anatomy of the digestive system to induce weight loss, non-surgical approaches focus on behavioral, lifestyle, and medical means to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthier weight.
Best Non-Surgical Weight Loss Procedures & Methods:
1. Dietary Changes: Incorporating a balanced diet that emphasizes whole foods, reduced caloric intake, and appropriate portion sizes. Nutritionists often provide tailored meal plans to suit individual needs.
2. Physical Activity: Engaging in regular exercise, ranging from aerobic activities like walking or cycling to strength training exercises. The right regimen depends on an individual’s fitness level and goals.
3. Behavioral Counseling: Utilizing techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address emotional and psychological aspects of eating. This helps in understanding and modifying unhealthy eating patterns.
4. Medical Interventions: Healthcare providers might prescribe FDA-approved weight loss medications. These drugs can help enhance weight loss efforts when combined with dietary and lifestyle changes.
5. Medical Devices and Non-Invasive Procedures: Some treatments, like CoolSculpting, offer non-surgical methods to aid weight loss or fat reduction using medical devices or external procedures.
6. Education and Support: Knowledge about the body, metabolism, and the science of weight loss can be empowering. Many programs include educational components, along with group or individual support, to help participants stay on track.
The goal of non-surgical weight loss is to provide individuals with effective tools and strategies to achieve a healthy weight and foster sustainable habits for long-term weight maintenance. It’s essential to consult with healthcare professionals to devise a personalized plan that aligns with individual needs and health conditions.
How Non-Surgical Weight Loss Programs Work
Non-surgical weight loss programs emphasize holistic strategies for weight management, avoiding invasive surgical methods. They seamlessly integrate dietary advice, behavioral therapy, physical activity guidelines, and, notably, a distinction between older obesity medications and newer treatments.
This comprehensive approach ensures that individuals receive the most up-to-date and effective tools tailored to their unique health profile and weight loss journey.
Older Weight Loss Medications vs. New Weight Loss Medications
Old generic anti-obesity drugs – might have been prescribed to your grandmother in the 40s or 60s, but they still work! Examples: Phentermine, Diethylbupropion, Phendimetrazine.
How do they work?
By reacting with Dopamine receptors in the brain, creating a sense of satiety, and a sense of increased energy (amphetamine-like effect).
Limitations: can be a problem if combined with other stimulatory or antidepressant medications, can cause anxiety, and may be dangerous for people with certain conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease.
New milder combination medications – the idea was by combining stimulants with some other medications known to “help” stimulants, the dose of stimulant will be reduced, and the medication is going to be better tolerated, which is generally the case. Those new combos are Contrave (Wellbutrin/Naltrexone) and Qsymia (Phentermine/Topiramate).
The main limiting factors are that they are expensive and of varying strengths, so they might not be the best option for a person who needs to lose a lot.
How Do You Know What Non-Surgical Weight Loss Route is Best For You?
Frankly, that answer is individual to each and every person.
Dr. Melamed has been a Weight Loss Doctor since 2003, and though there are similarities in many patient’s treatment, the differences are also vast based on a number of factors.
For example, she has seen patients with low thyroid hormones and lack of vitamins and other conditions (hyperinsulinemia, decreased leptin sensitivity) contributing heavily to their inability to lose weight; however, sometimes it’s as simple as correcting the diet.
In our practice, every patient who comes in for weight loss is offered a comprehensive blood work, physical examination, a consult with Dr. Melamed, and also consult with a dietician.
Recipe for Weight Loss Success
Every successful weight loss and maintenance will have a diet plan.
We use a regular balanced deficit (reduced calories) diet, partial high protein replacement diet, and fool formula diet (Optifast), or if none of those work, we figure out an individual diet. I am honored to work with a very experienced and knowledgeable Clinical Registered Dietician, Shadi Jafarian, and she is truly passionate about solving a multitude of problems nutritionally.
We focus on creating sustainable, long-term lifestyle changes along with aiding a person medically in areas where they are fighting against hormones and genetics.
Choosing a Non-Surgical Weight Loss Plan
When considering a non-surgical weight loss approach, your initial consultation with Dr. Melamed and our expert Dietician is a pivotal first step. In this comprehensive hour-long session, Dr. Melamed will assess your health through a physical examination, complete blood tests, and an EKG. Together, we’ll explore the most fitting non-surgical weight loss medication options aligned with your health profile.
Our Dietician will also delve into a detailed Body Composition analysis to inform the discussion about the optimal dietary strategy for you.
Understanding the importance of financial accessibility, we gladly accept most PPO Medical insurance plans and Medicare. For those without insurance, we’re pleased to offer a discounted rate upon service or the Cherry credit payment alternative.
This all-encompassing initial appointment is priced at $550, encompassing all services described.
Our mission is to facilitate your journey toward health and wellness, and we’re committed to crafting a plan as unique as you are.
Reach out to us to get started!
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