What Is Medical Weight Loss And Who Is A Good Candidate?

So you’ve tried everything to get in shape but nothing worked? You might be a great candidate for medical weight loss. Here’s all about it.

Being overweight is a problem for many people. Usually, it is due to poor lifestyle choices – we’ll talk more about that shortly – and sometimes due to medical or genetic reasons.

There comes a time for many overweight people when they decide they want to shed that weight live a healthier life. It’s a good choice as carrying too much weight can put a strain on the heart and other organs.

There are some medical weight loss procedures that can be carried out. However, not everyone will be eligible for these.

In the article, we will look at what we mean when we talk about medical weight loss, who is a candidate for such a procedure, and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.

Let’s start by explaining this weight loss procedure in simple terms.

What Is Medical Weight Loss?

When we talk about medical weight loss we are referring to non-surgical methods that involve changes to one’s lifestyle and sometimes the use of an intragastric balloon – more about that later – to achieve weight loss. It can also apply to cosmetic surgery procedures such as liposuction.

However, medical weight loss is not for everyone and will need to be carried out in conjunction with strict lifestyle changes.

Let’s talk not about who is and who is not a great candidate for a medical weight loss routine.

Who Is A Good Candidate For Medical Weight Loss?

As with all weight loss regimes, there is a need for commitment when undergoing medical weight loss.

What do we mean by this? Well, when a consultant is considering a patient for medical weight loss, they will look at the overall picture:

• The patient’s general health;
• Their lifestyle;
• And any conditions that may preclude them from even the non-surgical procedure.

Here is a list of factors that influence the suitability of a person for medical weight loss:

• Even though you have attempted to lose weight by way of exercise and diet, you did not succeed.
• You have recently endured a medical condition that meant you put on weight.
• You need to lose weight before undergoing bariatric or other surgery.
• There are concerns that your weight is influencing other problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart problems, and sleep apnea – each of which can be enhanced by being overweight.

As a candidate, you will also be expected to work with a dietician to ensure you eat healthily and will be put on an exercise regime that you will need to commit to. This is essential if the solution is to work.

You will be asked to give up smoking, cut down on alcohol, and refrain from taking recreational drugs.

We cannot stress how important it is that you agree to and stand by this commitment to lifestyle changes if your medical weight loss procedure is to succeed.

Now let’s talk about the various elements of the procedure itself.

How Does Medical Weight Loss Work?

Unlike cosmetic surgery, there is no actual surgery involved, and even the intragastric balloon is inserted without the need for surgery.

The procedure for inserting the balloon involves an endoscope and takes around 30 minutes.

The purpose of the balloon – which once in the stomach is filled with saline water – is to reduce the capacity of the stomach.

This has the direct effect of making the patient feel full with less food intake.

It’s a tried and tested routine that is successful – but only in conjunction with the overall and much wider medical weight loss routine.

So let’s see what else you will be expected to do when you visit a clinic to undergo the procedure:

The Consultation

You will be subject to an initial consultation which will involve some personal questions about your lifestyle, health, and overall daily life.

This in-depth consultation will allow the consultant to decide whether you are a candidate for the procedure.

If, for example, you have not tried dieting and exercising they will instruct you to do so and may offer help in organizing such.

Expert Advice

Should you be a suitable candidate it will be arranged that you will get expert advice from dieticians and nutritionists as to what to eat and when.

This will involve a certain amount of education as to how different foods affect your weight.

You will also work with a personal trainer to get you onto an exercise routine. This may not need to be at all rigorous but will be a vital part of your weight loss program.

The Contract

You will be instructed to agree to a contract to alter your lifestyle – eating well, drinking sensibly, exercising, and avoiding smoking and drugs.

This is the most important part of your routine – personal commitment.

The Intragastric Balloon Insertion

You will undergo the intragastric balloon insertion as described above which will help reduce your hunger and need for food.

Those are the basics of a medical weight loss program, and we know it looks quite daunting.

However, if you really want to lose weight, it does take a great deal of commitment and application and the professionals at the clinic will do all they can to help.

Are There Any Risks?

The risks with medical weight loss come mainly with the balloon procedure.

Sometimes balloons can burst or malfunction, but this is not a serious issue and can be quickly rectified by removal and replacement.

The only other risks are that the patient will not keep up with the agreed diet and lifestyle changes, but this is not often the case when one has committed to such a change.

Conclusion

Medical weight loss has been a savior for many people across the world and it can be an option for you if you have tried your own diet and exercise regimes and had no success.

We suggest you book a consultation right now if you have concerns about your weight and get assessed for suitability by a consultant at a reputable clinic.