Treatment

Non-Surgical Treatment

Dieting, exercise, and medication have long been regarded as the conventional methods to achieve weight loss. Sometimes, these efforts are successful in the short term. However, for people who are morbidly obese, the results can be challenging and some patients may ultimately decide on weight loss surgery. However, for many patients with mild obesity or who are overweight initially they need to identify causes of weight gain. This can include trips to the primary care or pediatrician as well as endocrinologist and other specialists. Psychological issues such as binge eating and stress eating should also be evaluated. Having a consistent balanced diet and exercise program can lead to improvements in body weight and BMI as well as overall well being and mental health.

There are many resources including local gyms and parks, school districts, programs such as Shape Down and behavioral coaching which can assist patients to lose weight and maintain weight loss whether by diet, exercise, psychological counseling or if need be weight loss surgery. Dr. Kothari takes an active role in giving resources and encouragement to her patients who struggle around eating and weight issues. She is thoughtful in her approach to taking metabolic, medical and health factors in perspective during treatment.

Surgical Treatment

For those interested in learning and/or pursuing more about weight loss surgery below are some resources to consider. Over the years, weight-loss surgery has proven to be a successful method for the treatment of morbid obesity. Surgical options have continued to evolve and include. The LAP-BAND procedure is the least traumatic and the only adjustable and reversible obesity surgery available in the United States. The GASTRIC SLEEVE is growing in popularity and is a procedure which reduces the size of the stomach pouch to allow for weight loss. The GASTRIC BYPASS is the most established procedure and has the greatest amount of research behind it; it makes the stomach smaller and causes food to bypass part of the small intestine. It thereby restricts food intake and reduces calorie absorption which leads to weight loss. If one is the appropriate candidate, weight loss surgery can help you achieve and maintain significant weight loss, improve your health, and enhance your quality of life.

Surgical Treatment Options

Gastric Band