It’s a new year, and if a healthier you is at the top of your list of 2021 goals, we’ve got great news: Lakeland Regional Health has launched its brand new Institute for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and Medicine .
Bariatric surgery and treatment is about much more than weight loss. The team of experts
at the Institute for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and Medicine can help you target + manage a number of conditions, like:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Acid reflux
- Sleep apnea
- Osteoarthritis
- Depression
- and more.
Diabetes is among the health conditions that can be addressed at the Institute for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and Medicine | Photo via Pexels
With care ranging from lifestyle modifications to surgical options, the institute is the first of its kind in Lakeland. They know each + every patient has unique needs and goals, so each patient’s care plan will be tailored to fit their needs, with comprehensive + compassionate care every step of the way.
There’s no such thing as a uniform approach when it comes to your health – that’s why your first visit to the institute will be a consultation, in which providers will take the time to listen to you and learn every detail of your story before putting together a personalized plan of action. Depending on your needs, that plan could include metabolic medicine (read: lifestyle modifications or drug therapies) and/or surgical options.
Hold up. What’s the deal with surgery? Is it the right choice for me?
The term “bariatric surgery” refers to a number of weight-loss procedures that involve making changes to your digestive system to aid in the process of losing weight. Check out this helpful explanation from Dr. Joseph E. Chebli – Medical Director, Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program – and keep reading to learn what makes someone a potential candidate.
Treatment, recovery + how to request a consultation
There are several types of surgical procedures offered by the Institute for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and Medicine. Some are minimally invasive + may not even require an overnight stay in the hospital, while others are more involved, with a longer recovery time. This video from Dr. Chebli breaks it down in an easy-to-digest way.
Here are some general guidelines for determining whether you are a potential candidate for any type of bariatric surgery:
- You have a BMI (body mass index) of 35 or more
- You suffer from medical problems that are associated with or caused by obesity
- You have no medical conditions or untreated metabolic disease that would make this type of surgery a high risk
- Your behavioral health is stable (in other words, you’re taking good care of your mental health)
- You haven’t demonstrated any substance abuse for at least 12 months – or if you have, you’ve completed a treatment program. If you smoke tobacco, you must indicate that you are willing to stop prior to your surgery.
- You’re committed to making necessary changes to your eating habits + activity levels. Bariatric surgery isn’t a magical remedy – it’s meant to make it easier to implement necessary changes to your lifestyle.
Here’s what recovery from bariatric + metabolic surgery typically looks like:
- A patient can generally expect to stay overnight in the hospital 1-2 nights + return to regular activities (think: work, exercise + household activities) fairly quickly.
- Post-surgery, one’s quality of life is significantly improved – and not just due to weight loss. From less medications to a more active lifestyle, Dr. Chebli explains just how beneficial metabolic + bariatric treatment can be.
Whether you’re thinking the surgery route might be right for you or are simply looking for expert guidance when it comes to charting a healthier lifestyle, the team at Lakeland Regional Health’s Institute for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and Medicine is here to help. Click here to request a consultation.
You can also visit their website for more information about their team, services, procedures + more. And be sure to check out Dr. Chebli’s videos so you can feel even more informed. Here’s to a healthier + happier you in 2021. Ⓟ
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