What Is

The Best Way To Treat Obesity?

Understanding What Causes Obesity

Morbid obesity is a complex disease that can be very difficult to treat. Unlike more straightforward conditions that can be treated with medication, there is no single pill to cure obesity. Just a few of the major factors that contribute to obesity are:

  • Genetics Obesity doesn’t always run in families, but many of our patients at DFW have family members also suffering with obesity. Researchers are still working on quantifying how much of a role genetics play in obesity.
  • Environment Many people live in families, neighborhoods, or social groups in which large portions of foods that are overly processed are the norm.
  • Lifestyle In America, we live in a society that has progressed from agrarian (farming) to manufacturing (factories) to service (offices) – therefore, though we may work all day long, we don’t really burn off many calories at our jobs.

Bariatric Surgery Can Effectively Treat Obesity

Obesity really is a multifaceted disease that needs to be treated with a comprehensive approach. Weight loss medications can have many side effects and are limited in effectiveness. Diet and exercise alone can be difficult to maintain and are often not effective for long term weight loss. Bariatric surgeries such as gastric bypass and gastric sleeve can jumpstart your recovery from obesity and provide a path to lifelong weight loss success. When combined with nutrition education, exercise programs, and support systems, bariatric surgery can be an effective method to dramatically improve quality of life.

Can Patients With Diabetes Have Bariatric Surgery?

Many patients who are seeking a solution for obesity are also living with Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes is a common comorbidity of obesity, which means that these two conditions often go hand in hand. While both diseases can have many negative health effects, the good news is that bariatric surgery can be effective in treating both obesity and diabetes. DFW Bariatric Institute has helped many patients lose weight and overcome diabetes symptoms.

Bariatric Surgery May Cure Type 2 Diabetes

Patients considering bariatric surgery are often seeking more than just a slimmer figure, they are typically concerned with their overall health. Those with diabetes have good reason to look to bariatric surgery as a potential treatment for both weight loss and diabetes. Based on clinical studies showing that weight loss surgery can improve or cure Type 2 Diabetes, The American Diabetes Association recognizes bariatric surgery as a treatment for diabetes.1 Bariatric surgery has also been shown to improve other obesity-related conditions, such as hypertension, sleep apnea, and heart disease.2 The best way to determine if weight loss surgery, such as gastric sleeve and gastric bypass, is right for you is to schedule a consultation appointment at one of our Dallas area offices.

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Contact Us

If you would like more information on weight loss treatment options available at our practice, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons, please contact us today.

 

1Journal of Diabetes Research 2015; 2015: 674268. Published online 2015 Apr 14.
2Journal of Minimum Access Surgery. 2016 Jul-Sep; 12(3): 220–225

Patient Testimonials


Janet S.

Lost 93 pounds*

"93 pounds later, I have a whole new life. I’ve gone from a size 24 down to 10-12. I no longer have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. My knees, which were in sad shape before surgery, don’t hurt anymore. I joined a gym and participate in water aerobics and a latin impact aerobics class. My whole life has changed. I have much more confidence in myself and love to be with people."

Vivian P.

Lost 140 pounds*

“First off….this surgery will give you your life back. It is a total life changing surgery and I feel like I owe DFW Bariatric my life since they restored mine to me. My weight ballooned up to 273 lbs before my surgery. I have successfully lost and maintained a 140 lb weight loss… This is the most amazing journey that anyone could ever take and the DFW Bariatric Institute staff will all be there to hold your hand and lead you down the road to your success.”

Sherrie M.

Lost 110 pounds*

“I am currently 29 years old and weigh 130 lbs. Before surgery I weighed almost 240 lbs…This is the best thing I have done with my life and would do it again today. It changed my life drastically. My surgeon said to me, 'I can do 50% for you and give you the surgery, but the other 50% is up to you. Your eating, your exercise, your total outlook on life make up the other 50%. And what you want from the surgery is what you will get, and the life you will gain.'”

John E.

Lost 90 pounds*

“I went to a seminar and left there with complete ease, feeling like everyone cared about me and my health. On first office visit I was totally impressed…I never felt rushed in the office, and always felt everyone cared. My surgery was completed and I am now down 90 pounds…The biggest part of recovery comes from the encouragement DFW Bariatric gives. Everyone is always positive and takes the time to explain things in a positive way.”

Kathy D.

Lost 161 pounds*

“There are no words to express the amount of change that weight loss surgery has brought to my life. I am a 54 year old female. There were so many things I was unable to do before the surgery that I blamed on age. It wasn’t my age at all, it was the weight. I am 30 again…The day of my surgery, I weighed 299 pounds. Today I weigh 138 and wear a size 6…I feel so good about myself now. The surgery saved my life!”

Brian S.

Lost 130 pounds*

“After losing 130 pounds, I feel like I have a new lease on life. I was able to stop all of my diabetes, high blood pressure, and my cholesterol medicines. I have always had chronic knee problems and now I am able to run three miles per day without any pain. If I had a choice of doing this surgery again or not, I would definitely do it again. I feel that by having the surgery it not only gave me my life back but it also saved my life.”

Lorna Q.

Lost 107 pounds*

"I have lost the astonishing amount of 107 pounds in less than a year. I feel like I have my life back and I am in control again. All my family and friends are always telling me that I look happier than before and they are right, I am much, much happier than before. I have to thank DFW Bariatric and my husband for helping me throughout this very emotional and amazing journey. I do not regret at all having the surgery, it is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.”

Danielle L.

Lost 154 pounds*

“My outlook on life was so different before having my weight loss surgery. I was taking medicine for diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression, and my back, legs, and shoulders hurt all the time which kept me from sleeping. My start weight was 298 pounds. And I am now 144. I’m no longer on any type of medications. My body is the best shape I have ever been in. I am so happy to be where I am today mentally and physically. With my hard work and dedication and with the aid of DFW Bariatric, I am where I want to be. I trust this team with all my heart.”

Dennis H.

Lost 170 pounds*

“At 365 pounds, I was medicated for high blood pressure, diabetes, joint inflammation, and high cholesterol…I was a living example of morbid obesity. I knew then that it was time to do something with my weight…It was not easy to get through all of the hoops that my health plan demanded, but the DFW Bariatric team helped me every step of the way. Today I weigh 195 pounds and feel great! From the time I left the hospital after surgery I have been free from all prescription medications. I can never thank this team enough for giving me back my life."