Weight Loss Specialist
General & Minimally Invasive Surgery
Bariatric & General Surgery located in Tomball, TX & Houston, TX
Weight loss presents a considerable challenge for many people. If you’re struggling to succeed with weight loss, Harvinderpal Singh, MD, FACS, and Viet Phuong, MD, FACS, of General & Minimally Invasive Surgery in Tomball, Texas, can help. They offer medically managed weight loss programs and bariatric surgery to help you achieve a healthy weight. Find out how you can benefit from their help with weight loss by calling the General & Minimally Invasive Surgery office or booking an appointment online today.
Weight Loss Q & A
Why is weight loss so critical to health?
Being overweight or obese is one of the most damaging health problems, so weight loss can make a considerable difference to your well-being and could save your life.
Obesity means having too much body fat, typically 20% or more above the normal weight for your height. The most common obesity measure is body mass index (BMI), which classifies you as overweight, obese, or morbidly obese.
Morbid obesity (a BMI of 40 or over) means that your weight is likely to severely affect your health. Other measurements used to define morbid obesity include exceeding a normal weight by 50%-100% or more than 100 pounds.
What health problems can obesity cause?
Obese people have a significant risk of developing health problems, such as:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Sleep apnea
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Gallstones
- Osteoarthritis
- Heart disease
- Infertility
- Some cancers
If your BMI is 30 or over, you should consult with your doctor about weight loss. They can also help if your obesity relates to emotional or psychological issues or you have an eating disorder.
You should also consider weight loss if your body is apple-shaped, meaning you have a lot of fat around your middle. Fat in this area indicates high levels of internal fat around your organs, which is particularly dangerous. Women should have a waist measurement below 35 inches, while men’s waists should be below 40 inches.
How do I succeed with weight loss?
Consuming fewer calories and burning more off with plenty of physical activity is the healthiest way to lose weight.
You might benefit from a medically managed weight loss program if you’re having problems losing weight. These programs include meal substitute products like Optifast®, behavioral therapy, and prescription medications like appetite suppressants.
What surgical options are there for weight loss?
For people who remain obese despite following a strict diet, bariatric (weight loss) surgery might be a solution. General & Minimally Invasive Surgery specializes in performing a range of weight loss procedures and bariatric surgeries, including:
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
- Sleeve gastrectomy
- The adjustable gastric banding (LAP-BAND®)
- Gastric balloon
- Revision bariatric surgery
You should have a BMI of 40 or a BMI between 35 and 39 with weight-related health problems to qualify for weight loss surgery. You must also commit to following a healthy diet and exercise plan before and after your surgery.
If weight loss is proving to be an insurmountable problem, inquire about your options at General & Minimally Invasive Surgery. Call their office or book an appointment online today.