Losing Weight and Keeping It Off

For some people, it’s an ongoing, even lifelong, struggle to lose weight and keep it off. You can easily get discouraged if you try diets, over-the-counter supplements or one exercise program after another without positive results.

It may be time to seek help from your health care provider – especially if you need to lose weight because of certain medical conditions. Excessive weight gain or obesity is associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and coronary heart disease.

Your physician will recommend the best treatment for you based on the following factors:

• Your age, medical history, overall health and physical abilities
• How overweight you are
• Your past efforts to lose weight
• Your tolerance for specific procedures, medications or therapies
• Your expectations and preference

If your physician recommends weight loss surgery, BayCare has expert bariatric surgeons across Tampa Bay, and they specialize in procedures such as adjustable gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass.

Patients who choose to undergo weight loss surgery should be ready to make a lifelong commitment to maintaining their health. Surgery is considered the first stage of this journey. You will need to make changes in your eating habits and adhere closely to all postsurgical dietary guidelines.

In addition to weight loss surgery, BayCare's hospitals and fitness centers offer a wide range of non-surgical weight management programs, nutrition programs, support groups and fitness services.

For more information or a physician referral, call (855) 314-8350 or find a doctor near you.