What To Expect In A San Diego Weight Loss Program
Genetic factors, nutritional habits, inactivity, and other lifestyle choices can all lead to weight gain. If you have recently found yourself struggling with your weight, it may be time to seek professional help. A weight loss program can provide you with the resources and support you need to finally reach your goals.
Types of Weight Loss Clinics
There are several categories of weight loss clinics:
Bariatric Surgery Clinic
General Weight Loss Clinic
Medically Supervised Weight Loss Clinic
Bariatric Surgery Clinic
A bariatric surgery clinic offers surgical options for obese patients who have not been able to lose weight through other means. The most common type of bariatric surgery is gastric bypass surgery, which involves creating a small stomach pouch and re-routing the intestines so that food bypasses a large portion of the stomach.
Other types of bariatric surgery include:
- sleeve gastrectomy, in which a large portion of the stomach is removed;
- gastric banding, in which a band is placed around the stomach to create a smaller pouch; and
- duodenal switch, in which both a sleeve gastrectomy and a bypass are performed.
Who Qualifies For Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is usually only recommended for patients who are obese (BMI of 30 or higher) and who have been unable to lose weight through other means, such as diet and exercise. [1]
General Weight Loss Clinic
These clinics offer a variety of services including nutrition counseling, exercise programs, and behavior modification. They may also offer medical weight loss services such as prescription medication and/or surgery.
Medically Supervised Weight Loss Clinic
Choosing The Right Weight Loss Clinic
When searching for a weight loss clinic in San Diego, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, be sure to choose a facility that is accredited by the American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP). This accreditation ensures that the clinic has met certain standards of care. The ASMBS is the leading accrediting body for bariatric surgery centers in the United States, and it has strict standards that all accredited clinics must meet.
In addition to making sure your chosen clinic is accredited, you should also ask about the experience of the surgeon or surgeons who will be performing your procedure.
It is important to choose a surgeon who has performed a large number of weight loss surgeries, as this will increase the chances that your surgery is successful and that you experience minimal complications.
Next, you will want to consider the types of services offered. Some clinics may only offer medical weight loss programs, while others may offer a combination of medical and surgical weight loss options.
If you are only interested in medical weight loss, then you will want to make sure that the clinic you choose offers a comprehensive program that includes nutrition counseling, exercise guidance, and medication management.
However, if you are interested in surgery, then you will want to make sure that the clinic offers both gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy procedures.
Finally, you should consider the cost of the services offered by the clinic. Weight loss surgery is not typically covered by insurance, so you will likely have to pay for the entire cost out-of-pocket.
Be sure to ask about financing options or payment plans that can help make the cost more manageable.
San Diego Weight Loss Clinic Services
- Nutrition counseling
- Exercise programs
- Medication management
- Behavioral therapy
- Support groups
- Surgery
Preparations Required
When you visit a weight loss clinic, the staff will likely ask about your medical history, weight loss goals, and current eating and exercise habits. They may also perform some tests, such as a blood test or EKG, to make sure you are healthy enough for their program.
You will then be given a plan to follow, which may include making changes to your diet and lifestyle. The staff will help you understand how to make these changes and will support you through the process. You can expect to visit the clinic regularly so that they can monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your plan.
If you are committed to losing weight, a weight loss clinic can be a great resource. With the help of the staff, you can develop a plan that works for you and finally reach your goals.
Medical Weight Loss Personnel
When you come in for your first appointment, you will be greeted by a team of weight loss specialists. This may include:
- a weight loss psychologist,
- a weight loss MD,
- a surgeon,
- a nurse, and
- a nutritionist.
Weight Loss Psychologist
Weight Loss MDa
The weight loss MD will be the one to develop your individualized plan. This will be based on a number of factors, including:
- a weight loss psychologist,
- a weight loss MD,
- a surgeon,
- a nurse, and
- a nutritionist.
Weight Loss Surgeon
Weight Loss Nurse
Nutritionist
The nutritionist will work with you to develop a healthy diet plan that will help you lose weight and maintain your weight loss. He or she will also be available to answer any questions relating to your diet during the recovery process.
Weight Loss Clinic Support Staff
The support staff at a weight loss clinic provides an important service. They will be responsible for answering phones, scheduling appointments, and handling billing. They may also provide some level of counseling and support to patients.
In conclusion, a weight loss clinic can provide you with the resources you need to lose weight and keep it off. Be sure to ask about all of the services that are available to you before making a decision.
Weight Loss Surgical Procedures in San Diego
There are several weight loss surgical procedures available. The procedure recommended by a weight loss MD in San Diego will be based on each individual’s health and weight loss goals.
- Robotic surgery
- Laparoscopic surgeries
- Open surgeries
- Intra-gastric balloon
- Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG)
- Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB)
- Therapeutic endoscopy
- Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)
- Adjustable Gastric Banding (AGB)
A team approach is often used in clinics to help patients reach their goals. This may include a nutritionist, counselor, and sometimes a behavior modification specialist. There are also support groups available both online and in person that can be beneficial.
When meeting with a clinic for the first time, it is important to ask any questions you may have about the process. This will help put your mind at ease and allow you to make an informed decision about whether or not this is the right path for you.
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with weight loss surgery. These risks include bleeding, infection, and pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs). Weight loss surgery is also not a cure for obesity, and you will need to make lifestyle changes after surgery to maintain your weight loss. If you are considering weight loss surgery, be sure to talk to your doctor about all of your options and the risks and benefits of each.
San Diego is home to some of the best weight loss clinics in the country. If you are considering weight loss surgery, be sure to research your options and find a reputable clinic that you feel comfortable with. Weight loss surgery is a serious decision, but it can be a life-changing one. With the right information and support, you can achieve your weight loss goals and improve your health.
Robotic surgery
Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery. It is done with the help of a machine called the da Vinci surgical system. The surgeon controls the machine, which has tiny robotic arms. These arms are equipped with surgical tools. The surgeon uses these tools to perform the surgery through small incisions in your body. Robotic surgery can be used for a variety of different procedures, including gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding. It is often chosen because it can offer a number of benefits, such as:
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster recovery time
- Less pain and scarring
- Reduced risk of complications
Laparoscopic surgeries
Laparoscopic surgeries are another type of minimally invasive surgery. They are also performed through small incisions in your body. However, instead of using a machine, the surgeon uses long, thin tools that are inserted through the incisions. These tools are then used to perform the surgery. Laparoscopic surgery can be used for a variety of different procedures, including gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding.
Open surgeries
Open surgeries are the traditional type of surgery. They are performed through large incisions in your body. Open surgeries generally require a longer hospital stay and a longer recovery time than minimally invasive surgery. There are a number of different types of weight loss surgery, and the type that is right for you will depend on your individual situation. Your doctor will discuss the options with you and help you decide which type of surgery is best for you.
Intra-gastric balloon
The intra-gastric balloon is a relatively new weight loss surgery. It is a minimally invasive procedure, meaning that it is performed through small incisions in your body. The intra-gastric balloon is placed in your stomach through a small incision in your abdomen. Once in place, the balloon is filled with saline solution. The balloon takes up space in your stomach, making you feel full sooner and helping you to eat less. The balloon is usually left in place for six months to a year, after which it is removed through another small incision in your abdomen.
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is another minimally invasive weight loss surgery. It is similar to the intra-gastric balloon procedure, but instead of a balloon, a gastric sleeve is placed in your stomach. The gastric sleeve is a tube that separates the upper part of your stomach from the rest of your stomach. This limits the amount of food you can eat and makes you feel full sooner.
Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG)
SG is also known as gastric sleeve surgery. It is a minimally invasive weight loss surgery that removes a large portion of your stomach, leaving a narrow sleeve of stomach about the size and shape of a banana. This smaller stomach can hold less food and makes you feel full sooner, leading to weight loss.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB)
RYGB is also known as gastric bypass surgery. It is a minimally invasive weight loss surgery that involves creating a small stomach pouch and rerouting the small intestine to bypass most of the stomach. This limits the amount of food you can eat and makes you feel full sooner, leading to weight loss.
Diabetes Surgery
Diabetes surgery, also called bariatric surgery for diabetes or metabolic surgery, is a type of weight loss surgery that can help people with diabetes to manage their condition by achieving long-term weight loss.
There are several types of diabetes surgery, including:
- gastric bypass [2]
- sleeve gastrectomy
- biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch
Each type of surgery has its own advantages and disadvantages, and your decision about which type of surgery to have will be based on your individual situation.
If you have diabetes and are considering weight loss surgery, you will need to meet with a team of specialists to discuss your options and determine if surgery is right for you.
This team may include a:
- diabetes surgeon
- diabetologist or endocrinologist
- gastroenterologist
- psychologist or psychiatrist
- nutritionist
- social worker
During your initial consultation, the team will evaluate your overall health and review your medical history to determine if you are a good candidate for weight loss surgery.
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)
BPD/DS is also known as duodenal switch surgery. It is a minimally invasive weight loss surgery that involves removing a large portion of your stomach and rerouting the small intestine. This limits the amount of food you can eat and makes you feel full sooner, leading to weight loss.
Adjustable Gastric Banding (AGB)
AGB is a minimally invasive weight loss surgery that involves placing a band around the stomach to create a small stomach pouch. This limits the amount of food you can eat and makes you feel full sooner, leading to weight loss.
Therapeutic endoscopy procedures
These procedures use an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera) to treat obesity-related health conditions. Endoscopic procedures are less invasive than surgery and can be performed as an outpatient procedure. Examples of therapeutic endoscopy procedures include:
- gastroplasty (stomach stapling)
- intragastric balloon
- pyloroplasty (stomach surgery)
- sleeve gastrectomy
- vBloc Therapy
vBloc Therapy
vBloc Therapy is a minimally invasive weight loss surgery that uses an implantable device to block hunger signals from the brain, leading to weight loss. The device is placed under the skin during a short, outpatient procedure and does not require any cuts to the stomach or intestines.
Summary Thoughts
Weight loss clinics, weight loss surgeries and weight loss medical personnel can be found all over San Diego. It is important to do your research and find one that you feel comfortable with and will offer you the best results. However, before you decide on going through medical procedures, we are confident you would want to try out our cognitive behavioral therapy programs first that target lifestyle changes to guarantee sustainable weight loss, without any risks. We offer a comprehensive approach to weight management that is research driven and focuses on long-term success. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your free consultation!
References
- Bariatric Surgery, Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bariatric_surgery
- What is Bariatric Surgery? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/bariatric-surgery/what-is-bariatric-surgery
