Posted - December 10, 2024
Lessons I’ve Learned from Working with Bariatric Surgery Patients
Working with bariatric patients has shown me that their journey is one of resilience, transformation, and courage. It’s about much more than weight loss—it’s about reclaiming health, confidence, and self-worth. For anyone considering weight loss surgery or supporting someone on this path, remember: it’s a deeply personal process, and success comes from understanding both the challenges and the triumphs along the way. From a provider perspective, we do right by our patients when we meet them where they are. That’s why at Weight Loss Specialists of North Texas, we offer compassionate care, without blame and without shame. As Dr. Ayoola likes to say, “If obesity is part of your story, you don’t have to hide. You can lose the weight, regain your health, improve your quality of life and feel great about yourself.” Learn More
Posted - November 7, 2024
Understanding BMI and How it Determines Obesity Treatment Options
BMI serves as a valuable tool for categorizing weight status and guiding initial treatment decisions, but it is not the only factor in obesity management. Medications are typically suitable for individuals with a BMI of 27 - 35, but the individual’s weight loss goal needs to be considered. Surgery is generally reserved for those with a BMI of 35 or higher and serious health issues, or for individuals with a BMI of 40 or more. Each treatment plan must be personalized, factoring in the patient’s health status, previous efforts to lose weight, and their readiness for potential lifelong changes. Learn More
Posted - October 9, 2024
How Brandy Got Her Life Back
After watching her mother die at just 52 years old (she weighed over 600 pounds), Brandy could see she was headed for the exact same fate, “I was following the same path, with a heart doctor telling me I wouldn’t live past my 40s if I didn’t take drastic action. I had lost mobility, was on the brink of being bedridden and suffered from type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, neuropathy, and heart problems.” For Brandy, the choice was clear - lose weight or die. She decided that her only hope was weight loss surgery. Learn More
Posted - September 9, 2024
A Deep Dive into GLP-1
Yes, bariatric surgery can boost your body’s production of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a hormone that plays a key role in regulating blood sugar and appetite. After certain types of bariatric surgery, especially Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy, levels of GLP-1 tend to increase significantly. This rise in GLP-1 is thought to contribute to the weight loss and improved blood sugar control seen after surgery. Learn More
Posted - July 5, 2024
DOs and DONTs of Eating Out After Weight Loss Surgery
Food. It’s necessary for your survival, but if you’ve battled obesity, the thought of food can trigger all kinds of thoughts, reactions and emotions. For post-weight loss-surgery patients, food can no longer be used as a way to deal with stress or emotions, instead, it requires a disciplined and intentional approach to ensure you’re consuming the right amounts of the right kind of food. This is most easily accomplished through cooking your own meals, but let’s be real - it’s nice to take a break and let someone else do the cooking every now and then! Let’s take a look at how to successfully navigate the times when you aren’t eating at home.
Eating out at restaurants after weight loss surgery requires careful planning and mindful choices to ensure you adhere to your dietary guidelines and maintain your weight loss progress. Here are some tips for successful dining out post-surgery: Learn More
Posted - January 4, 2024
Getting Back to Her Best
Active and athletic. That’s how Mandy Crowell describes herself. She also remembers growing up in a house where both parents worked and most of the meals were quick, easy and not all that nutritious. But it was the 80’s and “clean eating” just meant you used a napkin to wipe your mouth! So she never really learned good eating habits, but it didn’t really matter because she was young and busy playing sports. Learn More
Posted - November 6, 2023
What is the Duodenal Switch? Is it Right for Me?
The biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) is a well-established weight-loss surgical procedure that provides excellent weight loss and long-term resolution of health conditions associated with obesity. This operation is usually, but not always, reserved for the extremely obese (with a BMI of greater than 50) because this surgery tends to result in more significant weight loss compared to other weight loss procedures. Learn More
Posted - October 3, 2023
Weight Loss Surgery – What Are My Options?
Each type of bariatric surgery has its own benefits and potential risks. It's important for individuals considering bariatric surgery to work closely with a medical team, including a surgeon, dietitian, and other healthcare professionals, to determine the most appropriate option based on their individual needs and health status. Learn More
Posted - September 7, 2023
Ever Heard of Diabesity? Here’s What You Should Know…
It's important to note that while weight loss can greatly improve the management of type 2 diabetes, it might not be a cure for everyone. Genetics, underlying metabolic factors, and the duration of diabetes can influence the extent to which weight loss can reverse the condition. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity and a balanced diet, is crucial for long-term diabetes management and overall well-being. If you’ve been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and are overweight, our weight loss solutions may offer you a path to a new, healthier life free from obesity and diabetes. Learn More
