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 - August 8, 2024
Christine Let Go of Fear and Embraced Her New Life
For Christine, it’s worked perfectly as she’s down 125 pounds! But don’t think it’s been easy for her. Christine emphasizes “It’s important to be honest with yourself and to make sure you’re ready to take responsibility for your part in maintaining your health.” One of the biggest challenges was figuring out what to eat and when, “I was very apprehensive about reintroducing foods because I didn’t want to make myself feel sick and I struggled with getting enough water to keep my digestive track running smoothly” she recalls. For her, it was important to have a plan and a support system in place, one that she continues to rely on to this day. 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 - June 5, 2024
BMI Over 40? The Duodenal Switch is Your Best Option.
Knowing which weight loss option is right for you can be confusing, overwhelming and even a little scary. A quick Google search will provide you with a nearly unlimited list of the “best” ways to lose weight. But for those who continue to struggle and continue to put on pounds, there ARE options that can give you real results that last a lifetime. One of those is the duodenal switch. The duodenal switch typically results in greater weight loss compared to other bariatric procedures like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. Patients can lose up to 70-80% of their excess weight within two years post-surgery. Learn More
Posted - May 9, 2024
Health Benefits of Weight Loss and Strategies to Make it Happen
In addition to these strategies, bariatric surgery and medications can be very effective tools when battling obesity. Many people find that surgery and/or medication allows them to finally break through and attain real and lasting results. Remember that weight loss is a gradual process, and it's essential to focus on overall health and well-being rather than just the number on the scale. Consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any weight loss program is also recommended, especially if you have underlying health conditions or concerns. If you’re ready to take the next step in your weight loss journey, Weight Loss Specialists of North Texas is here for you. No blame, no shame - just compassionate care that gets results. Learn More
Posted - April 5, 2024
Obesity Related Type 2 Diabetes and Sleep Apnea
While bariatric surgery can be highly effective for treating obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea, it's important to note that it's not without risks. Like any surgical procedure, bariatric surgery carries potential complications, and it requires careful consideration and evaluation of the individual patient's medical history and risk factors.
Furthermore, bariatric surgery is most successful when combined with long-term lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications and increased physical activity. These changes are essential for maintaining weight loss and maximizing the health benefits of the surgery. Learn More
