Questions and Answers - Recent questions and answers in Weight Loss & Obesity

What is BMR?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 08:16:46 +0000

Answered: What are the risks of gastric sleeve weight loss surgery?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 08:15:28 +0000

Infection, bleeding, and in rare cases, a leak along the staple line are possible. Right after the surgery, you may have nausea, vomiting, or constipation.

Certain foods may not agree with you now. You may also develop nutrition problems after surgery, which is why you have to take vitamins and supplements for life. Your doctor will advise you on exactly what you need.

Answered: How do you measure your waist?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 08:13:10 +0000

Here’s how to measure your waist:

Stand up and wrap a measuring tape around your waist (just above the hip bones).
The tape should be snug but not pressed into your skin.
Breathe out before you measure.

Answered: What is body mass index (BMI) and how do you calculate it?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 08:12:19 +0000

Body mass index, or BMI, is a way of describing height and weight in one number that can help tell if someone's weight is healthy.

To figure out your BMI, just use this math formula: Multiply your weight in pounds by 703 and divide it by your height (in inches) squared.

Obesity in adults is defined as having a BMI of 30.0 or above. The other ranges are:

Overweight = 25.0 to 29.9
Normal weight = 18.5 to 24.9
Underweight = under 18.5

Answered: How common is obesity?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 08:09:36 +0000

Many Americans struggle to control their weight. The country’s obesity problem is well known: 1 in 3 of us is obese, and the rate is rising.

Answered: How can knowing your food triggers help with long-term weight loss?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 08:06:47 +0000

Are there situations that make you want to eat more? Start noticing them. For example, you may learn that you're more likely to overeat while you're bored or stressed.

Then figure out ways to get around those triggers. Do something else to soothe your stress, for instance.

Also, you might want to put treats away. You're more likely to eat them if they're visible and easy to get to.

Answered: How does setting the right goals help with long-term weight loss?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 08:05:23 +0000

Most people trying to lose weight only focus on their ultimate goal: dropping pounds. But it's important not to lose sight of the diet and exercise changes that will get you there.

Choose two or three diet and exercise goals at a time that you are willing to take on. And make sure they are specific and realistic.

Answered: What are some non-food ways to reward yourself for losing weight?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 08:04:05 +0000

You could treat yourself to a movie or massage, or take an afternoon off from work.

Many small rewards, given for meeting small goals, can work better than bigger rewards for long, difficult goals.

Answered: What are some of the risks of gastric bypass surgery?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 08:03:06 +0000

People who have gastric bypass surgery are at risk for:

Pouch stretching. The stomach gets bigger over time.
Breakdown of staple lines. The staples fall apart.
Nutritional, vitamin, and mineral deficiencies. Your body will be less able to get nutrients from food.
Stomal stenosis. A narrowing forms at the connection of the stomach and small intestine causing nausea, vomiting, reflux, and then an inability to eat.
Gallstones. Quick weight loss can make you more likely to get these.

Answered: What are benefits of weight loss surgery?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 08:01:53 +0000

Weight loss is one benefit. Most people lose weight for 18-24 months. At that point, many people start to regain some of their lost weight, but few regain it all.

If you had any medical conditions related to obesity, those usually improve after weight loss surgery. Some conditions, such as diabetes, can improve quickly. Others, such as high blood pressure, may take a little longer.

Answered: Can teens get weight loss surgery?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:59:17 +0000

Gallstones can form when you lose a lot of weight quickly. To help prevent them, your doctor may recommend taking supplemental bile salts for the first 6 months after surgery.

Answered: Can gallstones form after weight loss surgery?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:58:13 +0000

Gallstones can form when you lose a lot of weight quickly. To help prevent them, your doctor may recommend taking supplemental bile salts for the first 6 months after surgery.

Answered: What are side effects of weight loss surgery?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:55:59 +0000

The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, excessive sweating, increased gas, and dizziness. Serious side effects can include bleeding, infection, leaks from the places where your stitches are, and blood clots in the legs that can move to the heart and lungs. Most people don’t get any of these.

Answered: What is a duodenal switch?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:52:57 +0000

Duodenal switch is complicated surgery that removes most of the stomach and uses a gastric sleeve to bypass most of your small intestine. It limits how much you can eat. It also means your body doesn't get as much of a chance to absorb nutrients from your food, which could mean you don't get enough of the vitamins and minerals you need.

Answered: Could skipping breakfast affect how you lose weight?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:51:05 +0000

It could be. When you take a pass on that first meal of the day, it can work against you. You're likely to get hungrier later, so you may overdo it at lunch. Try to eat within an hour of waking up. A high-fiber, protein-packed breakfast can help you feel full, longer. Try cottage cheese with fruit, eggs with whole-wheat toast, or Greek yogurt with a banana.

Answered: What will the recovery from weight loss surgery be like?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:48:44 +0000

Most gastric bypass surgery is laparoscopic, which means the surgeon makes small cuts. That means a shorter recovery time.

Most people stay in the hospital 2-3 days, and get back to normal activities in 3-5 weeks.

If the surgery must be open, meaning the surgeon has to make a larger cut, healing takes longer.

Answered: What are the two restrictive weight loss surgery types?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:46:57 +0000

The two purely restrictive types of weight loss surgery are called gastric banding and vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Both operations make less room in the stomach for food right after you eat it.

Answered: How does a vertical sleeve gastrectomy work for weight loss?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:44:52 +0000

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy involves removing about 75% of the stomach. What remains of the stomach is a narrow tube or sleeve, which connects to the intestines.

Answered: Are most people who get weight loss surgery happy with the results?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:41:30 +0000

After weight loss surgery, most people -- about 95% -- say their quality of life is better. Some studies also suggest people live longer after weight loss surgery, compared to equally obese people who don't get surgery.

Answered: What are common side effects of weight loss surgery?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:39:49 +0000

Some common side effects of weight loss surgery include:

Constipation. Avoid granular fiber (Metamucil or psyllium). These can cause obstructions.

Dumping syndrome. Sugary food rushes through the stomach and can cause nausea, vomiting, and weakness.

Gallstones. Up to 50% of patients will form gallstones after gastric bypass surgery. Between 15% and 25% of people need surgery to remove their gallbladder after gastric bypass surgery.

Wound infections can happen up to 3 weeks after surgery. Symptoms include redness and warmth, pain, or thick drainage (pus) from the surgical wound. Wound infections require antibiotics and sometimes more surgery.

Answered: How will your body absorb nutrients differently after weight loss surgery?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:38:04 +0000

Weight loss surgery changes how your body handles food. It becomes harder to absorb certain nutrients, including:

Ask your doctor if you need to take supplements.

Iron
Vitamin B12
Folate
Calcium
Vitamin D

Answered: What are serious side effects of weight loss surgery?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:36:33 +0000

Serious side effects of weight loss surgery include:

Bleeding in stool. Your stool can be reddish or black, which can be serious. Tell your doctor about this right away, or go to an emergency room.

Blood clots. Blood clots in the lungs are rare and happen less than 1% of the time. They can be life-threatening. But blood clots can usually be prevented with blood thinning drugs and frequent activity.

Leaks. Leaks in the new connections made by weight loss surgery are rare, but serious. They usually happen within 5 days of the surgery. Belly pain and feeling ill are common symptoms. Call your doctor.

Answered: What should you do to diet for losing weight?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:34:44 +0000

Talk to your doctor about how many calories you should consume to lose weight. For women it’s generally up to 1,500 calories a day; for men it’s up to 1,800.

You’ll need to cut your calories by 500 to 1,000 calories a day to lose that 1-2 pounds per week.

Eat more fruits and vegetables.
Get good protein and plenty of fiber.
Limit salt, sugar, and fat.
Be careful with your portions.

Answered: When can I go back to regular means after gastric sleeve weight loss surgery?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:27:25 +0000

After 2 or 3 months, you can move on to regular meals. But remember, you will not be able to eat as much as you used to.

Answered: What are the pros of gastric bypass surgery?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:26:15 +0000

Weight loss is quick and dramatic. People lose an average of 60% to 80% of their excess body weight.
Because weight loss is quick, weight-related health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis, sleep apnea, and heartburn improve quickly.
Most people are able to keep at least 50% of the excess weight off long term.
Loss of stomach tissue results in a drop in the so-called "hunger hormone" (ghrelin), which helps control appetite.

Answered: Can weight loss surgery affect your eating habits ?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:24:51 +0000

Weight loss surgery will radically change how you can eat. Meals that might have seemed tiny in the past will quickly make you full. You'll need to eat small amounts slowly, and chew well.

Doctors usually recommend eating a number of small meals a day, with a special emphasis on foods high in protein. They usually advise against drinking when you eat, because it can wash food out of the stomach too quickly and interfere with your feeling of fullness.

Answered: Is Alli (orlistat) right for me?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:22:09 +0000

If you’re overweight, and dieting and exercise haven't worked for you, talk to your doctor about a weight management program that involves medication. But remember, you still must follow a healthy lifestyle that involves regular exercise and eating right.

To determine if you’re overweight, you can calculate your body mass index (BMI) using your height and weight information. A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered a healthy weight. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight.

Answered: Can Alli (orlistat) interact with other medications?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:20:13 +0000

Always tell your doctor about all the medications you’re taking. Alli can interact with certain drugs, affecting their levels or how they work in your body, which could lead to life-threatening consequences. Check with your doctor if you’re taking warfarin (a blood thinner), diabetes or thyroid medications, or other weight loss drugs. In some cases, your dosages may need to be adjusted.

Answered: What are typical risks associated with weight loss surgery?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:18:29 +0000

Typical risks associated with weight loss surgery include:

As with any surgery, wound infections can occur up to three weeks after surgery. These can be treated with antibiotics, and sometimes require further surgery.

Vomiting from eating too much too quickly and not chewing well
Constipation
Nutritional deficiencies such as anemia and osteoporosis.

Answered: How can you sabotage your weight loss efforts?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:16:55 +0000

Sabotaging your weight loss efforts involves more than just cheating on your diet. It happens when you set goals you can't meet and when you refuse to give yourself the praise you deserve.

It doesn't have to be that way. Use this guide to turn self-sabotage into support.

Answered: How does weight loss surgery affect nutrition?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:13:33 +0000

After weight loss surgery, the body has difficulty absorbing certain important nutrients, including:

However, taking a daily multivitamin, plus other supplements, can prevent or reduce these deficiencies.

Iron
Vitamin B-12
Folate
Calcium
Vitamin D

Answered: How do I find a bariatric surgeon?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:11:06 +0000

Clearly, you want a bariatric surgeon who is very experienced in this specialty area. Research shows that the more experienced the surgeon, the lower the risk of death or complications during or after the surgery.

To identify an excellent surgeon, collect a list of names. Ask friends and family members. Ask coworkers. You might be surprised -- lots of people often know others who have had weight loss surgery and want to share their doctor's name.

Answered: When should you tell your doctor about symptoms of Alli (orlistat)?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:08:48 +0000

Tell your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms and they become severe or do not go away:

Difficulty controlling bowel movements
Loose, frequent stools
Oily or fatty stools
Oily spots on undergarments
Stomach or rectum pain
Passing gas more often
Urgent need to have a bowel movement
Anxiety
Changes in your menstrual cycle

Answered: How should you write out your feelings when you are upset to avoid eating?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:05:50 +0000

When you’re upset, write down what your first negative thought was, and look at it objectively.

After you've had this kind of thinking, write out a more realistic thought, one with a more balanced perspective.

Finally, write what you could do next time you're upset or in a similar situation that would be more effective.

Are my feelings based on facts?
What would someone else think about what happened?
Is my reaction reasonable given what happened?

Answered: What is the key ingredient in Hydroxycut?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:01:02 +0000

Hydroxycut isn't just one product. It's a family of dietary supplements sold without a prescription as weight loss aids. The key ingredient in most of them is Robusta coffee extract (C. canephora robusta).

Answered: What tips can help you eat healthier and feel full longer when you're trying to lose weight?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 06:59:05 +0000

Eat slower, giving your brain enough time to notice that you've eaten.

What you put on your plate can also help. Think fiber (like fruits and veggies) to fill up.

Another trick is to use smaller plates so that small portions don't appear too small.

Also, changing your eating schedule can help you reach your goal, especially if you tend to skip or delay meals and overeat later.

Answered: Which type of weight loss surgery is best for me?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 06:56:28 +0000

The ideal weight loss surgery depends on your health and body type. If you're very obese, or if you've had abdominal surgery before, simpler surgeries might not be possible. Talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of each procedure to figure out which is right for you.

If possible, go to a medical center that specializes in weight loss surgery. Studies show that complications are less likely when it's done by experts.

Answered: What are examples of good goals for long-term weight loss?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 06:54:41 +0000

Exercise more" is a wonderful goal, but it's not specific. "Walk 5 miles every day" is specific and measurable. But is it realistic if you're just starting out?

"Walk 30 minutes every day" is better, but what happens if work or weather interferes? "Walk 30 minutes for 5 days each week" is specific and realistic.

Answered: What types of foods have saturated fat in them?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 06:53:26 +0000

You'll find saturated fat in foods like these:

Red meat -- beef, lamb, pork
Skin-on chicken and other poultry
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and ice cream that aren't made with skim milk
Butter
Eggs
Palm and coconut oils

Answered: Are there educational seminars for people considering weight loss surgery?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 06:50:55 +0000

Yes. Some centers and hospitals offer these seminars. You can learn more about the actual procedure, the benefits, and the risks. You may also get names of specialists who do these surgeries. If you go, ask questions.

Answered: Will I feel like myself after I lose weight?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 06:44:41 +0000

You may feel odd at first, not quite like yourself. And you may feel overwhelmed by the long-term lifestyle changes you'll have to make.

A therapist can help you get through this complicated time. A support group can also help. Ask your doctor about support groups for people who've had weight loss surgery. It helps to meet people who are making the same changes you're making -- and it can help keep you on track with your weight loss program.

Answered: What are complications that may develop from weight loss surgery?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 06:43:26 +0000

Complications that may develop following weight loss surgery include:

Hernia
Gallstones
Ulcerations
Gastric prolapse
Severe scarring of the new stomach pouch
Excess skin that may need to be removed in an additional surgery
Dehydration
Hair loss
Kidney stones
Hypoglycemia

Answered: When should I decide to get weight loss surgery?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 06:42:25 +0000

Don't rush into weight loss surgery. Talk to family and friends. Talk to surgeons and to people at the hospital centers. Prepare yourself mentally and physically. Make sure you are committed to changing your lifestyle and to keeping the weight off forever.

Answered: Will my social life and relationships change after weight loss surgery?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 06:41:25 +0000

Your relationships with friends and family may indeed change after weight loss surgery. For many people, food and drink are the basis for socializing. After weight loss surgery, you must find other ways to socialize -- ways that aren't focused on food.

Also, as you lose weight, the results will be obvious. People will notice, and ask you about your appearance. Prepare for these questions ahead of time -- and consider how you want to answer them.

Answered: Do rapid weight loss goals work?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 06:40:20 +0000

Drastic, over-the-top plans won't take you to your goal weight.

Instead, take small steps toward a realistic goal. It will keep you moving steadily forward. It may take longer than you'd like, but you're much more likely to stick with your plan.

Answered: How will your self-image change after weight loss surgery?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 06:39:06 +0000

It may take a while to get used to the new you and to adjust to the changes in your lifestyle. You might also realize how much you relied on food for comfort in the past, something that's just not possible after surgery.

That's normal. Consider talking to a therapist about it. You can also ask your doctor if there are support groups in the area for people who have had weight loss surgery. Meeting people who are going through the same changes helps a lot.

Answered: How much weight will I lose after gastric banding or bypass surgery?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 06:38:03 +0000

After gastric bypass surgery, most people can expect to lose between 66% and 80% of their extra body weight. Most of this is lost within the first two years.

After gastric banding, people lose 40% to 50% of their extra weight, typically within the first two years after the surgery.

Answered: What are restrictive surgeries for weight loss?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 06:35:13 +0000

Restrictive surgeries (like adjustable gastric banding) work by physically restricting the stomach's size, limiting the amount of solid food you can eat. A normal stomach can hold about three pints of food. After weight loss surgery, a stomach may only hold one ounce of food, although over time it may be able to hold two or three ounces.

Answered: How will your appearance change after weight loss surgery?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 06:32:52 +0000

Many people are thrilled to see the changes in how they look as they start losing after weight loss surgery. There are some downsides, too. As your body shrinks, you may find that your skin doesn't shrink as much. It may start to look loose and baggy. Some people choose to have plastic surgery to remove this extra skin.

Answered: What is the cost of weight loss surgery and will insurance cover it?

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 06:30:56 +0000

A typical weight loss surgery can run from $15,000 to $25,000. Every insurance company is different, but before agreeing to cover the surgery, most insurance companies want documentation of your struggle with obesity. They want a primary care doctor's records indicating you've tried to lose weight through diet, exercise, and psychological counseling. Also, medical causes of obesity must be ruled out. It pays to ensure that your doctor documents your efforts early on, so surgery is an option later.