Removing the Barriers

Understanding Obesity

Choosing to Undergo Bariatric Care is a Big Decision.

Removing the Barriers

When it comes to making decisions about weight loss, having the correct information is key. At the Bariatric Care Center at Ellis Medicine, we understand that embarking on a weight loss journey can be daunting. That’s why our team is dedicated to providing the support, education, and guidance you need to make informed choices and achieve better health. We’ve performed more weight loss procedures than anyone else in the region, and we’re here to answer your questions and offer the assistance you need every step of the way.

Below are some of the common concerns or hesitations we hear from people considering bariatric care and some of the advice we offer.

“I may be heavy, but I’m still healthy.”

While you may feel healthy today, carrying excess weight puts you at an increased risk of developing serious conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and others. If you suffer from any of these conditions or have a BMI of 35 or more, your physician can help you assess your risks and how you could benefit from medical weight loss.

“My family or friends won’t support my decision.”

Sometimes, our loved ones or friends have difficulty understanding our attempts to lose weight. One of the benefits of choosing the Bariatric Care Center at Ellis Medicine is the support and sense of community we offer every patient. From your first meeting with us, you’ll meet caring, involved professionals and patients who will stand behind you and help you on your journey. In-person and online support groups ensure you have the peer-to-peer support and guidance you need at every step, from the beginning to your health journey.

“I can lose weight on my own.”

Most patients have successfully lost weight through diet or exercise, but the results are usually temporary. They lose 20 pounds and then gain back more. Surgical and non-surgical bariatric care offers a safe, effective way to lose and keep weight off to improve your quality of life.

“Surgery is too dangerous.”

Should you choose surgery, it’s essential to know that bariatric surgery, like any operation, carries risks for complications. However, the risk of death associated with bariatric surgery is low; less than one-half of one percent (0.5%). All weight loss surgery procedures are performed via minimally invasive robotic technology to increase comfort, decrease pain, and get you home faster. The surgery will change how your body digests and absorbs food, so following recommended nutritional and exercise guidelines is essential to achieve the best results. However, when combined with a comprehensive treatment plan, weight loss surgery has been shown to relieve chronic conditions and improve your quality of life.

“I’m not healthy enough to undergo surgery.”

The team at the Bariatric Care Center at Ellis Medicine is here to help you improve your overall health. We offer medication weight loss, nutritional advice, and exercise plans to help you start losing weight, even before surgery. This step alone can provide significant health benefits and is an excellent start to your weight loss journey. After surgery, you’ll have access to a nutritionist to help you find what works for you and in-person and online support groups to share tips and guidance.

“My doctor hasn’t suggested bariatric care.”

Your doctor may be managing medical conditions related to obesity but not addressing the underlying cause. While weight loss is one of the simplest ways to improve health, it’s difficult for your doctor to affect you without a comprehensive program. That’s where Ellis Medicine can help. We encourage you to talk to your doctor about the benefits of bariatric care.

“My health insurance won’t cover bariatric care.”

Since the government now considers obesity a disease, most insurance carriers, including Medicare, will cover bariatric procedures for qualified patients.
You may also be covered for weight loss medication, depending on your insurance coverage. Today, Medicaid and Medicare do not cover weight loss medication. There are also low-cost options. However, these are not right for everyone.

Ellis Medicine is also developing financing options to help those without insurance coverage.

Learn more about financing options for weight loss surgery.

For more information about weight loss at the Bariatric Care Center at Ellis Medicine, please call 518.243.1313