It’s a new year, and if a healthier you is at the top of your list of 2021 goals, we’ve got great news: Lakeland Regional Health has launched its brand new Institute for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and Medicine.

Bariatric surgery and treatment is about much more than weight loss. The team of experts at the Institute for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and Medicine can help you target + manage a number of conditions, like:

Diabetes
Heart disease
Acid reflux
Sleep apnea
Osteoarthritis
Depression
and more.

Diabetes is among the health conditions that can be addressed at the Institute for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and Medicine | Photo via Pexels

With care ranging from lifestyle modifications to surgical options, the institute is the first of its kind in Lakeland. They know each + every patient has unique needs and goals, so each patient’s care plan will be tailored to fit their needs, with comprehensive + compassionate care every step of the way.

There’s no such thing as a uniform approach when it comes to your health – that’s why your first visit to the institute will be a consultation, in which providers will take the time to listen to you and learn every detail of your story before putting together a personalized plan of action. Depending on your needs, that plan could include metabolic medicine (read: lifestyle modifications or drug therapies) and/or surgical options.

Hold up. What’s the deal with surgery? Is it the right choice for me?

The term “bariatric surgery” refers to a number of weight-loss procedures that involve making changes to your digestive system to aid in the process of losing weight. Check out this helpful explanation from Dr. Joseph E. Chebli – Medical Director, Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program – and keep reading to learn what makes someone a potential candidate.

Treatment, recovery + how to request a consultation

There are several types of surgical procedures offered by the Institute for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and Medicine. Some are minimally invasive + may not even require an overnight stay in the hospital, while others are more involved, with a longer recovery time. This video from Dr. Chebli breaks it down in an easy-to-digest way.

Here are some general guidelines for determining whether you are a potential candidate for any type of bariatric surgery:

You have a BMI (body mass index) of 35 or more
You suffer from medical problems that are associated with or caused by obesity
You have no medical conditions or untreated metabolic disease that would make this type of surgery a high risk
Your behavioral health is stable (in other words, you’re taking good care of your mental health)
You haven’t demonstrated any substance abuse for at least 12 months – or if you have, you’ve completed a treatment program. If you smoke tobacco, you must indicate that you are willing to stop prior to your surgery.
You’re committed to making necessary changes to your eating habits + activity levels. Bariatric surgery isn’t a magical remedy – it’s meant to make it easier to implement necessary changes to your lifestyle.

Here’s what recovery from bariatric + metabolic surgery typically looks like:

A patient can generally expect to stay overnight in the hospital 1-2 nights + return to regular activities (think: work, exercise + household activities) fairly quickly.
Post-surgery, one’s quality of life is significantly improved – and not just due to weight loss. From less medications to a more active lifestyle, Dr. Chebli explains just how beneficial metabolic + bariatric treatment can be.

Whether you’re thinking the surgery route might be right for you or are simply looking for expert guidance when it comes to charting a healthier lifestyle, the team at Lakeland Regional Health’s Institute for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and Medicine is here to help. Click here to request a consultation.

You can also visit their website for more information about their team, services, procedures + more. And be sure to check out Dr. Chebli’s videos so you can feel even more informed. Here’s to a healthier + happier you in 2021. Ⓟ

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