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When considering medical weight loss through surgery you are bound to have numerous questions. Our patients trust us for straightforward, honest answers, and we pride ourselves in fully educating our patients.

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Diabetes Risk - The Importance of Finding A Good Dietician

By: Anthony Galitsky, M.D.   Many of my weight loss patients in Phoenix are afraid of developing diabetes later in life. According to the American Diabetes Association, 8.3% of the U.S. population has the disease, and the risks go way up for those who are very overweight. Here’s how you can find out whether you are at risk:   · Consider your health and lifestyle. Are you very overweight? Are you sedentary? Do you eat a lot of sugary, unhealthy foods? Do you smoke or have high blood pressure? Has anyone in your family had the disease? These are all major factors that can contribute to your likelihood of developing diabetes.   · Take the American Diabetes Association test. This is a simple, useful tool that can be the first step in helping you determine your risk level. If you have lifestyle or genetic factors that you think might heighten your risk, spend a moment taking this quiz and check out how you can lower your chances.   · Visit a physician who specializes in bariatric surgery. There is no better way to determine your risk level than speaking with a highly qualified specialist. A thorough physical exam by a bariatric expert can give you precise information, and that expert can advise you on getting your health on track.   You Are What You Eat   Even the most dedicated patients need the support of an experienced dietician to achieve and maintain their weight loss. At our Tucson, Tempe, Scottsdale and Phoenix centers, we understand that bad eating habits are hard to break, even after a bariatric surgery that changes how much you can eat at a time. Here are some reasons it’s a good idea to visit a qualified dietician:   · A diet plan: From the first day you decide to have a life-changing surgery, you can set up a nutritional plan that can help you bring your goals to fruition. A dietician will chart the course for you, taking your schedule and budget into consideration and giving you meal plans that work for your lifestyle. A solid plan can make the road to dramatic weight loss much smoother.   · Tips and tricks: Experienced dieticians have seen all the bad habits before and can give you simple tips for beating them. If after your surgery, you find yourself having trouble avoiding snacks at work or soda when you go out to eat, you can ask your dietician for advice. Getting tired of salads? These experts can also be a great source for healthy recipes that mix up your routine.   · Long-term support: A bariatric surgery is not a quick fix for weight problems; it’s a long-term commitment to changing your lifestyle. In the years that follow your surgery, you may encounter stumbling blocks, and having a dietician on call can help you overcome them. Establish a relationship with a specialist who can be there for you through your entire journey.   Tips for Curbing Your Soda Cravings   When giving diet advice to my weight loss patients at risk of diabetes, one of my top tips is to avoid soda and other sugary drinks. Recent studies show that these beverages are a huge contributor to health problems such as diabetes. We all know how difficult it can be to resist a cold soda on a warm day, but here are some strategies for fighting the urge:   · Enjoy the alternatives. More and more these days, there are so many good drink options out there. You don’t always have to settle for water. Your local grocery store probably has more healthy alternatives than you ever imagined — have fun exploring them! Research at the Imperial College of London recently showed that just 1 soda a day can increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes by 18 percent. If you can find a substitute for that 1 soda, you’re doing a great service for your health.   · Be prepared for trigger situations. Does your workplace have a soda machine? Does your family always order a 2-liter bottle with pizza? Prepare for these common pitfalls ahead of time. Keep beverage alternatives at your desk, and order water or another healthy option when you go out to eat. Also, talk to your family about their support if you have trouble refraining from soda while they all partake. You can all find another option together.   · Carry a water bottle and sugar-free mints. Many people find that carrying a water bottle can help them break a bad soda habit with a new good habit. Drinking lots of water has numerous health benefits, and the better hydrated you are, they less likely you’ll be to reach for a soda. If you do get a craving, pop a mint instead.
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Insurance Coverage & Candidacy Concerns Over Weight Loss Surgery

By: Michael J. Orris, D.O., M.B.A., FASMBS   Many weight loss patients in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale and Tucson come to our bariatric surgery practice seeking to improve their health through surgery. Like bariatric surgery patients across the U.S., many are concerned about the cost. Insurance coverage for these procedures varies by state and provider, and many other factors are also considered.   Most insurance providers, including Medicare, require patients to have thorough documentation from a doctor that says surgery is medically necessary. This includes your weight history and BMI, your obesity-related health conditions and medications, and a detailed description of how your weight affects your daily life.   Companies also often expect a patient to have made dedicated efforts at weight loss before surgery. They may want to see gym membership documentation or require participation in a medically supervised weight loss program for up to 6 months. Another consideration for coverage is where a patient can have the surgery performed. Some providers require patients to have their procedures done at facilities with the highest standards and success rates.   Your weight loss doctor can be a resource to help you get your surgery covered. Most practices have finance coordinators who can help you navigate the complicated insurance considerations. If you do not qualify, many practices also offer other financing options such as payment plans to help you get your health back on track.   Concerning Weight Loss Surgery Candidacy   Patients often want to know what qualifies a person for bariatric surgery. All patients must undergo a thorough screening from a physician to know whether surgery might work for them, but here are some factors that might make you a candidate:   · What is your BMI? Obesity is measured by calculating a patient’s body mass index, or BMI. Bariatric surgery patients typically have a BMI above 40, or above 30 if they also have a medical condition related to obesity, such as diabetes. You can determine your BMI by using a BMI calculator.   · Have you tried and failed with other weight loss options? Most insurance providers and reputable weight loss surgeons require that you have made a concerted effort to lose weight using more traditional methods before you undergo surgery. You should be eating a good diet and exercising regularly under the guidance of a bariatric specialist. If your doctor determines that such methods are not enough to improve your health, you may be a candidate for surgery.   · Is your health at risk? If life-threatening medical conditions related to obesity are a factor, you may qualify for surgery. Diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea often result from obesity and can be relieved by bariatric surgery. If you have one of these medical concerns and think you may be a candidate for surgery, talk to a bariatric specialist.
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