Peninsula Integrative Cardiology

I’m Obese. Can I Lose Weight without Bariatric Surgery?

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If you’re obese, you may wonder if you can lose weight without bariatric surgery. Learn more about your options.

Being overweight or obese brings a lot of health consequences. Being overweight means your body mass index (BMI) is between 25-30, while obesity means a BMI is over 30. 

You may have already tried losing weight, only to discover that the weight eventually returns. Or maybe you haven’t tried losing weight because you find it too intimidating. Dr. Daniel Rieders at Peninsula Integrative Cardiology guides you through the process and provides the support you need.

Why obesity is a problem

Being obese is about more than just a few extra pounds. Especially if your ideal weight range is over the amount and in the obesity category, it can affect your health. Some things you may experience include the following:

 

  • More stress and strain on your joints
  • More problems with knee and/or back pain
  • Reduced energy
  • Increased risk of mortality from all causes
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Stroke
  • Sleep apnea

These are all possible effects of being obese, but losing weight can make a difference, so you don’t have to suffer.

How to lose weight

If you need to lose weight, you might feel tempted to consider bariatric surgery. While this is often a very effective way to lose weight, it’s also a major surgery that can alter your life. Is it the only option for you?

No, it may not be the right option for you. Dr. Rieders helps each individual decide on the best method for weight loss.

Maybe you need to work on making a series of small, incremental changes to your lifestyle, including diet and exercise. If you have a solid support system, including Dr. Rieders, your efforts to lose weight might be sufficient.

When you need extra help

If you have tried changing your diet and exercise and still aren’t seeing significant results, there are more options. 

Dr. Rieders is a trained mind, body, and eating coach, so you benefit from his support at every step. Many factors affect your weight, including nutrient deficiencies and other medical problems, such as medications you may be taking.

You may get blood or urine tests done to see if other factors might contribute to your difficulty in losing weight. If you hit a plateau in your weight loss, Dr. Rieders can help find ways to break through.

Why it is worth the effort

There are many reasons and ways to feel better when putting in the effort to lose weight. Some include the following:

 

  • Improved sleep quality
  • More energy
  • Improved fitness
  • Mood enhancement
  • Improved self-confidence
  • Reduced risk of serious diseases

Obesity is a complex medical condition, and the solutions aren’t always one size fits all. Dr. Rieders treats each person individually and considers your lifestyle, including your mental, spiritual, and physical health. 

If you’re obese and looking to do something about it, contact Dr. Daniel Rieders at Peninsula Integrative Cardiology in San Ramon, California, or request an appointment online today.