I'm Obese — What Can I Do to Overhaul My Health?

Obesity is more than just a number on the scale — it impacts every facet of your life, from physical health to emotional well-being. 

If you're obese and you’re wondering how you can overhaul your life and get your health back on track, you’ve come to the right place.

Dr. Nirav Naik at New Life Medical is one of Bakersfield, California’s most experienced bariatric surgeons, and he can help you achieve your goals. However, surgery is only a last resort. Here’s a look at how to change your habits and mindset to go from obese to healthy.

How obesity affects your health

Obesity is associated with several serious health issues, and knowing more about them can motivate you to make healthy changes. 

Cardiovascular complications

Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, and obesity significantly increases your risk. Extra weight strains your heart, leading to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and, ultimately, heart attack or stroke. 

Diabetes and metabolic syndrome

Type 2 diabetes is another concern. Obesity affects insulin resistance, making it harder for your body to regulate blood sugar levels. 

Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions including high blood sugar and abnormal cholesterol levels, is also common among obese people. 

Respiratory and sleep disorders

Carrying excess weight can also affect your breathing. Conditions like sleep apnea, where breathing stops and starts during sleep, are common in people who are obese. These disruptions disturb your sleep and can lead to daytime fatigue and other health issues. 

How to overhaul your health when you’re obese

Starting your health overhaul may feel overwhelming, but small, consistent steps can lead to significant changes.

Set realistic goals

Initially, aim to lose a small percentage of your body weight. A 5%-10% reduction can have substantial health benefits like lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Break down your goals into manageable steps, and celebrate small victories along the way.

Eat a balanced diet

Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Small dietary changes, like reducing sugary drinks and processed foods, can make a big difference. 

Move more

Start with activities you enjoy, such as walking, swimming, or cycling. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. Remember, consistency is more important than intensity; finding a routine that fits your lifestyle will help you stick with it.

How medically supervised weight loss works

If diet and exercise alone aren’t cutting it, consider our medically supervised weight loss program. Here's how it works.

Dr. Naik creates a personalized plan based on your health status and goals, and we monitor you regularly to track your progress and make necessary adjustments. For example, we may change your diet or exercise routine or even prescribe weight loss medications. 

Understanding the psychological aspects of eating is essential. Dr. Niak may recommend behavioral therapy to address emotional eating, stress management, and other factors that contribute to obesity. This holistic approach ensures you develop healthier habits for sustainable weight loss.

Surgical weight loss options

When lifestyle changes and medical supervision aren't enough, surgical options can offer a solution. Dr. Naik performs several effective weight loss surgeries.

New Life Lap Band 

For the New Life Lap Band surgery, Dr. Naik places an adjustable band around the upper part of your stomach, creating a small pouch to hold food. The smaller capacity limits the amount of food you can eat at one time, helping you feel full sooner and eat less.

Benefits:

• Reversible and adjustable: Dr. Naik can tighten, loosen, and remove the band 
• Less invasive: The laparoscopic procedure means smaller incisions and a quicker recovery

Considerations:

• Slower weight loss: Compared to other surgeries, weight loss may be more gradual
• Regular follow-ups: Band adjustments require ongoing medical visits

Gastric sleeve surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery, or sleeve gastrectomy, involves removing a significant portion of your stomach, leaving a tube-like structure.

Benefits:

• Quick weight loss: Substantial weight loss within the first year
• Reduced hunger: Removes the part of the stomach that produces hunger hormones

Considerations:

• Irreversible: This surgery is permanent
• Nutritional supplements: You may need to take vitamins and minerals long-term to prevent deficiencies

Gastric bypass surgery

During gastric bypass surgery, Dr. Naik creates a small stomach pouch and connects it directly to your small intestine, bypassing a large part of your stomach and intestines.

Benefits:

• Rapid weight loss: This procedure typically results in significant weight loss quickly
• Improves comorbidities: Conditions like type 2 diabetes often improve dramatically

Considerations:

• More complex: This surgery has a higher risk of complications than others
• Nutrient malabsorption: You may require lifelong supplements and monitoring

You can achieve a healthy weight. If you’re obese and looking to overhaul your health, call New Life Medical in Bakersfield, California, and get started today.