Do I Need to Try to Lose Weight on My Own Before Bariatric Surgery?
Are you thinking about having bariatric surgery but don’t know if you should try losing weight first? Here, we explain why we may or may not recommend pre-surgery weight loss.
I Need to Lose a Lot of Weight: What Are My Conservative Weight Loss Options?
If you need to lose a significant amount of weight, you don’t have to resort to extreme measures to achieve your goal. Conservative weight loss methods focus on sustainable, long-term success by making gradual lifestyle changes.
If you’re looking to shed excess weight safely and effectively, Dr. Aliu O. Sanni at Eastside Bariatric & General Surgery in Snellville, Georgia, has some options to consider.
Nutritional changes
You can achieve a foundation for successful weight loss with a well-balanced diet. Instead of jumping on restrictive fad diets, focus on:
Portion control
Eat smaller portions to help reduce calorie intake without cutting out foods you enjoy.
Whole foods
Add lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats into your meals.
Mindful eating
Pay attention to hunger cues and avoid emotional or stress-driven eating. If you’re unsure where to start, we can help you develop a personalized eating plan tailored to your needs.
Exercise and physical activity
You don’t need an intense workout routine to see results — any movement counts. Start with:
- Walking, a simple, low-impact way to burn calories and improve heart health
- Strength training to build muscle, which boosts metabolism
- Daily movement such as taking the stairs, parking farther away, and doing light stretching throughout the day
The key is consistency — find activities you enjoy so you can stick with them long-term.
Behavioral therapy and support
Weight loss isn’t just physical — it’s also psychological. Behavioral therapy can help you identify triggers that lead to overeating and develop strategies to overcome them. Options include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps change negative thought patterns about food and weight
- Support groups, programs, or online communities for accountability and motivation
- Professional counseling for emotional support and practical tools to stay on track
We can offer the support you need. Schedule a consultation to get started on the right path.
Medical supervision and nonsurgical options
If lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough, we may suggest medical interventions, including:
- Prescription weight loss medications (such as semaglutide injections)
- Medical weight loss programs, which are structured programs offering a combination of diet plans, medications, and lifestyle coaching
- Endoscopic procedures, including nonsurgical treatments like endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty or transoral outlet reduction to help with significant weight loss
Losing a lot of weight takes time, but small, consistent changes can lead to significant results. By focusing on sustainable habits, getting support, and exploring your medical options when necessary, you can achieve lasting weight loss without extreme measures.
Always consult with one of our healthcare providers to find the best approach for your specific needs.
If you have a significant amount of weight to lose and don’t know where to turn, contact our team today in Snellville, Georgia. We can provide valuable guidance.
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