Weight Loss Options in Los Angeles (LA)

Obesity is one of the leading preventable causes of death in Los Angeles, America, and the world. It causes between 280,000 and 325,000 excess deaths every year in America, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association using data from 1991; as obesity rates have increased since then, that number could be even higher today.

The most serious form of obesity is morbid obesity. To be classified as morbidly obese, a person must be 100 pounds above their ideal weight range for their height, have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more, or have a BMI of 35 or more with at least one related medical problem, such as diabetes. It interferes with everyday life and carries a severe risk of disease and early death.

It is notoriously difficult to keep extra weight off. However, it is worth the effort: not only do non-obese people have more energy, fewer health complications, and longer life expectancies on average, but they also incur fewer health-care costs, and some studies show that they even earn more money.

Fortunately, there are solutions for obesity. Patients in Los Angeles in particular have plenty of options. The medical treatment of obesity, including surgery, is very effective, safe and is advancing quickly, with new procedures regularly being developed and approved. There is also lots of information and resources available to those who decline surgery; these include medical weight loss programs as well as information sources to help construct a diet and exercise routine.

Los Angeles Weight Loss Surgery Center

Marina Weight Loss is located at Marina Del Rey Hospital, in greater Los Angeles. Because of its reputation for excellent results and service, it is recognized as a Bariatric Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, which certifies it as one of the clinics best qualified to provide surgical weight loss help. It offers the services found in the following list.

Surgical Weight Loss Options

Surgeries for weight loss are safe and effective. New methods are being developed, and existing ones are being improved upon continually. The more popular techniques include:

• Gastric bypass
• Laparoscopic gastric banding (lap band)
• Gastric Plication
• Sleeve Gastrectomy
• Revision procedures, for patients whose previous weight loss procedures have not led to the desired results

Click on our infographic about weight loss surgery options:

These operations have either been approved by the Food and Drug Administration or have been deemed as safe and effective by the National Institutes for Health. There is overwhelming clinical data which shows that these procedures consistently help morbidly obese patients lose a significant percentage of their excess weight and keep that weight off. The improvement in weight related medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, joint pain and sleep apnea is also well documented.

However, surgery is not a magic wand; it is simply a tool. Like any tool, it must be used correctly to be effective. The experienced team at Marina Weight Loss has helped over 1,000 patients make the most of their surgical “tool” and successfully meet their goals for health and weight loss.

Non-Surgical Weight Loss Options

Countless weight loss plans, books, videos, and Web sites compete for the money of Los Angeles residents who wish to lose weight and stay thin. Weight loss management can be ours, they say, if we adhere to the guidelines they set forth: no carbs, no fat, occasional fasting, favoring certain foods.

Some of them work for some people. Some of their adherents regain weight after going off the program. Some people do best in medically supervised weight loss programs that don’t involve surgery. Some people prefer to design their own programs, using nutritional and exercise knowledge and drawing on expert weight loss tips to craft a weight loss method that works for them, that they will enjoy.

What we know is this: A successful weight loss program includes paying close attention to diet (namely, portion control and selecting healthy food that is not calorie-dense) and getting plenty of exercise (particularly aerobic exercise, which raises the heart rate for an extended period). These changes must be permanent; no matter what diet you choose or what sport you play, if you start eating lots of high-calorie food and stop playing tennis (or swimming, or hiking, or doing Jazzercise), your weight loss is not likely to last.

If you live in Los Angeles and wish to discuss your medical options for combating obesity, please contact Marina Weight Loss’ Marina Del Rey office at (310) 577-5540 to find out more, sign up for a seminar, or schedule a consultation.

Sources:

• http://www.lapband.com/en/home/
• http://www.wlshelp.com/gastric-sleeve.html
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastric_bypass_surgery

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