Medical Weight Loss

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Las Vegas and Henderson, NV

Medical Weight Loss Treatment - Southern Nevada Bariatrics

Struggling with weight loss is a frustrating and overwhelming experience for anyone. This is especially true when traditional diets and exercise routines fail to produce the desired results. However, Southern Nevada Bariatrics offers medical weight loss programs that focus on a personalized approach for each patient. Dr. Mustafa Ahmed, a board-certified bariatric surgeon, leads our efforts in helping patients achieve their weight loss goals safely and effectively.

Medical weight loss programs are designed to address the root causes of obesity and may include behavior and lifestyle modifications, patient education, and bariatric surgery. We begin by assessing each patient’s medical history, body mass index (BMI), and overall health before developing a personalized plan that suits their specific needs.

At Southern Nevada Bariatrics, our primary goal is to help patients achieve sustainable weight loss through a medically supervised program that focuses on their individual needs. If you’re looking to lose weight and improve your overall health, schedule an appointment with Dr. Mustafa Ahmed today by calling (702) 626-0499.

The Trouble with Excess Weight

Obesity is a chronic medical condition that affects millions of people in the United States. Since the 1980s, obesity rates have risen significantly, with some estimates revealing a dramatic increase in prevalence from 14% to 49% in this period. (1) It is a complex disease that can lead to serious health complications such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. 

Long-Term Weight Management: A Complex Problem

It is a well-known fact that long-term weight loss maintenance can be challenging for many people. (2) Oftentimes, patients see significant changes in the first few months of a new diet, for instance. But following their initial success, in the long-term, they see a slow plateauing of their weight. Some people even return to their original weight, or even higher weight than before they made any significant changes to their lifestyle. This can be incredibly disheartening. But while it may seem daunting to tackle this issue, there are various effective treatments available that can help you lose weight and improve your overall health.

About Medical Weight Loss

Medical weight loss programs can incorporate a combination of the following:

  • Increased physical activity
  • Behavior and lifestyle modifications
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Dietary modifications

Weight loss programs created by experts in the field empower patients to take control of their health by providing them with all the necessary tools, resources, and support required to achieve long-term weight loss success. Our team of experts works closely with patients to create a nutritious diet plan that suits their taste preferences while also monitoring their progress regularly. We understand that every person’s journey to weight loss is different, and we strive to provide individualized care that meets their specific needs.

Weight Loss Surgery

For those who require more intensive treatment, we offer the following bariatric surgeries as options:

Our surgical procedures are minimally invasive and performed by Dr. Ahmed under the highest safety standards. 

Getting Enough Exercise

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to good health, and one of the most effective ways to achieve and maintain a healthy weight is through exercise. (3) Regular physical activity not only burns calories but also helps to build lean muscle mass. This can lead to an increase in metabolic rate and improved body composition. 

Effective exercise techniques include the following:

  • Aerobic Exercise – Also known as cardio. Examples of aerobic exercise include walking, running, cycling, swimming, and dancing.
  • Low-Impact Exercise – Low-impact exercise is any form of exercise that puts minimal stress on the joints. Examples of low-impact exercise include walking, cycling, swimming, and yoga.
  • Resistance Training – Resistance training involves using weights, resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises to build strength and muscle mass. 
  • Yoga – Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation or relaxation. It has numerous benefits, including improved flexibility, strength, balance, and stress reduction.

If you have previously had a sedentary lifestyle, it is important to progress into more vigorous physical activity gradually. Dr. Ahmed will provide personalized guidance regarding exercise as part of your medical weight loss plan. To book a one-on-one meeting with one of Las Vegas’s premier bariatric surgeons, call (702) 626-0499.

Changing Your Diet

One of the easiest and most effective ways to lose weight is by adopting a healthy diet. This means consuming whole, unprocessed foods that are rich in nutrients and low in calories. Focus on incorporating plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your diet while limiting processed foods, sugary drinks, and snacks high in fat and sugar. Dietary changes in a medical weight loss plan may include the following:

  • Caloric Restriction: Reducing overall caloric intake is crucial for weight loss. Consuming fewer calories than your body needs forces it to burn stored fat for energy.
  • Portion Control: Controlling portion sizes helps keep calorie intake in check.
  • Nutrient-Dense Foods: Eating nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help you feel full while consuming fewer calories.
  • Macronutrient Balance: Balancing your intake of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats is essential for optimal health. We recommend a balanced diet with an emphasis on lean protein.
  • Increasing Fiber Intake: Fiber is essential for maintaining digestive health and promoting satiety. Aim for at least 25 grams of fiber per day.
  • Hydration Status: Drinking water throughout the day can help you feel full and reduce calorie intake.
  • Monitoring Meal Frequency: Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help keep hunger at bay and prevent overeating.
  • Monitoring Glycemic Index/Load: Choosing foods with a low glycemic index/load can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote weight loss.
  • Reducing Sugar Intake: Excess sugar intake can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Limiting added sugars is crucial for weight loss.

Changing Your Lifestyle

Tracking behaviors like food intake, exercise routines, and weight change can help identify areas for improvement and monitor progress. Setting realistic and achievable goals can also provide motivation and focus. Some lifestyle changes that can lead to weight reduction include the following. (3)

  • Self-monitoring (e.g. keeping a food diary, keeping an activity record)
  • Restructuring your eating environment (e.g. eating more home-cooked meals)
  • Better sleep hygiene (e.g. getting 7 or more hours of sleep per night)
  • Building strong social support networks (e.g. discussing your weight-loss journey with close friends)
  • Nutrition education (e.g. learning the basic scientific principles of nutrition)

Bariatric Surgery

At Southern Nevada Bariatrics, we offer a range of surgical options for those looking to overcome their battle with obesity. Our experienced surgeon, Dr. Ahmed, specializes in laparoscopic surgery techniques that are minimally invasive, ensuring patients experience less pain, shorter recovery time, and fewer complications.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery is one of the most common bariatric procedures performed today. During this procedure, our skilled surgeon creates a small pouch in the stomach and reroutes the small intestine to that pouch. As a result, patients feel fuller faster and absorb fewer calories from their food intake. Gastric bypass has been shown to lead to significant weight loss and improvement in comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy involves removing a portion of the stomach, leaving behind a small sleeve-shaped stomach. Similar to gastric bypass, this procedure helps individuals feel full faster and consume fewer calories. It can also lead to improved glycemic control in diabetic patients. (4) Sleeve gastrectomy is a relatively new procedure but has quickly gained popularity due to its effectiveness and lower risk profile.

Personal Consultation

Losing weight can be an intimidating task, but with the right guidance and support, it is achievable. At your personal consultation, Dr. Ahmed will help guide you through the evaluation process, which includes reviewing your medical history, conducting physical exams, and ordering laboratory tests. This information will allow him to determine the best route for your treatment. If you are considering bariatric surgery, Dr. Ahmed will provide nutritional counseling to ensure that you are maintaining a healthy and balanced diet before and after your procedure.

Cost of Medical Weight Loss Programs in Las Vegas

The cost of your medical weight loss plan is dependent on Dr. Ahmed’s personalized recommendations for your unique situation. To learn more about weight management, or to inquire about weight loss procedures at Southern Nevada Bariatrics, call (702) 626-0499 or complete a simple form to get in touch with us. We look forward to helping you make positive steps toward a healthier weight.

Read our blog for more information about weight loss surgery in Southern Nevada.

References

  1. Mozaffarian D. Perspective: Obesity—an unexplained epidemic. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2022;115(6):1445-1450. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqac075 
  2. Hall KD, Kahan S. Maintenance of Lost Weight and Long-Term Management of Obesity. Medical Clinics of North America. 2018;102(1):183-197. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcna.2017.08.012 
  3. Institute of Medicine (US) Subcommittee on Military Weight Management. Weight-Loss and Maintenance Strategies. Nih.gov. Published 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK221839/ 
  4. Samir Abu-Gazala, Horwitz E, Rachel Ben-Haroush Schyr, et al. Sleeve Gastrectomy Improves Glycemia Independent of Weight Loss by Restoring Hepatic Insulin Sensitivity. 2018;67(6):1079-1085. doi:https://doi.org/10.2337/db17-1028