What’s it Like to Lose Over 100 Pounds?

When patients finally get to Manatee Weight Loss Center in Bradenton, FL, they’ve usually tried to shed a bunch of weight using strict diets, inconsistent exercise habits and other interventions. Having to lose 100 pounds or more – often for serious health reasons – can surely be an emotional rollercoaster ride for patients living with obesity.

Choosing minimally invasive bariatric surgery for permanent weight loss will directly correspond to your personal motivation and the ongoing commitment to embrace a more active life. To ensure surgery success, experts may recommend a strong support team, steady communication with medical providers and ongoing, long-term nutritional guidance.

After nearly two decades of trying every new diet fad and exercise trend, our weight-loss patient testimonial, Jenny Rodriguez says, “I tried everything to lose weight. For me, it was 16, 17 straight years of disappointment. I didn’t know where else to go. I was at the end of my rope when I found my doctor at Manatee Weight Loss Center.”

Like Jenny, once you find the right doctor, a compassionate bariatric care team may assess if you’re a good candidate for weight-loss surgery, depending on several factors like age and related medical conditions. At that point, the bariatric surgeon can help you choose which minimally invasive bariatric procedure is right for you.

Living with even 40-60 pounds of excess body fat affects people differently, shaping their experiences and health outcomes in unique or frustrating ways. Being overweight is associated with a higher risk of developing a variety of diseases, impacting both physical well-being and emotional health.

People with depression, for example, are more likely to experience obesity and people with obesity are more likely to experience depression. Recognizing and addressing these risks may lead to more effective management and treatments and improving quality of life. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), obesity is a complicated set of mind-body issues all influenced by several things including:

• Genetics
• Lifestyle choices
• Environment factors

Recognizing and addressing the risks may lead to more effective weight management and treatment options, which may improve overall quality of life.

The link between obesity and various health conditions is well-documented. Are you affected by any of these weight-related diseases? Here’s a list of issues that are significantly affected by obesity, highlighting the importance of managing your weight for long-term well-being:

• Mental health: Obesity can obviously affect your emotions and body image, leading to issues like anxiety, discrimination and possible social stigma.
• Cardiovascular disease: Obesity can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and atherosclerosis and increase risks of heart attack and stroke.
• Type 2 diabetes Obesity is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, a serious condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar.
• Fatty liver disease: Overweight and obesity are leading causes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition where fat accumulates in the liver, potentially leading to liver damage.
• Some cancers: According to the NIH, overweight increases the risk of developing some cancers including breast, colon, endometrial and kidney cancers.
• Sleep apnea: Obesity may cause or worsen sleep apnea, a potentially dangerous sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts.
• Osteoarthritis: Excess weight puts additional pressure on joints, particularly the knees, hips and spine, leading to chronic pain and stiffness.
• Fertility problems. Obesity can interfere with ovulation, getting pregnant, painful sex and erectile dysfunction.
• Gallbladder disorders: Obesity is linked to an increased risk of developing gallstones and gallbladder disease.

Living with obesity – and managing the related health risks – requires a holistic approach that encompasses nutrition, fitness, mental health, and, in some cases, medical intervention. It’s crucial to have open, honest conversations with your bariatric healthcare providers at Manatee Weight Loss Center in Manatee County, FL.

Jenny’s before-and-after weight-loss story >

After weight-loss surgery, Jenny says it’s all about making consistent, positive choices that benefit her body and her lifestyle. Seek support from loved ones and healthcare professionals – and forgive yourself. Jenny says, “I was desperate. My doctor at Manatee Weight Loss Center helped saved my life.”

Manatee Memorial Hospital is proud to be recognized by the Blue Cross^® and Blue Shield^® Association with a Blue Distinction^® Centers for Bariatric Surgery designation, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. It’s also designated a Aetna Institute of Quality^® Bariatric Surgery Facility.

Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if bariatric surgery is right for you.