Medical Therapy*

medical weight loss

The medical treatment of Severe Obesity has always been based on a combination of calorie intake reduction – usually a Very Low Calorie Diet – and an increase in calorie utilization – an exercise program. A goal to aim for is less than 1200 calories per day for women and 1400 calories per day for men. There are literally hundreds of variations on how to achieve these goals, e.g. liquid meal replacement formulas, diet fads. Unfortunately, these diets are a radical departure from “normal food” choices and have not been shown to be very effective after a year or so. Data from long-term studies – from 3 to 5 years – show that most patients with higher BMIs (>35) will not maintain weight reduction, and, therefore, do not reduce their long term medical risk.* More than 90% of morbidly obese patients will not have sustained weight loss on a medical weight loss regimen. This is the main reason that surgery has been recognized as a more effective means of treating morbid obesity. Surgery has a better chance of keeping weight off for the long run.*

Importantly, an Aftercare (managed nutrition program) is part of the comprehensive care of a person with morbid obesity (BMI > 35). Many insurance plans will require the patient to undergo a physician supervised diet for a period of months (usually 3 to 6 months), prior to authorizing a surgical procedure. A common perception is that if the person does well on the diet, he or she will have adequate weight loss with the operation later. Data on this subject is conflicting and we do not feel that this point carries much merit. A better reason to institute a supervised weight loss program is to begin the education and training that a person will need to make better food choices after the operation. Many obese people have developed unhealthy eating habits based on misperceptions or misinformation. Some of this can be corrected preoperatively.

Our approach is to connect the patient with carefully selected Registered Dietitian who are experts in managing patients both pre-op and post op. We are pleased to announce a partnership with PsyMed, Inc to offer a managed nutrition program, under the leadership of Renell Cronk, RDN LD. With a team of Registered Dietitians ready to educate and motivate you will learn how to nourish your body to a healthy weight.

Recommendations are patient specific, but there are general rules that apply to almost everyone. Keeping a food diary is essential to account for all sources of those calories. The registered dietitian will review the food diary with the patient during scheduled sessions.

Download Food & Exercise Log

food and exercise log

Along with proper nutrition, exercise is also key to any weight loss success. We have partnered with trained specialist who can work with our patients privately and even remotely as needed.

View our recommended Houston Fitness and Nutrition Coaches.

All manufacturers are required to provide the information discussed below by the FDA. Label reading is mandatory to ensure that the patient is consuming exactly what she/he is expecting. To view the FDA guide on nutrition facts labeling, click here. To learn how to read a nutrition label, click here.

Doctor Marvin has been very successful in helping morbidly obese patients lose significant amounts of weight with a medical weight loss regimen.* This can also help control some of the associated medical problems related to obesity such as high blood sugar (diabetes), high cholesterol and high blood pressure.* At Houston Surgical Specialists, we consider this an important part of the comprehensive care of Severely Obese people.

* Results will vary by person and are based upon the patient, the surgery type and the compliance with the aftercare program. As with any medical procedure or surgery, there are specific risks and possible complications. The testimonials, statements, and opinions presented on our website are applicable to the individuals depicted. Results may not be representative of the experience of others. Testimonials are voluntarily provided and are not paid, nor were they provided with free products, services, or any benefits in exchange for said statements. The testimonials are representative of patient experience but the exact number of pounds lost and experience will be unique and individual to each patient.

Contact Us

Want to find out if you’re a candidate for weight loss with Dr. Marvin? Call us at (713) 993-7124 or complete the form below:

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