medical
WEIGHT LOSS
Our services are customized for patients looking to lose between 5 and 200 pounds - that's one of the main reasons to choose us!
Our medical weight loss program focuses on a detailed evaluation of the patient's medical problems, weight history and other associated conditions that may be an underlying cause of weight gain. We analyze the root cause of obesity and our goal is to correct it. We will use many resources to help you succeed, including a personalized, customized nutritional program with an online tracking and engagement system, personalized diet plans, lab work, supplements and, in many cases, we may use prescription weight loss medications and state-of-the-art Body Composition Analyzer.
We have in-house tools such as the InBody 570 body composition analyzer. This specialized scale goes beyond traditional body composition analysis. It gives the patient a very realistic measure of total body fat, visceral fat levels, muscle mass (internal fat around internal organs) and total body water. Total body water data can be divided into intracellular water and extracellular water, important values for understanding a user's fluid distribution in medical, wellness and fitness contexts.
The medical weight loss program at MIB Surgery is also ideal for patients as a primary treatment for obesity or as a bridge to satisfy insurance requirements for bariatric surgery coverage. Most medical insurances require patients to comply with a nutritional program that ensures compliance for successful weight loss. Sometimes these requirements can last up to 9 months. We are here to help.
How does being overweight or obese affect my health?
Being overweight or obese has a significant impact on your body because your fat cells produce hormones and other biochemicals that cause inflammation and damage throughout your body.
The more weight you gain, the more likely you are to develop weight-related health problems, such as:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- The stress of carrying extra weight increases the risk of osteoarthritis. In addition, obesity can increase your chance of developing breast, colon and endometrial cancers.
Why should you consider a medical weight loss program?
Choosing a medical weight loss program increases your chances of success for two outstanding reasons. For starters, you get a team of professionals to help you on your weight loss journey.
They provide the information you need, encourage you when you're struggling, and hold you accountable for your progress.
The second reason medical weight loss is the best way to reach your weight loss goal is because of the expert medical supervision you will receive. Your program begins with a thorough evaluation of your medical problems, weight history and underlying health conditions.
Lab work is ordered to identify problems such as nutritional deficiencies and hormonal imbalances that hinder weight loss. Dr. Abel Bello uses the results of your evaluation to create your individualized weight loss program
What medical weight loss services might I receive?
At the beginning of your program, you will get a realistic measurement of your total body fat, visceral body fat, muscle mass and body water. These values are accurately measured using the state-of-the-art InBody® 570 body composition analyzer.
Once Dr. Abel Bello has all the basic information, he works with you to create a weight loss program that fits your goals.
You'll receive all the help you need to succeed, which includes:
- Guidance in setting realistic weight loss goals.
- Personalized nutrition program
- Personalized diet and meal plans
- Online tracking and participation system
- Nutritional supplements
- Exercise recommendations
- Prescription weight loss medications
- In addition to non-surgical medical weight loss, you may be a good candidate for bariatric surgery. Most insurance companies require you to participate in a nutritional weight loss program for up to nine months before approving you for surgery.
Before the procedure
Follow the two-week preoperative diet as prescribed. Do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight prior to surgery. You will be given prescriptions for medications that you will have available at home for your aftercare.
Day of the procedure
Check in pre-operatively and then your nurse and anesthesiologist will meet with you. You will be given a hospital gown to wear and asked to remove any accessories, such as watches and earrings. You will be asked to confirm your consent to the procedure. You will receive medication to help you relax and an intravenous line. Your nurse will take you to the operating room where the procedure will be performed.
Day of the procedure
You will be in the recovery unit when you wake up. Shortly thereafter, your family will be invited to visit. When our medical staff gives you the go-ahead, you will be taken to your room.
Some patients are able to leave the hospital the same day of surgery; others need one to three days of recovery in the hospital. You and your doctor will decide what is best for you.
You will receive discharge instructions and a post-operative manual, but here is a preview of post-operative guidelines:
- Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Don't hesitate to ask your surgeon or nurse about any problems you experience.
- Constipation and difficult or painful bowl movements are common in the first week after surgery.
- Take your medications as recommended.
- Due to the reduced caloric intake, you will feel fatigued for approximately 2-3 weeks after surgery. This is normal. Your body is adjusting.
- Take walks. It is important to stay active for recovery, but do not overexert yourself.
- You may shower after surgery, but avoid baths and hot tubs for three weeks after surgery.
- Depending on your profession, you can return to work in approximately two to four weeks after surgery. Most patients opt to return to work in four to six weeks when their strength returns.
Abel Bello, MD, is a board-certified general surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive procedures, including surgeries using the da Vinci® surgical system. At MIB Surgery in Plantation, Florida, he performs bariatric surgery, reflux surgery, and specialized procedures using a flexible endoscope.