Obesity & Bariatric Surgery

Obesity and eating disorders are usually seen as very different problems. Eating disorders are serious and diagnosable mental health disorders that can significantly affect someone’s life, from the way they think and behave, as well as their physical wellbeing. Often eating disorders can include body image dissatisfaction and unhealthy coping behaviors to try to cope with stressful situations or other underlying mental health issues.

 

Unlike eating disorders, obesity is a physical issue generally caused by consuming more calories than you burn off through physical activity. It is an increasingly common problem with the rise in more sedentary lifestyles and spending a lot of time sitting down at desks, on sofas or in cars. A person of any age, gender or background can be obese due to a variety of factors, and individuals who are obese may also struggle with their mental health and low mood, with issues around stress or emotional eating, as well as lack proper knowledge on exercise and self-care.

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Binge eating is common amongst people with eating disorders and people who are obese, both can affect our physical and emotional health, however the treatment options for both can be very different. Unlike the treatment for an eating disorder, the treatment for obesity is weight loss medications, programs, surgery or more recently weight loss shots.  Individuals with obesity and eating disorders are at higher risk for several medical and psychosocial complications than individuals with either condition alone.

 

When seeking out treatment and support for weight loss it is important to be aware of the pros and cons of various treatments and the similarities between obesity and eating disorders.  Both issues can be complex and serious, and they may require ongoing professional support, therapy, nutritional education, and peer support to overcome.

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Bariatric Surgery

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We provide obesity/bariatric psychological screenings and assessments for patients electing to undergo laparoscopic banding, gastric bypass, other bariatric surgical procedures, and weight loss programs for obesity. The relationship we have with food can be incredibly complicated, and maintaining a healthy relationship with eating, weight and your body takes work over a long period of time.

If you have any questions regarding obesity or bariatric surgery, call our office. We are here to answer any questions you may have. Call us at (631) 724-7152 or leave your name, email and message in the contact section below.