What is the best surgery for weight loss? A bariatric surgeon’s perspective

If you’ve started researching weight loss surgery, you’ve likely realized there’s no shortage of options —or opinions. As a bariatric surgeon, one of the most common questions I’m asked is: “What is the best surgery for weight loss?” The short answer: It depends. The longer answer is a little more personal — in bariatric surgery, there is no true […]

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Will insurance cover weight loss surgery? 

If you’ve been considering the benefits of weight loss surgery (also known as bariatric surgery), you’re probably thinking about how to pay for it, too. Whether your health insurance will cover all or part of the cost of the surgery can be a huge factor in your decision.  Your coverage and out-of-pocket health expenses are specific to your insurance policy and […]

What makes you a good candidate for weight-loss surgery and what can disqualify you?

Bariatric surgery is often recommended for people who are unable to lose a substantial amount of weight using diet and exercise alone. While it’s an option for many people, weight-loss surgery isn’t appropriate for every person. Certain circumstances may contraindicate weight-loss surgery. This means that despite the potential for weight loss and other health benefits, […]

What type of bariatric surgery is best for those with Type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes can affect anyone of any age, sex, race and weight, but it’s more common among those who are overweight or obese. Bariatric surgery can offer a solution for lowering blood sugar and even reversing Type 2 diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 38 million people in […]

Can I get pregnant after bariatric surgery?

The short answer is yes, but there are a few caveats you’ll want to consider before getting pregnant after bariatric surgery. In the months immediately following surgery, it can benefit you to remain focused on your own health and wellness. What should you know about getting pregnant after bariatric surgery? Keep reading for the details. The […]

4 things to know when considering weight loss surgery

The decision to have weight-loss surgery is a big one. If you are considering it, you probably have a lot of questions. Here are four things we want you to know before reaching out to our team at the Bariatric Weight-Loss Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC). 1. Be proud of yourself for taking […]

Is weight-loss surgery safe?

There is a common misconception that weight-loss surgery is dangerous – but nowadays, many of these surgeries are done robotically with smaller incisions that lead to less downtime and lower readmission rates. With new technology and techniques, weight-loss surgery is safer than ever before. In fact, it is now considered safer than having your gallbladder […]

Have you had your exercise snack today?

When it comes to planning your health, people often schedule food snacks during their day – either in the morning or afternoon – to supplement their meals. These are healthy ways to incorporate more fruits and veggies into your overall nutrition plan. Sometimes a snack can get you through a long afternoon at work or […]

Stock image of grandmother and granddaughter in kitchen

Healthy Eating Tips for the Holidays

There is no doubt that eating healthy during the holidays is a challenge. For around six full weeks per year, we are exposed to a lot more foods and beverages than we typically are during the rest of the year. To make things more difficult, holiday food is delicious! The holidays can also be a very stressful and emotional time which leads to an increase in appetite and desire […]

Apple Cinnamon Ricotta Dessert

It’s the time of the year when we gather with family and friends to enjoy good food and make some special memories. If you’re hosting a Thanksgiving party or attending one, we have the perfect Thanksgiving dessert for you. The best part is that it is a healthy option too! This apple cinnamon ricotta dessert […]

When starting a weight loss journey, evaluate the factors that have attributed to weight gain

Did you know that if you have difficulty sleeping, fatigue, osteoarthritis or depression, it could be related to obesity? Obesity-related diabetes can lead to increased cancer risks such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer and liver cancer. According to the CDC, obesity increases the chance of someone dying earlier than expected because of […]

What is emotional eating?

Weight-loss patients often face unique mental health challenges as they begin their journeys to better health. A common behavior among patients struggling with their weight is the act of emotional eating – defined as using food to fill emotional needs. You may struggle with emotional eating if one or more of the following applies to […]

What is a Multidimensional Approach to Weight-Loss?

Weight-loss barriers are not solely a willpower problem. The modern approach to effective long-term weight loss is multidimensional; many times, a variety of factors contribute to long-term weight loss success. Components of a multidimensional approach include: Psychological Oftentimes, being overweight or obese also comes with mental health diseases such as depression and anxiety. It’s important […]

5 Ways to Get Involved with Obesity Care Week

by: Anna H. Powell, MD Obesity affects more than 800 million people worldwide and annually, over 30% of healthcare costs are spent treating obesity related conditions! There are 230 diseases and disorders linked to obesity. Can you believe over half of people with obesity have never spoken to their healthcare provider about it? By 2030, […]

Bariatric Stock Image - Woman Dancing in Kitchen

Are you worried about weight gain during the holidays?

Want a plan to help keep you on track? Northeast Georgia Physician’s Group (NGPG) Bariatric & Metabolic Institute (BMI) is one of the region’s only weight loss centers to offer surgical and nonsurgical weight loss options.   To meet the needs of our entire community, we offer multiple nonsurgical weight loss options. We understand that surgery is not the best […]

The 1 in 10: Type 2 Diabetes

About one in 10 people in the United States have diabetes. That is roughly 34 million people. And 95% of those people have Type 2 Diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes means the human body does not use insulin properly. The journeys for people with Type 2 Diabetes are all completely different, and it is important to […]

Five Steps to Weight-Loss Surgery

The journey to weight-loss surgery may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. At The Bariatric Weight Loss Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC), we’re here to guide you along the way. Below is an outline of the five common steps to weight-loss surgery:  Step 1: Get a referral Contact our team directly or have your primary care provider refer you to a bariatric surgeon […]

Weight-Loss Surgery Patients: Who are they?

Candidates for Weight Loss Surgery What do you think of when you hear the words “weight-loss surgery”? Most people may associate those three words with people on reality tv shows; however, according to the CDC, 30-35% of Georgians are obese. Obesity is an epidemic in the United States and can lead to 40-60 other chronic health conditions. […]