Weight Loss - Alternatives to Surgery
Surgery is a drastic step to achieve your weight loss goal, and a step that should never be taken lightly. The risks of surgery mean
that doctors will try all sorts of alternatives to surgery before falling back on surgery as a last resort.
Here I list some of the techniques that any dieter should use before going to their doctor, plus a few, like diet pills, that your doctor himself will recommend.
Remember - surgery is only resommended in the most extreme of cass, so make sure you try out every alternative first.
Alternatives to surgery - Dieting
Not every diet will work for you, but it is worth trying a few before you look at surgery weight loss. Here are some of the diet plans that you should check out, on our sister website ModelDietPlan.com.
Atkins - the original and most famous low carb diet.
Calorie Restriction - reduce your caloric intake to lose weight.
Cleansing & Detox - use the restorative effects of cleansing.
Green Tea - curb your appetite naturally.
Low Fat - a reduced fat diet can help
South Beach - eat good carbs and cut out the bad carbs.
Weightwatchers - the hugely popular worldwide program.
The Zone - regulate your intake of the 3 food groups.
Alternatives to Surgery - Exercise
Surgery is an option that should only be taken after trying a variety of other techniques to lose weight. A strict diet and exercise regime should be followed for at least a year before any decision is made. Listed below are some exercises commonly used by dieters.
Cardio - rollerblading, treadmill, walking. Any of
these can help you lose serious weight. Look at our Calorie Calculator page for more info.
Weights - by increasing your muscle mass, your body
will burn calories even when you are at rest.
Yoga/Pilates - these low impact exercises are a great
way to start your exercise program.
Alternatives to Surgery - Lifestyle Change
It is hard to lose weight just by dieting. What happens when you finish your diet and go back to your previous dietary habits? That's why its important to make a fundamental change to your lifestyle first. Here are some suggestions.
Add exercise to your routine
It doesn't need to be much - just a few small lifestyle changes and you'll be doing more exercise without even knowing it!
- Walk up the stairs at work rather than catch the elevator.
- Walk to the local shops rather than drive.
- Park your car further away from your workplace.
- Take the dog for a walk, rather than leaving him in the yard.
Water, Water, Water
What are the three most important things to keep you healthy? Water, Water, Water! As well as prolonging your life
and keeping your internal organs (liver, kidney etc) clean and healthy, it also speeds up your metabolism and aids weight loss!
Water curbs your appetite, so a glass of water before a meal will stop you from overeating.
Take the Junk Food out of the Fridge
Take away the temptation altogether! Get rid of the chips, the ice cream and the chocolate. We all have moments of weakness,
so be prepared and make sure its a bowl of fruit you reach for rather than a jar of cookies!
If you need a replacement for all these snacks, here are some ideas:
- Low calorie yogurt (packed with Calcium to speed weight loss!)
- Sweet potatoes, grilled and seasoned are a great snack
- A bowl of chopped fruit
- Dried fruits and nuts
- Popcorn (Paul Newman's low calorie popcorn is great!)
- Edamame, great to munch on with some salt