Weight Loss Buddy Makes the Challenge Easier, More Rewarding

TEMPE, AZ, November 29, 2012 (Press-News.org) Men and women struggling with weight loss in Phoenix and Tucson might want to consider the buddy system for shedding weight, say Dr. John DeBarros and Dr. Michael Orris, medical directors of Weight Loss Institute of Arizona.

The doctors, who are known as the premier LAP-BAND specialists in Tucson and Phoenix areas, noted a recent ABC News story on the benefits of teaming up with someone to support your weight loss efforts following LAP-BAND surgery. The article told of four members of a New York family who all had weight loss surgery and supported one another on the journey.

"Successful, long-term weight loss requires more than just surgery," Dr. DeBarros says. "A lot of it is about discipline and lifestyle, and there's an element of accountability that's often key."

He says he sees extremely positive results from his Phoenix and Tucson weight loss patients who have the support of a friend or family member who is working toward the same goal.

"Often, when one of you is not feeling motivated, the other is," he says.

Dr. DeBarros says weight loss is easier when patients can work with others who have a first-hand understanding of the challenges involved.

"This is why we offer support groups and long-term diet and nutritional coaching after weight loss surgery," Dr. DeBarros says. "It can be encouraging to have someone with whom to share the struggles, and more rewarding to have someone with whom to share the victories.

"Most people get so busy with life--family, kids, work--that it becomes difficult to go to the gym or go for a run at the end of the day. It's a lot easier to sit back and relax with a book or turn on the TV. We're all guilty of it. But if you have a buddy, a partner, keeping you in line and reminding you of the objective, you're more likely to keep going."

Dr. Orris says many people benefit from having a friend or family member to lose weight with, whether it means going to the gym together or motivating each other to stay on their diets. Patients can also benefit from the help of a professional weight loss specialist.

"At Weight Loss Institute of Arizona, we not only provide weight loss solutions, but essentially become an accountability partner in the weight loss journey," Dr. Orris says. "We take great pride in providing a high level of commitment to our patients to help them turn their lives around, develop healthy habits and achieve effective, long-term weight loss."

Dr. Michael J. Orris and Dr. John J. DeBarros are board-certified physicians and the medical directors of Weight Loss Institute of Arizona. They provide weight loss surgery in Phoenix, Tucson, Scottsdale and Tempe. Dr. Orris and Dr. DeBarros were rated Phoenix Magazine's "Top Docs" by their peers in 2010, 2011 and 2012. They are founders of East Valley Surgery Center, a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, and are both Center of Excellence certified doctors. Dr. Orris earned his medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at Pinnacle Health in Harrisburg, Penn. Dr. DeBarros earned his degree and completed his surgical residency at the University of Connecticut. Their goal is to help each patient attain and maintain a healthful body weight through a comprehensive approach that includes education, weight loss surgery and long-term diet and lifestyle support.

Website: www.wliaz.com