FAQ
Medical Weight Management Frequently Asked Questions
Our Care Team
Our board-certified bariatricians oversee the medical weight management program. They manage any weight-related medical conditions and medications. Our in-house bariatric dietitians work with participants on the details of diet and nutrition. We also refer to behavioral health specialists who specialize in working with bariatric patients to work through any psychological barriers contributing to weight.
Our Physician
Your Committment
For those who have difficulty controlling their weight, successful weight loss should not be viewed as a destination but rather a journey. It involves treating a complex, chronic medical condition and deserves the same treatment and follow-up care as any other chronic condition. Our medical weight loss program asks that you give an initial investment of six months where you will visit with your physician monthly to track your milestones. Afterward, you may continue with periodic visits to help maintain the weight you have lost as determined by you and your provider. We do not recommend discontinuing treatment before being advised as it could lead to not only weight regain, but may also lead to a recurrence of other medical issues as well. Remember- this is an investment in your overall health, and as you stick to your plan and see the results, you will be so happy that you did.
What to Bring
Please bring the last set of labs done with your primary care provider and an EKG, if you have recently had one performed. We accept anything from within the last year. The following list is what we typically look for in your lab panel: CBC, CMP, TSH, Lipid Panel, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and HgA1C.
Do all patients have the same weight loss plan, or is it individualized?
Every plan is tailored to the individual. We offer a range from very aggressive dietary plans to more moderate dietary regimens.
Finding the Right Exercise for You
Having an active lifestyle is an essential part of maintaining a healthy weight. We help participants understand what will be safe, yet effective exercise for them.
BMI Requirements
I had another doctor refer me here for treatment before having a surgical procedure. Sometimes other surgeons will refer patients to our program because an increasing number of procedures have BMI requirements. These BMI requirements are based on research demonstrating that weight loss prior to the procedure ensures better outcomes. If you were referred to us by a specialist, your treatment can be tailored to fit the BMI expectations for that procedure. This is common for patients with plans for orthopaedic or plastic surgery, fertility treatments, transplants, and many other procedures.
What if I’m not comfortable with it?
Yes, we can prescribe medication. However, not every patient is prescribed the same medications, and every medication we prescribe is tailored for the patient. Medication options that are appropriate for the individual are reviewed in detail allowing the patient to be more comfortable with that treatment plan.
How much will I need to pay to participate?
Everything that is completed in a clinical setting or considered a medical service is billed through insurance. Copays and coverage will vary from plan to plan. Out of pocket costs that might apply include meal replacements—which may be used in lieu of food.
Travel's Impact on Participation
Travel should be taken into consideration when choosing which treatment plan is ideal for you. More aggressive options require stricter adherence to routine visits and the dietary plan. Your doctor will consider this and will work with you to develop a plan that is right for you.
Caffiene?
Yes, however we ask all patients to reduce or eliminate all beverages with added sugar, depending on the treatment plan.
Alcohol?
Depending on the treatment plan, alcohol may be eliminated. If it is allowed, reduction or moderation will be strongly encouraged.
What products are allowed?
Yes, meal replacements are one of the tools we may use to aid in weight loss. We will review which products are appropriate when a treatment plan is decided upon.
Paying for meal replacements
Some flexible spending accounts do cover meal replacements. We encourage patients with an FSA to look into their coverage and gather any relevant paperwork if indicated that it is covered by their plan.
Eating Disorders & Maladaptive Eating
We have a team-based approach to handling these conditions. This includes working with the bariatric behavioral therapist.
Post-Surgery Support
Yes, it is beneficial to meet with one of our doctors as soon as possible. Our goal is to stop the progression of weight regain. The longer the person waits, the more that weight gain can become overwhelming and more difficult to lose.
Bariatric Surgery or Medical Weight Loss?
Yes, the first visit with your provider will include a detailed discussion about all of your weight management options. Depending on your situation, this may include a discussion on bariatric surgery options as well. Should you decide to continue with the surgical route, you will be asked to attend a seminar or watch our online webinar before we schedule your initial visit with one of our surgeons.