Why are you offering weight loss treatments?
Obesity is a serious medical condition affecting 2/3 of the population that needs to be treated by physicians to prevent future problems. It is our feeling that thru proper education and counseling, patients can maintain a healthy weight without the risks and complications of weight loss surgery.
What is medical weight loss?
Most weight loss treatments are provided by non physicians using various diets, supplements and exercise programs. Medical weight loss is the use of a low calorie diet that can only be prescribed by physicians, with the use of medications, and counseling as needed. Medical weight loss is the only program validated by published clinical research.
Why should I be concerned about weight loss?
Excessive weight is a condition now affecting 60-70% of Americans. The long term health affects include hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. These conditions lead to “feeling bad,” limited mobility, and early death.
What type of program do you offer?
This program is based on the use of a low calorie diet using planned meals to assure proper intake of protein and nutrients. Inadequate intake of nutrients can lead to multiple medical problems. The full meal replacement plan provides all your daily meals and snacks. This is our most aggressive plan and results in the most rapid weight loss. The modified plan uses a combination of meal replacements and a regular meal. This plan results in a significant and consistent weight loss. In addition to planned meals, exercise is used to enhance weight loss and increase your metabolism. If needed, appetite suppressors and vitamins will be used in the program. These programs were developed by Dr. Michael Kaplan, a specialist in bariatric medicine and developer of The Center of Medical Weight Loss.
Why use meal replacements?
Meal replacements provide the nutrition needed to support normal body function and weight loss, without the loss of muscle mass and other nutritional deficiencies. Patients using meal replacements like the idea of not having to make daily food decisions. These patients also experience the quickest weight loss.
What testing will be performed?
Rapid weight loss can affect your health negatively. First, you will have an assessment of your BMI (body mass index) and BMR (basal metabolic rate) to determine your potential weight loss. If needed, you will have an EKG and blood tests performed for your safety. Once on a treatment plan, you will be followed every 1-4 weeks depending on your treatment plan. At each visit your health and progress will be monitored. You will also be counseled on nutrition and exercise.
How much weight can I lose?
Your success will be determined by your dedication and the treatment plan selected. Potential weight loss will be predicted by your basal metabolic rate and monitored during regular visits. Weight loss of 2-5 pounds a week is common.
Are vitamin shots necessary?
Vitamins are used to replace nutrients that may be missing due to poor eating habits. Vitamins are used to help with energy and may help to increase metabolism. The medical literature is divided on the effectiveness of vitamin supplements. We offer B12 and Lipo B injections if patients desire. We do not recommend HCG shots.
What type of exercise do you recommend?
Your level and type of exercise will be based on your medical history and current health. In general, we will start slow and progress as your fitness improves. Physical activity is important to increase your metabolism and increase weight loss. Exercise also helps to preserve and build muscle mass. Muscle mass helps to elevate your basal metabolic rate and this will slow future weight gain.
Can I do this program myself?
Yes, you can absolutely decrease your calorie intake and increase your exercise to achieve weight loss and improved health. However, most people have tried multiple programs with little success. This program’s success is based on medically proven treatments for weight problems and education to prevent relapses.
Can men enroll for treatment?
Yes.
Is the program expensive?
Compared to the long term risk to your health and costs for treating medical problems, weight loss treatments are inexpensive. Meal replacement costs are similar to regular food. Compare the price to what you are now spending for food, medication, and loss of quality of life. Please see prices below.
Does insurance cover weight loss treatments?
No. Unfortunately, most insurers do not recognize the importance of non surgical treatment of weight problems. You may be able to use your flexible spending account.
How do I start?
To start call the office and we will arrange an initial consult. During this visit a plan will be developed for you based on your history, exam, and basal metabolic rate. The cost of this initial consult is $19.00. After this evaluation, the appropriate treatment options will be discussed with you. In general pricing varies depending on your treatment plan and needs. The following guidelines will help you determine if this program is for you.
Full Meal Replacement: 6 week program resulting in the most aggressive weight loss.
Initial visit includes exam, BMR determination, blood tests, Lipo B injection and EKG if needed. One week of complete meal replacement is included for an 800 calorie diet. $325.00 Price will increase if more calories are required.
Follow up visits: $75.00 plus cost of meal replacements ($3.00 per item). For most patients meal cost is $15.00 per day which totals $180.00 per week and includes the office visit. If your metabolism requires more calories, the price may increase by $15-30 dollars per week.
Modified Replacement Plan: Meal replacements for breakfast, lunch, and a snack.
A healthy dinner of 550 calories of your choice is eaten.
Initial visit includes exam, BMR determination, blood tests, Lipo B injection and EKG if needed. Two weeks of meal replacements are included. $325.00
Follow up visits are every 2 weeks. $75.00 plus meal replacement cost. Meal costs are $9.00 per day.
Appetite Suppressant Plan: Use of medications to curb appetite while changing eating and exercise habits.
Intial visit includes exam, BMR determination, blood tests, Lipo B injection and EKG(required). $250.00
Follow up visit is in one week after starting medication and then every two weeks. $75.00
Optional Items
Please note if additional testing is needed due to your medical conditions, this will be discussed with you.
Thank you for your interest. If you need additional information please talk to your provider or call 877.403.0298.
Additional information can be found at the Center for Medical Weightloss website. Log on for a weightloss calculator, low cal recipies, and health tips. You can also see actual success stories from CMWL patients.
Raj Syal MD, FACOG
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