How often do I have to come to the clinic?

After the initial consultation, you will have a 2 week follow-up consultation visit to review your information, then implement a weight loss program based upon your specific needs. We usually recommend either a moderate weight loss program (our LCD program) or an aggressive program (our VLCD program) based upon the amount of weight you need to lose and your other health problems. Physician and dietician visits generally occur every 4 weeks on the moderate program and every 2-3 weeks on the aggressive weight loss program. We recommend a minimum program duration of 12 weeks,. Some patients will continue through 24 weeks or longer. After, this maintenance visits can be scheduled as needed (usually every 3 months).

How much weight can I expect to lose?

 Your expected weight loss depends on a variety of factors. While more aggressive weight loss programs result in more weight loss, they are more intensive and require more monitoring. At the time of your initial consultation, we will establish a target weight using your initial weight, resting metabolic energy requirements, age, and other factors. Also the predicted weight loss will depend on whether or not your program uses just dietary and behavioral intervention or medications. Typically, patients on the Advance Health Systems program will lose about 1-2 pounds per week. Patients on the more aggressive Nutrimed program will typically lose 3-4 pounds per week. Our weight loss results are available for review on our home page.

Are weight loss medications used?

 Each patient is carefully screened before considering the use of anorectic (weight loss) medications. For patients who are not at increased risk, we use the short term anorectic medications phentermine (Adipex-P) and diethylpropion (Tenuate) to promote weight loss. These medications are prescribed in strict compliance with current Ohio regulations governing the use of anorectic medications. Medications are only prescribed as part of a comprehensive weight loss program. Persons with heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, and other serious medical problems should not use these medications.

How long will I keep the weight off?

The maintenance of weight loss is the most difficult part of any weight loss program. We believe that the treatment of obesity should be considered a long-term process just like treating high cholesterol or high blood pressure. It is our goal to help you set realistic expectations for weight loss, then achieve and maintain your weight loss goals.

Will there be a support group to help with weight loss?

Regular visits are individual physician visits. We have a monthly maintenance group which meets to discuss weight loss and maintenance in a group format.See What's New for information on our monthly maintenance group.

Fees

While our fees may be subject to change, we try to keep our fees reasonable. Our fees have recently been restructured since we are able to bill some health insurances for our services. Your fee may vary depending on the level of service and your insurance coverage. If you have questions regarding typical costs, please call.

If you would like to download our patient registration packet, click on the link below. (You will need to call us for the password to gain acess):