Our services include everything needed to start you on a path toward better health through weight loss. Many "physician" weight loss programs involve only a brief, one-time consultation with a physican who does not specialize in weight loss medicine. Our program is built upon a model of regular visits with a physician who is board certified in bariatric medicine.

Our services

Prior to your first visit, you will receive a welcome packet. This includes information about the Bariatric Practice, along with registration and history forms to be completed prior to your first visit. 

Your first visit is a comprehensive bariatric evaluation. The physician reviews your history, performs a  physical examination, orders any needed labwork, an ECG (if needed) and schedules any other testing which may be necessary. You will also have a body composition analysis which provides an accurate measurement of your total body fat and muscle tissue. Initial lab evaluation includes measurements of cholesterol levels, thyroid function, kidney function, liver function, electrolyes, and occasionally other specialized testing.

Upon completion of your initial consultation, we may recommend one of several weight loss programs.For patients with greater amounts of weight to lose we may recommend a more aggressive VLCD (very low calorie diet) program. This program requires close monitoring with losses of 3-4 lbs per week expected. For patients with smaller amounts of weight to lose we often recommend the LCD (low calorie diet) program which requires less monitoring (lower cost) with expected weight loss of 1-2 lbs per week. Other patients may require special customized programs to fit their particular medical needs.

Follow up physician visits usually occur every 2 weeks on the NutriMed program and every 4 weeks on the Advance Health Systems program. Visits with the dietician may be scheduled between physician visits.  Clinical studies have shown that regular followup is essential for maintaining weight loss.

All of our services are provided within the guidelines for bariatric care provided by the American Society of Bariatric Physicians.

Scheduling an Appointment

You may call our office to schedule an appointment. Please call us at 330-473-4525.

Payment for Services

We accept most major credit cards, checks, and cash as payment for our services. In order to keep our fees reasonable, we ask for payment at the time services are rendered. To assist those patients who have health insurance coverage for weight loss services, we will also bill your insurance company electronically and credit any payments received to your account or send you a refund check. 

If you have certain conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, your insurance is more likely to provide payment for our services.

 Other services such as protein supplements, medication, and nutritional counseling are generally not covered by health insurance.

Call us for specific information about our fees. 

Special Services

We also provide preoperative and postoperative consultation to individuals who are considering or have completed bariatric surgery. Special care is often needed after recovering from surgery to identify common nutritional deficiencies and provide ongoing weight maintenance support to prevent weight gaining.