Medical Weight Loss Program

Our medical weight loss (MWL) program is designed for those who prefer a non-surgical option for weight control. This program is not a quick route to weight loss, but instead focuses on making smart choices, recognizing individual eating habits, and making changes to maintain a healthy weight. Your healthy weight loss is supervised within a safe, effective, physician directed plan. Here at Advanced Bariatric and Surgical Specialists (ABSS), you will work with licensed healthcare professionals, such as a bariatric surgeon, nurse practitioner, registered dietitian, and/or a psychologist. This is a time tested plan that we have used with bariatric patients with tremendous success. We work together with you to achieve your best results, whether you want to lose 15 pounds or more than 100, we are here to help you!

Our Program

At ABSS our weight-loss program is a one year commitment. Your initial consultation will include, but not limited to, a review of basic principles of proper eating and exercise with our our nurse practitioner. We will check your weight and body fat, do a physical exam, and lab work if needed. Your custom plan will be created for you to move forward with healthy living.

  • You will receive approximately six months supply of vitamin D capsules.
  • For the first 3 months you will receive a B12 shot.
  • After your initial consult, you will follow up weekly for the first month. Then you will visit our practice every 2 weeks for the second and third months.
  • 2 consults with DeTar dieticians
  • 2 consults with a trainer at DeTar Health Center
  • 3 month free membership to DeTar Health Center

For months 4-12, we will continue to track your weight-loss and you will learn how to maintain your results. You will visit our practice every month to reassess your eating and exercise compliance.

Medications for Weight Loss

The use of weight-loss medications can be considered if weight-loss levels are at an unacceptable range, or if medical problems are not adequately controlled. Our clinical professionals will determine if this is a tool needed for your desired goal.

Cost

Our program may be covered through your insurance. Our staff will gladly inquire into your insurance benefits. Cash pay options are also available.

Diet and Exercise

Behavior modifications, such as diet and exercise are often the front-line of defense when it comes to weight loss. We understand that most individuals affected by obesity do struggle with this; however, diet and exercise should be the first place to start. At ABSS, you will learn how to eat, “Eating 101”, from Dr. Chang and the importance of making these lifestyle changes to your diet. Dieting today isn’t what dieting was 10 or 15 years ago. The body reacts quickly to diet changes causing compensatory mechanisms to increase appetite and slow metabolism. For this reason, weight-loss achieved by diet alone is about 5 percent of total body weight. At ABSS you will have a custom diet program designed to fit your needs to achieve success!

Physical activity is very important in your weight loss program. Exercise will boost your metabolism and increase weight-loss. This is critical in maintaining your weight-loss. There are many ways to achieve a successful exercise regimen. At ABSS a professional trainer will personally assist you in developing a physical fitness plan.

For some patients, a medical weight loss program is a first step before undergoing bariatric surgery, while others will meet their goals through our medical weight loss program without surgery. Each patient is different.

Medical benefits of weight loss may include

  • Reduced blood pressure and cholesterol
  • Reduced risk of diabetes
  • Decreased risk of heart disease and stroke
  • Reduced joint and tendon problems
  • Improvement with obstructive sleep apnea
  • Decreased cancer risk
  • Improved fertility

More Resources

Other Weight Loss Options