Medical Weight Management
Medical weight management can help you reach your weight and health goals safely and effectively.
A bariatrician is a doctor specializing in the treatment of obesity and related conditions. Our bariatrician offers in-person and telehealth visit options and will work with you on a personalized treatment plan to achieve optimal results. Many factors contribute to obesity so you can expect the strategy tailored to you will incorporate a focused plan for nutrition, physical activity, eating and sleeping behaviors, and medication, if appropriate.
Our bariatrician is supported by a clinical psychologist and registered dietitian who can also work with you privately to discuss issues or behaviors that may be impacting your health. As an added benefit, our obesity medicine team integrates seamlessly with our bariatric surgeons, should you desire a consultation for endoscopic or laparoscopic metabolic and bariatric surgery at any point in your journey. All of our bariatric surgical patients also see the bariatrician after surgery for post-operative monitoring.
Can you help me?
Our bariatrician has extensive training, education and experience with all adults as a result of his background in Internal Medicine and board-certification in Obesity Medicine.
Physician-supervised weight management care is available for people who have had multiple weight loss attempts that have not been effective or sustainable.
Medical therapy is available at the discretion of the bariatrician for patients who meet the following specific criteria:
- BMI ≥ 30 or a BMI ≥ 27 with a weight-related comorbid medical condition
- Comorbid conditions include: hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and others. If you are unsure if you have a qualifying medical comorbidity, ask your primary care physician.
What should I expect?
- Initial in-person visit with the bariatrician, unless you have very recently seen one of our bariatric surgeons or a physician in the VHCPG (in which case the initial consultation can be virtual)
- Monthly in-person or telehealth visits with bariatrician
- A thorough discussion on your health and weight history, including significant weight changes and life events that may have had an impact
- Regular follow-up visits as needed for continued monitoring, education and support
