FAQS ABOUT OUR MEDICAL WEIGHT PROGRAM

How much does the program cost?

Initial Visits
$120
 Includes a detailed history, examination, weight, body composition reading, lifestyle modification (nutrition, exercise, sleep) guidance, and of dispensed meds for two weeks.  
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Follow-up Visits
Follow-up visits prices start at $25 office visit + cost of meds for weekly visits. Discounts are given for more frequent follow-up.

whICH prescription medications are used?

Prescription strength anorectics (i.e. phentermine) are dispensed in office.  Sometimes other medications may be prescribed based on the patients lab work or medical history.

WhICH Supplements Are Used?

Balanced Weight And Wellness does not currently dispense or sell supplements. The physician may recommend supplements based on history, examination, or laboratory findings.

Does the program include lipotropic or b-12 injections?

We do not administer B-12 shot or lipotropic injections.

how long are the visits?

The first visit is thirty minutes to an hour. Each subsequent visit can last fifteen to thirty minutes.

How often do i have to return for a follow-up visit?

Accountability helps, and patients that return for a follow-up appointment every one to two weeks often lose more weight. We want you to be successful in your weight loss journey, but we understand that returning every two weeks will not work for everyone. We will work with you to determine an appropriate follow-up schedule.  Typically, patients actively losing weight return for follow-up visits sooner than those attempting to maintain. 

Are the prescribed medications addictive?

There are no research studies that show that the anorectics that we prescribe are addictive. There is, however, a potential for abuse, habituation, or addiction reported with similar drugs (i.e. amphetamines).

how safe are the medications?

All prescribed medications have been FDA approved and have been studied in clinical trials; however, there are no long-term clinical studies. Most prescription medications have side effects, generally mild.  Any stimulant has the potential to cause elevated heart rate and blood pressure, dry mouth, constipation, insomnia, and anxiety.  Patients at Balanced Weight And Wellness are monitored closely to ensure their safety. If a patient doesn't tolerate a medication well, we will devise another treatment plan. Listed below are clinical studies on commonly used appetite suppressants:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3786546/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4011567/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995984/​
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4054704/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3950585/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3159930/

what makes your program different from other weight loss programs?

We differ from many commercial weight loss programs in our approach. Our program doesn't require you to buy prepackaged meals  or supplements. You're welcome to use prepackaged meals if you desire; however, we prefer that you use real whole foods. Eating foods that you like and can prepare leads to a more successful transition during maintenance.

This program is likely similar to many programs that are supervised by board-certified bariatric medicine physicians.  Since bariatric medicine is a medical sub-specialty, most bariatricians should be providing a similar standard of care.
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what are  side effects do patients commonly experience on the prescription meds?

The most common side effects are elevated heart rate and blood pressure, dry mouth, constipation, insomnia, and anxiety.  Again, patients are monitored closely to ensure their safety. Most patients tolerate the medications well.

how effective is the program?

​Balanced Weight And Wellness doesn't have statistical data at this time; but anecdotally, over ninety percent of patients lose at least ten percent of their body weight. Treating excess weight is no different than treating any other medical condition. The majority of people may respond favorably to one treatment, but there are a percentage of patients that will have no response.  Like most medical conditions, the cause of weight gain is multi-factorial. Our goal at Balanced Weight And Wellness is to understand and treat the unique factors that contribute to weight gain in every patient.  We strive to have each patient gain some understanding of their psychological, emotional, metabolic, physical, or behavioral barriers; as well as any other factors that hinder weight loss or maintenance. Sometimes we refer patients to other practitioners (bariatric surgeons, psychiatrists, psychologists, nutritionists, exercise physiologists, personal trainers, etc.) when we feel additional help is needed outside our scope of practice.