Starting a medical weight loss program can be an exciting new chapter. But first, you probably have a lot of questions for your doctor. Building a strong doctor-patient relationship starts with open and honest communication. Actually, the more you ask upfront, the more successful your weight loss journey will likely be over time.
So don’t hold back! Come prepared with questions to your initial consultation. Here are the top 7 your medical weight loss doctor wants you to ask:
This straightforward question should give you a decent sense of the doctor’s experience. Hopefully their success stories will inspire confidence! Many medical weight loss clinics boast a 70-80% success rate. Pay attention to whether they cite scientific sources or if it just seems like a rough estimate.
Medical weight loss plans can vary quite a bit clinic to clinic. Get the full rundown on medications, supplements, diet and exercise recommendations. Also ask if counseling or group support is included. Knowing all the components at the start prevents surprises down the road.
For any weight loss medications prescribed, understand short and long term side effects. Your doctor should explain proper dosing to minimize risks. But it’s still smart to educate yourself on what reactions to watch out for. That way you can make adjustments early on if needed.
While success varies person to person, most set a goal of losing 10% of body weight over 6 months. From there, your doctor can calculate a suggested monthly weight loss you can use to track progress. As examples:
If you weigh 200 lbs, aim to lose 20 lbs in 6 months or ~3-5 lbs per month
If you weigh 250 lbs, aim to lose 25 lbs in 6 months or ~4-6 lbs per month
But remember — steady progress is better than rapid weight loss! Slower weight loss of only 1-2 lbs per week gives your body proper time to adjust.
Medical weight loss coverage varies by provider. PrimeHealthMD accepts most major insurance plans and we encourage you to contact us to check if you qualify. Please note, however, that Medicare, Medicaid, Ambetter, and CareSource are not accepted. For those without coverage, many clinics offer affordable self-pay rates, financing options, and package deals. Be upfront about your budget to find a solution that works for you!
Sustaining your hard-earned weight loss is just as important! Make sure your program includes guidance for maintenance. First focusing on stabilizing your weight through continued healthy lifestyle habits. Then later, tips to keep those stubborn extra pounds off for good! You want support from your doctor long after reaching your goals.
Sticking to a diet and exercise plan is legit hard work, mentally and physically. Having a solid support network in place makes it much less intimidating. Counseling and group meetings held by your clinic provide built-in motivation to stay on track. If one-on-one therapy sessions or weight loss workshops are options, take full advantage for best results!
Wrapping It Up
Starting a medical weight loss program with PrimeHealthMD is an empowering decision. We partner with you to create customized plans for sustainable success. And remember - most major insurance plans are eligible. Reach out now online or call (770) 800-3353 to take the first step and schedule your consultation. Our knowledgeable staff looks forward to helping you start your weight loss journey!
