IDEAL CANDIDATES
Medical weight loss is perfect for patients who have a BMI above 28. Patients who are overweight due to health conditions, have had weight regain, or are struggling to reach their goal weight are candidates for medical weight loss.
Medical weight loss is a great option for patients who are not satisfied with the results they have achieved from diet and exercise alone. The best candidates are willing to commit to healthy lifestyle changes to achieve weight-loss results.
What Is Medical Weight Loss?
Medical weight loss is a science-based, physician-supervised approach to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Unlike fad diets or temporary solutions, our program focuses on improving metabolic health, addressing factors such as biology, medications, environment, and behavior contributing to weight gain.
At REX Bariatric Specialists, our weight management clinics in Raleigh and Cary, NC, offer comprehensive, individualized treatment plans that may include:
- Nutritional counseling with a registered dietitian
- Behavioral health support to address emotional and psychological factors
- Physical activity planning tailored to your fitness level
- Medication management when appropriate
- Ongoing monitoring and adjustments for long-term success
Benefits of Medical Weight Loss
Choosing a physician-supervised weight loss program offers numerous advantages over traditional dieting methods, including:
- Personalized Treatment – Patients receive a customized weight loss plan based on their unique health profile.
- Safe and Effective – Our program is medically supervised, supporting safe and sustainable weight loss.
- Improved Health Outcomes – Losing weight can help manage or prevent conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
- Long-Term Success – Unlike crash diets, our approach focuses on lasting lifestyle changes for sustained weight loss.
- Support and Accountability – Our team provides ongoing guidance and motivation to help you stay on track.
Components of Our Medical Weight Loss Program
At REX Bariatric Specialists, we take a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to weight loss. Our program includes:
- Physician-Supervised Care
A board-certified obesity medicine specialist will conduct a comprehensive medical evaluation to identify the underlying causes of weight gain and develop a personalized treatment plan.
- Nutritional Counseling
A registered dietitian will provide a comprehensive nutritional assessment, meal planning, and dietary counseling to help you make sustainable food choices.
- Behavioral Health Support
If needed, our clinical psychologist will provide behavioral health counseling to address emotional eating, stress management, and other psychological factors affecting weight loss.
- Physical Activity Planning
We create individualized exercise plans that align with your fitness level and lifestyle, helping you build healthy movement habits.
- Medication Management
For some patients, FDA-approved weight loss medications may be recommended to support metabolic health improvement and enhance weight loss efforts.
IDEAL CANDIDATES
Medical weight loss is ideal for patients with a BMI over 30 or those struggling with weight due to underlying health conditions. It’s especially beneficial for individuals who have difficulty losing weight on their own.
This approach is perfect for those who haven’t seen success with diet and exercise alone and are ready to commit to long-term lifestyle changes for sustainable results.
YOUR CONSULTATION
During your visit, we will discuss your weight-loss goals and previous attempts to lose weight. Tell us about your diet, exercise regimen, current medications, and any supplements being taken. Your medical records will be evaluated, and we will conduct a physical exam.
Depending on our evaluation, our bariatric surgeons in Raleigh, NC, will recommend the best option for achieving your weight-loss goals. We will be happy to answer questions and address any concerns.
Approach to Care:
- On-going care with a board-certified obesity medicine specialist who will do a comprehensive medical evaluation to identify causes of excess weight including biology, medicines, environment, and behavior. Additionally, there will be individualized nutritional, behavioral, and physical activity planning, as well as medication management to optimize health and weight loss.
- Meet with a registered dietitian for a comprehensive nutritional assessment, dietary counseling, and meal planning.
- Behavioral health counseling, if needed, by our clinical psychologist.
Medical weight loss is a continuous treatment process that aims to achieve significant and lasting results. The patient will be monitored closely, and the ways in which the patient’s body responds to the treatment plan will dictate any plan changes.
COST OF MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS
The cost of medical weight loss will depend on the treatment plan. The price of prescriptions, services, and facilities can impact the overall cost of the treatment.
Why Choose REX Bariatric Specialists
At REX Bariatric Specialists, our expert team of board-certified obesity medicine physicians, dietitians, and behavioral health professionals provides comprehensive, evidence-based care. We create personalized weight loss plans tailored to your medical history, lifestyle, and goals, using scientifically proven methods and FDA-approved medications when appropriate.
With both non-surgical and surgical options available, we offer a complete approach to weight management, helping patients achieve significant and lasting results.
How Do I Get Started?
To get on the right path to a healthier you, the first step is to contact Rex Bariatric Specialists in Raleigh and Cary, NC, today to schedule your initial consultation. That way, we can thoroughly evaluate your current symptoms, medications, behaviors, exercise regiment, and more to develop your customized treatment plan.
Patient SUCCESS STORIES
FAQS
What Does "Medical Weight Loss" Mean?
The term “medical weight loss” refers to the process of safely and effectively slimming down to a healthier you under the planning and guidance of a trained medical team. At Rex Bariatric Specialists, this can include a board-certified obesity medicine specialist, bariatric surgeon, registered dietitian, and/or behavioral health counselor.
Is Surgery Part of Medical Weight Loss?
It can be, but often isn’t. A large percentage of our patients do incredibly well under our non-surgical Path to Success™ program. If necessary, our weight loss surgeons are happy to sit down with you and discuss our different laparoscopic procedures.
What is the Path to Success™?
The Path to Success™ is our 12-week program designed to significantly alter your nutritional, behavioral, and exercise habits for the better. The exact steps of your plan will be curated and monitored by our medical staff to ensure a safe journey and lasting results.
Does Insurance Cover Medical Weight Loss?
Medical weight loss can be covered by insurance, but you’ll need to contact your carrier to confirm eligibility. If your insurance does not approve your medical weight loss plan, we offer multiple self-pay options.
How Much Weight Will I Lose?
The number of pounds you will need to lose to achieve your goal weight will depend on your current BMI and the professional recommendation of our staff. It is important to remember that medical weight loss, when done safely, is meant to be a continuous process rather than a quick fix.
How Do I Get Started?
About Bariatric Surgery FAQs
What is bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery refers to medically supervised surgical procedures that help with significant weight loss by modifying the digestive system. These procedures can reduce the stomach size, alter digestion, or both, making it easier to control food intake and absorb fewer calories.
What procedures do you offer at REX Bariatrics?
Our practice provides various advanced surgical options tailored to individual needs, including minimally invasive procedures like laparoscopic gastric sleeve and gastric bypass, as well as more complex operations such as duodenal switch and SADI-S. We also offer innovative, less invasive options like endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. Your surgeon will help determine the most appropriate procedure based on your unique health profile and goals.
How do I know if I’m a candidate for surgery?
Ideal candidates typically have a BMI of 40 or higher, or 35 with severe obesity-related health conditions. The best way to determine eligibility is through a professional consultation with our team of professionals.
Pre-Surgery Preparation FAQs
What steps do I need to take before surgery?
Preparation involves comprehensive medical testing, nutritional counseling, and sometimes psychological evaluation to help you enter surgery in the best condition possible.
Will I need to lose weight before the procedure?
Preoperative weight loss is often advised to reduce surgical risk and improve outcomes. Your team will guide you through any necessary pre-surgery diet or lifestyle changes.
Are there specific tests or clearances required?
Yes, including blood work, heart and lung assessments, and nutritional evaluations, all ensuring your readiness for surgery.
Recovery & Aftercare FAQs
What is the recovery time for each type of procedure?
Recovery varies depending on the complexity of the procedure. Less invasive options like endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty allow a quicker return to routine activities in days. At the same time, surgeries such as gastric bypass, duodenal switch, or SADI-S may require several weeks for full recovery.
Will I be able to return to normal activities quickly?
Most patients resume light daily activities within weeks, but heavier physical activities require more time for proper healing.
How much weight can I expect to lose — and how fast?
Weight loss differs by procedure and individual factors but typically involves losing 50-80% of excess weight within the first 12-18 months after surgery.
What support will I receive after surgery?
Our team of professionals provides extensive postoperative support, including follow-up visits, nutritional guidance, and support groups, to help you maintain your weight loss long-term.
Insurance & Cost FAQs
Is weight loss surgery covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover bariatric surgery if it is medically necessary. Our staff will assist you with benefits verification and insurance navigation.
Do you offer payment plans or financing options?
Yes, flexible payment and financing solutions are available to accommodate your financial needs.
Long-Term Results & Lifestyle FAQs
Will I need to follow a special diet after surgery?
Post-surgery dietary changes are essential and include a staged approach to transitioning from liquids to solids, focusing on adequate protein intake and portion control.
Can the weight come back after surgery?
Sustained lifestyle changes and regular follow-up are vital to prevent weight regain.
Do I need plastic surgery after weight loss?
Plastic surgery is optional and considered by some to address excess skin after significant weight loss.
Care Team:
- Angela Lipscomb-Hudson, MD, who is board certified in Obesity Medicine
- Clinton S. Bolton III, PhD, LPC, LPC-S, NCSS Clinical Psychologist
- Registered Dieticians
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