Medical Weight Loss

Obesity and being overweight is the fastest-growing epidemic in the United States. Obesity is now considered a disease by the medical community and is the cause of many other diseases in the body. Diseases are best treated by physicians, especially those that are certified in obesity medicine. The latest statistics reveal that over 75%- three of every four of us- are overweight or obese. Being overweight (BMI over 27) has a 50% chance of reducing your life expectancy. Being obese (BMI over 30) has a 100% chance of reducing your life expectancy.

Stages of Weight Loss:

First Stage

You must make up your mind that you will be committed to your weight loss efforts. This cannot be a diet mentality; this now has to be a new way of life, every day of your life. This will take adjustments on your part. There is no magic cure!! In the first phase we will also do some comprehensive testing which Dr. Holmes will use to determine which diet plan will work best for you. The testing includes a body composition, comprehensive blood work, an EKG, and a metabolic test.

Second Stage

You will move into active weight loss. This will be your first appointment with Dr. Holmes. He will discuss your results, life style & diet modifications required, coping techniques, and prescribe medications if needed. Dr. Holmes will complete a history and physical. Your appointment will last approximately 1 hour. This stage will be a time to work toward your goal weight you have determined with Dr. Holmes that is safe for you. During this stage you will visit our office once a month. Many programs require weekly visits, but we understand how hard it is to get off work and to make time for ourselves. Your life is like ours, crazy & busy. Our program is effective with monthly visits. If you are the type person who needs weekly check-ins, you are welcome to come in as often as you would like. Monthly visits are continued until one of the following is obtained:

You reach your goal
The maximum weight loss for now is achieved
You reach some other need to space medications and visits.

The average first time active weight loss is between 6 – 9 months. Then you will move to the transition stage.

Third Stage

Third Stage will be your transition stage. During this stage several things will change. The frequency of your visits will be decreases to save time and financial cost. Typically there are three visits over six months. Changing from monthly to every other month and then every third month. Second, during this spacing of the visits, there maybe a change of dosing the medications. Third, the importance of self-evaluation techniques, panic weight, and safety plans are taught

Fourth Stage

Maintenance plan and relapse intervention are all explained in good detail in the first class so you will have a good understanding of the entire process. We will determine your safety plan and will discuss your “fat attack” weight, when you should return for help!

Obesity has long been thought to be a willpower problem, accompanied by sloth and gluttony. We know this is not the case! It is a biochemical/nutritional/psychological/behavioral disease. Patients need assistance with this disease just as they do with diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, and high blood pressure.