Medical Weight Management
Our Approach To Weight Management
At Stamford Health, our goal is to help our patients lose weight and keep it off for the rest of their lives through a comprehensive program. To be evaluated for our Medical Weight Management Program, a referral from a primary care physician is crucial. During an initial consultation, our team will conduct a full medical history and evaluate you for one of our programs.
- We offer prescription weight-loss treatments. While these medications have become extremely popular, but they’re not right for everyone. We will determine if you could be a candidate for prescription weight-loss medication or another program we offer.
- Another option we discuss with patients is Optifast, a meal replacement program, which is a great alternative to weight-loss medications. Though it’s important to note it is not covered by insurance.
- After conducting a complete medical evaluation, we work with our network to refer patients to our sleep medicine experts, medical nutrition therapists, and more for a multidisciplinary approach to weight management.
A Comprehensive Program
At Stamford Health, our goal is always to treat the whole person – not just their condition. We will help you understand all of the elements for successful weight management and connect you with the appropriate resources.
What To Expect During Your Appointments
Please note: To be considered for our program, patients must have a minimum body mass index (BMI) score of 30. Determine yours with our BMI calculator.
- First, we will conduct a full medical history including weight history, exercise history, medication history, and more. If labs or imaging are needed, they will be requested during this visit.
- About two weeks later, we will meet again to review and interpret all lab and imaging results and discuss treatment plans. At this point, if you are considered a candidate for medication, we will prescribe it for you and plan for lifestyle interventions.
- Roughly 10-12 weeks later, we will check in with you to review your body’s response to the medication, discuss side effects, make adjustments to dosage, and request any necessary labs.
- For patients who are candidates for our meal replacement program, Optifast, you’ll meet every other week with a registered dietitian. You’ll also meet with your endocrinologist about two weeks after the initial visit and then 12 weeks later.
How Deb Lost More Than 100 Pounds – And Her Hypertension Medication
In 2020, Deb Smith was referred to Dr. Maria Cecilia Asnis, director of the Medical Weight Loss Program at Stamford Health. Deb was put on a robust nutrition plan, regular exercise plan, and weight-loss medications. After losing 110 pounds, she no longer needs her blood pressure medications. “It’s just a whole new world for me,” she said.
Insurance Coverage
Our office will work to gain preauthorization and most visits with our physicians are covered by most insurances including Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial providers. There are patient assistance programs for diabetics and if medication is necessary will work with you to understand coverage and costs.
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