FAQs
Are there requirements to beginning treatment?
A referral from your physician is required for a nutritional evaluation. You do not need a referral to meet with a psychologist, physician, or exercise physiologist at the Weight Loss & Diabetes Center.
Who will I see at my first appointment?
Understanding the stress and emotional responses associated with food is critical to achieving weight loss goals. For this reason, we usually recommend a meeting with one of our psychologists at the first appointment.
How often do I need to come?
Several appointments are required to complete the initial assessments. You’ll come in less often after you have met with each member of the team and structured the approach that’s best for you. We partner with you to create a schedule that meets your needs and provides optimal care.
Will all services be covered by insurance?
Insurance plans vary in the services they cover. We will provide you with our service codes so you can determine the extent of your coverage. Our office will bill your insurance for all covered services you receive from us.
Are you “in network” with my insurance company?
Determining whether our services are “in network” or “out of network” is your responsibility. We’ll ask you to provide appropriate contact information for us to obtain an authorization for treatment prior to your appointments.
I work out regularly. Do I need a fitness evaluation?
Yes, for several reasons. The purpose of the evaluation conducted by our exercise physiologist is to ensure that you are working to full potential based on your goals and current fitness levels. Food intake is an important part of this equation as well. This is because integrating nutritional needs with exercise is essential to weight loss – and all the more so to maintain that weight loss. Our exercise physiologist is also a registered dietitian, so you will leave your fitness evaluation with an individualized plan of action that addresses your needs and goals.
Will I need blood work?
Perhaps. Our physicians will determine if blood work and/or specific tests are necessary.
If I already see a psychologist, endocrinologist, dietitian or fitness trainer, do I need to meet with those on your staff too?
We believe it is to your benefit to meet with all of our providers for an initial assessment to determine how our program can help you accomplish your goals. After that, however, if you have a psychotherapist, endocrinologist, dietitian, or fitness trainer with whom you are experiencing success, then we encourage you to continue working with him or her.
Do I need to see a psychologist if I don’t have an eating disorder?
We treat specific eating disorders associated with overeating (such as binge-eating disorder), and also “generalized” eating disorders, which include any food-related behavior that causes mental and/or physical harm to the individual. By this definition, people who continue to overeat despite experiencing its negative effects are considered to have eating disorders. This describes the majority of our patients. Our goal is to help change harmful lifestyle habits. The psychologist is the principal specialist who helps patients accomplish this.
Is the diet really strict and hard to follow?
No. Our dietitians design an eating plan based on each individual’s health needs and lifestyle. The diet that is recommended for you will not only lead to weight loss but also provide balanced nutrition. If you find the diet to be too strict and hard to follow, we’ll work with you to modify it so that it is easier and more comfortable. Keep in mind that making changes to diet and lifestyle will always require effort and commitment to achieve long-term success.
What if I'm not used to exercising?
Our exercise program is customized to help keep you comfortable while progressing toward your weight loss goals. Most people find that they feel better and more energized once they incorporate regular exercise that's appropriate for them into their lives.