Choosing a Weight Loss Program

Phone: 972-423-8110

Fax: 972-423-1699

E-mail: frontoffice@ihpweightloss.com

To contact us:

With so many weight loss clinics and mail order weight loss remedies, seemingly on every street corner and mall, how are consumers supposed to know which one will best serve their weight loss goals as well as health?

Here are some guidelines to help you "weigh in" on the right side and make an intelligent choice:

· Does the center offer complete weight loss and weight management programs, or is it one of those that just hands out pills, herbs, snacks or foods?

· How long has the program been in operation, or is it another get rich quick business?

· Is a comprehensive medical evaluation required before starting the program?

· Do you have to sign a contract?

· Do you have to pay a large, up front fee?

· Is the program supervised by medical weight loss professionals or by a businessperson or franchisee?

· What are the credentials of the staff?

· Will you find yourself being treated by a salesperson or a receptionist?

· Are statistics available regarding short- and long-term results?

· What kind of maintenance and weight management programs are provided?

· Is there long-term follow-up on patients? If so, for how long?

When choosing a weight loss clinic or physician, do not be afraid to ask which area of medicine the physician or Nurse Practitioner has specialized in and when he/she began practicing Weight Management. After all, what could be more important than safeguarding your body and your health?

· Why Should I Choose Your Program Instead Of One Of The Many Weight Loss Centers In Town?

There are only a handful of physicians and Nurse Practitioners who are trained in Bariatric Medicine.  Bariatrics is a branch of medicine that deals specifically with problems of obesity, or being overweight. It is a very specialized field and only about 1% of the medical doctors in this country are qualified members of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians, and only about 350 that have taken and passed the rigorous Board Certification process. Our Physician, Nurse Practitioners, and RN clinical educator, are members of the ASBP and adhere to its principles and standards.  Our Nurse Practitioner, Peggy Ostrander, FNP, was one of SIX NP’s nationally, to PASS the American Society of Bariatric Medicine PHYSICIAN Board certification exam in October 2009.  The exam has only been offered to NP’s & PA’s since October 2009 and is only administered annually. 

Over the last few years, many weight loss centers have opened on virtually every corner. Patients (particularly high risk patients), should be extremely careful before choosing a weight loss clinic. Unfortunately, many centers are merely “pill popping clinics” and they are staffed by employees with virtually no clinical expertise in weight management. Obesity is a serious life threatening condition and there are many who take advantage of the quiet desperation that chronic dieters often feel.

At IHP, well-trained doctors, nurse practitioners, and nurses provide valuable education and support for those who are entering a complete program. It is well worth a patient's time to make sure he or she is getting the desired results in a healthy manner to manage their weight forever.  We also have experience dealing with complex medical problems that can result from obesity (diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and more), and with patients suffering from unrelated diseases and conditions that may complicate their weight loss endeavors (cancer, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, orthopedic injuries, and prior gastric bypass patients).  We will work WITH your Primary Care Provider or Specialist to ensure you are receiving coordinated and comprehensive care.

Institute

of Health Promotion

Medical Weight Loss & Aesthetics