Every professional who works in the WeightWise Bariatric Program including the physicians, bariatricians, dietitians, exercise physiologists and psychologists ensure that all the pieces -- medical evaluation, nutritional guidance, exercise programs, and behavioral modification -- come together conveniently all under one roof.
Getting Started
Prospective members typically hear about the WeightWise Bariatric Program from friends, family, television commercials, billboards, radio spots and primary care physicians. From that point, they can either call our toll-free number, 1.866.WGT.WISE (948.9473) or direct their inquiries to our Web site.
Call Center
By calling our toll-free number or e-mailing us, potential members are given the opportunity to interact with a Member Management Services (MMS) representative on a one-to-one basis. The representative will inform them of each aspect the program has to offer.
The initial contact includes information about cost. Representatives gather insurance information and verify how much an insurer will pay. The program also accepts direct payments. Questions about surgery are addressed at an introductory seminar provided by a physician. Two surgical options (gastric bypass and adjustable lap band) are discussed.
When prospective members talk with an MMS representative, they are talking with someone who has personally dealt with weight issues. WeightWise wants members to be successful and our MMS representatives have experienced this process from a patient perspective, so are able to offer great follow-up. WeightWise brings a whole new level of support to those who choose surgery as part of their plans. The program helps to make members feel confident and motivated.
Seminars
» Check out our seminar schedule
The regularly scheduled seminars span two hours and include: a surgeon presentation and lecture about weight loss surgery within the first hour; and, a question and answer session about the procedures during the second hour. Former patients will also be available at each session to answer questions.
Attendees are encouraged to bring interested family and friends to learn as well. Friends and family members that will accompany a potential member to a session must be included in the reservation because space is limited. To reserve your seat, call 1.866.WGT.WISE (948.9473).
Attendance at the seminar is the required first step to progress toward surgery with WeightWise. After attending the seminar, patients will be invited to make an appointment for an initial evaluation. Many patients can work with WeightWise after attending the seminar to obtain insurance preauthorization for the potential gastric bypass procedure.
Physician Consultation
Your WeightWise physician will assess your current health and be a part of designing an individual nutrition and exercise program based on your current medical history along with your evaluation results. Your initial visit will include a full laboratory analysis, electrocardiogram, physical exam, nutritional consultation and physiological testing. Once your program is designed, follow-up visits with the doctor, dietician and trainer are recommended until you reach your wellness goals. Once your wellness goals are reached, your maintenance program will then be initiated.
Surgery may be a part of the WeightWise program for some members. The philosophy is to try therapeutic lifestyle changes first. Getting on the path toward wellness enables members to prepare for a surgery. In particular, it allows them to begin to adopt approaches to diet and exercise that they can continue using after surgery.
Once a member of the WeightWise program, you’re a member for life. Not only does WeightWise offer lifelong service, it encourages every member to take advantage of the post-surgical programs offered to ensure long-term goals and success.
Psychologist Consultation
Depression, poor self-esteem, negative self-image and withdrawal from peers are some of the psychological issues that WeightWise psychologists can help patients address.
WeightWise uses peer group activity to diminish the sense of isolation and increase acceptance of each patient's experiences. This process allows group members to support one another and provides the needed inspiration for everyone to succeed in their goals. WeightWise has also found that watching the progress of fellow group members goes far in keeping individuals encouraged.
Support Group attendance is encourage for all surgical patients.
» View our schedule of upcoming support groups.
Dietitian Consultation
Members and their families are generally unknowledgeable about the composition of different foods and their impact on metabolism. Yet, even those who try to attain greater nutritional awareness often encounter unsustainable diets based on restriction and deprivation with no accommodation for cultural preferences.
Keep in mind, pre- and post-operative diets differ from program to program and surgeon to surgeon. WeightWise is an integrated approach, using the expertise of every staff specialty within our program to meet the needs of our members.
Exercise Physiologist Consultation
WeightWise Bariatric Program recognizes the importance of a sound exercise program for both our medical and surgical patients. In order to meet every patient’s wellness and weight loss goals, we focus on the three pillars of fitness: flexibility, cardiovascular and strength training. Our exercise physiology program is individually designed to progressively introduce patients to these different fitness components and maximize the body’s response to exercise.
Our staff uses a combination of state-of-the-art fitness assessments and tests to determine a custom exercise prescription for you in order to meet your specific weight loss goals – as well as making exercise fit into your daily lifestyle. Additionally, because exercise accountability and adherence are extremely important, we also offer a variety of personal training packages.
» Review information about the exercise assessments performed by WeightWise.
Sleep Lab Evaluation
WeightWise offers our members diagnostic testing located within our HealthPlex. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is one diease that is prevalent in morbidity obese individuals. All types of sleep disorders can be detected during a sleep study which measures the amount and quality of a person’s sleep.
Weight Loss/Prevention Programs
WeightWise offers a true multidisciplinary program for all weight ranges and lifestyles. The three main paths to a healthier weight offered are through prevention, a medical program and a surgical program.
- The prevention stage is for those who want to maintain the healthy weight and lifestyle they currently have, with the support and guidance of WeightWise.
- The medical program offers physician supervised and developed weight loss plans along with options that involve the assistance of any or all specialties covered within WeightWise from diet to exercise and beyond.
- The surgical program is the third path, guided by the WeightWise pre- and post-operative program. This path is individualized by the physicians for each candidate.
Nutritional Supplements
Every post-operative patient will need nutritional support. An important component of nutritional support is protein and vitamin supplementation. The WeightWise MarketPlace provides members the opportunity to easily obtain these vital supplements. Partnering with bariatric supplement providers assures that individuals will receive only the best in nutritional products.
Exercise Support
Personal training is another important part of our exercise program. Our highly trained fitness staff will keep you accountable, motivated and safe as they work with you on a weekly basis to help you meet your fitness and weight loss goals. Our staff is with you during your one hour workout, motivating you every step of the way and ensuring your exercises are done safely and effectively.
Personal training also keeps you accountable and focused on your fitness goals. Personal training may also provide the extra boost necessary to truly make fitness a part of your life. In addition, group training packages are available - so be sure to bring all your friends along on your journey towards fitness!
Support Groups
Everyone who becomes a member of the WeightWise Bariatric Program does so with full support from other members via monthly support group meetings. Member-to-member ties are forged from the start; new members are given special guides, or advocates, they can call on at any time.