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Medical Weight Loss Faq's
  • Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about Weigth Loss. If you have any other questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you.
Q: What is Obesity and Morbid Obesity ?
A : Obesity results from having an abnormally high proportion of body fat which exceeds the body’s skeletal and physical standards. Obesity develops into morbid obesity when an individual is 100 pounds or more over their ideal bodyweight and has a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or higher. Morbid obesity affects an estimated 10 million Americans; a number that has nearly doubled in the last 30 years. Morbid obesity includes one or more serious health conditions or diseases that are a direct result of the excess weight an individual is carrying. These are known as co-morbidities. Co-morbidities result in an individual experiencing some type of significant physical ailment, which in some cases can lead to death. With over 10 million sufferers today, morbid obesity is becoming more than just a serious disease, it’s a national epidemic. Let our bariatric team help you overcome your battle with obesity! Remember, you do have options. We want to see you succeed on your weight loss journey.

Q: Does insurance cover weight loss program ?
A : Insurance carriers are inconsistent in what they cover when it comes to weight loss and vary greatly by state. It is important to contact insurance providers, prior to the program, to see if they cover completely or just a portion of it. Employee healthcare spending (FLEX plan) accounts are also options for reimbursement with some employers.

Q: What kind of lifestyle changes should I make to lose and keep the weight off ? A : Aside from the most obvious change that takes place with respect to diet, there are a number of other lifestyle changes that have to occur in order to experience success on your weight loss journey.
  • 100 pounds or more over their ideal body weight.
  • BMI (Body Mass Index) of over 40.
  • A BMI of 35-40 accompanied by significant life threatening medical conditions such as Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and severe sleep apnea.
  • 1Inability to maintain a healthy body weight for a sustained period of time after numerous attempts to achieve weight loss with diet, exercise, medication, hypnosis, therapy, or a combination of methods.
  • Overweight for at least 5 years with many failed attempts at losing the excess weight.
Please Note: It’s important to remember that weight loss is not the answer for everyone who suffers from obesity. Also, the program is not a guarantee to produce and maintain long term weight loss. It’s only the beginning of a lifelong commitment to healthy living that is required if you are to succeed. During the program, you will begin the process of making important lifestyle and behavior changes in order to increase your chances of experiencing lasting weight loss and continued good health.
Q: What is OPTIFAST ?
A: OPTIFAST is a comprehensive weight management program that combines lifestyle education and medical monitoring with a great-tasting meal replacement. To get detailed information on the OPTIFAST Program, patients attend a free, no-obligation consultation.

Q: What is BMI ?
A : BMI or Body Mass Index uses your height and weight values to determine whether you are at risk for weight-related health problems. The lower your BMI, the lower your risk for health problems.

Q: How much does the program cost ?
A : The cost of program depends on specific program that is right for your weight loss goals and individual medical situation. This may include full or partial OPTIFAST meal replacement, medication, B12 injections and physician consult. To get detailed information on the best option, costs and insurance reimbursement, patients are asked to attend a free readiness consultation.

Q: How much weight will I lose ?
A : Although individual results vary, a 52-pound average weight loss has been documented in over 20,000 patients who completed 22 weeks of the program. Additionally, they saw a 15% reduction in cholesterol, a 29% reduction in blood glucose and a 10% reduction in blood pressure. A full meal replacement program can give you a jump start and you may start losing 2-7 pounds a week. Dr Kiran Saraf will customise the program that best suits your goal and medical condition.

Q: How does OPTIFAST compare to other weight loss systems ?
A : Unlike other weight loss programs or products, the OPTIFAST Program treats the whole person, not just weight. Through comprehensive lifestyle education and medical monitoring, the OPTIFAST Program has been clinically proven to help individuals lose weight and keep it off.