Anyone who’s been on the weight loss yo-yo knows the frustration of following a diet, only to have the pounds pack back on. While there is no easy solution to a healthy weight, Dr. Lewis will work with you to help you achieve your goals. The key is using prescription medications, which in addition to lifestyle changes can achieve weight loss close to what you might see with surgery. Dr. Lewis, located in Catonsville, Maryland, doesn’t market powders and shakes. Instead, she uses proven methods and gives you the support you need to succeed. Dr. Lewis welcomes all patients from the greater Baltimore region as well as the surrounding areas of Washington D.C. and Virginia. Call or book a consultation online today.
Request an AppointmentWhy Do Most Weight Loss Programs Fail?
Diet and exercise are key to losing weight. There is no “magic pill” that can achieve weight loss without both. However, diet and exercise alone are usually not enough. This is because the human body has evolved over time to prevent you from losing weight. The body does this through a complex network of biochemicals and receptors. While these mechanisms were protective hundreds of years ago when famine and starvation were real threats to humans, today they just make weight loss extremely difficult. In fact, the older you are and the longer you have been overweight, the harder it is to lose that weight.
How does Dr. Lewis’ medical weight loss programs work?
Dr. Lewis is able to help patients achieve weight loss success by combining diet and exercise with prescription medications that help counteract some of the biological factors that make weight loss difficult. Dr. Lewis will take your lifestyle, habits, and tendencies into account and help pick lifestyle changes and medications that will ensure your success. During this 12-month program, you have an initial comprehensive evaluation and continual monitoring.
Dr. Lewis will discuss diet and exercise plans that are realistic for your life, work with you to customize a program that works for you, and prescribe the most appropriate personalized medications to ensure that you not only lose the weight but keep it off.
What you won’t get with Dr. Lewis’ medical weight loss program are high-pressure sales pitches for powders, mixes, and food that are often included in other programs.
How much weight can I lose?
While everyone is different, newer prescription medications used today for weight loss are far more effective than previous weight loss pills. Studies have shown that many patients experience significant reductions in excess weight over the course of a year. This can approach the results seen with obesity surgery, such as gastric bypass, which can achieve about 70% of excess weight loss in that time.
Again, whether surgery or medication, there is no “magic bullet.” Staying on track with diet and exercise is key to success, which is why Dr. Lewis will help customize a weight loss program specifically for you and follow up with you regularly to ensure you achieve your goals.
What is Included?
- An initial, in-person comprehensive evaluation and customized weight loss plan
- Follow-up visits (in-person or virtual) at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months
- 1 year of phone call/email service to answer any questions or troubleshoot problems
- Initial blood work
- 1 year of prescription medications for weight loss, tailored to your needs
How Much Does this Cost? Is it Covered by my Insurance?
Dr. Lewis offers access to personalized medications starting at $250 a month, with various treatment options available to meet your goals. This includes everything except for blood work and medications. While Dr. Lewis doesn’t accept insurance, she can provide an invoice for submission to your insurance for reimbursement. Blood work is drawn in Dr. Lewis’ office, and most insurances cover the entire cost of the labs (your insurance may charge you a co-pay). Dr. Lewis prescribes a variety of weight loss medications, and many of them are also covered by insurance. As with most prescriptions, a co-pay may apply.
How Can Dr. Lewis Help Me Save Money On Weight Loss Medications?
While the new weight loss medications have been incredibly successful, their price tag has put them out of reach for many patients. Fortunately, Dr. Lewis can help you find ways to afford these medications regardless of your insurance coverage.
There are currently GLP-1 medications for weight loss, which are are currently only indicated for diabetes. This doesn’t mean they can’t be used in non-diabetics for weight loss; it just means your insurance won’t cover them unless you are diabetic (if your insurance company states they cover these medications, this means only if you have a diagnosis of diabetes). If your regular doctor hasn’t already done so, Dr. Lewis will check you for diabetes to see if you can receive coverage.
Most insurances do not cover weight loss medications, but some will, such as the Federal government, Maryland state government, and certain private companies. Please check with your insurance company to see if they cover these medications. Dr. Lewis will ensure that you are only using legal, safe, and effective medication.