Do you require Labs before starting the Weight Loss Program?

We care for your health and safety during your weight loss journey. All patients need the Weight Loss Panel labs (same as those during Annual Physical at PCP) preferably before but no later than the second follow-up appointment for weight loss. Patients can also get their blood drawn at area LabCorp Locations where we place the order and can retrieve results through their portal. Patients who have a history of Weight Loss Surgery also need selected Vitamins and Minerals labs in addition to the routine.
If patients are bringing labs performed elsewhere, make sure they include:

• CBC with Platelets with or without differential (to assess risk of Anemia or Infection)
• CMP (Complete Metabolic Panel) including electrolytes, liver enzymes, kidney function tests
• Fasting (10-12 hr fasting) Lipid Profile (Chol, HDL, LDL) to assess heart health
• Hemoglobin A1C (to assess risk of diabetes or prediabetes)
• TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone (to assess thyroid function)

Labs ordered by us through LabCorp cost $10 to $200, depending on which labs are ordered.

Does my insurance cover any part of the program’s cost?

Because our program is physician-supervised and evidence based, certain services provided – such as the Initial Consultation, Office Visit, and Preventive Medical Counseling – may be covered by a patient’s insurance plan. However, at the clinic, we accept payments by cash or credit cards only, and a patient may then seek reimbursement directly from their insurance if eligible. Please check with your insurance provider to determine whether your treatment is eligible for reimbursement. We do accept both Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) debit cards. In many instances patients do not see much of a difference between the cost of our program and what their co-pays for both the office visit and medication would have been if insurance was accepted.

How much does your program cost?

Our programs currently begin at $50 per visit. Costs for one or more medications (quantity and length of supply), and different levels of B-12 shots, or GLP-1 peptide injections, and labs are extra. Typically new patients spend around $100-$125 for each visit that includes one medication for 4 weeks and additional for labs that are required and ordered by us.

Is there a long-term commitment with your program?

No, patients can stop our program at any time. However, we recommend tapering off the medications slowly to avoid developing tolerance to it, sudden return of the hunger, and regaining lost weight.

How long will I be on the program?

The length of time patients participate in our program is dependent on a variety of individual factors and weight loss goals. Most patients can continue the program until they reach their goal weight safely, as long as they show regular progress without untoward side-effects. We strongly recommend our lifelong weight management program for patients after weight loss.

Are there age limits for me to participate in this program?

You must be at least 16 years old to take the appetite suppressants prescribed in our program. If you are over 65, our doctors will review your medical history and may require certain labs, EKG, and a letter of approval from your primary care physician or cardiologist.

Do I have to be overweight or obese to participate in this program?

Yes! Your body mass index (BMI) must be over 27 to qualify for our program. If you also have certain documented risk factors, you may qualify for the program over a BMI of 25. During your visits, we can determine whether you qualify for our program if your BMI is less than 27 but over 25.

Will I be hungry on this program?

Many patients report reduced to no hunger and many report increased energy. Ironically, you must eat to not feel hungry and lose weight in a healthy way. Individual results may vary depending on several factors that we will explain during your consultation and help you achieve the best results. Using the medications to help you starve in hopes for quick and dramatic results is a sure-shot way to set yourself for failure.

I am on a variety of Medications. Would I still qualify for the program?

We have found that certain medications negatively interact with the medication used in our Program. When you come in for your consultation, the doctor will thoroughly review your medical history and discuss it with you.

What medications are prescribed in your program?

You will lose weight when you successfully restrict calories, whether you take medications to suppress your hunger or not. Our medications are both FDA approved, safe, and prescribed under careful physician supervision. Our doctors commonly prescribe phentermine, topiramate, and multiple blends of amino acids and vitamin injections either individually or in combination that is most appropriate for your individualized program. Our physicians will prescribe an appetite suppressant that will both increase your energy and reduce your hunger, however, you are never required to purchase any medications.

If I am presently taking phentermine now can I still get another prescription filled at Venture Medical Weight Loss?

Your existing phentermine prescription must have expired since last filled before we can prescribe another new prescription. In most cases, we continue you on the same dose level you were last month or two at another clinic, unless there has been a significant gap since your last prescription. We may be able to start you off on another medication in several of our programs.