First Visit

• Patient arrives after an overnight fast for first visit.  Expect this visit to take 4-5 hours.
• Patient undergoes a simple breath test to determine daily caloric needs based on his or her body size.
• Physician performs a comprehensive evaluation, focusing on dietary, behavioral and physical activity history. Patient is screened for obesity related health risks. Goals are kept simple and clear. The patient is introduced to the “Lifestyle Change” work-plan. The physician prepares an individualized weight loss plan. Patient is provided printed material.  Since psychological issues can have a major impact on the success of weight loss efforts, the physician and patient will determine whether the patient should also be see by the Clinical Psychologist or Psychiatrist for evaluation. 
• Labs are drawn to evaluate for weight-related diseases or complications. 
• Patient will visit with the dietitian for an initial assessment. The dietitian will follow-up with the physician recommended dietary plan, working with the patient to establish dietary guidelines for the first two weeks of the program. A vital component of the plan will be to keep a food record or diary. Research has shown those who write down what they eat lose more weight than those who do not