Editor’s note: This article was provided by Mary Washington Healthcare, a corporate sponsor of the Fredericksburg Free Press. As part of its continued partnership with MWHC, the Free Press will publish monthly public health awareness content on topics such as wellness, preventative care and the latest advancements in healthcare. This partnership seeks to help the community make informed health decisions while offering a behind-the-scenes look at local care and services. Content has been edited for clarity and style by the editorial staff.
The Mary Washington Weight Loss Center is a beacon of hope for individuals seeking to improve their health through weight loss and behavior changes. Under the guidance of Dr. Denis Halmi, medical director, and Registered Nurse Marty Heins, practice manager, the center offers a holistic approach to weight management, combining medical expertise with compassionate care.
The center offers two primary weight loss programs: surgical and medical. The center’s approach is tailored to each individual’s needs, explained Halmi, ensuring that every patient receives a personalized plan. The surgical weight loss program involves bariatric surgery performed at Mary Washington Hospital.
For those who prefer non-surgical methods, the center offers a comprehensive medical weight loss program. Heins describes the program as a 12-week structured regimen that includes consultations with a medical provider, a dietician, and a behavioral health specialist. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that patients receive support in all aspects of their weight loss journey. Heins emphasizes that medications alone are not effective; a comprehensive program that addresses the whole patient is essential.
Halmi stresses the importance of developing a plan that fits each patient’s unique needs. Whether the patient opts for surgical or medical weight loss, the goal is to create lasting lifestyle changes. The center’s aim is not just to help patients lose weight but to implement changes that can be maintained. Halmi advises against setting a specific goal weight, as this can lead to a race-like mentality. Instead, he encourages patients to focus on improving their overall health and well-being.
The weight loss team at Mary Washington Weight Loss Center is composed of dedicated professionals, including physician assistants, nurse practitioners, dieticians, behavioral health, and exercise coaches. Both the surgical and medical weight loss programs highlight the important component of behavioral health. The center also offers yoga classes taught by community members, providing patients with additional resources to support their weight loss journey.
The center’s team is solely focused on helping patients lose weight, allowing the team to provide passionate and dedicated care and differentiating the center from other medical practices that may offer weight loss services as part of a broader range of treatments.
When it comes to eligibility criteria, the center is flexible and accommodating say Halmi and Heins. There is no weight limit for patients seeking help, and the team works closely with insurance companies to navigate the complexities of coverage. Heins added that patients can move between the surgical and medical weight loss programs as needed, ensuring that they receive the most appropriate care for their situation.
What about weight loss medications?
The center offers insight into the newest weight loss medications, specifically GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound. Halmi says that these medications were initially used to control blood sugar in diabetic patients but were found to be effective in promoting weight loss. These drugs help control hunger and cravings, making patients feel fuller with less food. The downside is that these medications are only available in injectable form.
Securing insurance coverage for these medications can be challenging, especially for patients without diabetes, said Halmi. While some commercial insurances may cover the cost, Medicare typically does not. The center’s coordinators are experts in navigating insurance policies and can assist patients in determining their coverage.
Like any medication, GLP-1 drugs come with potential side effects. The most common side effect is nausea, though other gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and constipation can also occur. Despite these side effects, the medications are generally considered safe and effective.
Injectable medications are more powerful than pills like phentermine says Halmi. Patients can expect to lose up to twice as much weight with injectables compared to pills. Additionally, injectable medications can be used indefinitely, unlike pills which are typically recommended for short-term use.
Both Halmi and Heins emphasize the importance of lifestyle changes in conjunction with these medications. The center offers weekly support groups for all weight loss patients. These groups provide a sense of community and support, helping patients make lasting changes to their diet and exercise habits.
Heins stresses that if patients could lose weight on their own, they would have done so already. The center’s programs are designed to help patients overcome societal and habitual obstacles, ensuring that they have the resources and support needed to succeed.
For more information about the Mary Washington Weight Loss Center, click here.
