Congratulations,
This is the first step in improving your health and lifestyle.
At Tidewater Bariatrics, my staff and I are committed to helping you achieve your weight loss goals. I am a board certified Internal Medicine physician and I will begin by tailoring a program specific to your needs, time constraints and
abilities. Our program, modeled after successful academic university medical center programs, is dedicated to improving your nutrition, providing health education, and increasing your overall wellness.
You can expect to lose weight, improve your cardio-vascular health, and reduce your risk of developing long-term obesity complications. The loss of weight will result in increased mobility and agility, greater lung capacity, reduced
risk of cancer, less erectile dysfunction, and a decreased risk of cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension and diabetes. Even if you already have these complications of obesity, weight loss can decrease or eliminate their effects. As a Bariatric Internist, I have specialized in the medical treatment of
obesity and can help you reach your weight loss goals.
Dr. Margaret Gaglione, Medical Director
----- Our Programs -----
Tidewater Bariatrics will develop an individualized weight loss program that meets your weight loss needs. Your first visit will be with our clinic nurse who will do your initial laboratory work and EKG, body composition analysis, and
complete your health history. Your second visit will be with Dr. Gaglione who will review your history, EKG and laboratory results, perform a physical, and develop your weight loss program. You and Dr. Gaglione will decide which program is best suited to optimize your weight loss success.
Tidewater Bariatrics is supported by Health Management Resources® (HMR). HMR® has led the way in weight management for more than 20 years and is the weight management program used by many academic university programs including
the University of Kentucky Medical Center, University of Kansas, University of California at Irvine, West Virginia University, and University of Nevada. The meal replacements are delicious, low in simple carbohydrates and fat, and high in protein.
----- Getting Started -----
We are as committed to your losing weight as you are. The following frequently asked questions may help lessen your anxiety and will get you ready for your first office visit.
1. What does Bariatrics mean? Why choose a Bariatric Internist?
The term bariatric is derived from the Greek word "bari" meaning weight. A Bariatric physician specializes in the medical treatment of overweight and obese patients. An Internist, who has specialized in the management of obese
patients, has the skill and clinical acumen to treat even the most complicated patients; including those who have diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, sleep apnea or cancer.
2. How much weight can I lose?
Our first goal will be for you to lose 10% of your body weight. With a 10% weight loss, you reduce your health risk for diabetes, coronary artery disease and cancer. Patients using the HMR meal replacement program (Decision Free) will generally
lose more weight. Most patients on the Decision Free Diet will lose in excess of 30-50 lbs, some upward of 100 lbs.
3. How fast will I lose weight?
One pound is equal to 3500 calories, so to lose a pound a week, you need to reduce your diet by 500 calories every day. The weight loss is often very dramatic in the first couple of weeks because of the reduction in carbohydrate intake. Our goal
will be for you to lose 1-2 pounds per week. Most patients will lose 2 - 4 pounds per week in the first month on the program. Our goal is for you to lose weight safely and keep it off by learning appropriate nutrition and eating habits.
4. What is my role in this process?
You have the biggest job. Your success in our weight loss program will depend on the changes you make in what you eat and how much you exercise. We will be here to support you, educate you and prescribe medication as necessary to allow you to
focus on the choices you make. The keys to success are:
- Your determination that this will work and your dedication to the meal plan.
- Your record keeping and your documentation of your caloric intake and exercise.
- Your attendance at weekly visits and or classes.
5. How often do I have to come to the clinic?
As noted above, your success is enhanced by the weekly visits to the clinic. If you are on the Ultimate Diet you will also need to attend the classes described above. Most therapy programs will last 12-18 weeks before you enter the Maintenance
Phase.
6. I have thought about bariatric surgery. Will coming to Tidewater Bariatrics disqualify me from having surgery?
No. Bariatric surgery (gastric bypass, lap band) is a very viable option for some patients, particularly those who have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 with diabetes or hypertension, or those with a BMI greater than 40. Most bariatric
surgical programs require that patients try a formalized medical weight loss program. Tidewater Bariatrics will offer you that program. If you still desire surgery, the weight loss experience during the program will decrease your risk of operative complications.
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NUTRITION
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Whether you use our protein sparing meal replacements or you shop for your own food from our recommended food list, your overall nutrition will improve.
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EDUCATION
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You will be provided the very latest education on healthy living, healthy eating, exercise, and wellness; the tools you will need to make the lifestyle changes necessary for lifelong success.
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WELLNESS
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Weight loss is critical to reducing your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, hypertension and arthritis.
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