What to Expect at Your First Medical Weight Loss Visit

Register for a Medical Weight Loss Consultation

As an established clinic for weight loss, we understand how intimidating it can be to walk through the door and ask for help with weight loss. You may have had negative experiences trying to lose weight in the past, or are unsure of where to begin. At Iowa Weight Loss Specialists, we offer a non-judgmental place for you to feel comfortable and explore the best path forward for you to achieve your weight loss goals.

We strive to offer healthy weight loss programs that are customized to meet each patient's unique needs. To achieve this, the first step in the medical weight management process is an in-depth initial consultation at one of our accredited weight loss clinics. At your consultation, you will:

Use an advanced body composition scale that assesses data points including body weight, fat mass, and muscle mass. This information helps to create a highly-personalized non-surgical weight loss plan of care for each patient.
Consult with a Nurse Practitioner
- Evaluation of medical history and health issues that may be a result of excess weight (sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint pain, etc.).
- Review of diet history and weight gain patterns.
- Evaluation of lifestyle factors related to weight management (physical activity, sleep, eating patterns, stress).
- Bloodwork to review potential medical barriers to medical weight loss.
- Evaluation and implementation of weight loss medications (if necessary).
Meet with a Registered Dietitian
- Nutrition assessment and discussion of typical food/beverage habits.
- Review of dietary preferences and food allergies/intolerances.
- Individualized weight loss support including nutrition education, intervention, and goal-setting.

How Often Do I Follow Up?

Whether you choose weight loss surgery or medical weight loss, every weight loss journey is unique. You will work with your provider to determine an appropriate schedule for follow-up visits. Some people prefer more frequent appointments to stay accountable, while others may need less regular guidance as they find what habits work best for them or have reached a weight maintenance phase.

At your follow-up visits, you can expect to meet with your provider and a dietitian at one of our weight loss center locations to review progress, address any new concerns or barriers, and fine-tune your game plan. Your provider may also discuss referrals to our behavioral health services, physical therapy, or other specialists as needed.

Your Partner In Healthy Weight Loss

Weight loss is never a perfectly linear process without any ups and downs. Iowa Weight Loss Specialists is here to provide the support, encouragement, and tools you need for long-term success.