New Jersey Medical Weight Loss Program - NJ Weight Loss Physician, Bariatric Medicine - NJ Weight Loss Center, Physicians Weight Management Program
The new you is waiting…whether you have 300 pounds to lose or just 10, we can help! We provide you with an affordable, medically supervised wellness and weight management program in which you typically lose weight 2-3 times faster than other commercial weight loss programs.
Being overweight increases your risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and certain forms of cancer. Losing weight now may alleviate or prevent the onset of these conditions. As medical professionals, we know the toll extra weight can exact on the body. We also know how difficult weight loss can be. We are here to integrate the latest medical knowledge into effective strategies and treatments that help you maintain a healthy weight. Use the chart below as a guide to see if you need to lose weight. Also remember that a waist circumference greater than 35 inches for a woman and 40 inches for a man (regardless of BMI) puts you at much greater risk.
We are not a large commercial franchise like Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers. With these companies, you are not medically evaluated or supervised – which is strongly recommended when you are trying to lose weight or get fit. And we do not require that you sign a contract as many of these programs do.
The Transformations program uses National Institute of Health guidelines including education regarding the medical consequences of obesity, appropriate calorie intake, nutrition essentials, exercise and fitness requirements for health, behavior modification, optimal use of FDA-approved appetite-suppressant medications if necessary and much more. The program is very flexible and offers many dietary plans using grocery-purchased food as well as high quality physician-grade meal replacements if desired.
What is Bariatric Medicine?
Bariatric Medicine is the medical specialty that deals specifically with the treatment and care of overweight and obese individuals. Physicians who become board certified in Bariatric Medicine have additional education, training and experience and are experts in the field and pledge to adhere to the strict Bariatric Practice Guidelines developed by the ASBP.
We are not surgeons, that is Bariatric Surgery. We do, however, prepare patients to achieve optimal results from their surgery should they choose to go that route. We also manage post- Bariatric surgery patients in the long term management of their weight, nutrition and fitness needs. If you need orthopedic or other major surgery and have been told you need to lose weight first – we are the people to see to get you ready for your surgery – and the best outcomes.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or high blood pressure and don’t like the idea of being on medication – losing weight may be your best option. We also can help you if you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea.
What is included in the program?
Your initial visit includes weigh-in, vital signs, measurements and detailed body composition analysis. The doctor will discuss this data with you and describe how Transformations can help. In the full program the next step is a detailed interview with the doctor to discuss your symptoms, history, family, lifestyle, personal concerns and many other factors. Dr. Hickey will then do a thorough physical exam and recommend laboratory tests and EKG as indicated. Pending the results of the blood work she will develop with you a preliminary diet and exercise prescription. You will schedule a fitness assessment, receive a pedometer and a food and fitness journal with instruction on how best to use them.
At follow up, the lab results and your initial progress will be reviewed. Additional recommendations for your diet, nutrition and exercise program will be made. We will also start educating regarding strategies for success – how to overcome your particular stumbling blocks. These visits are probably the most productive and rewarding. We encourage open and honest communication – lifestyle and dietary changes are not easy – but you are worth it!
Once you reach your goal weight, you will then move into our maintenance program where you will be able to increase your dietary intake (slowly and carefully monitored) and you will see us less often. You will still be able to take full advantage of our gym and classes while you’re in the program.
Is your program affordable?
Being overweight or obese is expensive. It ravages your health, your esteem, your career opportunities, your social relationships, even your chances of getting into a good school. And it can empty your bank account. Research has shown that obese and overweight people spend a disproportionate amount of their money on a variety of items including food, clothing, transportation, entertainment, medical care and attempts at wellness.
Your program cost will depend on your specific weight loss goals, health needs and lifestyle requirements. Everyone is different. We will always be open and up front about costs – nothing is hidden and there are no contracts to sign. We intentionally set our prices low so weight loss can be an achievable goal for everyone. You will find that as you progress through the program you will be spending less on food, prescription medication and illness-related health care expenses.
Health insurance does not always cover medically-supervised obesity treatment and we do not bill insurance for our services. We can provide you with the proper documentation to submit claims to your insurance company. Also, most people can use their Flexible Spending or Health Savings Account for these services. In addition, your treatment costs may be tax deductible.
Where are you located?
We have 2 offices that are conveniently located in Hillsborough and Princeton New Jersey. Please call us at 908-281-6771 to schedule a consultation. We would love to meet you and discuss how we can improve your health!
