Why Choose Us? Personalized physician attention, Guaranteed and safe weight loss, Individualized diet program based on your particular metabolic profile, Convenient Atlanta location
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Program Overview
1) What is the program?
First of all, the program varies per patient since each individual's circumstances are unique: Everything rests upon the factors that contributed to their weight gain, the effects that excess weight has had on their medical and emotional health, and the type of assistance they are seeking to help lose weight.
Having said that, the program has strong reliance on multi-vitamins and nutrients (which may be depleted when restricting calories); special proprietary shakes (which help alleviate hunger); exercise; behavior modification; and overall diet and lifestyle changes.
Dr. Agbeyegbe adheres to evidenced-based, up-to-date programs designed by leading experts in the field of obesity treatment. He then customizes a plan to suit each patient's individual needs and his/her specific health and metabolic profile.
A common element in all treatment plans is building a foundation of behavioral modification that will ultimately translate into lifestyle changes which ensure long-term weight control. Atlanta MD Weight Loss works with you on strategies and techniques to empower you and help you "own" and internalize basic principles for behavior change.
2) Will I actually see a doctor, or is the name misleading?
Yes, when you come into one of our offices for an appointment, you will see a licensed physician (an M.D.) who has years of experience successfully treating people in Internal Medicine, Nutrition & Dietetics, Endocrinology & Metabolism, and our specialty of Bariatric Medicine (a branch of medicine that deals specifically with problems of obesity or being overweight.)
3) Can't I just go on one of the many diets I hear and read about that seem to produce such remarkable results?
It is true that many published diets, especially those of the short-term, "crash" variety, result in rapid yet temporary weight loss. Due to severe food restrictions and accompanying nutritional deficiencies, these diets do not constitute a healthy, long-term lifestyle. Also, they wreak havoc on one's metabolism. Hence, even a return to moderate eating habits causes the weight to return, typically in higher amounts.
4) How is your program different than others? Why choose Atlanta MD Weight Loss?
When it comes to weight loss, safety and sustainability are our biggest concerns. Our goal is to guide patients to achievable weight loss which they can effectively maintain themselves over a lifetime. So we are different in that we are emphatically not a fad diet or a cult-like program. There is no starving yourself, no exercising excessively, and no yo-yo effect.
We are also different in that we give each patient an initial, careful, and thorough medical exam in order to fully understand and accurately diagnose the underlying factors causing their weight problems.
Armed with that information, we then ascertain an appropriate weight target and action plan for that patient. Through this method, each patient is evaluated individually and given a personalized plan that is tailored to their specific health and metabolic needs as well as particular behavioral challenges.
Yet another way that we are different is that each patient is examined and monitored by our highly trained physician staff during every visit. Overall decision-making regarding their care, progress, and strategy is orchestrated by the expertise and knowledge of a medical doctor (M.D.) This particular M.D. , Dr. Agbeyegbe, is a visionary who has a vested, personal interest in changing the course of the current obesity epidemic: one patient at a time.
Additional program attributes such as one-on-one physician support, coaching & counseling, evaluations, and medication monitoring help us stand out in the crowd of weight loss programs, most of whom are short-sighted and not well grounded.
In essence, we empower you to make a meaningful lifestyle change - in a manner that honors health, nutrition, and your personal metabolic profile.
5) Is it safe? Is it effective?
Yes, on both counts. First, a physician-supervised program is possibly the safest way to lose weight and maintain the loss. The initial exam alerts us to any pre-existing medical conditions which might have previously gone undetected, and we can then design a plan to take those conditions into account.
As far as effectiveness is concerned, we have an extremely high success rate in not only helping patients lose weight but in keeping it off long-term. This is due to the excellent diagnosis derived from the initial examination as well as the nutritional and exercise guidelines which enable you to internalize good health, proper eating habits, and an avoidance of relapsing to prior habits.
Weight Loss Expectations & Personal Engagement
1) Do I have to be a certain amount overweight or extremely overweight to consider your program? What if I only need to lose 15-20 pounds?
No, we can design a plan for you whether you have 20 pounds to lose or 100 pounds. Our weight loss program is not simply for people who are extremely overweight, but is for anyone who is unhappy or feels unhealthy due to their weight.* We will tell you if you don't need to lose weight, or if you are not the right candidate for our weight loss program for any other health-related reason. Our goal is your overall health.
*The doctor will refuse any persons who have certain eating disorders that result in intentional weight loss.
2) How much can I expect to lose? What if I have legitimate reasons to lose weight quickly?
Highly motivated patients tend to lose weight very quickly. An average patient who has 100 pounds or more to lose can do so at the maximum rate of 20 pounds per a month for the first few months. Patients who have less to lose can shed 10 to 20 pounds the first month and then increasingly less after that depending on their target weight and other factors.
For those patients who require very rapid weight loss (such as when preparing for an operation), this can be achieved via the Atlanta MD Weight Loss Accelerated Plan. It is, of course, also physician-supervised and closely monitored.
3) Can you guarantee how much I am going to lose?
No, none of our staff can guarantee human behavior. However, if you are truly committed to the program and follow our diet, nutrition, and exercise regimen, you should see results regardless of whether you are on our Natural or Accelerated plan.
4) How often do I have to come in and see the Doctor?
As a new patient, we ask that you come back within two weeks. The program lasts either four to ten weeks, so you may choose how often you wish to come in for subsequent visits during that timeframe.
5) Do I have to go to meetings?
No, you are not required to attend group meetings. However, a cornerstone of our program is the private, one-on-one consultations with our highly trained staff who act as your own personal weight-loss, nutrition, and wellness coaches until you reach your target weight.
6) I've wanted to lose weight for a long time. How can you help motivate me to really do it?
Aside from a certain amount of commitment on your part, we can enhance your motivation by teaching you new ways of thinking and behaving while developing healthy weight loss attitudes and skills.
7) Is your program right for me? Will I have to change my lifestyle?
Yes, it's the ultimate program if you want to lose weight and maintain that loss. Yes, the program will indeed require you to incorporate lifestyle changes such as adhering to our nutritional plan. At your initial session, Dr. Agbeyegbe will discuss ways to make small changes that can fit into even extremely busy schedules.
8) How long do I have to stay on this weight loss program?
The length of time you stay on the program depends on how much weight you wish to lose and how much is safe to lose within a set time period. Remember, weight loss is not about a "quick fix", but rather achievable, sustainable goals.
9) What if I cannot exercise at this time?
You can still lose a comparable amount of weight. In the rapid weight loss phase, the diet and medication are the most important factors. For the ongoing maintenance, regular exercise is crucial.
10) Will I gain it back once I've lost the weight?
It's highly unlikely that you'll gain back your weight if you follow the Lifestyle Program; it is introduced by Dr. Agbeyegbe and is designed for those who have reached their goal and want to maintain that success.
Medication & Supplements
1) Will I need prescription medication?
Based on your initial exam results and mutual agreement, Dr. Agbeyegbe may guide you toward an accelerated plan which does include prescription appetite suppressants for a period of time.
2) Do I just take a pill and the weight comes off?
No, not at all. There is still a significant amount of "ownership" on the part of the patient to follow the customized nutritional and exercise plans that we've created for you. Any type of prescription is merely helping to curb hunger or balance metabolism, but we also rely heavily on behavior modification, accountability, the consumption of our proprietary shakes, and in-house counseling and coaching.
3) Where can I get my prescription filled?
If you do require a prescription, we dispense all medication at our office at no extra cost to you.
4) What medication do you use?
We use only FDA approved medications. Anorexiants are used, so are medications that increase metabolism or decrease insulin resistance. All have been proven safe and effective over decades of use and study.
5) I have tried many different diet pills in the past: Hoodia, Leptoprin, Relacore, Xenadrine. I have used a carb blockers: CarboExpel, CortiSlim, & Fat burners: Anorex, Xerisan ASA. What is the best diet pill on the market today?
There are many diet scams out there in the form of pills, treatments, and even supposed "all natural" herbal formulas. They all claim quick and easy weight loss with little effort. Please be aware that most of them do not work and, in addition, contain harmful chemicals and/or toxic amounts of vitamins, minerals, and herbs which could put you at serious health risk. (Many of the "natural" ones are not regulated by the FDA.)
Regardless of the "miracle" or "magical" claims, safe and sustainable weight loss requires expert knowledge and guidance when it comes to medication.
6) Should I supplement your program with vitamins?
No, during your initial visit and all subsequent follow-up visits, you will receive a 2-week supply of vitamins which work in conjunction with the program and ensure that you do not become nutrient deficient. They are included in the price of visit. There is no need for additional supplements.
Associated Medical Questions
1) Should I speak with my primary doctor before starting treatment with you?
Yes, it is highly encouraged that you inform your primary care physician of any treatment options you plan to pursue. Your physician may not have a bariatric specialty, but he/she can offer us pertinent insight for your exam and diagnosis.
2) I am diabetic and have high-blood pressure, can your program help me?
Yes, as long as your diabetes and hypertension are under control with medication, you can join our program. Our physicians are experienced with such disorders and can tailor your customized plan accordingly.
3) If I lost weight, would it make a difference in my high blood pressure or the medication I take for it?
Yes, weight loss actually helps reduce high blood pressure - sometimes to a level where you can reduce or even eliminate your blood pressure medication entirely.
4) I have diabetes. Can losing weight lower my blood sugar?
Yes, losing weight can lower your blood sugar if you're a Type- 2 diabetic. Even a 10% weight loss can greatly affect your blood sugar and possibly even minimize your use of diabetic medications (due to lowered insulin resistance).
5) Can I reduce my high cholesterol by losing weight?
Yes, you can boost your chances of lowering your cholesterol with a three-pronged approach: modify your fat intake, exercise regularly, and lose weight.
6) I was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea, which causes me to snore a lot and sometimes stop breathing during sleep. Will it help if I lose weight?
For those with sleep apnea, even modest weight reduction may alleviate the need for long-term therapy or upper airway surgery.
7) I suffer from a lot of back problems. Would losing weight alleviate the pain?
If you carry most of your "extra pounds" around your abdomen, this can put excess stress on your back muscles or lumbar spine. So, yes, losing weight and strengthening your musculoskeletal system can greatly relieve your discomfort.
8) What if I had a blood test with my doctor recently? Do I still need to have a blood test?
If the blood test was done within the past 3 months, you can bring a copy of the lab report to your first appointment or have your doctor fax your results to us.
9) Is your weight loss program safe if I have diabetes or any other medical conditions?
Not only are our programs safe for people with diabetes, hypertension, and other medical problems - they are helpful in controlling any further complications that result from these diseases. Also, our weight loss program can potentially alleviate many other conditions that result from obesity including arthritis, coronary artery disease, sleep apnea, and edema.
Insurance & Payment Policies
1) Does insurance cover your services?
It is up to your insurance provider as to whether or not they will cover our services and/or reimburse you. It's a good idea to check with them prior to your initial visit.* Please be sure to advise them that this is a medical weight loss program, since some carriers cover items under the realm of "health and wellness." You may also want to speak to your accountant regarding a potential tax deduction.
For both scenarios, we can provide you with a medical receipt and any necessary documentation.
*Please keep in mind that we are a fee-for-service facility. Payment is expected at the time of your initial visit, so please be prepared especially since you may not have yet have an answer from your insurance carrier.
2) Does my insurance pay for laboratory testing?
Yes, fortunately all lab testing is covered by most insurance providers. Please bring your health insurance card so that we can send all lab work to the laboratory which participates with your insurance.
3) What if I don't have health insurance? What is the fee for laboratory testing?
The fee for the lab testing is $50, and this in included in the initial visit fee of $150. The $50 fee covers all the necessary tests needed to start the program: health profile, complete metabolic profile, lipid and cholesterol measurements, complete blood count (testing for anemia), thyroid profiles, and urine analysis.
4) Do I need a referral?
We are a direct access facility. One of your rights in the state of Georgia is to be able to come to medical providers without a referral.
5) Do I pay by visit, or all of it up front?
After the initial $150, you pay on a per-visit basis. Subsequent visits are $75, and weekly weigh-ins are free. There are no contracts, and there are no required registration fees.
6) Are there any commitment contracts to sign?
No, unlike commercial weight loss programs, our program is that of no obligation: You may leave at any time for any reason with no questions asked and no penalty fees incurred.
7) What other options can you suggest for any out-of-network deductibles or other costs related to the program?
Many patients use their flexible savings plans, a benefit offered through their employers to use pre-tax dollars to defray the cost of non-reimbursed medical expenses. These plans are also referred to as "FSA's", or "cafeteria plans." The latter terminology refers to the fact that you have the privilege of choosing what specific item or items you'd like to cover outright.
Particularly if you have unused FSA funds, this is a superb way to pay for your weight loss treatment should your insurance carrier not cover it.
Bariatric Medicine
1) What does "bariatric" mean?
Bariatrics is a branch of medicine that deals specifically with problems of obesity, or being overweight. It is a very unique field, and only about 1% of the medical doctors in this country are qualified members of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians. Our lead physician, Dr. Agbeyegbe, is one such member.
In the same manner that a person with heart problems would consult a cardiologist or another person with a broken leg would seek out an orthopaedic doctor, a bariatric physician is the appropriate source for treatment of obesity and weight issues.
The word bariatric stems from the Greek root "baro" meaning heavy or large.
2) How then is a bariatric physician able to garner such a high success rate in helping patients not just lose weight but maintain that loss long-term?
Because of their specialty training, bariatric physicians are able to glean from their vast knowledge and practical experience with nutrition, metabolic science, and other behavioral issues. They can approach all of this as it relates specifically to the subset of the population who has weight issues and/or are obese. In essence, the bariatric physician is able to be much more strategic about weight loss than would other physicians of other specialties.
Also, the thoroughness of the initial exam allows the bariatric physician to diagnose underlying issues causing weight gain and then to successfully chart an appropriate weight target and action plan.
3) What is body composition analysis (BCA) and how does it relate to a patient's successful weight loss program?
Body composition is the amount of water, lean body mass, and fat in the human body, so body composition analysis (BCA) is the study of those proportions. The categorizing of someone as obese is based on their percentage of body fat, and BCA can determine that percentage. This complements the use of body mass index (BMI), which is the relation of someone's weight to their height.
Atlanta MD Weight Loss has an innovative scale at our offices which calculates this percentage using bioelectrical impedence, a noninvasive, accurate test.
The purpose of all of this is to help each patient lose weight safely to the extent that they lose body fat mass rather than lean body mass. Losing too much of the latter can result in ultimately slowing down your metabolism, making weight loss harder to sustain long-term.
The practice of using BCA analysis is superior to just using a conventional scale because we can better chart progress that might otherwise go undetected (such as during occasions of water retention and other normal fluctuations).
About Dr. Agbeyegbe
1) How long has Doctor Agbeyegbe been practicing medicine?
Dr. Agbeyegbe has been practicing medicine as an MD since 1999, and became a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine in the same year. He is a physician with significant training and experience in the area of weight loss. Moreover, he has a personal quest to change the course of the current obesity epidemic - one patient at a time.
2) Is Doctor Agbeyegbe a board certified physician?
Yes, Dr. Agbeyegbe is board certified in Internal Medicine, and he is also a member of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians.
3) Who comes to Dr Agbeyegbe's weight loss center?
Adults of all ages come when they need professional help with weight issues, particularly those who have struggled repeatedly with weight issues and those who are willing to make necessary lifestyle changes. Also patients come because they recognize how crucial weight loss and weight maintenance is to controlling and even preventing chronic health issues like coronary disease, hypertension, diabetes, or the metabolic syndrome.
4) From what universities did Dr. Agbeyegbe obtain his undergraduate and medical degrees? In what fields are they?
He received his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Benin, Nigeria. He then obtained his M.D. from the Universidad Central del Este, Dominican Republic. He also completed a required residency in Internal Medicine at Lincoln Hospital, Bronx-New York (through Cornell Medical School).