Frequently Asked Questions
General Inquiries
Do I need to schedule an appointment for my first visit?
Yes. Your initial consultation with our Nurse Practitioner is scheduled for 60 minutes.
During this comprehensive visit, we will thoroughly review your:
Medical and weight history
Current medication regimen, including supplements
Social and family history
Specific health and weight loss goals
It’s important to fill out the intake forms provided at the time of booking. Completing these forms beforehand allows your practitioner to review your information in advance so your visit can be used efficiently, ensuring there is ample time to discuss your plan.
During this visit, we will also order blood work or radiologic imaging if indicated by your individual needs and goals.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can schedule your appointment by clicking the “schedule a consultation” link, or you could fill out a request form under contact page; a team member will get back to you within 24-48 hrs by email or phone to help with scheduling.
Do I need to schedule an appointment for my follow-up visits?
Yes. Follow up visits are essential during your journey as you will be able to get support every step of the way to ensure you are staying on track with your goals, you are tolerating your weight loss plan, and most importantly to troubleshoot any problems that may arise during this program.
During your follow up visits, we will focus mainly on lifestyle and behavioral counseling as these are very important factors in your weight loss journey.
How often do I need follow up visits?
At the beginning of the program, you will need at least one follow-up visit per month. The frequency of subsequent visits will depend on your individual needs, progress, and current stage in the program.
How long is this program for?
This program does not have a specific timeframe, as each plan is personalized based on individual needs. You won’t have to stay in this program forever; our goal is to provide you with the knowledge you need to sustain your optimal weight for the rest of your life.
Think of it like training wheels when a child is learning to ride a bike. The goal is to learn to ride comfortably until the training wheels can be removed, not to stop riding altogether. We are your "training wheels" on this new journey toward optimal health and effective weight management.
This program does not focus on how much weight you lose in a specific time frame. Rather, the person you become in the process—and the sustainable habits you build—is what will make all the difference from previous diets you may have tried. The new you will make a difference for the rest of your life.
Nutritional Inquiries
What is Time-Restricted Eating and Intermittent Fasting?
Time-restricted eating (TRE) is a dietary approach where you restrict your daily food intake to a specific window of time, typically 6-12 hours, while fasting for the rest of the day.
Intermittent fasting (IF) is similar to TRE, but the fasting period typically lasts longer—from a full 24 hours to over 72 hours for an extended fast.
Do I get to eat anything I want during my eating window?
While TRE and IF don't restrict specific types of foods, the focus is always on nourishing your body. It's important to prioritize foods that support your health and limit those that cause trouble.
The good news is that as you practice TRE and IF, your body often begins to self-regulate. Many people find that:
Hormonal balance is restored, which helps them naturally choose nutritious foods over unhealthy cravings.
Hunger and satiety hormones regulate, making it easier to differentiate between true physical hunger and psychological cravings.
You become more attuned to feeding your body based on its actual physical needs.
Are there any contraindications to TRE/IF?
Yes. Some contraindications include pregnancy, breastfeeding, eating disorders, and certain illnesses and medications. This is why it’s important to practice TRE or IF with health professionals to ensure safety and efficacy.
Will I need to count calories during this program?
No. Research has shown that calorie counting can overwhelm and frustrate most patients, making it unsustainable. Furthermore, calorie counts for certain foods, especially ethnic dishes, are often inaccurate.
Our program focuses on teaching you about the macronutrients contained in foods, how they are metabolized in your body, and how they impact your health, either positively or negatively.
What are the benefits of TRE/IF?
There are many benefits to this eating pattern. Here are a few:
Weight loss
Improved blood sugar control
Improved heart health
Reversal of fatty liver
Reduced inflammation
Improved PCOS symptoms
Improved sexual function
Hormonal regulation
Improved cognitive function
Protection against neurodegenerative diseases
Improved sleep
Improved digestion and gut microbiome
Many emotional and psychological benefits
Medication Inquiries
How do I know if I’m a candidate for weight loss medications?
This will be determined based on your medical history, your health, and your weight goals. All of these will be covered during your initial consultation with our Nurse Practitioner.
Are these medications safe?
These medications are FDA-approved and generally considered safe when prescribed appropriately. However, like any medication, there are potential contraindications and side effects. This again underlines the importance of working with specialized healthcare professionals who can guide you and monitor you effectively while you are taking these medications.
How long will I have to take them?
The duration of treatment depends on individual needs, and success rates also vary by individual. Unfortunately, there isn't a way to predict who will do well on the medications versus who will not, other than by trying them under guidance. Again, medical supervision is crucial with any medication.
How do I deal with the stigma of taking weight loss medications?
This is a very important topic for us to discuss with our patients. There are many myths about weight loss medications that create the stigma of "taking the easy way out." However, in our experience and based on scientific research, there is no easy way to lose weight—even with surgery, medications, or any other tricks out there. Weight loss is a complex process that requires effort and consistency, regardless of the method used to achieve it.
Will I need to be on a diet while taking these medications?
While it’s not considered a "restricted diet," you will need to eat a balanced and nourishing diet that aligns with your health goals. Following a poor diet can cause more side effects and makes achieving your goals nearly unattainable and certainly not sustainable.
Payment Inquiries
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
We do not accept cash or checks.
Do you accept insurance?
No, we do not accept insurance for our consultation and follow-up visits; these are paid out-of-pocket only. However, other services such as labs, radiology, and medications may be covered by your insurance depending on your benefits. We can provide you with an invoice for every service that you can submit as a “superbill” to your insurance carrier for potential reimbursement, but we will not bill your insurance directly.
Why do we not accept insurance?
Many insurance companies dictate the length and nature of patient services based on guidelines that are often focused on monetary benefits rather than a patient's well-being. A direct-pay model gives us the ability to customize treatment plans based on your needs, which results in more personalized care for you.
This approach allows for:
Longer, more thorough sessions.
Greater flexibility in scheduling.
Comprehensive discussions about your treatment options.
A focus on helping you achieve and maintain your goals.
What is your pricing?
Initial Visits (first 2 visits): 45–60 minutes — $150/visit
Follow-up Visits: 30–45 minutes — $100/visit
