What to Expect
There are two distinct stages of treatment—active weight loss and weight maintenance, although most people move between the two along the way. You will receive a personalized comprehensive plan designed to induce weight reduction and lay the groundwork for successful weight maintenance.
Your First Month
In the first month we will meet weekly. Frequent visits during this phase help you to implement my recommendations and develop the healthy habits that will sustain you in the months and years to come.
During the first month you will receive:
- A complete medical, nutritional, and lifestyle analysis
- A comprehensive laboratory evaluation and physical examination
- A customized weight loss plan
- Written materials that assist you in implementing your plan
Weight Loss Phase
Research indicates that regular visits are essential to success. Our appointments will be at regular intervals, typically every two weeks, to ensure that you have the information and support that you need. I will monitor your progress and guide you through the process of making sustainable change.
Because there is no one-size fits all approach to weight management, I will continue to personalize your treatment and make any needed adjustments.
We will celebrate your victories and explore strategies to help you manage the challenges. You will gain the skills and insights to make your weight loss and health gains permanent and prevent relapse.
Just as research shows that we need support to lose weight, it also shows that we need support to maintain weight loss.
Maintenance
Weight loss maintenance is often the most challenging phase of the weight management process. Having the support of an expert who knows and understands you is vital during this phase.
Those who are able to maintain their weight loss do so with less frequent, but regular visits. You will be encouraged to return at any time that you are beginning to regain weight or lapse in your healthy behaviors. During such periods, visit frequency will increase until your weight has stabilized and you have re-established your healthy habits. My door is always open.
Benefits of regular visits:
- Weight loss
- Long-term success
- Treatment plans can be modified if needed
- Sustained improvement in metabolic function and medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
- Development & maintenance of habits that support you & your health
- Increased awareness of behavior patterns that affect your health & lifestyle
I charge an affordable monthly fee, with the first month having a higher cost due to weekly visits. Labs and medications are not included in the monthly fee, but may be covered by your health insurance. All costs will be thoroughly explained at your free initial consultation visit.
Insurance Coverage
My office does not process insurance claims. Unfortunately, most insurance companies don’t cover medical weight loss services or obesity treatment. Please contact your insurance company to determine if you have coverage and, if so, the specifics of your coverage. Many have found that their Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) have covered their medical weight loss services. At your request, I am happy to provide you with the required documentation that you can submit to your insurance company or FSA administrator. It is your responsibility to contact your insurance and/or FSA company for information about coverage and reimbursement.
Start your journey with Sandra Christensen today
“I’ve struggled with weight problems most of my life. When I was younger it was easy to take off pounds and with my lifestyle it was pretty easy to put them back on and then some. Then I met Sandra and during my initial consultation I was finding renewed hope that I didn’t have to live like this anymore and that I could take my life back…. Her guidance, support, understanding of ME, and non-judgmental approach, has helped me face the many challenges of losing weight and keeping it off.
Discover the 5 Keys to Successful Weight Management in my free e-book