Embarking on a weight loss journey is a significant step towards a healthier you. At Inova and Nova Physician Wellness Center, the understanding is that every individual’s weight loss journey is unique. With so many options available, finding the right program that fits your needs and lifestyle is essential. Inova and Nova Physician Wellness Center strive to offer the most comprehensive services to support any weight loss journey.
Understanding Your Weight and Health
Rather than relying only on the bathroom scale, experts say you should also know your body mass index (BMI). BMI takes into account not just your weight, but also your height to indicate body fat. The goal for most people is a BMI that's over 18 and under 25. This tool is for adults. BMIs for children and teens use age, plus height and weight.
To find your BMI, locate your height on the left vertical axis. Then, follow the row across to your weight on the bottom horizontal axis. Understanding your BMI is crucial in determining the most appropriate weight loss strategy for you.
Inova's Comprehensive Weight Loss Services
At Inova, evidence-based obesity treatment guidelines are used to offer a comprehensive approach tailored to each individual. Inova's medical weight loss program is directed by a board-certified bariatrician. You have access to a world-class team of bariatric surgeons, bariatricians, dietitians, exercise physiologist, psychiatrists, psychologists, and nurses with special expertise in weight loss. The Inova Weight Loss Services team is dedicated to helping you achieve a lifetime of improved health. Experts will help you choose the most appropriate weight loss option for your personal situation.
Medical Weight Loss Program
For individuals with a BMI of 30-34.9, or 27-29.9 with comorbidities such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep apnea, medical weight loss is recommended.
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The Inova Medical Weight Loss Program offers excellent value for your money and gives you access to board-certified physicians and specially trained, master's-degree prepared dietitians, exercise specialists, nurse specialists and counselors.
To begin the program, you will receive information on required documentation, including a clearance from your primary care provider. Lab tests and an EKG are also required. If you do not have a primary care physician, assistance can be provided with finding one. Once your documentation is received and reviewed by the medical team, you will be contacted with the next steps.
If you are ready to begin your weight loss program, complete the registration process and start your journey. The program cost starts at $700 and includes all the education, tools, tips and motivation you need to begin losing weight and meet your weight loss goals. A full body composition analysis will be done to assess your current health and nutritional status. Participants also receive two private sessions with a dietitian, a personal fitness assessment with the exercise specialist, and educational materials which you will be given over the course of the program. Each class includes a 30-minute "Tools for Success" lecture by a weight loss expert. Medical supervision by our team of medical professionals is an important part of your program. The required physical, blood work and EKG will be performed by your own primary care physician and will be billed to your insurance. The Medical Weight Loss Program team will do everything it can to help you reach your goal. Weekly classes are encouraged to be a priority in your schedule. Most insurance providers including Medicare are accepted.
Meal Replacement Program
For individuals with a BMI of 25 or greater, a meal replacement program (6 and 12 week) is recommended.
Weight Loss Surgery (Bariatric Surgery)
Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is a medical procedure performed on individuals who are severely overweight or obese and have not been successful in losing weight through other methods such as diet, exercise, and medication. Weight loss surgery is considered a safe and effective treatment option for individuals with severe obesity or obesity-related health conditions who have not achieved significant weight loss with other methods. For those with a BMI greater than 40, or 35-39.9 with comorbidities, weight loss (bariatric) surgery and/or procedure is recommended.
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Weight loss outcomes can vary widely from person to person, and individual results may differ based on factors such as age, gender, starting weight, metabolic rate, dietary habits, physical activity level, and adherence to postoperative guidelines. Additionally, weight loss surgery is a tool to assist with weight loss, but long-term success requires a lifelong commitment to dietary and lifestyle changes.
Pre and Post-Operative Dietary Guidelines
Both before and after weight loss surgery, you will typically need to follow special dietary guidelines to prepare for surgery, facilitate recovery, and achieve optimal outcomes.
Recovery Timeline
The recovery period after weight loss surgery can vary depending on the type of procedure, individual factors, and any complications that may arise.
- Hospital Stay: Most patients spend 1 to 3 days in the hospital following weight loss surgery, although the length of stay may vary depending on the type of procedure and individual factors. During this time, you'll be monitored closely by medical staff and receive instructions on postoperative care.
- Immediate Postoperative Period: In the immediate postoperative period, you may experience some discomfort, pain, fatigue, and nausea as your body adjusts to the surgical changes. Pain medications, anti-nausea medications, and other supportive measures will be provided to help manage symptoms.
- Diet Progression: After surgery, you'll follow a gradual diet progression, starting with clear liquids and progressing to full liquids, pureed foods, soft foods, and eventually solid foods over several weeks or months. It's important to adhere to dietary guidelines and portion control recommendations to promote healing and weight loss.
- Activity Level: During the first few weeks after surgery, it's essential to prioritize rest and avoid strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting to allow your body to heal properly. Light walking and gentle movements are encouraged to prevent blood clots and promote circulation.
- Return to Work: The timing of returning to work or normal activities will depend on several factors, including the type of surgery, the nature of your job, and your rate of recovery. In general, most patients can expect to return to work within 2 to 4 weeks after surgery, although this may vary.
- Gradual Resumption of Activities: As you continue to recover and regain strength, you can gradually resume normal activities and exercise routines, following your healthcare provider's guidance and any specific recommendations provided during postoperative follow-up appointments.
- Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon and healthcare team are essential for monitoring your recovery progress, addressing any concerns or complications, and providing guidance on diet, activity, and long-term care.
It's important to listen to your body, follow your healthcare provider's instructions, and give yourself time to heal properly after weight loss surgery. It is highly likely that you will need to take vitamins or supplements after weight loss surgery. Weight loss surgery, particularly procedures like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, can affect nutrient absorption and may lead to deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals over time.
Potential Risks and Complications
Weight loss surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries certain risks and potential complications. While advances in surgical techniques and preoperative care have reduced the risks associated with weight loss surgery, it's important to be aware of the potential complications. Some of the potential risks of weight loss surgery include:
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- Bleeding
- Complications due to anesthesia and medications
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Separation of areas that are stitched or stapled together, known as dehiscence
- Infections
- Leaks from staple lines
- Marginal ulcers
- Pulmonary problems
- Spleen injury
- Narrowing of created surgical passage, known as stenosis
It's essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits of weight loss surgery with your healthcare provider and make an informed decision based on your individual health status, risk factors, and treatment goals. Insurance coverage for weight loss surgery varies depending on factors such as the type of insurance plan, specific policy provisions, medical necessity criteria, and individual patient circumstances. One or more co-morbid conditions often accompany excessive weight of 100 pounds or more and a high BMI. The good news is that weight loss surgery frequently improves or even gets rid of co-morbid conditions. Your surgeon is the expert in deciding whether an open surgery or a minimally invasive surgery is most appropriate for you. Some patients cannot undergo laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery because of the presence of dense scar tissue from prior surgery. Studies show that bariatric surgery can effectively improve and resolve many co-morbid conditions. Weight loss surgery alone does not guarantee patients long-term success. Keeping the weight off requires ongoing dietary, exercise and behavioral changes. For example, if you consume more food than your stomach pouch is supposed to hold, this can cause the pouch to stretch and can result in weight gain or even more serious medical consequences.
Nova Physician Wellness Center
At Nova Physician Wellness Center, the goal is to help you live a healthy lifestyle, achieve weight loss, and improve your health. Dr. Rohit Suri and Dr. Nova Physician Wellness Center provides a high standard of weight management and takes a holistic approach to your healthcare. Dr. Suri and Dr. Chaudhary are both experienced weight loss specialists and board-certified in obesity medicine. As preventive medicine experts and obesity physicians, Dr. Chaudhary and Dr. The focus isn’t just on your weight, but on your overall wellness. The Nova Physician Wellness Center staff emphasizes maintaining a healthy lifestyle in the future and utilizes medically proven safe and effective methods to help you achieve your weight loss goals and feel your best. The first step is a consultation with Dr. Suri and Dr. Chaudhary.
Comprehensive Team Approach
Nova Physician Wellness Center employs a multidisciplinary team approach, including obesity medicine physicians, nurse practitioners, registered dieticians, certified nutrition specialists, Advanced & Master Personal Trainers, Meditation & Yoga Instructors, Exercise Development Trainers, Strength & Conditioning Trainers, and Weight Management Trainers. This team of specialists creates highly effective, individualized treatment plans and incorporates medical, nutritional, and exercise therapies that are the most effective for any unique physique.
Commitment to Affordability and Innovation
For your convenience, compounded Semaglutide & Tirzepatide are offered in high-quality prefilled syringes. The center is committed to affordability and may offer insurance coverage options.
Locations
Nova Physician Wellness Center has multiple locations:
- Fairfax: 3903 Fair Ridge Dr., Suite 209 Fairfax, VA 22033
- Lansdowne: 19415 Deerfield Ave., Suite 202 Lansdowne, VA 20176
- Vienna: 8130 Boone Boulevard, Suite 110 Vienna, VA 22182
- Arlington: 4820 31st St. S. Arlington, VA 22206
- Charlottesville: 1235 Cedar Court Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Sterling: 21435 Epicerie Plaza, Suite 125 Sterling, VA 20164
- Woodbridge: 14089 Noblewood Plaza Woodbridge, VA 22193
- Rockville, MD
Patient Testimonials
Many patients have shared positive experiences:
- One verified patient said, "Nova Physician Wellness Center has been a great place for me. I have loss close to 40 pounds and I am very happy about that. Dr. Suri and staff are great."
- Linda S. said, "Dr. Suri is the sweetest, most caring doctor I have ever met. I will be forever grateful to him for pushing and helping the way he does."
- Charlene N. said, "Finally a diet program based on science, medicine and nutrition - and best of all it works. In two months I've lost almost 20 pounds."
- Barbara R. said, "I've worked with both Dr. Suri and Dr. Chaudhary. They've both been great and the program really works. All of the office staff are helpful and friendly as well."
- Joyce W. said, "Nova Wellness Center is very professional, compassionate, caring, and very much dedicated to the health of curing and fighting obesity."
- Finnie M. said, "Thanks so much Dr. Rohit and Melissa for giving me a whole new lease on life. I would highly recommend you to anyone and everyone."
- Latoyia W. said, "I have been going to Nova Physician since late August. It's been the best thing I could have done for my health. Love the doctors and the staff."
- Lynette S. said, "The day I walked into that office was a life changing day. If you are seriously ready to commit to losing weight give them a call. You will not regret it!"
- Another verified Patient said, "I have had an outstanding experience and wish all health care providers take care of their patients with same care, diligence and expertise as Dr. Chaudhary."
Lifestyle Modifications
Losing weight and maintaining your healthy weight is a life-long venture. Proper nutrition, exercise and other lifestyle modifications are essential to a successful and long-lasting outcome. Our educational component, provided by highly experienced and trained weight loss professionals, provides you with expert advice on essential weight-loss strategies.