Embarking on a weight loss journey is a significant decision, and Landmark Health, affiliated with Methodist Hospital Landmark, offers a comprehensive program designed to support individuals in achieving their health goals. Understanding the available services, options, and support systems is crucial for making informed choices and maximizing the chances of success. This article provides an in-depth look at the Landmark Health Weight Loss Program, encompassing both surgical and non-surgical approaches, as well as the supportive care that underpins the entire process.
Comprehensive Healthcare Services
Landmark Health provides a wide array of medical services beyond weight loss, focusing on comprehensive and personalized care. These include:
- Preventive Care: Regular check-ups and screenings to maintain overall health and detect potential issues early.
- Routine Check-ups: Monitoring vital signs, assessing health risks, and providing guidance on healthy living.
- Vaccinations: Protection against infectious diseases through recommended immunization schedules.
- Diagnostic Testing: Utilizing advanced technology for accurate and timely diagnosis of various conditions.
- Chronic Condition Management: Developing tailored strategies for managing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
Scheduling an appointment is designed to be convenient, with options to accommodate individual schedules. While appointments are recommended to ensure personalized care and minimize wait times, same-day walk-in appointments are available based on availability for urgent situations.
Insurance and Payment Options
Landmark Health accepts a variety of insurance plans, and their billing department is available to assist with specific coverage questions. Recognizing that not everyone has insurance, they are committed to providing quality healthcare to all individuals. Affordable options and personalized plans are available to ensure everyone receives the care they deserve.
For those seeking a convenient payment option, Landmark Health offers a direct pay program. For a monthly fee, patients receive comprehensive coverage for doctor visits, including annual and sick visits, medication prescribing, specialty referrals, and follow-up visits with their provider.
Read also: Recent Events at 25 Health Spa
Prescription Refills and Emergency Care
Prescription refills can be requested through the secure patient portal or by calling the office during business hours. Patients are encouraged to plan ahead to ensure timely refills and address any medication concerns with the healthcare team.
In case of a medical emergency, dialing 911 immediately is crucial. For urgent but non-life-threatening situations, the office can be contacted during business hours, and the answering service will provide guidance after hours.
Accessing Medical Records and Safety Measures
Medical records are easily accessible through the secure patient portal, allowing patients to view test results, appointment history, and communicate with the healthcare team. Landmark Health prioritizes patient safety by implementing strict hygiene and sanitation protocols, following infection control practices, and regularly sanitizing common areas.
Bariatric Surgery at Methodist Hospital Landmark
Methodist Hospital Landmark recognizes that bariatric surgery is a life-changing decision with the potential to improve health, increase mobility, and enhance overall quality of life. They offer a comprehensive range of bariatric surgery options to help patients achieve their weight-loss goals safely and effectively.
Determining Candidacy for Weight Loss Surgery
Individuals can start their journey by taking a free assessment to determine if they are a candidate for weight loss surgery. General requirements include a BMI of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or greater with an existing obesity-related medical condition such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, obstructive sleep apnea, or osteoarthritis. The age range of patients is generally 18-65, but each patient is evaluated individually.
Read also: Beauty, Health, and Wellness at Venus Health Spa
Bariatric Surgery Options
The bariatric surgeries offered include:
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: Removing a portion of the stomach to create a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach, reducing food intake.
- Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Creating a small stomach pouch and connecting it directly to the small intestine, bypassing a portion of the stomach and small intestine to limit calorie absorption.
- Duodenal Switch: Combining a stomach sleeve with a bypass of most of the small intestine, creating a smaller stomach pouch and reducing nutrient absorption. This procedure is widely considered the option for the greatest weight loss, with the average patient losing 85 percent of their excess weight.
- Revisional Bariatric Surgery: Addressing complications or inadequate weight loss from previous bariatric procedures.
- Gastric Banding: This procedure involves placing a band around the upper stomach to create smaller and larger sections, helping patients feel full sooner.
During the initial consultation, patients meet with a board-certified surgeon trained in the latest weight loss methods, including medications, surgical options, and necessary dietary and lifestyle modifications. The team works closely with patients to tailor recommendations to meet their individual needs.
Non-Surgical Weight Loss Options
Recognizing that surgery may not be the right option for everyone, Landmark Health offers a medically managed weight-loss program. This program includes regular visits with a doctor, a custom nutritional plan, and prescribed weight-loss medications, such as semaglutide and other recently available GLP-1 medications.
The Role of Semaglutide in Weight Loss
Semaglutide, initially used in lower doses to treat diabetes, has shown promise in promoting significant and sustainable weight loss at higher doses. Research suggests that semaglutide can help individuals lose 10-20% of their body weight, comparable to the results of bariatric surgery but without the risks of an operation.
However, insurance coverage for semaglutide for weight loss can be challenging, as some insurers may exclude it outright. Despite this obstacle, healthcare professionals recognize the potential of semaglutide as a valuable tool in addressing the widespread issue of overweight and obesity.
Read also: Risks associated with Pro Health Massage
Post-Surgery Expectations and Support
Following weight loss surgery, all patients follow a specialized eating plan to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. The staff carefully shares the diet progression, ensuring the plan is understood and followed correctly.
It's common to experience irregular bowel movements or dumping syndrome after the Roux-en-Y procedure. For the Duodenal Switch, follow-up is very important, as well as regular lab checks to ensure vitamin levels are adequate.
Lifelong Care and Support
Achieving lasting weight loss requires a robust support system and lifelong care. Landmark Health provides follow-up visits, monthly support groups, nutritional workshops, and cooking classes. These support groups, facilitated by a dietitian and a certified bariatric nurse, offer virtual and in-person options for emotional support and encouragement.
Additional Resources and Support
In addition to surgical and non-surgical treatments, Landmark Health provides educational resources and counseling to help patients make informed decisions about their care. Dedicated patient advocates offer guidance in obtaining necessary preoperative medical and psychosocial clearances before surgery.
Landmark Medical Center’s Nutrition Services department provides high-quality food and medical nutrition therapy. Registered dietitians are available for extensive nutrition intervention and education. All patients are screened for nutritional risk as part of their initial assessment, and an appropriate interdisciplinary plan of care is determined for those at nutritional risk.
The Importance of a Positive Environment
Landmark Health's weight loss center provides a supportive and uplifting environment, which is crucial for patients considering or undergoing weight loss treatments. A positive atmosphere can significantly impact the experience and overall success of the weight loss journey.
Addressing Obesity-Related Conditions
Bariatric surgery can greatly improve overall health for individuals who are overweight and have other conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, or gastrointestinal issues. Weight loss procedures may even cure some chronic conditions, like type ll diabetes. Landmark Health also provides a variety of surgical options for weight loss as well as reflux treatments for GERD and achalasia.
The Landmark Food Farmacy
The Landmark Food Farmacy provides diabetic education and enough food for a patient’s entire household to cook ten or more healthy meals per week, promoting healthy eating habits and supporting long-term weight management.