Obesity and related cardiometabolic conditions like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, pre-diabetes, and metabolic syndrome pose significant health challenges. The Pivot Weight Loss Program offers a multifaceted approach to address these issues, combining lifestyle interventions, medical treatments, and personalized support to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Understanding the Pivot Weight Loss Program
The Pivot Weight Loss Program is designed to help individuals improve their weight and reduce their risk for chronic diseases. It leverages a combination of behavioral interventions, potential medical treatments, and continuous support to foster sustainable lifestyle changes.
The PIVOT Trial: A Multisite Clinical Study
A multisite clinical trial is underway to evaluate healthy lifestyle programs for adults aged 50-74 years. The study, involving 1029 participants, aims to determine whether a self-directed video-based lifestyle program can be enhanced with coaching via videoconference or phone. This study seeks to demonstrate how a digital lifestyle program, with or without remote coaching, can be seamlessly delivered to patients at home via the patient portal of their electronic health record. This practical use of existing telehealth tools could be a feasible and effective means to offer behavioral treatments during routine medical care.
The trial employs a 2-stage sequential randomization design to test the adaptive and nonadaptive augmentation of a validated Group Lifestyle Balance (GLB) video program (base intervention) using problem solving treatment (PST), a proven behavior therapy. The GLB video program will be delivered via the patient portal of the electronic health record system. English-speaking adults (N=1029), 50-74 years of age with a body mass index ≥27 and ≥1 cardiometabolic conditions, will be randomized at baseline to base intervention or waitlist control. Participants initially randomized to the waitlist control will be re-randomized after a 12-week control period to receive the base (Group A) or the augmented intervention (Group B), without tailoring based on early weight loss.
The study is structured into five patient groups to assess different intervention strategies:
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- Group A: Waitlist-Base Intervention: Participants in this group start in a waitlist control condition and then transition to receive the base intervention at Week 12, including 12 GLB video sessions from Week 13-24 and digital messages from Week 25-52.
- Group B: Waitlist-Augmented Intervention: Participants begin in a waitlist control condition and then transition to the augmented intervention at Week 12. This includes 12 GLB video sessions plus one-on-one PST from Week 13-24 and digital messages plus group-based PST from Week 25-52. Trained coaches deliver PST via videoconference or phone.
- Group C: Base Intervention (Responders): Participants initially randomized to the base intervention who achieve 3% weight loss or more by Week 6 after completing the first 6 GLB videos continue the base intervention without re-randomization. They complete the next 6 GLB videos from Week 7-12 and receive digital messages from Week 13-52.
- Group D: Base Intervention (Non-responders): Participants initially randomized to the base intervention who do not achieve 3% weight loss by Week 6 after completing the first 6 GLB videos are re-randomized to continue the base intervention. They complete the next 6 GLB videos from Week 7-12 and receive digital messages from Week 13-52.
- Group E: Augmented Intervention (Non-responders): Participants initially randomized to the base intervention who do not achieve 3% weight loss by Week 6 after completing the first 6 GLB videos are re-randomized to receive the augmented intervention. They complete the next 6 GLB videos from Week 7-12 and receive digital messages from Week 13-52.
Core Components of the Pivot Nutrition Program
The Pivot Weight Loss Program incorporates several key components to ensure a holistic and effective approach to weight management.
Personalized Nutrition Coaching
Pivot Nutrition offers tailored solutions to meet individual needs. Registered dietitians and certified sports dietitians provide personalized support, especially for women, moms, and former college athletes. The focus is on simplifying nutrition, making it easy, fun, and realistic.
- Tailored Solutions: Addressing unique needs related to weight loss, menopause, Hashimoto's, and diabetes.
- Personalized Support: Access to experts in various health areas.
- Private App Access: Ability to message coaches anytime.
- Weekly Virtual Sessions: One-on-one coaching sessions with experienced professionals.
Lifestyle and Behavioral Interventions
The program emphasizes sustainable lifestyle changes, promoting healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and overall well-being.
- Group Lifestyle Balance (GLB) Program: A video-based program delivered via the patient portal of the electronic health record system.
- Problem Solving Treatment (PST): A behavior therapy used to augment the GLB program, delivered by trained coaches via videoconference or phone.
- Ditching restrictive diets for a lifestyle that lasts. Health. Confidence. Food Freedom.
Bariatric Surgical Options at Pivot Weight Loss Center
For individuals who have struggled with weight loss through non-surgical methods, Pivot Weight Loss Center offers several bariatric surgical options. These procedures, combined with a comprehensive treatment plan, can be a practical option to combat severe obesity and maintain long-term weight loss.
- Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y): Restricts food intake and alters the route of the GI tract.
- Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy): Removes a large portion of the stomach, leaving a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach.
- SADI-S (Single Anastomosis Duodenal-Ileal Bypass): A more complex procedure that combines elements of gastric sleeve and gastric bypass.
- Bariatric Revision Surgery: For patients who have had previous bariatric procedures.
Medical Weight Management
Pivot offers medical weight management options, including innovative medications like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, to enhance weight loss and glycemic control.
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- Semaglutide: A GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the hormone GLP-1, regulating appetite and food intake.
- Tirzepatide: Targets both GLP-1 and GIP hormones, providing enhanced weight loss and glycemic control.
Gastric Bypass: A Closer Look
Gastric bypass surgery is a surgical weight loss option that restricts food intake and alters the route of the GI tract. The gastric bypass procedure the gold-standard and most researched bariatric procedure. Gastric bypass patients usually lose 75-80% of their excess body weight within two years of the procedure.
Benefits of Gastric Bypass
- Rapid Weight Loss: Patients typically lose 75-80% of their excess body weight within two years.
- Improvement or Resolution of Obesity-Related Health Conditions: Many individuals with obesity also suffer from various health conditions such as gastric reflux, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and joint pain. Gastric bypass surgery has been shown to improve or even resolve these conditions and may reduce the need for medications.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Improved mobility, increased energy levels, and better ability to engage in physical activities.
- Long-Term Sustainability: Encourages healthier eating habits and alters the digestive process, reducing hunger and promoting a feeling of fullness.
- Potential Metabolic Benefits: Improves insulin sensitivity and glucose control, leading to better management of type 2 diabetes.
- Positive Impact on Longevity: Studies suggest that gastric bypass surgery may increase life expectancy for individuals with severe obesity.
Gastric Bypass Procedure
The gastric bypass begins with the separation of a large portion of the stomach in order to create a smaller gastric pouch that limits eating. The new small pouch is connected to the middle of the small intestine to bypass a portion of it during digestion. Gastric bypass patients eat less, feel full, and only partially absorb the calories they consume.
Am I a Good Candidate for Gastric Bypass?
To qualify for gastric bypass, individuals must have a BMI of at least 40, or have over 100 pounds of excess weight. Someone may also qualify with a BMI of 35-40 and also suffer from obesity-related health conditions. Candidates should have made previous attempts to lose weight through non-surgical methods, such as diet and exercise, but have been unsuccessful in achieving significant and sustainable weight loss.
Gastric Bypass vs. Gastric Sleeve
Gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery are both common bariatric procedures aimed at helping individuals achieve significant weight loss.
- Gastric Bypass: Involves creating a small pouch from the stomach and rerouting a portion of the small intestine to connect to the new pouch. This bypasses a section of the small intestine, altering the route of digestion.
- Gastric Sleeve: Involves removing a large portion of the stomach, leaving a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach.
Gastric bypass promotes weight loss through restriction and malabsorption. The smaller stomach restricts the amount of food that can be eaten, while the rerouting of the small intestine reduces the absorption of nutrients and calories. Hormone changes also occur, reducing hunger. Gastric bypass may result in greater weight loss compared to sleeve gastrectomy. It has also shown to be highly effective in improving or resolving obesity-related health conditions, including gastric reflux, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
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Steps to Surgery
The primary goal is to improve your overall health and well-being through a collaborative approach.
After Gastric Bypass Surgery
The most dramatic weight loss occurs during the first six to eight months after undergoing gastric bypass. Recovery after gastric bypass usually involves an overnight stay in the hospital. Patients usually return to work within 1-3 weeks after the procedure. Because the gastric bypass shortens the digestive tract and reduces the body’s ability to absorb calories, it is important that patients follow all post-operative recommendations for nutrition and vitamin supplementation.
Risks and Complications of Gastric Bypass
According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), gastric bypass is considered a safe procedure with a low risk of major complications. The risk of experiencing a significant complication is approximately 1%, which is lower compared to the risk of developing severe health problems associated with obesity.
Some potential risks include:
- Surgical Risks
- Leak
- Stricture
- Dumping Syndrome
- Nutritional Deficiencies
- Gallstones
- Long-Term Lifestyle Changes
- Internal Hernia
Common Questions About Gastric Bypass
- Can gastric bypass procedure be reversed if needed? Yes, the gastric bypass can be reversed if needed.
- Will I need to take supplements after gastric bypass procedure? Yes, because the surgery restricts food intake and how much is absorbed, vitamins will be required after surgery to prevent nutritional deficiency. It is important to follow your dietitian’s recommendations for vitamin needs after surgery.
- What is the success rate of the gastric bypass procedure? Long-term overall success rate for bariatric surgery is about 85%.
- How soon can I resume my regular activities after surgery? You are able to start walking immediately after surgery, and most patients go back to work within 1-2 weeks.
- Will I have to follow a specific exercise routine after surgery? Regular activity is recommended after surgery.
- How long do the effects of surgery last? Bariatric surgery is intended to provide life-long results, however return of old habits can result in weight regain.
- Is there any chance of weight regain after surgery? While weight regain is challenging after surgery, non-adherence to recommended lifestyle changes could result in limited results.
- How much weight can be expected to lose after surgery? On average, people can expect to lose at least 75-80% of their excess body weight within the first year after surgery.
- What kind of pre-operative tests are required before the procedure? Pre-operative testing varies for each patient.
Weight Management at Pivot: A Holistic Approach
At Pivot, weight management is viewed as more than just achieving a certain number on the scale; it's about enhancing overall well-being, including mental health. The program combines medical treatments with compassionate care to help individuals achieve their goals.
Weekly Appointments and Affordable Pricing
Pivot’s weight management program includes weekly appointments to ensure continuous support and guidance. The program starts at a reasonable price of $125 for the initial appointment, followed by weekly sessions starting at just $60, depending on the medication prescribed.
Why Choose Pivot for Weight Management?
Pivot is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their weight loss goals by supporting both physical and mental health. With personalized care, advanced medical treatments, and a compassionate team, Pivot guides individuals every step of the way.
Meet Kenna Timmons: Your Certified Health Coach
Kenna Timmons, a certified health coach at Pivot, offers personalized coaching, providing the tools, motivation, and strategies needed to make lasting lifestyle changes.
Pivot Weight Loss Center Locations
Pivot Weight Loss Center has multiple locations in Arizona:
- 4860 E. Baseline Rd., #105, Mesa, AZ 85206
- 9305 W Thomas Rd #480, Phoenix, AZ 85037
- 1855 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282
- 5 Soldiers Pass Road, Suite #2B, Sedona, AZ 86336
- 6700 E. Speedway Blvd., Ste.#5006, Tucson, AZ 85710
- 15331 W. Bell Rd., Ste.#212, Surprise, AZ 85374
- 21820 S. Ellsworth Rd. Ste.#104, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
Virtual consultations are also available.
Hours of Operation
- Monday - Friday: 8.00 am - 5.00 pm
- Saturday: 8.00 am - 12.00 pm