UVA Health is deeply committed to supporting the health and well-being of its employees while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the UVA Health Plan. Recognizing the challenges individuals face with weight management, UVA Health provides a comprehensive and personalized approach to help patients achieve and maintain a healthy weight. With a multidisciplinary team of experts and a range of treatment options, UVA Health offers support and guidance every step of the way.
A Personalized Approach to Weight Management
CVS, in partnership with Aetna, has launched the CVS Health Weight Management Program. This program offers a personalized and supportive approach to weight management. It provides guidance and care needed to succeed, especially during the more challenging moments of the journey. Whether you're currently using GLP-1 medications or considering them, this new program ensures you receive the guidance and care needed to succeed-especially during the more challenging moments of the journey.
Changes to the UVA Health Plan Formulary
The Aetna formulary list is reviewed and updated quarterly. To better manage rising prescription drug costs and maintain the fiscal health of our plan, the UVA Health Plan moved from the Standard Formulary to the Advanced Control Formulary. Impacted employees and team members received a letter from CVS on May 1 and a reminder letter on June 1.
Zepbound, a popular weight loss medication, is no longer covered under the UVA Health Plan. While existing prior authorizations are still honored, they must now be applied to a new, covered weight loss medication-Zepbound is no longer eligible. Wegovy is the recommended alternative, and a new prescription is required. There is formulary exception criteria for Zepbound requests to allow for medical necessity review on an individual case-by-case basis. These changes reflect UVA's ongoing dedication to providing meaningful health benefits while being responsible stewards of our shared resources.
Understanding the Challenges of Obesity
Many individuals have tried various diets and exercise plans, often multiple times, with limited success. Weight may be lost initially, but it frequently returns. Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or sleep apnea can be exacerbated by obesity, and many seek to lose weight to prevent these complications. The frustration of feeling like one's body is working against them is a common experience.
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UVA Health understands the difficulties associated with obesity. Bariatric surgery (or weight-loss surgery) can be a helpful tool to help you lose weight and keep it off long-term - even when nothing else has worked. It's important to remember that bariatric surgery involves significant lifestyle changes, both physically and mentally. In addition to surgical expertise, we’re here for you with all the education and wrap-around support you need - before surgery and for the rest of your life.
Comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Program
UVA Health has been a leader in weight-loss surgery for more than 2 decades. The program offers extensive support that begins months before the surgery itself, recognizing that bariatric surgery is most effective when combined with other tools like nutrition and physical activity. To give you all the tools you need, it’s important we understand your personal struggle with obesity. At your first appointment, we’ll talk about your medical history and what has and hasn’t worked in the past.
Angela's New Lease on Life: Angela Taylor's struggles with weight management were compounded by tragic loss. Her consultation with bariatric surgeon Peter Hallowell opened a new chapter of her journey. At UVA Health, we’ll help you achieve long-term weight-loss. Our expertise and support starts months before surgery.
Medications for Obesity
In addition to bariatric surgery, medications play an important role in treating obesity. Our obesity medicine specialists explain the role of medications in obesity medicine. After your surgery, we’ll continue to make sure you have all the support and tools you need to treat your obesity for the rest of your life.
Comprehensive Support Services
UVA Health provides a range of support services to ensure patients have the tools and resources they need for long-term success:
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- Nutrition Support: With coaching, classes, and education, we help you set healthy eating priorities. You'll learn how to create and follow a realistic plan. Check in with our nutrition specialists, who can help you with: Nutrition coaching and classes, Recipes and guides for special diets
- Exercise Guidance: At UVA Health, we have experts who can help you build a safe and effective exercise plan. We can help you meet your weight-loss and fitness goals.
- Emotional Support: Bariatric surgery is life-changing. It involves a lot of change, which can be stressful and bring up different emotions. We offer mental health services at UVA Health. We can also connect you with mental health providers in the community who are knowledgeable about obesity and treatment. We’ll make sure you have all the resources needed to help you cope before and after surgery.
Inova Weight Loss Services
The Inova Weight Loss Services team is dedicated to helping you achieve a lifetime of improved health. Our experts will help you choose the most appropriate weight loss option for your personal situation. 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.
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.
The Growing Problem of Obesity
According to a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 39 percent of American men and women over age 40 are now classified as obese. That’s almost a six percent increase compared to 2007. The impact of these excess pounds: more heart disease, diabetes and other serious health problems. "The New York Times reported recently on research that links over 7 percent of cancers to excess bodyweight as well,” says UVA surgeon Peter Hallowell, MD.
Overcoming Barriers to Weight Loss Discussions
Unfortunately, weight loss is a sensitive subject. are hesitant to discuss their weight with their doctors. the topic for fear of offending their patients. surgery or through other means. loss surgery actually pursue it. why. talking points and referral suggestions below.
Determining Eligibility for Weight Loss Surgery
If a patient has a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or above and a major medical condition, such as diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea or uncontrolled hypertension, they may be eligible and should be referred for a weight loss surgery consultation. If a patient has a BMI of 40 or above, then no other medical condition is necessary to qualify. The minimum age for weight loss surgery is 18; the maximum age varies depending on the health status of the patient, but generally, the age cutoff is 65. The most successful candidates are those who are committed to making a change in lifestyle and truly want to get healthy. Patients who are ineligible include those who are over 500 pounds, non-ambulatory or who have serious comorbidities, including some cancers. “Referring providers should reach out to us if they’re uncertain about a particular patient’s eligibility,” says Hallowell.
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Insurance Coverage and Approval Process
Most major insurance companies will cover common weight loss surgeries such as gastric bypass, but it’s best to advise the patient to speak to their insurance provider to determine their approval process. The timeframe varies from one carrier to the next, but can take anywhere between a few months to one year for a patient to get final approval. “A referral for weight loss surgery is not like any other procedure,” says Hallowell. “There are a lot of barriers to getting the patients approved for this service, but we’re trying to break down the barriers as best we can.”Many insurance companies still require patients to attempt a supervised diet and a psychological evaluation prior to approving the procedure. “We now have a nurse practitioner who can help guide patients through the dieting phase,” says Hallowell. “This has been a barrier in the past because often patients had nowhere to turn for this support.
Minimally Invasive Techniques and Improved Outcomes
UVA Health utilizes minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery in a majority of cases. risks are fewer and the outcomes are better with laparoscopic surgery. removal. lose more weight than they’ve lost with previous nonsurgical approaches. to three-fourths of excess pounds by year two. diabetes, sleep apnea, joint pain and more. make broaching the subject a challenge. just isn’t trying hard enough. But several studies have proven that’s false. are alternatives. Ready to refer?
UVA Health's Experienced Team
Rest assured that patients are in good hands when they choose UVA for their weight loss needs. The metabolic and bariatric team is one of the most experienced in the state. They offer the full range of treatments available to help overcome weight problems, from surgical options like gastric bypass and the more common sleeve gastrectomy to non-surgical interventions, such as the gastric balloon and medical therapy. Each patient will have an individual consultation to evaluate their individual medical problems and weight loss goals. The weight loss program offered at UVA Health Weight Loss Warrenton is based on proven, evidence-based, medical principles that ensure the best results in a safe and supportive environment. Our medically supervised program integrates the basic pillars of weight loss and weight maintenance under one roof. The plan starts with a comprehensive interview, exam, laboratory assessment, body composition analysis, EKG, and review of health assessments that help guide your individualized weight management plan. We then provide you with a nutritional blueprint to help build your daily meal plans. We will provide you with an activity guide based on your specific needs and abilities. You will be taught how to identify behavioral cues that drive food intake and how to manage them to ensure consistency with your weight loss goals.
Surgical and Non-Surgical Weight Loss Procedures
Find Related Providers. Weight-loss procedures reduce the amount of food your body can take in. These procedures use different methods to reduce your food and calorie intake. You'll meet with our bariatric surgery experts to figure out the best procedure for you. Along with your primary care provider, they'll look at your lifestyle, eating habits, and mental and physical condition. These factors will determine what procedure would work best for you.
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass, also called Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, involves forming a small pouch from your stomach and connecting that pouch directly to the small intestine. After the procedure, swallowed food goes into this small stomach pouch. The food then goes directly into your small intestine, going around or bypassing the rest of your stomach. Gastric bypass: Is a surgical procedure Requires a hospital stay.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy, also called a vertical sleeve gastrectomy, only requires small cuts in your upper abdomen. During the procedure, surgeons reduce the size of your stomach by forming it into a tube about the size and shape of a banana. This restricts the amount of food you can eat. Sleeve gastrectomy: Is a surgical procedure Requires a hospital stay Causes hormonal changes Helps relieve conditions caused by being overweight.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty reduces the size of your stomach without cutting through your skin. Using an endoscope, a suturing device is threaded into your mouth and down to your stomach. There, sutures placed in the lining of your stomach change the stomach's shape.
Recognition and Accreditations
“I want to share my congratulations to this amazing team. I have the privilege of speaking with many patients in the community, and they frequently mention our weight-loss team as their trusted care providers, walking with them through their entire journey,” said Wendy Horton, PharmD, MBA, chief executive officer of UVA Health University Medical Center.
Newsweek partnered with data gathering firm Statista to name America’s Best Weight Loss Clinics & Centers 2025, “recognizing 200 facilities across the country that have helped people achieve healthy, sustainable weight loss,” according to the news publication.
“I am honored to work alongside a team of colleagues dedicated to finding the best approach for each of our patients to help them live healthier lives,” said Peter Hallowell, MD, director of UVA Health’s bariatric surgery program. UVA Health’s comprehensive program includes access to weight-loss medications, comprehensive weight-loss surgery options, nutrition support, exercise plans and mental health support. “Our comprehensive team of experts is committed to working closely with our patients to find sustainable solutions that will improve their quality of life and their health,” said Catherine Varney, DO, UVA Health’s director of obesity medicine.
The UVA Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Clinic was established in 1986 by Dr. Bruce Schirmer, and since we have cared for over 4,000 metabolic and bariatric patients. UVA is at the forefront in establishing accredited centers for performance of bariatric surgery. The UVA Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Clinic is accredited by American College of Surgeons and is recognized by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) as a Quality Program Center of Excellence. Additionally, it is a Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction Center and we have received a Patient Experience Achievement award.
Practical Information for Patients
Patient parking is available in front of the West Complex building. Free with validation, using your parking ticket when you register at your appointment. Additionally, use the Lee Street and 11th Street parking garages. Patient Information Drop-off locations: Patients can be dropped off in front of the West Complex off Jefferson Park Avenue
Weight Loss Procedures Offered at UVA
UVA's bariatric program offers weight loss procedures that include: Gastric bypass Gastric sleeve SADI (single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass) ESP (endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty) These techniques reduce the size of the stomach to allow the loss of life-threatening weight. We no longer offer lap band or gastric balloon surgeries. Your provider will discuss the different options available to find the best one for you. Learn more about our digestive health services, including weight-loss surgery.
Regional Referral Center
The UVA Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Clinic is a regional referral center for some of the most complex and difficult patients. All patients who are interested in Metabolic and Bariatric surgery must attend a free educational seminar. This seminar is also now available online. Find Related Providers.
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