Embarking on a weight loss journey can be a transformative experience, leading to improved health, increased energy, and a better quality of life. In Honolulu, Hawaii, individuals seeking medical assistance for weight loss have several options to consider. This article explores various weight loss clinics and programs in Honolulu, providing insights based on reviews and program details.
Comprehensive Weight Management Programs
Queen’s Comprehensive Weight Management Program
Established in 2004, The Queen’s Comprehensive Weight Management Program stands out as a robust and strategic option in Hawaii. This program offers both surgical and non-surgical weight loss solutions, ensuring continuity of care. Their team guides patients toward safe and sustainable long-term weight loss and management.
The program boasts a team of specialists, including:
- Gregory R. Gatchell, DO: Staff Physician specializing in Comprehensive Weight Management and Family Medicine.
- Reid I. Sakamoto, MD: General Surgeon with expertise in Minimally Invasive Surgery, Bariatric Surgery, and Foregut Surgery.
- Dean J. Mikami, MD: General Surgeon specializing in Minimally Invasive Surgery and Bariatric Surgery.
- Riley Katsuki Kitamura, MD FACS: General Surgeon specializing in Minimally Invasive Surgery, Bariatric Surgery, and Colorectal Surgery.
Queen’s Weight Loss Services include minimally invasive surgical procedures and medically supervised non-surgical programs. They also provide ongoing weight loss support to help patients maintain their results.
Pali Momi 360º Weight Management Center
The Pali Momi 360º Weight Management Center focuses on a holistic approach summarized as CHANGE: Comprehensive Health Assessment, Nutrition, Guidance, and Exercise. This program aims to empower patients with the tools and support needed for positive results. Pali Momi's Bariatric Surgery Program is accredited as a Center of Excellence by the Surgical Review Corporation and offers lifetime care for each patient.
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The program offers metabolic and bariatric surgery options focused on lifestyle transformation. Mark Grief, MD, serves as the Program Medical Director, with Maria Ver, MD, as the newest member of the bariatric surgery team.
Medical Weight Loss Clinics
Hawaii Wellness MD | Jeffrey Maehara MD
Hawaii Wellness MD, led by Dr. Jeffrey Maehara, receives high praise for its personalized approach to weight loss. With a 5-star rating based on 36 reviews, Dr. Maehara is commended for his expertise and guidance. Patients report significant weight loss and improved health under his care.
One patient shared: "Dr Jeff is incredible! He really helped me in my journey with weight loss. When you’re near 50 and everything seems to not work, his guidance truly helped! Was at an overweight BMI to now a healthy BMI in only 4 months! There was no struggling, no change in my daily activities, losing the 40 lbs I gained over the last 15 years in a few short months motivates me to keep the weight off and have a healthier lifestyle. Thank you Dr Jeff for this life changing experience!"
Another patient highlighted the rapid results: "Dr. Maehara is amazing and has helped me with my weight loss goals!! 4 months 30 lbs! 10 more lbs to go! I couldn’t have done it without his expertise and guidance. Goodbye pandemic weight!! Never going backward only forward!!! Thank you Dr. Maehara and wonderful staff! Mahalo!!"
Additional Services: Besides weight loss, Dr. Maehara also offers eye care and cosmetic procedures like Botox.
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HEC Wellness
HEC Wellness, with Dr. Aaries Oda at the helm, is another popular choice for weight loss and overall wellness. Patients consistently praise the kindness and attentiveness of Dr. Oda and his staff. The clinic offers various solutions, including "skinny shots," to help individuals achieve their wellness goals.
One patient noted: "Dr Oda and his staff are amazing. Very kind, you can tell that they care. In 4 months I lost 34lbs on the skinny shots. They were also willing to inject me each week since I was too scared to do it myself. 10/10 would recommend."
The clinic also provides treatments for other health issues, such as arthritis and pain management.
Athena Clinic Plastic Surgery - Dr. Robert Peterson
Athena Clinic Plastic Surgery, led by Dr. Robert Peterson, offers medical weight loss programs tailored to individual needs. The clinic provides compounded GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, as well as body contouring treatments to address excess skin after weight loss.
Key points about Athena Clinic's approach:
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- Personalized Treatment: Dr. Peterson and his team personalize each treatment plan.
- Compounded Medications: They offer cost-effective compounded weight-loss medications.
- Comprehensive Support: The team supports patients through every step of the process.
Athena Clinic emphasizes that compounded GLP-1 medications are not FDA-approved and should be used under specific federal guidelines.
Medical Weight Loss: A Deeper Dive
Medical weight loss involves achieving weight loss results under the guidance of a medical professional or through a structured program. Medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide, administered via weekly injections, optimize metabolism and reduce appetite by mimicking GLP-1 hormones. These medications are most effective when combined with lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Benefits of Medical Weight Loss
- Reduced risk of chronic diseases
- Effective weight loss
- Elevated energy levels
- Enhanced mental clarity
- Improved mobility
Medical Weight Loss Candidates
Suitable candidates for medical weight loss are individuals who want to improve their overall health and address weight-related conditions. They should be willing to commit to weekly injections and lifestyle changes. However, individuals with certain medical conditions, such as pancreatitis or thyroid cancer, may not be eligible.
Treatment Process at Athena Clinic
- Consultation: A thorough assessment of medical history, current medications, and lifestyle.
- Injection Administration: Weekly injections of the chosen medication (semaglutide or tirzepatide) at the clinic or self-administered at home.
- Dosage Adjustment: Starting with a smaller dose and gradually increasing it as the body adjusts.
- Lifestyle Changes: Implementing consistent lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise.
- Maintenance: Gradual reduction of the dose after reaching the ideal weight.
Potential Side Effects
While generally well-tolerated, potential side effects of GLP-1 medications include nausea, vomiting, low blood glucose, and dyspepsia.
Corresponding Treatments for Skin Changes
Weight loss can sometimes result in changes to the skin, such as sagging or loss of volume. Athena Clinic offers several medspa treatments to address these issues:
- Dermal Fillers: Restore volume to the skin.
- Chemical Peels: Rejuvenate the skin by removing impurities and stimulating collagen production.
- Skin Rejuvenation: Addresses changes to the skin caused by aging and other factors.
- Thermage: Improves skin’s collagen levels with radiofrequency energy and heat.
- Potenza: Renews the skin with radiofrequency and microneedling.
Additional Considerations
Prescription Weight Loss Medications
Prescription weight loss medications can be an effective, non-invasive solution for individuals struggling to lose weight. Medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide can help regulate blood sugar levels and curb appetite. To qualify for these medications, individuals typically need a BMI of 30 or more, or a BMI of 27 or more with related medical issues.
The Importance of Personalized Care
Personalized care is crucial for any effective medical weight loss program. A tailored approach considers an individual's medical history, weight loss objectives, and individual needs to develop a plan that minimizes side effects and maximizes success.
RealSelf Patient Reviews of Robert Peterson, MD
RealSelf reviews provide additional insights into patient experiences with Dr. Robert Peterson at Athena Clinic. Patients praise his expertise, compassion, and the quality of care they receive.
One patient shared: "I would like to thank Dr. Peterson for his kindness and compassion while using fillers to remove a childhood bump on my nose. It is not only perfect, natural, and subtle but it gave me a new confidence about myself that I can’t begin to express."