Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bariatric Medicine?

Bariatric medicine is the medical specialty that deals specifically with the treatment of overweight and obese individuals. Physicians who become Board Certified in bariatrics have additional education, training and experience, and are experts in the field. They have passed a 500 question written exam, an oral exam, and an extensive in office review of their bariatric medical records. Dr. Green is the only physician in Augusta to have achieved this level of training.There are currently only five Bariatric Board Certified Physicians in the entire State of Georgia.

How much weight can I lose in your program?

Goal setting is very important from the start. I work with each patient individually to determine a good, and appropriate goal weight based on numereous factors. My typical patient can lose 20 pounds the first 6 weeks if they do the complete program. After that, 1.5 to 3 pounds a week.

I’ve read that rapid weight is dangerous. Why is your program safe?

Rapid fluctuations in weight can cause problems. If you are in a medically supervised program, and followed appropriately, the likelihood of problems is remote.

Are the medicines used in your program safe?

Yes, if used appropriately. All medication I use is FDA approved for weight control, and is generally well tolerated. These medicines have been used for many years and have a good safety profile when used appropriately. All medication we use will be thouroughly explained at your visit. Medications are, of course, optional.

My Gynecologist or personal physician prescribed Adipex for me. Is this O.K.?

Yes and no. While any licensed medical doctor can write prescriptions for weight loss, most don’t have the special training, experience, or interest in designing an individual plan that will work best for you. If you just take medication without the benefit of a comprehensive plan, most likely you will not succeed.

How is your program different from Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers?

Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers are very large commercial franchises. You don’t get medical evaluation and supervision, which is strongly recommended when you are trying to lose weight and get fit. They cannot prescribe weight control medications or thoroughly assess your health. We don't require contracts as many commercial programs do.

How is your program different than PHC?

As with Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers you will not see a medical doctor. PHC does have a physician review your lab results, as I understand. PHC does not offer an FDA approved, prescription weight control medication option (appetite control medication). Unlike PHC, I won’t ask you to sign a contract or prepay for weight you haven’t lost, and we provide our program fees over the phone, so you don’t need to come in for this information.

What do you think about the Atkins diet?

Dr. Atkin’s book is widely read and used. Most of us do eat too many simple carbohydrates (sugars), that, as Dr. atkins points out, can lead to obesity and metabolic problems. I have found, however, that most who use this approach burn out on severely restricting their carbohydrate intake. Also, this diet encourages too much saturated fat. I encourage smaller portions of healthy carbohydrates, and an increase in lean protein, but my plans are more flexible than Dr. Atkin’s, and individually designed.

I went to Dr. Vitkin’s clinic and was put on a high protein diet. Is your program similar?

All diet programs have some things in common, but we are different! I do not restrict carbohydrates as much. In addition, I offer more choices and am more flexible in designing your plan. You will get more one-on-one medical attention in my program.

Are all overweight people unhealthy?

No. Being overweight does not necessarily mean you are unhealthy. It does mean, however, that your risks for certain obesity related diseases is greater than those individuals who don’t have as much excess body fat.

Do you offer group meetings?

At the present time I do not offer group meetings. My patients and I enjoy the one-on-one time we spend together. I do have some patients who also attend group meetings at Weight Watchers. I will consider this option in the future.

Do you accept insurance?

We do not accept insurance. Our current fees are discounted for cash, check, or credit card payments (Visa and Mastercard only).

706-210-1116

1203-B George C. Wilson Drive, Augusta, GA.

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