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 18-20 pounds the first 6 weeks if they do the complete program. After that, 1.5 to 2 pounds a week is safe and considered very good for increasing your chances for long-term maintenance.

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 risks of problems are not as high.

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. Remember, You will be under the care of a board certified Bariatric Physician when you come to me.All medication we use will be thouroughly explained at your visit. Medications are, of course, optional.

What do you think about HCG for weight loss?

This would require a lengthy answer to be really complete. I'll just say that the vast majority of good research on HCG for weight loss has shown it NOT to work or provide any benefit beyond the very low calorie diet itself. It has never been approved for weight loss by the FDA. Recently the FDA has called the selling of over-the-counter HCG fraudulant and has ordered the companies who sell these preparations to STOP, or open themselves up to restraining orders, fines and imprisonment. Go to the FDA web site for more information:CLICK HERE

Are you different from Bee Lite Medial Weight Loss?

Yes! You actually see Dr. Green each visit at Medical Weight Loss Center of Augusta, and labs and EKG are required. We never cut corners on your medical care or health. At Bee Lite, as I understand it, you probably won't see the MD, and labs and EKGs are "optional" according to their advertising. I believe that any medically based program should provide its patients with a comprehensive risk analysis that can only be thoroughly done by including labs and EKGs.

How are you different from the Howard Diet?

The Howard Diet employs nurse practitioners to see patients. You rarely, if ever, see the medical doctor. You'll need to actually go to a pharmacy to fill your prescription medicine. At Medical Weight Loss Center, Dr. Green personally sees all his patients and appetite suppressant medications are dispensed in office for your conveience.

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 lossmedications, 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. also, and very important, gynocologists, and other physicians don't use these medications long-term, even when it's indicated, because most of these physicians don't have special training, education, or experience in bariatrics.

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. Wwe'll NEVER use high pressure sales!

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.

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.

View Page Archives >>