Nonsurgical Weight Loss

What to Expect with Nonsurgical Weight Loss

At IU Health, we emphasize a long-term commitment to eating well, exercising and living your life in ways that help you maintain your focus on losing weight and keeping it off. Our medically supervised weight loss program is for you if you:

• Do not want to have bariatric surgery
• Do not qualify for weight loss surgery
• Need to complete a weight loss program as a pre-requisite for surgery

Your initial visit includes a complete physical exam and medical history, as well as an analysis of your exercise and eating habits. You undergo blood tests and an electrocardiogram. Then you work with our bariatric team to craft a weight loss plan that fits your schedule, food preferences and nutritional needs.

You meet with us on a regular basis for medical monitoring, support and discussions about your success and any necessary changes to your plan as you progress.

Non-Surgical Weight Loss Treatment Information

At IU Health we use a team approach to guide you to safe and healthy weight loss. Our physician-supervised programs are designed to your specific medical conditions and weight loss needs. You work with a team of bariatric specialists, including nutritionists, certified fitness instructors and nurse practitioners to reach your goals.

Medical monitoring

Our health professionals keep close track of your health as you progress on your weight loss journey. We watch your physical, biological and mental well being to make sure everything is in order.

Fitness

Exercise is a key part of our medical weight loss programs. You receive instruction in how to maintain an active lifestyle. As an IU Health patient, you also receive fitness discounts to nearby fitness centers.. All of these services teach you about your body and how to change the way you exercise as you lose weight. The IU Health Bariatric blog regularly offers fitness tips and ideas.

Counseling

As your body and lifestyle changes, we educate you about behavioral strategies you can use to maintain your progress. If the stress of making these changes is difficult to manage, psychological therapies can help. You may experience depression or anxiety as your body and your lifestyle rapidly transforms. IU Health physicians and counselors help you deal with these thoughts and emotions.

Nutritional programs

A variety of nutrition options are available, including very low calorie diets, meal replacements, or a combination of meal replacements and food. Meal replacements are often recommended because they control portion sizes with healthy nutrition.

PositiveLite

With this medically supervised weight loss option, you meet regularly with a nurse practitioner trained in acute care and mental health who monitors your weight loss and body composition. Certified personal trainers and registered dietitians design fitness programs and meal plans as part of your weight loss team. Monthly support groups help you enjoy the positive changes that come with weight loss and overcome any emotional obstacles you may face.

Medicines

Your physician may prescribe weight loss medicines to help you lose weight. If your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or above, these medicines can reduce your appetite. If you also have obesity-related medical problems, like Type 2 diabetes or hypertension, a BMI of 27 may qualify you for prescription medicines.

Bariatric support groups

We provide free monthly support groups where guest speakers and educational workshops offer ideas you can use to meet fitness and nutrition goals. You also meet with and share experiences with others about managing weight loss.

Cooking classes

We offer quarterly workshops to teach you to prepare delicious meals that everyone in the family can eat while also meeting your weight loss goals. You learn how to experiment with new cooking styles and flavorings.