The 5 Categories of Weight Loss Treatments

Lifestyle changes are the foundation of weight maintenance - regardless of how you lose weight.

Available Weight Loss Treatments

At ShillMed, we use a variety of techniques and weight loss treatments to help our patients lose weight. Before recommending a plan, we’ll meet with you to review your medical history and understand your past attempts at weight loss. Then we can tailor a weight loss plan to your lifestyle.

Food Selection 

We’ve all tried this, and if you’re looking for help, you probably feel like you’ve failed multiple times with nutrition. We’ll help you to find a diet that fits your lifestyle AND supports weight loss. No matter how you choose to lose weight, your food choices remain crucial to your success.

Physical Activity & Exercise

Movement matters. Weight loss benefits from intentional movement – from walking to weightlifting. While exercise alone won’t normally lead to dramatic weight loss, appropriate physical activity helps you build momentum, protects you from weight regain, and offers a ton of long-term health. 

Medical-Grade Meal Replacements

At ShillMed, we use the OptiFast program to ensure our patients get COMPLETE nutrition while losing weight. In fact, we are the ONLY OptiFast clinic in the Inland Northwest. Our patients experience rapid weight loss (typically 40-60 pounds in 3 months) while a doctor monitors labs, ECG, blood pressure, and medications in a simple, easy-to-follow program. Don’t worry – we focus on maintaining your muscle mass – so your metabolism stays intact!

Even Oprah loves OptiFast! Check out the #1 top moment of her illustrious career on TV!

https://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/oprahs-top-20-moments

Medications

Losing weight does NOT require medication; though, in the properly selected patient, medications can be helpful during the weight loss journey. We use some medications for appetite suppression early in the program, while other medications can be powerful and lifelong. Many patients choose to pursue weight loss without medication – and we support that! For those who choose medication, we support that too! These patients may be offered medication to address weight either directly or indirectly, some medications include:

• Metformin

• Phentermine

• Bupropion

• Topiramate

• Saxenda

• Victoza

• Contrave

• Anti-depressants

• Others

What do we think of compounded GLP-1’s like semaglutide and tirzepatide? At this time, the FDA has stated that compounded GLP-1 medications violate US patent law. Also, this FDA stance causes us to question whether compounded medications will be available to patients long term – and abrupt discontinuation can lead to significant weight regain. For this reason, we don’t use compounded medications; however, we are happy to prescribe brand-name medications such as Jardiance (empagliflozin), Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide), Mounjaro, and Zepbound if desired after a consultation with our physicians. 

Procedures (Bariatric Surgery, Gastric Bypass, Balloons, Etc)

We do our best to help you avoid invasive weight loss procedures, but occasionally, a patient may find this approach beneficial or necessary. If you are considering a balloon procedure or debating weight loss surgery, please book a FREE consultation with our physician to review your case. Even if you decide to go forward with your procedure, research shows that weight loss before a weight-loss procedure or surgery will significantly improve your overall outcome. If you’ve already had a weight loss surgery and find yourself gaining weight, our program could be right for you. We’ll help you get back to your goal weight and back on track!

Commit to Your Weight Loss Journey

At the ShillMed Weight Loss & Lifestyle Medicine Center you’ll find an unmatched, personal experience in your weight loss journey and a weight loss treatment that is right for you. Our expert team specializes in helping patients overcome weight-loss challenges and providing the resources you need to lose weight now, and the support to change your lifestyle so you keep it off later! Call the ShillMed Weight Loss & Lifestyle Medicine Center and get started today at 509-303-4001 or schedule online at https://shillmed.hint.com/booking