Doctor-supervised weight management in Brookfield
Losing weight is harder when health conditions and medicines are part of the picture. Our weight-management care is medically supervised, so your plan fits your whole health.
- Medicare accepted
- Dr. Ghani and Dr. Gill
- Brookfield, IL
Medical weight loss is weight management supervised by a doctor. At Maple Medical Center in Brookfield, it starts with a medical history, exam, blood tests and an EKG. Options include OPTIFAST and OPTITRIM meal-replacement programs and nutrition counseling. Medicines that help control appetite are an option when they’re safe for you.
Why see a doctor about your weight
Extra weight raises the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Even a modest weight loss can improve blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.
Weight isn’t only about willpower. Medicines, medical conditions, genes, hormones, stress, sleep and age all play a part.
Losing weight safely is more complicated when you have health conditions or take several medicines. That’s why the National Institute on Aging advises talking to your doctor first. This applies whether you want to lose or gain weight.
Our weight-management care is medically supervised. Dr. Ghani is board certified in internal medicine. He was certified in bariatric (weight-management) medicine by the American Board of Bariatric Medicine in 2003, according to the practice.
How getting started works
Start with a conversation
Tell your doctor about your weight history, health conditions, medicines and goals.
Medical screening
Screening includes a medical history, a physical exam, blood tests and an EKG. This helps show which options are safe for you.
Choose a plan together
Your doctor explains the options that fit your health. Then you decide together.
Follow-up visits
Your doctor keeps watch on your health as your weight changes. Ask how often you’ll be seen.
Program options
OPTIFAST
A full meal-replacement program. For a period of time, meal-replacement products take the place of regular meals, with a doctor supervising.
OPTITRIM
A partial meal-replacement program. Some meals are replaced, and you eat regular food for the rest.
FLEX
A program that combines parts of both approaches. Ask us how it works and whether it suits you.
Appetite-control medicines
Medicines that help control appetite, when they’re safe for you. Your doctor considers them only after a full evaluation.
Nutrition and diabetes counseling
Practical help with everyday food choices, including counseling for people with diabetes.
Learn more ›Bariatric surgery support
Medical support before and after weight-loss (bariatric) surgery. Your surgical team performs the operation itself.
Weight loss after 60: protect your muscle
With age, most people lose some muscle. Muscle helps you climb stairs, carry groceries, keep your balance and stay independent.
When an older adult loses weight, the aim is to lose fat while keeping as much muscle as possible. Your plan should include enough protein at meals and regular activity.
Good protein sources include fish, dairy, eggs, beans, peas and lentils. Your doctor can tell you how much you need, especially if you have kidney disease.
Federal guidelines suggest at least 150 minutes a week of moderate activity, such as brisk walking. They also suggest muscle-strengthening activity at least two days a week. Talk with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
Healthy weight ranges are different for older adults than for younger people. Your doctor will help you set a goal that makes sense for you.
Your medicines may need to change
As your weight comes down, your blood pressure and blood sugar may come down too. That’s good news, but a medicine dose that was right before may become too strong.
Your doctor will review your medicines as you go. Never change a dose on your own. Tell us right away if you feel dizzy, shaky or unusually tired.
If you check your blood pressure or blood sugar at home, bring your readings to each visit.
Good questions to ask any weight program
The NIDDK suggests asking questions like these before you start. Feel free to ask us every one.
- Does a doctor run or oversee the program?
- What does the whole program cost, from start to finish?
- Do I have to buy special foods, meal replacements or supplements?
- What are the possible risks or side effects?
- Will the program work with my other doctors?
- How will I keep the weight off afterward?
Insurance and coverage
Coverage for weight-management care varies a lot by plan. Some parts of a program, such as meal-replacement products, may not be covered. Some plans cover weight-management medicines, and some don’t.
Medicare Part B covers obesity screening and behavioral counseling in a primary care setting. You must have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, and other rules apply.
We accept many insurance plans, including Medicare, but not every plan. Call (708) 485-4050 and we’ll check yours before your visit. See our insurance page for more.
Keeping weight off
Keeping weight off can be harder than losing it. Planning for that from the start helps.
Helpful habits include an eating plan that fits your new weight, regular physical activity and weighing yourself regularly. Ongoing support, such as counseling, helps too.
Ask your doctor what support looks like once you reach your goal.
If you're losing weight without trying
Not every weight change is welcome. Sudden weight loss you didn’t plan can be a sign of a medical problem.
It can also come from a poor appetite, pain when chewing, or trouble getting to the store. If this is happening to you or someone you care for, make an appointment. Your doctor can look for the cause.
Being underweight carries its own risks, such as weak bones and a harder recovery from illness.
Questions we hear about medical weight loss
How much weight will I lose?
We don’t promise a number, and results vary from person to person. Your doctor will set goals with you based on your health. The CDC notes that a gradual, steady pace is more likely to last than fast weight loss.
Am I too old for a medical weight-loss program?
Age alone doesn’t rule you out. What matters is your overall health, your strength and your medicines. Your doctor looks at all of these during screening before suggesting a plan.
Can I get a medicine to help with weight loss?
These medicines are generally for adults with a BMI of 30 or more. A BMI of 27 or more may also qualify with a weight-related problem, like high blood pressure. They work best alongside healthy eating and activity, not instead of them. Your doctor will review all your other medicines first.
Do weight-loss medicines have side effects?
They can. Most side effects are mild and often improve over time, but some can be serious. Your doctor will go over the risks with you before you start.
Will I have to stop eating regular food?
Not always. OPTIFAST replaces regular meals for a period of time, while OPTITRIM replaces only some meals. Your doctor will explain what each option involves before you choose.
What should I bring to my first visit?
Bring a list of your medicines and supplements, any recent lab results from other doctors, and your insurance card. A few notes on what you usually eat and drink can help too.
Do you offer weight management for teenagers or children?
We care for adults and older adults. Call (708) 485-4050 to ask about younger patients.
Related care
Nutrition counseling
Food choices can help with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart health and weight. Our clinicians help you make changes that fit your health, your medicines and the way you like to eat.
Learn more ›Diabetes care
Dr. Ghani and Dr. Gill help adults and older adults keep type 2 diabetes under control. We check your numbers, review your medicines and talk through food choices with you.
Learn more ›High blood pressure
High blood pressure rarely causes symptoms, but it strains your heart, brain and kidneys. Dr. Ghani and Dr. Gill help adults and older adults find it, track it and bring it down safely.
Learn more ›Chronic condition care
Chronic diseases are health conditions that last a long time, like diabetes or high blood pressure. Our internal medicine doctors help adults and older adults keep them under control, year after year.
Learn more ›Ready to see a doctor who knows you?
Call our Brookfield office and our team will find a time that works for you. We accept many insurance plans, including Medicare, but not every plan. We’ll check yours before your visit.
Important information
This page is general information, not medical advice. Meal-replacement programs and appetite-control medicines are not right for everyone; your doctor decides with you after screening. We do not promise a set amount or speed of weight loss. If you have chest pain or trouble breathing, call 911.