Scale Solutions
Frequently asked questions
Is your program effective?
Not only is our program effective, it is research proven. You will lose weight on our program safely and consistently. We offer individualized weight loss plans.
Will I have to change my lifestyle?
Research shows that lifestyle changes are necessary for both weight loss AND maintenance of weight loss. We at Scale Solutions want you to not only take the weight off, we want you to keep it off, so yes, some lifestyle changes will probably need to happen. Part of your initial visit with Dr. Gates will include a thorough lifestyle assessment. He will discuss with you ways to make small changes that fit in with your busy lifestyle. You will be on a weight loss diet.
What does your weight loss program consist of?
Dr. Gates uses appetite suppressants to decrease your desire for food and also boost your metabolism. We do everything we can to help you to lose weight without being hungry! We also offer high quality foods sold only in physicians’ offices which can help you to maximize your weight loss if you choose to use them. Dr. Gates will also discuss an exercise program with you. He works hard to accommodate the busy lifestyle (most of our patients primarily choose to walk during short breaks) and to help you achieve a healthy weight loss.
What medications do you use?
We use three different medications: Phintermine, Phendimetrazine, and Semaglutide.
How much does the program cost?
Please call us for exact fees. Our fees are competitive and cover the physician visit, books and materials, and your medication. You are not required to purchase any food to complete our program. Dr. Gates wants you to lose weight and keep it off while eating your own food in order to achieve long-term success.
What results can I expect?
Depending on which program you choose, you can expect to lose 8-18 pounds each month. The first month you will see very quick results. The following months, we help you to maintain a steady weight loss, usually of 1-3 pounds per week.
Who supervises this program?
Dr. Gates will create and manage your weight loss program. He is a medical doctor (MD) with significant experience in the area of weight loss. He is also a board certified Emergency Medical Physician.
What happens if I need to come back to Scale Solutions in a few years? Would I have to start over again?
Once you have completed your new patient visit, you are always considered a return patient. As long as your visit was since January of 2013, we put you right back on our schedule as a follow-up visit.
Are there age limits for being a patient?
Yes. You must be at least 18 years old. You cannot be older than 69 years old if wanting to use stimulant appetite suppressants like Phentermine. If older than 69 you still have options.
What are my options if I am older than 70 years old?
You have the option of using the newly approved Semaglutide injection. This Diabetic medication is a once a week injection for weight-loss. A very effective non-stimulant medicine. You may also use or continue to use the B12 Lipotrophic shots.
Isn’t Semaglutide, the Diabetic injection for weight-loss, expensive?
Unfortunately, yes it can be. However, there are several options. First, I can write you a prescription for the medicine and you take it to your local pharmacy and see if your insurance will cover the cost. If they will this is the best and cheapest option. If they won’t cover the cost this will be the worst outcome and could potentially cost you unto $1200/month just for the medicine. The final option, although not cheap, is still a lot more affordable. I can acquire the injections through our Pharmacy at a significant discount.
Who will need an EKG to complete the program?
In an effort to increase safety and thoroughness, our insurance is requiring a normal EKG within the preceding 12 months on all patients taking stimulant appetite suppressants with the following Cardiac risk factors:
- You have a Autoimmune Disease regardless of age.
- You are 55 years old or older
If you have 2 or more of the following Cardiac risk factors:
- Male 45 years old or older
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol or triglycerides
- A history of smoking within the past 10 years
- A family history of cardio or cerebral vascular disease
For example, if you are a 46 y/o male with high blood pressure you have 2 risk factors and would need an EKG.
Also, an EKG maybe required by the Medical Provider, at their discretion, after evaluation of other risk factors such as your weight, life style, medical history, and activity level.
***You may bring a copy of an EKG done by your Medical Provider if done within 12 months of your planned visit. If unable you may have one done here at Scale Solutions for $35
MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS