Starting a new medical program can feel uncertain — particularly if you have tried other approaches before without lasting success. Dr. Don Gates, the physician at Scale Solutions in Savannah, Georgia, wants every new patient to arrive at their first appointment feeling informed, not anxious. In this article, Dr. Gates walks through exactly what happens at an initial visit, step by step, so that patients know what to expect and can prepare to make the most of their time.
Before You Arrive: Preparing for Your First Appointment With Dr. Don Gates
The most useful thing a new patient can do before their first appointment at Scale Solutions is gather their health information. Dr. Don Gates will want to know:
- Current medications (including dosages and the conditions they are treating)
- Any previous weight loss attempts — what was tried, for how long, and what results occurred
- Relevant past medical history, including any diagnoses of diabetes, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease
- Family history of metabolic conditions
- Current diet and physical activity habits, described honestly
- Any allergies, particularly to medications
Patients who bring prior laboratory results — even if they are a year or two old — give Dr. Don Gates a useful baseline to compare against fresh testing. The more complete the clinical picture from the beginning, the faster the team at Scale Solutions in Savannah, Georgia can move toward building an effective plan.
Arrival and Intake: What Happens First
At Scale Solutions, the intake process begins with administrative forms that capture health history in structured detail. This is not busywork — the information feeds directly into Dr. Don Gates’ clinical evaluation. Patients are encouraged to answer these forms thoroughly and honestly. There is no weight at which Scale Solutions turns patients away, and no history that disqualifies a patient from receiving compassionate, skilled care.
The intake nurse or medical assistant will typically take vital signs — blood pressure, heart rate, weight, and height — and may complete a brief questionnaire about current symptoms and quality of life measures. These objective measures serve as the baseline against which progress will be tracked at future visits.
The Clinical Evaluation: What Dr. Don Gates Covers
The heart of the first visit is Dr. Don Gates’ comprehensive clinical evaluation. This is a substantive conversation and examination, not a brief check-in. Dr. Gates typically spends significant time with new patients because he considers this investment essential to building an effective plan.
The evaluation covers:
- Medical history review — A detailed discussion of current and past medical conditions, prior treatments, surgical history, and family history of metabolic disease.
- Medication reconciliation — Review of every medication the patient is currently taking, with attention to weight-promoting agents, potential interactions with GLP-1 medications, and opportunities for optimization.
- Weight history discussion — When did the patient first struggle with weight? What life events coincided with weight changes? What has been tried before? This narrative provides important clinical and contextual information.
- Physical examination — A focused examination that may include assessment of thyroid size, blood pressure, abdominal distribution of weight, and other relevant findings.
- Goal-setting conversation — Dr. Don Gates asks each patient about their personal goals — how much weight they would like to lose, what health outcomes matter most to them, and what has motivated them to come in now. These goals shape the design of the treatment plan.
As a Spanish-speaking physician, Dr. Don Gates is able to conduct this entire evaluation in Spanish for patients who are more comfortable in that language — a meaningful dimension of access for a significant portion of Savannah, Georgia’s population.
Laboratory Orders: What Tests Dr. Don Gates Typically Orders
After the clinical evaluation, Dr. Don Gates will order a laboratory panel. For most new patients, this includes a comprehensive metabolic panel (kidney and liver function, electrolytes, blood glucose), a complete lipid profile, thyroid function tests (TSH and free T4 at minimum), HbA1c, fasting insulin, and a complete blood count. Additional tests may be ordered based on the patient’s individual history.
These labs may be drawn at the visit or ordered to be completed at an outside laboratory before the next appointment. The results form the scientific foundation for the treatment plan. Research consistently demonstrates that patients who undergo baseline metabolic screening at the start of a weight loss program have better outcomes than those who begin treatment without this foundation, a finding supported by guidelines from the Obesity Medicine Association.
Patients can learn more about the laboratory evaluation process and how it informs treatment at the Scale Solutions medical weight loss program page.
The Treatment Plan Discussion: What Dr. Don Gates Presents
Depending on whether lab results are available at the first visit, Dr. Don Gates may present an initial treatment framework or schedule a dedicated plan-building appointment after the laboratory results are reviewed. When a full plan is presented, it typically includes:
- A discussion of the most clinically appropriate medication option(s) for the patient’s profile
- An introductory nutritional guidance overview — not a rigid diet prescription, but a framework for sustainable eating changes
- Physical activity recommendations calibrated to the patient’s current fitness level and any orthopedic or cardiovascular limitations
- A follow-up schedule — when the patient will return, what will be monitored, and what the first milestone targets are
Dr. Don Gates takes time to ensure patients understand their plan. Questions are welcomed — and encouraged. An informed patient is a more engaged patient, and engagement is the strongest predictor of lasting outcomes.
After the Visit: What Patients Can Expect From Scale Solutions
After the first appointment, patients receive a summary of the discussion, any prescriptions issued, and the follow-up appointment schedule. The Scale Solutions team is available at (912) 352-7546 between visits for questions about medications, lab preparation, or other concerns. Patients are never left without a point of contact.
The first follow-up visit is typically scheduled within four to six weeks, though this varies by patient. At that appointment, Dr. Don Gates reviews lab results if not already discussed, assesses early medication response, and makes any necessary adjustments to the plan. This iterative clinical process — evaluate, prescribe, monitor, adjust — is what distinguishes Scale Solutions in Savannah, Georgia from a one-size-fits-all approach. More detail on Dr. Gates’ ongoing care philosophy is available at the Scale Solutions physician profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Dr. Don Gates receive his training, and how long has he been practicing?
Dr. Don Gates trained at Loma Linda University and has been practicing bariatric and medical weight loss medicine since 1999. He brings over 25 years of clinical experience to every patient encounter at Scale Solutions.
How long does the first appointment with Dr. Don Gates typically last?
New patient appointments at Scale Solutions are designed to be thorough. Patients should plan for approximately 45 to 60 minutes to allow adequate time for the comprehensive medical evaluation, history review, and treatment discussion that Dr. Don Gates conducts at every first visit.
Should I fast before my first appointment at Scale Solutions?
If laboratory work will be drawn at your first visit, fasting for at least 8 hours beforehand is recommended for accurate lipid and glucose measurements. Drinking water is fine. Check with the Scale Solutions team at (912) 352-7546 when scheduling to confirm whether your labs will be drawn at the first appointment.
What if I am nervous about my weight or medical history?
Dr. Don Gates and the Scale Solutions team work with patients of all sizes and backgrounds. There is no weight or health history that will be met with judgment. The first appointment is a medical evaluation, not a weigh-in contest. Honesty about your history helps build a better plan.
Does Scale Solutions serve patients in Pooler and Hinesville as well as Savannah?
Yes. Scale Solutions has locations in Savannah, Pooler, and Hinesville, Georgia. Patients can schedule their first appointment at whichever location is most convenient for them by calling (912) 352-7546.
Medical Disclaimer: Information in this article describes the general structure of an initial patient evaluation at Scale Solutions and does not constitute individualized medical advice. Specific elements of your evaluation may vary based on your health history and clinical needs.
Your first step toward lasting change begins with a single appointment. Dr. Don Gates and the Scale Solutions team are ready to welcome you with thorough, compassionate, physician-led care. We work exclusively with licensed, accredited pharmacies and are committed to your long-term health. Call (912) 352-7546, email info@scale-solutions.com, or book online today. We proudly serve patients in Savannah, Pooler, and Hinesville, Georgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Dr. Don Gates receive his training, and how long has he been practicing?
Dr. Don Gates trained at Loma Linda University and has been practicing bariatric and medical weight loss medicine since 1999. He brings over 25 years of clinical experience to every patient encounter at Scale Solutions.
How long does the first appointment with Dr. Don Gates typically last?
New patient appointments at Scale Solutions are designed to be thorough. Patients should plan for approximately 45 to 60 minutes to allow adequate time for the comprehensive medical evaluation, history review, and treatment discussion that Dr. Don Gates conducts at every first visit.
Should I fast before my first appointment at Scale Solutions?
If laboratory work will be drawn at your first visit, fasting for at least 8 hours beforehand is recommended for accurate lipid and glucose measurements. Drinking water is fine. Check with the Scale Solutions team at (912) 352-7546 when scheduling to confirm whether your labs will be drawn at the first appointment.
What if I am nervous about my weight or medical history?
Dr. Don Gates and the Scale Solutions team work with patients of all sizes and backgrounds. There is no weight or health history that will be met with judgment. The first appointment is a medical evaluation, not a weigh-in contest. Honesty about your history helps build a better plan.
Does Scale Solutions serve patients in Pooler and Hinesville as well as Savannah?
Yes. Scale Solutions has locations in Savannah, Pooler, and Hinesville, Georgia. Patients can schedule their first appointment at whichever location is most convenient for them by calling (912) 352-7546.
About the Physician
Dr. Donald L. Gates, MD
Dr. Don Gates is a Loma Linda-trained physician practicing bariatric medicine in coastal Georgia since 1999. He leads Scale Solutions Medical Weight Loss, with offices in Savannah, Pooler, and Hinesville, GA. He provides physician-supervised GLP-1 therapy — including semaglutide and tirzepatide — paired with personalized nutrition and metabolic guidance. Spanish-speaking. Read full bio →
Call to schedule: (912) 352-7546 · Email: info@scale-solutions.com
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Bariatric medicine since 1999 — Loma Linda trained, Spanish-speaking, serving Savannah, Pooler, and Hinesville.