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Surgery-Ready: reach the weight your surgeon needs
Orthopedic, hernia, spine and bariatric surgeons often set a BMI target before they operate. We get you there safely, on a timeline, and send your surgeon the documentation.
Who this is for
- Patients told to lose weight before a knee or hip replacement, hernia repair, spine surgery or fertility treatment
- Patients in a bariatric surgery pathway who need supervised weight loss documented for insurance
- Anyone with a surgery date and a number to hit
What's included
- Consult focused on your surgeon's target and date
- Medication when appropriate, with the surgeon's clearance
- Dietitian plan designed for a fixed timeline
- Twice-monthly check-ins in the final stretch
- Documentation letter to your surgeon and insurer at each milestone
How it works
- Tell us the target BMI or weight and the surgery date; your surgeon's office can call us or you can book directly.
- We build a schedule that reaches the target with margin, and send your surgeon a plan letter.
- Visits every two to four weeks with weight and labs documented in a format insurers accept.
- At the target, we send the clearance letter and keep you stable through surgery and recovery.
Common questions
Does insurance cover supervised weight loss before bariatric surgery?
Most plans require three to six months of documented, physician-supervised weight loss before bariatric surgery. Our visits are billed as medical visits and documented to meet that requirement.
Do I need a referral?
No. Book online, or call or text us. If your doctor referred you, we send them a summary after your first visit with your permission.
Is this covered by insurance?
The consult and follow-up visits are covered by most plans as medical visits. Medication coverage depends on your plan; use the coverage checker on our insurance page and we verify your exact benefits before you come in.
How fast will I lose weight?
Most patients on a medical program lose 1–2 pounds a week in the first months; medication, when appropriate, often adds to that. We set a target together at the first visit and adjust the plan monthly.
Do you prescribe GLP-1 medication?
When it is medically appropriate, yes. We prescribe FDA-approved anti-obesity medications, handle prior authorization, and monitor you monthly. Medication is one tool in a plan that also includes nutrition and habits.
Can I do visits by video?
Yes. After the first visit, most follow-ups can be by secure video anywhere in Virginia. Body-composition checks are in person.
Is the program safe if I have diabetes or heart disease?
That is exactly who should be in a physician-led program. Dr. Palagiri is board certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine, and your weight plan is coordinated with your other conditions and medications.
Start with one 30-minute consult.
An insured medical visit with our obesity medicine team, in person or by video.