Losing weight is hard. It takes a great deal of sustained effort. That’s precisely why frequent follow-up appointments are a cornerstone of our approach and play a crucial role in our patients’ treatment plans, especially when starting out. Here are some key reasons why:
- Personalized Care: People are unique, and bodies respond differently to different strategies. Regular follow-ups allow clinicians to tailor the treatment plan to address specific needs. It ensures that we are on the right track and can make necessary adjustments as we go along.
- Education and Support: Our passion is to educate individuals about obesity as a disease and provide high-quality, evidence-based medical treatments. During follow-up appointments, we discuss any challenges patients may be facing, address questions, and provide the support and guidance they need to overcome obstacles.
- Monitoring Progress: We use these follow-up visits to track progress, not just in terms of weight but also in terms of improvements in health markers like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, waist circumference, and body composition. Seeing positive changes can be incredibly motivating and reassuring.
- Preparing for and Addressing Challenges: Weight loss journeys are rarely linear. There are always hurdles and plateaus along the way. During appointments, we discuss any challenges that may be on the horizon and work together to craft a plan to deal with them. Whether it’s adjusting a meal plan, modifying an exercise routine, or providing emotional support, we try and work proactively rather than reactively.
- Preventing Setbacks: Catching any potential setbacks early is crucial. Regular check-ins enable us to identify any issues or health risks that may arise, allowing us to quickly take preventive measures and keep patients on the path to success.
- Health Monitoring: Weight loss can have a profound impact on overall health. Through consistent follow-ups, we can keep a close eye on health indicators, identifying the need to deprescribe medications to prevent hypoglycemia, hypotension, or any other condition that may arise from being overmedicated. In patients with obstructive sleep apnea, we watch for milestones that prompt reevaluation of CPAP devices and settings.
- Accountability: Accountability is a powerful motivator. When patients have scheduled follow-up appointments, they are more likely to stick to their dietary and lifestyle changes. Knowing that they will be checking in regularly helps them stay committed to their goals.
- Celebrating Milestones: Weight loss is not just about reaching a final goal; it’s about celebrating every achievement along the way. Regular visits allow us to acknowledge our patients’ successes and keep them motivated.
By walking closely alongside our patients, we are able to support them every step of the way.