Nutrition counseling goes hand-in-hand with medical weight management. Each patient will have a personal visit with a registered dietitian who has advanced training in weight management.
OPTIFAST® is a medically monitored weight management program that allows patients, under the supervision of a physician, to consume a low-calorie diet and receive comprehensive lifestyle education. The OPTIFAST® program provides full meal replacement for 12 weeks and transitions to self-prepared “everyday” meals in conjunction with comprehensive patient education and support, to help patients achieve long-term weight management.
All medications are used as part of a comprehensive program that includes proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. Medications will lead to an average weight loss of 8-14% of your total body weight.
- Liraglutide (Saxenda®)
- This is a daily, self-injectable prescription medicine. It helps to regulate hunger and satiety, which can lead to eating fewer calories.
- Contrave®
- A single pill that contains two medications (naltrexone and bupropion) that is taken twice a day. It will reduce appetite and cravings.
- Phentermine
- A pill taken once in the morning that can cause appetite suppression and weight loss.
- Qsymia®
- A single pill that contains two medications (phentermine and topiramate), and is taken once a day in the morning. It also leads to decreased appetite and weight loss.
- Xenical®
- A pill that reduces absorption of fat and is taken three times a day around meal times.
In addition to the medical management of weight, improved health, and well-being, our program offers support through individual counseling.
Endoscopic interventions are rapidly developing and providing innovative weight management options. Orbera® gastric balloon is one example of an intervention performed at Yale New Haven Hospital.
