Medical Weight Loss - Newtown
FAQs
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Who will I work with from the medical weight loss team?
Medical weight loss at Nuvance Health is a structured program where you will have frequent visits with a specialist in bariatric medicine.
Team members include:Sharon Knight, RD*
Sharon Knight, RD is a registered dietitian with over 20 years experience. She is passionate about helping patients achieve a healthy weight and focuses on helping patients meet their individualized goals. She sees patients out of the Medical Weight Loss Program in Newtown Primary & Specialty Care and offers telehealth consultations as well.
Wendy Somers, LCSW*
Wendy Somers is a licensed clinical social worker providing outpatient counseling as part of the Metabolic Medical Weight Loss Program at Nuvance Health. Wendy obtained her masters in social work from Fordham University in 2015 and is licensed in Connecticut.
Wendy has experience working with patients and families in vulnerable situations precipitated by illness, injury or disability. Her style is warm but direct with a focus on providing counseling that is designed to be short-term and goal oriented. Wendy’s work is informed by cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness. She sees patients out of the Wilton and Newtown Primary & Specialty Practice and offers telehealth consultations as well.
Alyssa Adler, RD*
Alyssa is a Registered Dietitian who obtained her Master’s in nutrition at Stony Brook University. Alyssa has previous experience working with bariatric and weight loss patients in addition to a wide range of health conditions. With a passion for food and nutrition, Alyssa is eager to work with patients to help them achieve their health and weight loss goals. She sees patients out of the Medical Weight Loss Program in Wilton Primary & Specialty Care and offers telehealth consultations as well.
*Patients must be part of the Medical Weight Loss Program to schedule an appointment with these providers. -
How will medical weight loss help me lose weight?
Our team will develop a personal weight loss plan that addresses nutrition, lifestyle, behavior and exercise.
We also guide patients through meal replacement options and medications when clinically appropriate to help you safely get kick started on your weight loss journey. You may expect to lose at least 5 to 10% of your weight—and sometimes even more—within a six-month time frame. Results are unique for each patient. -
Is this a bariatric surgery program?
This is not a surgical weight loss program. However, if you are considering weight loss surgery or have had weight loss surgery already, then you are also a great candidate for our program. The team collaborates closely with bariatric surgery specialists at Norwalk and Danbury Hospitals.
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Are the office visits covered by insurance?
The program qualifies for Medicare Intensive Behavioral Therapy for weight loss. All visits are regular medical office visits and subject to specialist co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance.
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Will they order lab testing?
Your provider will do a detailed review of your most recent labs and decide if further lab assessments are needed. -
What other testing is included?
Our team may perform:
Body composition analysis using advanced technology. Our Body composition scale gives you a detailed picture of what makes up your weight which include muscle mass, fat mass, and water. We use this scale to monitor changes and track your results more precisely.
Continuous glucose monitoring for real-time blood sugar results.
Referral for resting metabolic rate testing. An accurate test to assess how many calories your burn in a day. -
Will they collaborate with my specialists?
Our providers communicate regularly with your healthcare team and office notes are copied directly to them following each visit. -
Are medications covered by insurance?
Not all insurances cover weight loss medication. The team works with you to find the most affordable options. -
Does insurance cover meal replacements?
Unfortunately, insurance does not pay for meal replacements. We can recommend a few reputable companies that offer evidence-based meal replacements and a Nuvance Health discount code. Our team will help guide you through the meal replacement program.
