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Medical Weight Loss Specialist

SurgiThin -  - Bariatric Surgeon

SurgiThin

Bariatric Surgeon located in West Hills, San Fernando Valley, CA

Medical weight loss helps patients lose weight by focusing on their unique health, lifestyle and nutritional needs. At SurgiThin in West Hills, CA, Dr. Paya provides customized medical weight loss programs so patients from throughout the San Fernando Valley region can lose excess weight and keep it off for the long-term.

Medical Weight Loss Q & A

What is medical weight loss?

Medical weight loss is a carefully-constructed program of weight management that is focused on the needs of each patient to achieve more effective results, both in the near future and for the long term. Medical weight loss is based on an in-depth understanding of the medical needs of the patient, including nutritional deficiencies that could be causing cravings or other aberrant eating behaviors, as well as lifestyle habits and other factors that have a bearing on diet, physical activity and metabolic activity. Through ongoing consultation appointments, the patient is carefully assessed to ensure optimal health and to provide adjustments to the medical weight loss program so it evolves with the needs of the patient, enabling them to reach their weight loss objectives.

What kinds of health risks are associated with being overweight or obese?

Numerous studies have demonstrated the association of obesity and excess weight with serious medical issues, including:

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Atherosclerosis (“hardening” of the arteries)
  • Heart disease and heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Arthritis
  • Cognitive problems, including Alzheimer's
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Depression
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Hormonal dysfunction

Plus, being overweight or obese can also interfere with daily activities and social interactions, resulting in increased feelings of isolation and low self-esteem.

What are the benefits of a medical weight loss program?

Being overweight or obese is about much more than overeating and being physically inactive. While these two factors can significantly contribute to the problem, losing weight depends on understanding why these habits exist and learning techniques to “short circuit” these behaviors so weight is lost and health is improved. Medical weight loss is individualized to the needs of the patient, and plans rely on medical and lifestyle information derived from a physical exam, one-on-one office consultation, lab testing and more to create a program that's designed for success right from the start. Plus, ongoing consultations provide patients with the support and guidance they need to stay on track.

Accepted Insurance Plans

We are pleased to be able to accept all PPO insurance plans (e.g. Blue Cross, Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Healthnet, etc.) that cover weight loss surgery. Patients with PPO insurance can see us without needing a referral or prior authorization. We also accept some HMO insurance plans. Patients with HMO insurance will need to first consult with their primary care physician to obtain a referral to see us. To learn if your health insurance coverage will pay for your surgery, and what your insurance authorization requirements are, please call our office or send us an online contact form.

Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Health Net
Medicare
UnitedHealthcare (except United Community Care Plan)