Medical Weight Loss

Find your path to a healthy, happy life with nonsurgical, holistic treatment for weight loss.

Talk to a Specialist

Diet

You’ll work with a registered dietitian to create a personalized meal plan. Taking into account your background, preferences, lifestyle, and budget, you may choose to incorporate intermittent fasting or partial meal replacements.

Activity

While exercise is not required to lose weight, it is essential to maintaining weight. We’ll talk through sustainable options for you — which could be as simple as walking.

Behavior

Together, we’ll uncover the habits, relationships, and beliefs that may be holding you back. Gain practical insight and develop a healthy perspective moving forward.

Accountability

Less than five percent of people trying to lose weight are successful on their own. That’s why we recommend monthly visits for six to 12 months plus follow-ups for three to five years after your weight loss. Optional virtual check-ins can help you stay on track even with a busy schedule.

Medication (Optional)

Because obesity is a chronic disease, we use medications just as we would to treat heart disease, asthma, or cancer. While medications aren’t for everyone, we’ll discuss how they could fit into your weight loss plan.

Is medical weight loss right for me?

If you’ve struggled to lose weight and keep it off, you may be a good fit for this program. You do not need a referral from your doctor, and most insurances, including Medicare and Medical Assistance, cover the cost. Requirements include:

• Age 18 or older
• Able to attend follow-up visits
• Not interested in or do not meet qualifications for bariatric surgery
• BMI above 30 or 27 with other issues such as hypertension or diabetes

“I went from having constant body aches and pains, taking multiple medications for reflux, blood pressure, and depression/anxiety to cutting down almost all medications and being pain-free. In nine months, I have lost 75 pounds and feel so much healthier.”

— Paula M., Remer

“I have lowered my A1C. I’m no longer pre-diabetic and my fatty liver disease is gone.”

— LaDonna K., Brainerd Lakes Area

“The program is what I needed to change my life and get healthy.”

— Gary E., Ironton

Meet your medical weight loss specialists

Angelina Ausban, M.D.

Weight Management Program
CRMC–Crosby

Jamie Westerman, A.P.R.N., C.N.P.

Family Medicine, Weight Management Program
CRMC–Breezy Point, Baxter

John Berquist, D.O.

Endocrinologist
CRMC–Crosby, Baxter

Brian Holmgren, M.D.

Hospitalist, Internal Medicine
CRMC–Crosby

Vicki Monson, R.N.

Nurse Coordinator
CRMC–Crosby

Miranda Larson, R.D.

Registered Dietician
CRMC–Crosby

Emma Kline, R.D.

Registered Dietician
CRMC–Crosby

Johanna Christenson, R.D.

Registered Dietician
CRMC–Crosby

Treatment FAQs

Do I need a referral from my doctor?

You do not need a referral from your doctor. If we see you as a self-referral, we will ask your permission to keep your doctor informed of what we are doing and the progress you are making.

My insurance does not cover dietitian visits. Are they required?

These visits are not required but are recommended. We do have a cash-pay option to see a dietician for patients who do not have insurance coverage.

Are weight loss medications used?

Weight loss medications are available but are not required. The medications available will be reviewed at your first consult visit.

How frequently will I be seen?

We recommend being seen monthly by the physician during active weight management which is usually six to 12 months. Our data shows us that patients also seeing a dietitian/health coach monthly are the most successful with weight loss. Some of these visits can be done remotely which can help those with busy schedules.

What is insulin resistance and why is it important?

Insulin is a hormone that gets sugar out of the bloodstream. As you gain weight, your cells become resistant to the effects of it and respond by producing more insulin. The higher your insulin levels, the harder it is to lose weight. The good news is that changing how you eat can reverse insulin resistance, making it easier to lose weight.

Can weight loss reverse Type 2 diabetes?

Yes, Type 2 diabetes can be reversed in many patients, even those who are on insulin, and it can happen as soon as six months.

Will this be covered by my insurance?

Most insurances cover weight management services if you have a BMI above 30 or a BMI above 27 with comorbidities such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol that can be improved by weight loss. Both Medicare and Medical Assistance cover weight management services.

How much weight will I lose?

Weight loss is based on a percentage of your body weight. Most patients working with us lose about 20% of their weight. For example, if you weigh 200 lbs, you can expect to lose around 40 lbs.

Patients undergoing weight loss by surgery can lose up to 50% of their weight but studies show that by five years, they have gained some of the weight back and their weight loss ends up being 20-25%, similar to medical weight management.

Will I have to exercise to lose weight?

Exercise is not required to lose weight, but it is required to maintain weight loss. Patients who do not exercise will regain the weight they have lost over time. However, the data tells us that if patients can walk, they are able to maintain weight loss. The role of exercise will be discussed at the initial consult visit.

Can this program help me prevent weight regain?

Long-term accountability and follow-up are needed for patients to maintain their weight. Our goal is to follow you for three to five years after you have lost weight to ensure you are maintaining weight loss. If you start to regain weight, we can increase visits to ensure you stay on track.

Will I qualify for this program?

Patients must not be pregnant or nursing. If you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse, we require 12 months of sobriety and active participation in a recovery program.

Ready to start your last weight loss program?

Take the next step. Talk to one of our providers today.

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