Medication-Assisted Weight Loss at Health@TheWell in Norman
Norman Regional is proud to introduce four expert Medical Weight Loss physicians at Health@TheWell:
- Elizabeth Saladin, MD, Dipl. ABOM
- Krishna Vedala, MD, MPH, MBA, Dipl. ABOM
- Raghuveer Vedala, MD, FAAFP, Dipl. ABOM
- Lorene "Nikki" Rodriguez, MD, AAFP, Dipl. ABOM, ABIHM
All four physicians are board certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine and specialize in weight management. They offer personalized weight management appointments to help patients achieve their health and wellness goals. Medical weight loss appointments are available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.
Schedule an appointment at Health@TheWell by calling 405-515-5000.
Medication-Assisted Weight Loss
Medication-assisted weight loss is an evidence-based approach that combines FDA-approved medications with lifestyle changes to support individuals in their weight loss journey. This comprehensive approach helps patients manage their weight effectively by addressing both physiological and behavioral factors.
Our Approach
Our Medical Weight Loss physicians conduct a thorough evaluation to understand the underlying factors contributing to your weight gain. We take into account your medical history, lifestyle, and any metabolic or hormonal imbalances that may be impacting your ability to lose weight. This comprehensive assessment allows us to develop a targeted and individualized treatment plan that addresses the root causes of your weight struggles.
Managing Related Health Conditions
Obesity is often associated with various medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and heart disease. Our Medical Weight Loss physicians are trained to manage these conditions in conjunction with weight loss efforts. By addressing both weight-related health issues and their underlying causes, we can help you achieve better overall health outcomes.
The Role of Medication
In some cases, lifestyle modifications alone may not be sufficient to achieve significant weight loss. Our Medical Weight Loss physicians are well-versed in the safe and appropriate use of medications approved for weight management. We can prescribe and monitor medications that may help curb appetite, reduce cravings, or improve metabolic function.
One such medication is semaglutide, known under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, which has also been found effective for weight loss by regulating appetite and reducing food intake.
Semaglutide is administered as a weekly injection and is available by prescription only. While it has proven effective, there are risks and potential side effects, and it is used under careful medical supervision. Our providers at Health@TheWell are experienced in prescribing and monitoring this medication as part of a comprehensive weight loss plan.
Additional medications that can be discussed as options during your visit can include: Phentermine, Qsymia, and Contrave.
These medications, when used in combination with lifestyle changes, can provide an additional tool to support your weight loss goals.
We align with the Endocrine Society and the Obesity Medicine Association's recommendations to exercise caution with compounded formulations, as they are not FDA-approved and the uncertainty regarding their sterility. Therefore we do not offer this service. However, we welcome a discussion to explore other options.
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Procedures
Arm Lift
An arm lift (brachioplasty) is a procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms. It is commonly performed on patients who have underdone significant weight loss to address sagging skin.
Generally an arm lift is performed under a general anesthetic on an outpatient basis. The incision typically extends from the armpit to the elbow along the inside of the arm. Liposuction may also be performed on the arm at the same time.
All risks and alternatives will be discussed prior to surgery.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. The belly button is repositioned and the muscle wall is typically tightened with sutures.
Common causes for this procedure include:
- Aging
- Pregnancy
- Weight loss
General anesthesia is administered and an incision is made from hip-to-hip above the pubic bone. The skin and fat is lifted up, underlying muscles are tightened, and then the skin is pulled down like a window shade. The excess skin is removed and the incision is closed. A new opening for the belly button is created and the original belly button is brought out through the opening.
Why It Matters
In 2020, Oklahoma had the 9th highest obesity prevalence in the nation and is among the top-ten most obese states according to America's Health Rankings. Our Medical Weight Loss program aims to combat this issue by providing residents with the tools and support they need to achieve a healthier lifestyle.
