The Avance Care Mallard Creek Weight Management program is designed to help any patient with a BMI of 30 or greater, or those with a BMI of 27 or greater coupled with chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Not sure of your BMI? You can calculate your BMI yourself here. You can calculate your BMI yourself here.

We understand that BMI is not the only indicator of health. Our clinicians will perform a comprehensive assessment that includes reviewing your medical history, previous labs and diagnostics, clinical exam, body composition testing, and determine additional diagnostics that may be needed. Our program is tailored to meet your specific needs.

As a patient in the Avance Care Weight Management program, you will have access to a multidisciplinary team consisting of medical professionals, nutrition experts, and behavioral specialists. This team will conduct a thorough evaluation, including lab work, vitals, advanced body composition testing, and behavioral assessments. The information gathered from this comprehensive evaluation will allow your team to develop an individualized care plan tailored to your specific goals and lifestyle.

When it comes to follow-up visits and lab work, we understand that one size does not fit all. That’s why our approach is flexible, with follow-up appointments and lab tests scheduled according to your unique needs and medical interventions.

In addition to personalized care, our practice offers group visits, providing a supportive community environment where you can share experiences and gain insights from others. Group visits are medical appointments where a group of people who are experiencing similar health challenges or similar medical conditions come together. They share their experiences and give and receive help from each other. In our group visits we make sure to maintain a safe environment that is conducive both for sharing and accepting each other where each can grow, trust one another, and feel respected and valued. Each patient’s participation in group visits is strictly voluntary. You decide what you wish to share with the group or if you would prefer to share privately with the provider team.

At Avance Care, you’ll receive comprehensive health education, and you’ll have access to ongoing support and guidance to help you stay on track and achieve lasting results.

Prior to your first appointment, our Patient Coordinator will contact you to review what will be included in your initial assessment visit. You will be given a set a forms to complete prior to the first visit.

Phase 1: Your initial weight-loss appointment will be a nurse appointment. You will need to come in fasting.

• We will collect a urine sample.
• You will complete your initial body composition testing.
• You will get an EKG.

Phase 2: This us an appointment with a member of your medical team at Avance Care. They will review your medical history, assessment forms, body composition results, EKG, and lab results. They will also conduct a clinical exam.

This information is used to determine:

• Medical conditions that need to be addressed.
• Referrals to other services and diagnostics needed to complement the medical weight-loss program and support you in achieving your overall health and wellness goals.

You will share in the decision-making to start your plan of care.

Phase 3: This begins the active phase of treatment, following completion all assessments and evaluations in phases 1 and 2. Individual care plans may include some or all of the following:

• Nutrition education
• Meal replacement plan
• Medications
• Referral to bariatric surgeon
• Support groups
• Behavioral health therapy

Your primary care provider is often the first point of contact in managing obesity. They play a crucial role in assessing your overall health, identifying risk factors, and coordinating your care with other specialists as needed.

Your primary care provider may not always be a physician. Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners work closely with physicians to deliver high-quality care and support to patients. They perform physical exams, order tests, prescribe medications, and provide education and counseling. PAs and NPs play a vital role in ensuring continuity of care and are available to address any questions or concerns you may have throughout your journey.

Obesity medicine specialist physicians are experts in the medical management of obesity. They have specialized training and experience in treating patients with obesity. They have an in-depth understanding of the genetic, social, and behavioral factors that contribute to obesity. They are also skilled at guiding patients through the various interventions used to treat obesity.

Dr. Lori Smith, Medical Director of Avance Care Mallard Creek, is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) as well as a certified diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM). She is an active member of the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians, and the Obesity Medicine Association.

A bariatric surgeon is a physician who specializes in weight loss surgery. Avance Care does not have a bariatric surgeon on staff. If weight loss surgery is an appropriate intervention, you will be referred to a bariatric surgeon for evaluation. Bariatric surgeons perform a variety of specialized procedures including, gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric band surgery.

Therapists are part of the weight management program team to help patients through the psychological factors associated with obesity, such as stress, anxiety, depression, and disordered eating behaviors. They provide counseling, support, and coping strategies to help patients overcome emotional barriers and develop a positive relationship with food and their body.

Avance Care Behavioral Health services range from individual, one-on-one sessions to couples or family sessions, and even therapy groups focused on a specific issue.

As part of the obesity care team, dietitians provide nutritional counseling for weight loss, including helping patients find the diet plan that works best for their lifestyle.

Dietitians with Avance Care Nutrition Services offer individual counselling sessions as well as group classes on everything from the basics of good nutrition and building healthy habits to specialized programs like Thriving with Diabetes.