Medical Weight-Loss at Surgical Association of Mobile
While SAMPA has led the region and the nation as innovators in bariatric surgery for over 50 years, the options for significant weight loss underwent a dramatic change at the end of 2021 with the approval of GLP–1 receptor agonist medications.
Starting with Wegovy, the sister drug to Ozempic, and continuing with Zepbound, related to Mounjaro, patients had, for the first time, a non-surgical option with real results, particularly when diet and exercise were not effective or did not offer the expected weight loss.
We recognize the need of those patients who may not qualify for bariatric surgery or are concerned about a surgical solution. As such, SAMPA is proud to offer a non-surgical medical weight loss program, administered and overseen by our exceptional Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner, Claudia Fantucci. Our medical weight loss program caters to patients in three situations.
- Those with a BMI from about 27 to 35, with relatively less weight to lose, or who do not meet the qualifications for undergoing bariatric surgery.
- For patients preparing for bariatric surgery who need to lose some weight to reduce the risk of surgery.
- For patients who have already had bariatric surgery and need to restart, enhance, or maintain the weight loss they’ve achieved through surgical means.
What our medical weight loss program consists of
First things first – we start with a thorough medical evaluation of past and current medications, your medical history, lifestyle implementations you’ve tried, and personal weight loss goals. With the availability of both oral and injection options, we’ll work as a team to choose a medication that works for you.
In addition to medication, our medical weight loss program provides a comprehensive range of support, addressing the dietary and exercise issues that are crucial for long-term success.
Our approach focuses on weight loss, of course, as well as balancing nutritional needs while incorporating an exercise program designed to promote muscle development. This combination and thorough follow-up ensure that weight loss is safe and sustainable. We work closely with our patients to be certain they understand that this is a lifestyle change and not a quick way out or an easy fix. With nurse Claudia by their sides, we have already seen exceptional transformations.
Why our program is different
Unfortunately, online vendors and even primary care physicians are prescribing GLP-1 medications without extensive follow-up. That extra step has been the hallmark of top-notch bariatric practices like SAMPA for many decades, and it’s what sets us apart.
Sadly, when patients work with vendors or practitioners who lack proper follow-up, they often miss out on the full benefits of these drugs. Many fail to maximize weight loss, and once the medication is discontinued, weight regain becomes common. This is often because they don’t have a dedicated support team for guidance and sustained weight loss.
We’ve administered a comprehensive postoperative program for thousands of bariatric patients – we know what works and what doesn’t. We understand how to help our patients achieve and maintain long-term weight loss. Nurse Practitioner Claudia and our entire team at SAMPA are excited to work with each of our patients to explore how GLP-1 and similar drugs may fit into their weight loss journey.