TREATMENT EVALUATION PROCESS

THE INFORMATION BELOW IS INTENDED FOR CASE MANAGERS AT COMMERCIAL INSURANCE CARRIERS OR FOR CLAIMS EXAMINERS AT WORKERS COMPENSATION CARRIERS.

ESTABLISHING GOAL WEIGHTS

Dr. Myers sets a goal weight for each patient based on their medical and dietary histories, current medical status, and other parameters that directly influence a person’s ability to attain and maintain a lower body weight. Some orthopedic surgeons may suggest a goal weight that is lower than the one Dr. Myers sets for the patient. These physicians may even recommend a different weight-loss program for the patient that promises faster weight loss. Our goal weights may, by anthropomorphic measures, still be considered obese; however, it does not benefit the patient medically if the goal cannot be maintained. The goals Dr. Myers sets are realistic, based on evidence-based medical management protocols, and reflective of what he believes a patient can feasibly attain and maintain, given the patient’s exercise capacity and the physiologic and neuroendocrine changes that accompany obesity.

MAINTAINING A REDUCED BODY WEIGHT

Obesity is a complex disease requiring medical intervention for optimal treatment results. Multiple scientific studies demonstrate that once a person becomes obese, that individual experiences physiologic changes that make it difficult to maintain the lowered body weight. If the client is injured, the difficulty in maintaining a lowered body weight is exacerbated by the decrease in physical activity that occurs after an injury. This contributes to the recidivism seen with obesity treatment. Thus, once the obese state is established, periodic evaluation and treatment is usually required to help maintain long-term results.

It is imperative that patients begin incorporating exercise regimens into their lifestyles during the weight-loss phase of treatment so that these behaviors are in place by the time the weight-maintenance phase of treatment begins. Consistent exercise is particularly crucial during maintenance to help offset additional calories frequently consumed by patients as they transition off a rigid dietary protocol and begin the difficult task of managing food intake in their everyday environments.

After a patient reaches a reasonable goal weight that is reflective of their metabolic and lifestyle changes, we generally recommend periodic medical follow-up and treatment in addition to continued participation in the behavioral group sessions to help maintain long-term results.

HOW OUR PROGRAM DIFFERS FROM COMMERCIAL WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAMS

Most commercial programs deliver weight management techniques through a peer counseling system, not by licensed and trained professionals. Although patients may be encouraged to attend peer meetings with these programs, by definition, there is not the same level of accountability, follow-up, monitoring, and comprehension of the behavioral, psychological, and metabolic changes that exist in a medical weight loss program. In addition to Dr. Myers, our program professionals include a licensed therapist and a registered dietician.

Obesity is often associated with significant (and often silent) medical problems. Patients in our program are not only initially screened and examined by a medical doctor (specifically Dr. Myers), but are subsequently monitored by Dr. Myers on a weekly basis during active weight loss treatment. Dr. Myers can provide the appropriate medical intervention and monitoring of the injured patient referred to our office. Many injured patients suffer from depression and neuropathic pain syndrome, which are often overlooked. Frequently, after the initial examination, Dr. Myers will make recommendations for treatment of these conditions – conditions that must be treated prior to any attempts at weight management. Failure to identify and treat these unfortunate complications leads to prolonged disability and significantly increased expense to the carrier. If a patient’s medical problems that accompany the obese state are not appropriately addressed and treated by a medical professional, not only does the patient fail in his or her weight loss endeavors, but these conditions also prolong and worsen over time, while simultaneously exacerbating any disability.

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