Frequently Asked Questions

How is your clinic different from the other weight loss clinics?

We are focused on understanding all aspects of your health—medical conditions, medications, stressors, emotional/coping skills including your approach to life and the ways in which they contribute to your weight condition. Working in a team we assess and address each aspect to help you make sustainable realistic change. We know weight loss is difficult.

Can I get an endocrine evaluation?

Absolutely, we address commonly associated endocrine problems—insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovarian disease, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and hypogonadism.

How much weight should I expect to lose?

Every individual is different and the amount and rate of weight loss depends on many factors. Please see the Results section for more.

What is Dr. Rubino’s philosophy around the use of anti-obesity medication?

The normal physiologic regulation of the body tends to protect weight and impede weight loss.  The new anti-obesity medications are targeted to areas of the brain and gastrointestinal tract involved in this regulation. Use of anti-obesity medications can help...

What medications does Dr. Rubino use?..

She prescribes FDA-approved medications and a few medications off-label. She assesses what medications may be most suitable for a given individual weighing potential side effects with chronic medical conditions...

What if my schedule does not permit me to routinely make it to the Center?

We offer tele-health services, as appropriate. We can work together to ensure your support and guidance.

What do I do when I hit a plateau? 

Weight plateaus (periods of time in which weight loss seems to stop or slows) are common. No one loses weight in a continuous steady pattern. Our experience is that...

What do I do if I haven’t lost all the weight I wanted to?

We know that not everyone loses the amount of weight they hope to lose and/or they experience periods where personal circumstances prevent further weight loss. This might be a time to...

I have lost weight many times but always regain--when am I at risk for weight regain?

Clinical experience shows that there are susceptible times for weight re-gain - between years 1-2 of maintenance; during periods of intense or chronic stress and life change; after injuries/illnesses...

But I don’t have time to do a full comprehensive plan?

You don’t have to. We have many patients who come in monthly and work with a staff member of their choice. We are very flexible and want to help you find the approach that works best for you.

Why would I choose to use meal replacements?

In the comprehensive program, many of our patients start with full or partial meal replacements to help structure their meal plan gradually adding more food as they lose weight and feel in more control.

But I like food; do I have to use meal replacements?

No—we really encourage working with food and our dietician staff will work closely with you to develop a plan that works for you whether you cook, or eat out. Our goal is to help you have a healthy relationship with food.

What if I start a program in the comprehensive plan and then don’t like it?

Occasionally a patient will start one approach and then decide to switch—this is not a problem. It is important to find a plan with a structure that is doable for you.

What is the difference between medical weight loss reporting and surgical weight loss reporting?

It is important to understand that there are different ways of reporting weight loss. Surgical weight loss is often reported as the percent of weight lost compared to how much someone needed to lose....

How do I recognize success when the scale is not changing?

It is also important to appreciate all of the changes that are happening and look for success in areas such as improved mobility, decreased pain and shortness of breath, improved reflux symptoms, improved blood sugar, etc., as well as altered changes...

Why do you recommend an extended maintenance phase?

All of the evidence shows that maintenance is difficult and that the most successful weight loss is associated with a continued persistent structured life approach with strong coping skills. For many,...

Do you use hCG for weight loss? 

No, I do not. Scientific research studies show that hCG injections are not an effective therapy for weight loss.

Do you give B12 shots?

I do not prescribe B12 for weight loss. There is no scientific evidence that B12 injections result in weight loss.

Do you use thyroid hormone for weight loss?

No, it is not medically advisable to treat weight with thyroid hormone.

Are your services covered by insurance?

Payment is due at time of service. While we don’t accept insurance as payment, we will gladly electronically file insurance claims to your private insurance company on your behalf. Any reimbursement due to you will be sent from your insurance company directly to you.

Are you in-network? And how much should I expect to be reimbursed?

WCWMR is not considered in-network with any insurance company. You will be reimbursed at the out-of-network rate provided to you through your insurance plan, assuming you have out-of-network benefits available to you.