Office Based Program "Weight-Loss Without Willpower"
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Does the doctor give out a diet?
Not automatically. Many patients will need a specific diet and if so the doctor will arrange that. However, not all patients have a weight problem due to problems with foods. A diet is not an automatic option. When a diet is used it is called a Calorie Controlled Diet and is put together specifically for that patient. Such a diet is based on the types of foods the patient likes and is then constructed based on the number of calories to lose weight.
Do I need a blood test?
Most patients will need a blood test to exclude medical causes for weight gain. Medical causes are rare, an example being Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). If a blood test has not been performed in the past few months then commonly it will be suggested.
Do I have to take pills to lose weight?
Sometimes. This is a decision to be made with the patient and doctor. It is an individual decision. The doctor usually discusses the options available for use of medication and obtains the patients views on using medication. The doctor will look at all the factors before recommending or rejecting use of medication. Medical conditions, use of other medication, and other factors come into consideration on the subject of medication for weight loss.
How does this weight loss program differ from Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig or Sureslim?
At this clinic, each weight loss program is specific to that patient. Rather than use a one-size-fits-all approach the doctor creates a weight loss program which specifically addresses the factors contributing to that person’s weight problem. The first appointment is, in part, to do with finding how the patient came to be overweight and what factors have contributed to the weight and then making a personalized program to address those specific factors.
Dr Peace reads research published on how to resolve weight problems. He takes ideas which are proven to work and applies these to individual patient problems. He avoids fad diets or ideas which are not proven.
- In the Office-Based Program patients are seen individually, not in groups.
- Patients eat their own normal foods.
- There are no claims of producing weight loss through "magic". In this program the doctor examines the evidence for using a certain technique and if it is proven to work, then the doctor looks for a way to apply that technique to that patient.
- Weight loss is the aim, and preventing weight regain is a major part of the process.
Is Dr Peace a medical doctor?
Yes. Dr Neil Peace is a registered medical practitioner. He completed his medical degree in Canada. He came to Australia in 1976. He started in general practice and began weight loss programs for his patients in 1980. He now works exclusively with overweight and obese patients.
How often are the visits?
Most patients are seen at 2 week intervals initially. However, it varies depending on the particular problem. Some patients need only one visit. More commonly, a series of visits is needed.
What is a typical number of visits?
A common number of visits is 6 to 8 visits. Many patients will then be seen for long term follow-up, in which the patient may be seen at 4 to 6 month intervals to prevent regain.
What is the success rate?
Collecting data and following all patients long term is highly desirable but time consuming and to date has not been possible. Dr Peace hopes to be able to hire a research assistant in the near future to collect this data. This will then bring an answer to the question.
Significant weight loss has happened for a wide variety of patients. Mr A. lost 22 kg in order to be better suited for knee replacement. He did not need the knee replacement after losing the weight. Ms J. wanted to lose weight to improve chances of pregnancy. The first time she took 2 years to fall pregnant. After losing 16 kg she became pregnant in 2 months. Ms M wanted to reduce her risk of diabetes and lost 12 kg, now fitting a size 12. Mr H was 175 kg and age 25. He lost 55 Kg. Many patients lose a significant amount of weight but success is not guaranteed.
Will I have to exercise?
Yes, almost certainly. It is rare to find a patient who can control weight without any form of exercise. However, what we all want is to achieve the correct weight and then stay at that weight with 1) the least amount of exercise and 2) with the maximum number of food and drink indulgences.
This weight loss program is not a moral crusade. It is all to do with achieving weight control in the simplest, easiest fashion.
Is it for adults and kids?
Yes. Both adults and children are treated for weight problems.
Do you treat anorexia nervosa?
No. Anorexia Nervosa is a specific eating disorder. This medical practice is dedicated to producing weight loss in overweight or obese patients.
I have a medical condition. Is it OK to start the weight loss program?
Yes. Medical problems are common in the overweight and obese population. Dr Peace is expert at creating weight loss programs for people with specific medical problems. Common medical problems which are seen include diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, asthma, hayfever, high blood pressure, cholesterol problems, and many more.
Do I need a referral?
No.
Do you bulk bill?
No.
How much does the Office-Based Program Cost?
In the Office-Based Program the first visit, which is typically 1 ½ hours, costs $ $350. Repeat visits are typically 1 hour and the fee is $220. Some is rebatable from Medicare, see below, and the Medicare "Safety Net Scheme" can reduce the cost, see below.
Is it covered by Medicare?
Yes. $61 is rebated from Medicare for the first visit and for each of the repeat visits.
The Medicare "Safety Net Scheme" allows some patients to be only $58 "out of pocket" (after rebates are applied). This "Scheme" rebates 80 % of doctor's fees to those individuals who have spent $700 or greater in a calendar year on doctors fees (including X-ray, and pathology).
In all cases the patient pays the fee as noted above (How much does it cost?) and collects their rebate from Medicare. THIS PRACTICE DOES NOT BULK BILL. Patients pay for the visit at the time of the visit and then claim the rebates.
Does my health insurance cover the costs?
No. The large health funds such as MBF and Medibank do not cover the costs.
How do I pay?
Payment occurs at each visit. We do not run accounts, for payment at a later date. Payment is accepted by cash, cheque or credit card.
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