Center for Weight Control: Process for Approval

Individuals who are severely obese, that is, approximately 100 pounds overweight, and have made unsuccessful attempts to lose weight are encouraged to call the Center for Weight Control at 617-562-7474. A physician referral is not required.

After contacting the Center for Weight Control:

1. The individual completes the patient questionnaire and mails it back to the program's nurse coordinator.
2. The nurse coordinator phones the individual to discuss the questionnaire, talk about what the program offers and schedule the appropriate appointments.
3. The individual then comes to the Center for Weight Control for an initial medical evaluation. A psychological evaluation may occur on the same day or may be scheduled for another day. An appointment with the dietician is scheduled for one or two weeks later.
4. If the individual meets the requirements for gastric bypass surgery, additional evaluations may be scheduled, including an appointment with the center's surgeon.

If the individual does not qualify for gastric bypass surgery or decides against having the surgery, the center's medical team will offer nutritional and exercise counseling, behavior modification and medical follow up. The individual also may choose to return to his/her primary care physician for follow up. Those who wish to be reevaluated are welcome to return to the Center for Weight Control at a later time.