Allina Health Weight Management Clinic - Abbott Northwestern

Weight Loss Clinic in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Call (763) 236-0940920 E 28th St, Suite 460, Minneapolis Heart Institute, Minneapolis, MN 55407

About Allina Health Weight Management Clinic - Abbott Northwestern

Treatment at Allina Health Weight Management Clinic - Abbott Northwestern

Allina Health Weight Management Clinic at Abbott Northwestern Hospital provides comprehensive, medically-supervised weight loss programs backed by the expertise of a major healthcare system. Our clinic combines evidence-based medical treatments with lifestyle interventions to help patients achieve sustainable weight loss and improved health outcomes. As part of Abbott Northwestern Hospital, we have access to advanced technology and can coordinate seamlessly with other medical specialists when needed.

Our multidisciplinary team includes bariatric surgeons, registered dietitians, behavioral health specialists, and nurse practitioners who work together to create personalized treatment plans. We understand that obesity is a complex medical condition requiring individualized approaches, not one-size-fits-all solutions. Whether you need medical weight loss management, surgical options, or comprehensive lifestyle interventions, we provide the medical expertise and ongoing support necessary for long-term success.

Services Offered

Our comprehensive weight management services include medical evaluations, prescription weight loss medications, nutrition counseling, and behavioral therapy. We offer both surgical and non-surgical weight loss options, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric band procedures performed by board-certified bariatric surgeons. Our medical weight loss programs utilize FDA-approved medications combined with structured nutrition and exercise plans. We provide extensive pre-operative education and lifelong post-operative support for surgical patients. Our registered dietitians offer individual and group nutrition counseling, meal planning assistance, and cooking classes. Behavioral health specialists help address emotional eating, food addiction, and the psychological aspects of weight management. We also offer specialized programs for diabetes management, metabolic syndrome, and weight-related health conditions. Our exercise physiologists develop safe, effective workout plans tailored to each patient's physical capabilities and health status. Regular medical monitoring ensures your safety and progress throughout your weight loss journey.

Weight Loss Centers

Medical Centers

Treatment Options

Medical Weight Loss Program

Physician-supervised program using FDA-approved medications, nutrition counseling, and behavioral support for sustainable weight loss.

6-12 months$200-400/month

Bariatric Surgery Programs

Comprehensive surgical weight loss options including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and band procedures with lifelong follow-up care.

Lifelong commitment$15,000-25,000 (often insurance covered)

Intensive Lifestyle Intervention

Non-surgical program combining nutrition education, exercise counseling, and behavioral therapy for patients who don't need medications.

3-6 months$150-250/month

Post-Surgery Support Program

Ongoing medical monitoring, nutrition counseling, and support groups for bariatric surgery patients to maintain long-term success.

LifelongUsually covered by insurance

What to Expect

Your journey begins with a comprehensive medical evaluation including review of your health history, current medications, and weight-related health conditions. We'll perform necessary lab tests, body composition analysis, and cardiovascular assessments to ensure safe participation in our programs. Based on your medical evaluation, we'll recommend the most appropriate treatment approach, whether medical management, surgical consultation, or intensive lifestyle intervention.

For medical weight loss, you'll typically meet with our team monthly for medication monitoring, nutrition counseling, and progress assessment. Surgical candidates undergo extensive evaluation and education over several months before procedures. All patients receive ongoing support through regular follow-up appointments, group sessions, and access to our online patient portal for between-visit communication and resource sharing.

Why Choose Allina Health Weight Management Clinic - Abbott Northwestern

As part of Allina Health, we offer the security and resources of a major healthcare system while maintaining personalized, compassionate care. Our medical expertise allows us to safely treat patients with complex health conditions that other programs might not be able to accommodate. We're one of the few programs in the region offering the full spectrum of weight management options from medical treatment to advanced surgical procedures under one roof.

Our outcomes data consistently shows excellent results for both surgical and non-surgical patients, and we're committed to transparency about success rates and potential risks. Our multidisciplinary approach addresses all aspects of obesity as a medical condition, not just diet and exercise. We maintain lifelong relationships with our patients, providing ongoing support and medical monitoring to ensure sustained success and continued health improvement.

Insurance & Pricing

Most major insurance plans provide coverage for our medically-supervised weight loss programs, and many cover bariatric surgery for qualifying patients. Our financial counselors work with patients to verify benefits, obtain necessary pre-authorizations, and minimize out-of-pocket costs. For patients without insurance coverage or with high deductibles, we offer payment plans and financial assistance programs based on need.

Self-pay packages are available for medical weight loss programs starting at approximately $200 per month. Bariatric surgery costs vary depending on the procedure but are often covered by insurance when medical criteria are met. We're transparent about all costs upfront and work with patients to make treatment as affordable as possible while maintaining the highest standards of care.

First-Time Patient Tips

Success in our programs requires commitment to following medical recommendations, attending all scheduled appointments, and making significant lifestyle changes. Prepare for your initial consultation by gathering your medical history, current medication list, and previous weight loss attempt records. For surgical candidates, be prepared for a comprehensive evaluation process that may take several months.

It's important to have realistic expectations about weight loss timelines and be prepared for both physical and emotional challenges during your journey. Family support is crucial for long-term success, so we encourage involving loved ones in your treatment plan. Our team is here to support you through difficulties, but your commitment to making lasting changes is essential for achieving and maintaining your weight loss goals.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

Hospital-based program provides medical expertise and safety for patients with complex health conditions.
Comprehensive approach offers both surgical and non-surgical options under one roof with coordinated care.
Strong insurance coverage for most services reduces out-of-pocket costs for qualifying patients.

Things to Consider

Hospital setting may feel clinical or intimidating compared to smaller, more personal weight loss centers.
Longer wait times for appointments and procedures compared to smaller private practices.

Service Area

We serve patients throughout the Twin Cities metro area and greater Minnesota, with our convenient Minneapolis location easily accessible from all major highways. Many patients travel from outstate Minnesota, western Wisconsin, and neighboring states for our specialized bariatric surgery programs. Our hospital setting provides comprehensive support services including laboratory, imaging, and other medical specialties when needed. We coordinate care with referring physicians throughout the region and provide detailed communication about patient progress and treatment plans.

Interior of Allina Health Weight Management Clinic - Abbott Northwestern

Local Insight

Located in Minneapolis's renowned medical district, our clinic is easily accessible via public transportation and major highways. The hospital's proximity to downtown Minneapolis provides convenient access to healthy dining options and fitness facilities that support your lifestyle changes. Our partnership with Abbott Northwestern Hospital means immediate access to emergency services and specialized medical care if needed. The Twin Cities area's extensive network of healthcare providers allows us to coordinate seamlessly with your other physicians for comprehensive care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between your program and commercial weight loss centers?

We're a medical program staffed by physicians, registered dietitians, and licensed therapists who can address underlying health conditions and prescribe medications when appropriate. Our hospital affiliation provides access to comprehensive medical services and specialist consultations that commercial centers can't offer.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to start treatment?

While referrals aren't always required, we recommend discussing your plans with your primary care physician. We'll coordinate with your other doctors throughout your treatment to ensure comprehensive care and avoid any conflicts with existing medications or treatments.

What are the criteria for bariatric surgery and how do I know if I qualify?

General criteria include a BMI of 40 or higher, or BMI of 35+ with weight-related health conditions like diabetes or sleep apnea. We conduct thorough evaluations to determine candidacy, including medical, nutritional, and psychological assessments to ensure surgery is appropriate and likely to be successful.

How much weight can I expect to lose and how quickly?

Weight loss varies significantly based on starting weight, chosen treatment, and individual factors. Medical weight loss patients typically lose 1-3 pounds per week, while surgical patients may lose 60-80% of excess weight over 12-18 months. We focus on sustainable, healthy rates of weight loss rather than rapid results.

What kind of ongoing support do you provide after I reach my goal weight?

We provide lifelong follow-up care including regular medical monitoring, nutrition counseling, and support groups. Maintaining weight loss requires ongoing lifestyle management, and we're committed to supporting our patients throughout their journey, not just during active weight loss phases.

Can you help if I have diabetes, heart disease, or other medical conditions?

Yes, we specialize in treating patients with complex medical conditions. Our medical team can safely manage weight loss while monitoring and often improving conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. We coordinate closely with your other specialists throughout treatment.

What if I've failed at other weight loss programs before?

Many of our most successful patients have tried multiple programs previously. Our medical approach can identify and address underlying issues that may have prevented previous success, such as hormonal imbalances, medications affecting weight, or undiagnosed medical conditions.

How do you handle emergencies or complications during treatment?

As a hospital-based program, we have immediate access to emergency services and specialist consultations if complications arise. Our medical team is trained to handle weight loss-related side effects, and patients have 24/7 access to medical advice through our call center.