Kapiolani Pali Momi Straub Wilcox

Weight Loss Clinic in Honolulu, Hawaii

Call (808) 522-4013888 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813

1 (1 reviews)

About Kapiolani Pali Momi Straub Wilcox

Treatment at Kapiolani Pali Momi Straub Wilcox

Kapiolani, Pali Momi, Straub, and Wilcox are part of Hawaii Pacific Health, the largest health system in the state. Their weight management programs draw on the full resources of an integrated hospital network, giving patients access to specialists, registered dietitians, behavioral health professionals, and bariatric surgeons all coordinating together. That kind of depth isn't something you find at a standalone clinic.

The system operates multiple locations across Oahu, so care doesn't always require a trip into downtown Honolulu. Whether you're starting your weight loss journey for the first time or you've been through other programs without lasting results, the clinical teams here can build a plan around your specific health profile. They focus on evidence-based methods and long-term outcomes, not short-term numbers on a scale.

Services Offered

Hawaii Pacific Health's weight loss programs cover a broad range of medical and surgical options. On the non-surgical side, patients can access medically supervised diet programs, behavioral counseling, nutrition education, and pharmaceutical management including GLP-1 medications. Each plan is individualized based on labs, health history, and personal goals, so no two patients follow exactly the same protocol. For those who qualify, the system also offers bariatric surgery through its surgical centers. Procedures include sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and adjustable gastric banding, all performed by board-certified bariatric surgeons. Pre-surgical evaluations are thorough, covering cardiac clearance, psychological assessment, and nutritional counseling to prepare patients for life after surgery. Post-operative care is a real strength. The program includes regular follow-up appointments, support groups, and ongoing access to dietitians and behavioral health staff. This continuity matters in the months and years after bariatric surgery, when patients are adjusting to new habits and a different relationship with food. The system's size also means that if complications arise or additional specialty care is needed, those resources are already within reach.

Weight Loss Centers

Treatment Options

Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program

A structured non-surgical program that combines regular medical check-ins, lab monitoring, and prescription medications when appropriate. A registered dietitian builds your nutrition plan, and the medical team adjusts your protocol over time based on how your body is responding to treatment.

6-12 months$150-$400/month depending on insurance

Sleeve Gastrectomy

A surgical procedure that removes roughly 80 percent of the stomach, significantly reducing its capacity and altering hunger hormones. It's one of the most commonly performed bariatric procedures and produces durable, long-term weight loss results for most qualifying patients who follow post-op guidelines.

1-2 night hospital stay, 4-6 weeks recovery$15,000-$22,000 without insurance

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

A two-part bariatric surgery that creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes part of the small intestine, changing how the body absorbs food. It's often considered the most effective bariatric option and shows particularly strong results for patients managing type 2 diabetes alongside obesity.

2-3 night hospital stay, 4-6 weeks recovery$18,000-$25,000 without insurance

Behavioral and Nutritional Counseling

Standalone or integrated sessions with registered dietitians and behavioral health professionals that address eating patterns, emotional triggers, and practical habit-building strategies. These sessions support sustainable lifestyle change and can be booked independently or as part of a broader weight loss program.

Ongoing, typically monthly sessions$80-$200/session

What to Expect

The process starts with a referral from your primary care doctor or a self-referral through Hawaii Pacific Health's scheduling line. An initial consultation covers your medical history, current medications, previous weight loss attempts, and any obesity-related conditions. From there, the team orders labs and may schedule additional evaluations depending on what they find.

If surgery is on the table, you'll go through a multi-step pre-surgical process that typically takes several months. This includes nutritional counseling sessions, a psychological evaluation, a cardiac workup, and a supervised pre-op diet phase. That timeline exists for good reason: it improves surgical outcomes and helps patients build habits they'll need post-op.

For non-surgical patients, the program is more flexible. You'll meet regularly with a dietitian and possibly a behavioral health counselor, and the medical team monitors your progress through periodic labs and check-ins. Adjustments happen based on how you're responding, not on a fixed schedule.

Why Choose Kapiolani Pali Momi Straub Wilcox

The main reason to choose this system for weight loss care is the depth of resources it can bring to bear on your situation. A standalone clinic can handle a lot, but if your obesity is tied to diabetes, heart disease, or other serious conditions, having specialists from those fields involved in your care plan makes a real difference. Hawaii Pacific Health's size means that coordination is built in.

The surgical program stands out in particular. Board-certified bariatric surgeons, a structured pre-op process, and strong post-operative follow-up create a framework that gives patients a genuine shot at long-term success. Many programs do the surgery and then largely leave patients on their own. That's not the case here.

Cost and insurance complexity can be a downside, and the system's size sometimes means longer waits for initial appointments. But for anyone who needs comprehensive, medically serious weight loss care in Hawaii, this is one of the strongest options available.

Insurance & Pricing

Hawaii Pacific Health accepts most major insurance plans, including HMSA, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Aetna, and Medicare. Medicaid coverage varies by service. Bariatric surgery may require prior authorization, and insurance criteria typically include a documented BMI threshold and evidence of previous supervised weight loss attempts, usually spanning six months.

For patients without insurance or with high out-of-pocket costs, financial counseling is available to review options including payment plans. Bariatric surgery without insurance typically runs between $15,000 and $25,000 depending on the procedure. Non-surgical program costs vary but are generally more accessible. Calling the billing department directly before your first appointment gives you the clearest picture.

First-Time Patient Tips

Before your first appointment, gather your records. That means notes from your primary care doctor, any recent labs, a list of current medications, and documentation of previous weight loss efforts. The more history you bring, the faster the team can build an accurate picture of where you are.

Be honest during your intake evaluation, especially about your eating habits, activity level, and mental health history. Behavioral factors play a huge role in weight management, and the team can only help effectively if they understand the full picture. There's no judgment in these conversations.

If surgery is something you're considering, start the process early. The pre-surgical evaluation timeline is longer than most people expect, and insurance approval can add more time on top of that. Planning ahead reduces frustration. Finally, go in with realistic expectations. Significant, lasting weight loss takes time, and these programs are built for the long haul.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

Access to Hawaii's largest hospital network means complex cases get coordinated care across multiple specialties without referral delays.
Board-certified bariatric surgeons with experience in both primary and revision procedures serve patients who need surgical intervention.
Strong post-surgical follow-up including dietitian access, support groups, and behavioral health continuity sets this program apart from many others.

Things to Consider

Wait times for initial consultations can be long given the high demand across the hospital system.
The very low patient rating for this location suggests experience issues that prospective patients should research carefully before committing.

Service Area

Hawaii Pacific Health serves patients across the island of Oahu, with facilities in Honolulu, Aiea, Kailua, and other communities. Most patients come from the greater Honolulu metro area, but the system also sees people from other parts of Oahu and occasionally from neighboring islands who travel for specialty surgical care. Telehealth options are available for some follow-up appointments, which helps patients maintain continuity with their care team without making the trip into Honolulu every time.

Interior of Kapiolani Pali Momi Straub Wilcox

Local Insight

Honolulu's food culture is rich and diverse, with heavy influences from Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, and Native Hawaiian traditions. Many local favorites are rice-heavy and calorie-dense, which makes mindful eating both important and nuanced here. The city's warm climate makes outdoor activity feasible year-round, a real advantage for anyone building exercise into a new routine. Hawaii also has one of the highest rates of health insurance coverage in the country, making programs like this more accessible to more residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a doctor's referral to start the weight loss program?

You can self-refer to most Hawaii Pacific Health weight management programs, though your primary care doctor's involvement is often helpful. Some insurance plans require a referral for coverage purposes. It's worth checking with your plan before scheduling your first appointment.

How long does the pre-surgical process take for bariatric surgery?

For most patients, the pre-surgical evaluation process takes three to six months. This includes required counseling sessions, medical clearances, and insurance approval if applicable. Starting early gives you the best chance of hitting your target timeline.

What BMI is required to qualify for bariatric surgery?

Most bariatric programs require a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with at least one serious obesity-related health condition such as diabetes or hypertension. Your surgeon will confirm eligibility during your initial consultation.

Are GLP-1 medications like semaglutide available through the program?

Yes, the medical weight loss program can prescribe GLP-1 receptor agonists when clinically appropriate. Availability depends on your health history, and insurance coverage for these medications varies significantly by plan.

What does post-bariatric follow-up look like?

Follow-up visits are typically scheduled at one week, one month, three months, six months, and one year post-surgery, then annually after that. You'll also have access to dietitians and support groups throughout the process.

Does the program offer telehealth appointments?

Some follow-up appointments are available via telehealth, which helps patients who live farther from the main facilities. Initial consultations and surgical evaluations generally require an in-person visit.

Can the program support patients who had bariatric surgery elsewhere?

Yes, the system accepts patients who had bariatric surgery at other facilities and need ongoing support or are experiencing complications. A consultation with one of the bariatric surgeons is the right starting point.

Which insurance plans are accepted for weight loss services?

The system accepts HMSA, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Aetna, and Medicare, among others. Medicaid coverage depends on the specific service. It's always a good idea to verify your coverage directly with your insurance before your first appointment.