Memorial Health

Weight Loss Clinic in Springfield, Illinois

Call (217) 788-3948320 E Carpenter St, Springfield, IL 62701

About Memorial Health

Memorial Health's Weight Management Center offers comprehensive, multidisciplinary care through one of central Illinois' most respected healthcare systems. Our program combines the expertise of physicians, registered dietitians, exercise physiologists, and behavioral health specialists to address all aspects of weight management and obesity-related health conditions.

As part of a full-service health system, we can coordinate your weight loss care with other medical specialties and provide continuity from initial evaluation through long-term maintenance. Our evidence-based approach is backed by the latest research and our affiliation with academic medical centers, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care available in the region.

Services Offered

Our comprehensive weight management services include medical evaluation and management by board-certified physicians who specialize in obesity medicine and metabolic disorders. We offer both surgical and non-surgical weight loss options including bariatric surgery evaluation and preparation, as well as medically supervised programs with prescription medications. Our registered dietitians provide individualized nutrition counseling, meal planning, and ongoing dietary support tailored to your medical conditions and preferences. Exercise physiology services include fitness assessments, customized workout programs, and supervised exercise sessions for patients with medical limitations. Behavioral health counseling addresses psychological factors affecting eating behaviors, stress management, and motivation. We provide comprehensive diabetes management and education for patients with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes. Our program also includes support groups, educational classes, and family counseling to ensure long-term success. For qualifying patients, we offer bariatric surgery with a full multidisciplinary team including surgeons, nurses, and specialized support staff.

Weight Loss Centers

Nutritionists

Physical Therapy

Treatment Options

Medical Weight Management

Physician-supervised program including prescription medications, medical monitoring, nutritional counseling, and behavioral support with multidisciplinary team approach.

6-18 months$200-400/month

Bariatric Surgery Program

Comprehensive surgical weight loss program including pre-operative preparation, surgery, and lifelong follow-up with specialized bariatric team.

Lifelong programInsurance dependent

Diabetes Prevention Program

CDC-approved lifestyle change program for pre-diabetic patients focusing on weight loss, physical activity, and blood sugar management.

12 months$150-250 total

Adolescent Weight Management

Family-centered program for overweight teens including medical evaluation, family counseling, nutrition education, and age-appropriate activity programs.

6-12 months$150-300/month

What to Expect

Your journey begins with a comprehensive medical evaluation that includes detailed history, physical examination, lab work, and assessment by our multidisciplinary team. Based on your individual needs and medical conditions, we develop a personalized treatment plan that may include medical management, nutritional counseling, exercise therapy, behavioral support, or surgical evaluation. Regular follow-up appointments with various team members ensure coordinated care and progress monitoring. We provide extensive educational resources and support groups to help you succeed. For surgical candidates, we offer thorough preparation including psychological evaluation, nutritional optimization, and pre-operative education. Long-term follow-up continues after you reach your weight goals to maintain success.

Why Choose Memorial Health

Memorial Health's weight management program offers the resources and expertise of a major health system combined with personalized, patient-centered care. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of your health are considered in developing your weight loss plan. As part of an established health system, we can coordinate care with other specialists, provide hospital-level support when needed, and maintain comprehensive medical records that support continuity of care. Our program is accredited by national organizations and follows evidence-based protocols proven to be effective. We also participate in research studies that may offer access to advanced treatments not available elsewhere in the region.

Insurance & Pricing

We accept all major insurance plans and work closely with insurance companies to obtain coverage for medically necessary weight loss treatments. Many of our services are covered under medical benefits, including physician visits, nutritional counseling, and even bariatric surgery for qualifying patients. Our financial counselors help navigate insurance benefits and payment options before treatment begins. For patients without insurance or those needing non-covered services, we offer competitive self-pay rates and payment plan options. We also participate in employer wellness programs and provide cost-effective group programs.

First-Time Patient Tips

Success in our program requires commitment to lifestyle changes and regular participation in appointments with our multidisciplinary team. Be prepared for a comprehensive evaluation process that may take several visits to complete. Our approach emphasizes gradual, sustainable changes rather than quick fixes. You'll work with multiple team members, so be prepared to share your goals and challenges openly with different providers. Attending support groups and educational sessions significantly improves outcomes, so plan to participate actively in all aspects of the program. We provide extensive resources and support, but your commitment to following recommendations is essential for success.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

Full hospital system resources with multidisciplinary team approach and access to all medical specialties.
Accredited program following evidence-based protocols with proven track record of success.
Comprehensive insurance coverage for most services including potential bariatric surgery coverage.

Things to Consider

May have longer wait times for initial appointments due to high demand and thorough evaluation process.
Hospital-based setting may feel less personal than smaller, independent clinics for some patients.

Service Area

As part of Memorial Health System, we serve a large geographic area including Springfield, Decatur, Jacksonville, Lincoln, and communities throughout central and south-central Illinois. Our hospital-based program offers the advantage of coordinated care with other medical specialties and 24/7 support when needed. We have multiple locations throughout the region, making care accessible regardless of where you live.

Local Insight

Memorial Health has been serving Springfield and central Illinois for over 125 years, giving us deep understanding of the community's health needs and challenges. We recognize the impact of rural living on access to healthy foods and exercise opportunities, and we incorporate these factors into our treatment recommendations. Our connection to the community allows us to provide resources and referrals specific to central Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to join your program?

While referrals aren't always required, many insurance plans require them for weight management services. We recommend checking with your insurance company and primary care doctor before scheduling.

What qualifications do I need for bariatric surgery?

Generally, patients need a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions, or a BMI of 40 or higher. Our surgical team evaluates each case individually to determine candidacy.

How long is the wait for new patient appointments?

Wait times vary by service and urgency, but typically range from 2-8 weeks for initial consultations. We prioritize patients with urgent medical needs related to obesity.

Do you treat children and adolescents?

Yes, we have specialized programs for children and teens that involve the whole family. Our approach for young patients focuses on healthy lifestyle changes rather than restrictive dieting.

What support is available after I reach my weight goal?

We provide long-term maintenance programs including regular check-ins, support groups, and access to our team. Lifelong follow-up is especially important for bariatric surgery patients.

Can you coordinate with my other doctors?

Absolutely! As part of a health system, we excel at coordinating care with other specialists and can communicate directly with your other providers when needed.

Do you offer virtual appointments?

Yes, we offer telehealth visits for follow-up appointments, nutritional counseling, and some types of consultations. Initial evaluations typically require in-person visits.

What if I have multiple medical conditions?

We specialize in treating patients with complex medical histories. Our multidisciplinary approach allows us to address weight loss while managing other health conditions safely.