UW Health Medical & Surgical Weight Management Program

Weight Loss Clinic in Madison, Wisconsin

Call (608) 265-70904602 Eastpark Blvd, Madison, WI 53718

About UW Health Medical & Surgical Weight Management Program

Treatment at UW Health Medical & Surgical Weight Management Program

UW Health Medical & Surgical Weight Management Program stands as one of Wisconsin's most comprehensive weight loss centers, combining medical expertise with surgical innovation. Our multidisciplinary team includes bariatric surgeons, registered dietitians, exercise physiologists, and behavioral health specialists who work together to create personalized treatment plans.

Located in Madison's premier medical district, we've helped thousands of patients achieve sustainable weight loss through evidence-based approaches. Whether you're considering surgical intervention or seeking medical weight management, our program offers the full spectrum of care with ongoing support throughout your journey.

Services Offered

Our comprehensive weight management services encompass both surgical and non-surgical approaches tailored to individual needs. We offer bariatric surgery procedures including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding performed by board-certified surgeons. Medical weight management includes prescription medications, meal replacement programs, and nutritional counseling. Behavioral support forms a cornerstone of our approach, featuring individual and group therapy sessions to address eating behaviors and lifestyle changes. Our exercise physiology team develops safe, progressive fitness plans adapted to each patient's capabilities. We also provide pre and post-operative care, including comprehensive evaluations, insurance coordination, and long-term follow-up care. Additional services include metabolic testing, body composition analysis, and specialized programs for diabetes management. Our registered dietitians offer ongoing nutritional education and meal planning support, while our psychological team helps patients develop healthy coping strategies and maintain motivation throughout their weight loss journey.

Weight Loss Centers

Treatment Options

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Minimally invasive procedure reducing stomach size by 80%, promoting sustained weight loss through portion control and hormonal changes affecting hunger and satiety.

6-12 months total program$18,000-$23,000

Medical Weight Management

Comprehensive program combining prescription medications, nutritional counseling, behavioral therapy, and exercise planning for gradual, sustainable weight loss.

12-18 months$200-$500 monthly

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gold standard bariatric procedure creating small stomach pouch and rerouting intestines to reduce absorption and promote significant weight loss.

12-18 months total program$20,000-$25,000

Behavioral Weight Management

Psychology-focused program addressing eating behaviors, emotional triggers, and lifestyle modifications through individual and group therapy sessions.

6-12 months$150-$300 per session

What to Expect

Your journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation including medical history, physical examination, and assessment of previous weight loss attempts. We conduct metabolic testing and psychological evaluation to understand your unique needs and challenges.

Following initial assessment, our team develops a personalized treatment plan that may include medical management, surgical consultation, or a combination of approaches. For surgical candidates, we provide extensive pre-operative education and preparation, including nutritional counseling and behavioral modification.

Throughout treatment, regular follow-up appointments monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed. Our support extends well beyond initial treatment, with ongoing access to nutritionists, support groups, and medical monitoring to ensure long-term success and health maintenance.

Why Choose UW Health Medical & Surgical Weight Management Program

UW Health's reputation for excellence in academic medicine ensures you receive the most current, evidence-based treatments available. Our multidisciplinary approach addresses not just weight loss, but overall health improvement and long-term success. As a teaching hospital, we're actively involved in research and offer access to innovative treatments and clinical trials.

Our comprehensive support system includes dedicated patient coordinators who guide you through insurance processes and scheduling. We maintain strong relationships with primary care physicians and specialists, ensuring coordinated care throughout your journey. Our program's integration with UW Health's broader network means seamless access to related services like cardiology, endocrinology, and orthopedics when needed.

Insurance & Pricing

We accept most major insurance plans including Medicaid and Medicare, with dedicated staff to help verify coverage and obtain pre-authorizations. Many insurance plans cover bariatric surgery and medical weight management when specific criteria are met.

Self-pay options are available with payment plans offered for qualifying patients. Surgical procedures typically range from $15,000-$25,000, while medical weight management programs vary based on services selected. We provide transparent pricing discussions during initial consultations and work with patients to explore all payment options available.

First-Time Patient Tips

Preparation for your first appointment includes gathering medical records, current medications list, and previous weight loss attempt documentation. Consider bringing a support person to help absorb information and provide encouragement. We recommend keeping a food diary for at least one week prior to your visit.

Be prepared to discuss your weight history honestly, including triggers for weight gain and previous successes or challenges. Understanding your motivations and goals helps us tailor the most effective treatment approach. We'll discuss realistic expectations and timeline for results based on your chosen treatment path.

After treatment begins, maintaining regular appointments and following prescribed protocols is crucial for success. We encourage active participation in support groups and utilization of our behavioral health resources to address the psychological aspects of weight management.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

Comprehensive multidisciplinary team provides complete spectrum of weight loss services under one roof.
Academic medical center offers access to latest research and innovative treatment options.
Strong insurance acceptance and financial counseling support make treatments accessible.

Things to Consider

Wait times for initial consultations can be several weeks due to high demand.
Academic setting may involve medical students and residents in your care team.

Service Area

We serve patients throughout south-central Wisconsin, with our main facility located in Madison. Our catchment area extends to surrounding counties including Dane, Rock, Jefferson, and Columbia counties. We also see patients from northern Illinois and western Wisconsin who seek our specialized expertise. Telehealth consultations are available for follow-up care and ongoing support, making our services accessible to patients across a broader geographic region.

Interior of UW Health Medical & Surgical Weight Management Program

Local Insight

Located in Madison's thriving healthcare corridor, we're part of the University of Wisconsin's renowned medical system. Our facility benefits from the academic environment, providing access to advanced research and innovative treatments. Madison's active lifestyle culture and numerous parks and trails support patients' exercise and wellness goals. The city's diverse dining scene also offers healthy options that align with nutritional recommendations for weight management success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between medical and surgical weight loss approaches?

Medical weight loss uses medications, nutritional counseling, and lifestyle changes for gradual weight reduction. Surgical approaches create physical changes to digestive anatomy for more rapid, substantial weight loss in qualifying candidates.

How do I know if I qualify for bariatric surgery?

Generally, candidates have BMI over 40 or BMI over 35 with serious health conditions like diabetes or sleep apnea. Our team conducts comprehensive evaluations to determine candidacy based on medical history and current health status.

What kind of weight loss can I expect?

Results vary significantly based on chosen treatment and individual factors. Medical management typically produces 5-15% body weight loss, while surgical procedures often result in 60-80% excess weight loss over 12-18 months.

Is ongoing support provided after treatment?

Absolutely - we provide lifelong follow-up care including regular appointments, nutritional counseling, and support groups. This ongoing relationship is crucial for maintaining long-term success and addressing any complications or concerns.

Are there age restrictions for weight loss programs?

We treat patients from adolescence through older adults, with specialized programs for different age groups. Treatment approaches are modified based on age-related factors and developmental considerations.

What if I've tried multiple diets and failed before?

Previous diet failures don't disqualify you from our programs - they actually help us understand what approaches might work better. Our comprehensive evaluation identifies factors that contributed to past challenges and develops more effective strategies.

How long is the typical wait for an appointment?

Initial consultation wait times vary from 2-8 weeks depending on program type and urgency. We prioritize patients with serious health complications and offer cancellation lists for earlier appointments when available.

Do you coordinate care with my other doctors?

Yes, we work closely with your primary care physician and specialists throughout treatment. This coordination ensures comprehensive care and helps manage any obesity-related health conditions during your weight loss journey.