Weight Center Programs

Nonsurgical Tracks

  • Behavioral Track: This is a comprehensive lifelong weight loss program. Eating habits, lifestyle, physical activity and medical issues that contribute to weight are assessed. After attending the Orientation Meeting and one or more individual intake appointments, patients attend weekly small group Core meetings with nutritionists, health psychology professionals and exercise specialists. After the Core meetings, ongoing support is provided to all participants.
     
  • Custom Track: This track promotes weight loss through lifestyle change. Each Custom Track program is individually designed to suit the needs of the patient, taking into account medical issues, physical limitations and special weight loss goals. Professionals in medicine, psychology, exercise physiology and nutrition help patients succeed with weight loss and weight loss maintenance. Portions of the program may be covered by insurance plans, but patients are primarily self-pay. All prospective patients attend a free orientation meeting.

Surgical Track

  • Surgery is generally considered for a select group of patients with body mass index (BMI) greater than 40, or 35 if patients have certain associated medical conditions. A BMI of more than 40 corresponds with being about 100 pounds overweight. Presurgical appointments with our medical, nutritional and behavioral specialists take place before surgery is scheduled, as well as after surgery for continued support as patients make a lifelong commitment to improved health. Weight loss surgery is also known as bariatric surgery. UMass Memorial offers gastric bypass, adjustable gastric banding surgery, and sleeve gastrectomy.