Who it's for
It may suit you if
- You're an adult and your weight is affecting your health, or putting it at risk
- You've tried changing how you eat and move, and want medical support
- You can come to regular follow-ups
- You want a plan that takes your medical history into account
It isn't for you if
- You're looking for a quick fix. This isn't a quick fix
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy soon
- You're under 18
- You have a current or past eating disorder. We'll help you find the right care
- You want medication without a consultation and follow-up
What the first consultation includes
The first appointment is longer than a follow-up, because Dr Mel needs the full picture before suggesting anything.
- Your medical history, the medicines you take, and what you've tried before
- An examination, including your blood pressure
- Blood testsBlood tests [confirm which]
- A body composition scanA body composition scan [confirm if offered in Cape Town]
- A conversation about your goals and the options, ending with a written plan
How the programme works
- 1First consultation
History, examination and blood tests ordered by Dr Mel. R3,500. Laboratory fees are billed separately by the lab.[confirm]
- 2Your results and plan
When your blood results are back, Dr Mel goes through them with you and you agree a written plan together.
- 3Starting the plan
You start the nutrition, activity and behaviour parts of the plan, and any prescription medication if it's clinically appropriate.
- 4Follow-ups
Regular appointments every 4 to 6 weeks to check how you're doing and adjust the plan. R1,500 each.Regular appointments every [4 to 6] weeks to check how you're doing and adjust the plan. R1,500 each.[confirm]
- 5Longer-term review
Together you decide whether to continue, change or step down the plan, including how to stop any medicine safely.
Treatment options
Your plan is built from some or all of these, depending on your health and what you want.
Nutrition and activity plan
Practical changes to how you eat and move, set around your work, family and health, and reviewed at each follow-up.
Behaviour support
Help with the habits, sleep and stress that make changes hard to keep, and referral to a dietitian or psychologist if it would help.[confirm]
Prescription medication, if clinically appropriate
Not everyone needs medication. If Dr Mel prescribes it, she explains how it works, how to take it and what to watch for, and reviews it at every follow-up.
Monitoring and follow-up
You see Dr Mel every 4 to 6 weeks, at whichever location suits you. At each follow-up she checks:You see Dr Mel every [4 to 6] weeks [confirm], at whichever location suits you. At each follow-up she checks:
- How you're feeling, and any side effects
- Your blood pressure
- Whether the plan is working for you, and what to change
- Whether blood tests need repeatingWhether blood tests need repeating [confirm interval]
If a medicine isn't suiting you, or is no longer needed, Dr Mel will adjust or stop it with you. Nothing is renewed without a follow-up.If a medicine isn't suiting you, or is no longer needed, Dr Mel will adjust or stop it with you. Nothing is renewed without a follow-up. [confirm]
Safety
Prescription medicines used in weight management can cause side effects, most often nausea, reflux, constipation or diarrhoea, and these are usually worst in the first weeks. Dr Mel explains what to expect for anything she prescribes and how to reach us if you're worried.Prescription medicines used in weight management can cause side effects, most often nausea, reflux, constipation or diarrhoea, and these are usually worst in the first weeks. Dr Mel explains what to expect for anything she prescribes and how to reach us if you're worried. [confirm] [compliance sign-off]
We only prescribe registered medicine dispensed by a licensed pharmacy. We don't use compounded products.We only prescribe registered medicine dispensed by a licensed pharmacy. We don't use compounded products. [compliance sign-off]
When to see a doctor
Contact us straight away, or go to your nearest emergency unit, if you have severe stomach pain that doesn't go away, vomiting you can't keep fluids down through, signs of dehydration, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.Contact us straight away, or go to your nearest emergency unit, if you have severe stomach pain that doesn't go away, vomiting you can't keep fluids down through, signs of dehydration, or yellowing of your skin or eyes. [confirm]
