If you’re not eligible for surgery

Medical weight loss can be an effective long-term solution when you don’t qualify for weight loss surgery. To be eligible for surgery, you must have a: Body mass index (BMI) over 40 BMI between 30 and 40 with at least one obesity-related condition like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea or type 2 diabetes

If you’re looking for a less invasive option

Even if you qualify for surgery, you may not be interested in having a procedure. Our team will work with you to create a customized plan that meets your specific needs and helps you achieve your health and weight-loss goals.

Are prescription weight loss medications safe?

Prescription weight loss medications are generally considered safe, but many cause gastrointestinal side effects. Talk with your doctor to see if a prescription weight loss medication is right for you.

Will insurance cover medical weight loss programs?

Many insurance companies cover the cost of medical weight loss programs. A financial counselor at Roper St. Francis Healthcare can review your benefits, explain your coverage and discuss any out-of-pocket expense.

Can I switch to surgery later if needed?

Yes. Medical weight loss techniques may not work for you, or you may be unable to lose enough weight. If that’s the case, we can talk with you about bariatric surgery and which procedure is right for you.

How long do I stay in the medical weight loss program?

Most medical weight loss programs last between 12 weeks and one year. How long you participate will depend on your goals, health needs and commitment to healthy lifestyle changes.

Medical weight loss | Roper St. Francis Healthcare

A guided path to a healthier you

Your experience with weight gain is personal. That means your treatment should be, too. If you’ve struggled to lose weight on your own, our experienced bariatric team can help. One-on-one counseling with our providers and a tailored weight loss plan can help you reach a healthier weight and improve many chronic health conditions.

Why choose medical weight loss

Medical weight loss can be a helpful option at different points in your care, including:

In some cases, we may recommend that you lose weight before surgery. Reducing fat around your abdomen and liver can make surgery safer and easier to complete.

Medical weight loss can be an effective long-term solution when you don’t qualify for weight loss surgery.

To be eligible for surgery, you must have a:

Body mass index (BMI) over 40
BMI between 30 and 40 with at least one obesity-related condition like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea or type 2 diabetes

8,006

pounds lost
1.7

days shorter hospital stays

How it works

For patients who may not be ready for surgery or who need additional support after a previous weight-loss procedure, we offer effective nonsurgical treatments designed to help you achieve and maintain your health goals.

Our non-surgical weight loss programs focus on your overall health and wellness and are always a good place to start. In many cases, these options also help patients who choose bariatric surgery, both before and after their procedure, by providing additional support.

We begin with a body composition analysis on our mBCA Seca scale, a metabolic analysis on our ReeVue analyzer and a one-on-one consultation. Then, based on your results, we tailor a weight-loss plan to your specific needs and goals. Your care plan will likely include a restricted diet, fitness coaching, medications and nutrition counseling.

We’re the first bariatric center in South Carolina to offer the Orbera intragastric balloon. This temporary treatment uses a silicone balloon filled with saline to reduce the space for food, so you don’t eat as much. This is considered a non-invasive approach, since we can use an outpatient endoscopic technique to implant the balloon.

Nonsurgical treatment can also help if you’re having problems after previous bariatric surgery. Our Bariatric Rescue program welcomes post-surgery patients who experience:

Food intolerance
Recurrent nausea and vomiting
Stomach pain
Weight regain after bariatric surgery

Your bariatric team

Weight loss can be a complex and highly individual process, and you need a partner who supports you at every stage. Our highly trained specialists offer a wide range of strategies to help you reach your weight loss goals.

Meet your team

Medical weight loss locations

When you’re ready to make a weight loss decision, you need advanced, convenient support close to home. We offer customized bariatric care to patients across the greater Charleston area. Visit an office near to you.

Related services & specialties

Intragastric balloon

A nonsurgical treatment that uses an implant to help reduce hunger and trigger weight loss.

Take the first step

The road to maintaining a lifelong healthy weight starts with a single step. Make the first move today and register for one of our free information sessions.

Call to schedule (843) 958-2590 Find a location

Medical weight loss