Weight Loss Clinic

Medical weight loss clinic in Topeka, KS

Our Medical Weight Loss Program at The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus empowers patients to achieve optimal wellness because we recognize losing weight is more than just a diet. We provide weight loss treatments for men, women, and adolescents. Our goal with each patient is to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to weight loss.

Our program is precise, structured, and progressive. Each patient at our weight loss clinic experiences an in-depth education of the most current and scientifically sound nutritional information from primary research centers in our country. We follow the recommendations and guidelines provided by the American Obesity Association, a pioneer and leader in obesity medicine. Our program also incorporates the 2023 Obesity Medicine Algorithm, which is a comprehensive, peer-reviewed, evidence-based treatment protocol.

Our weight loss clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30 pm. Our weight loss program is available by appointment only. If you are a first-time patient, please call (785) 295-8877 to request an appointment.

Features of our weight loss clinic

This is a personalized medical weight loss treatment. Weight management is not a cookie-cutter plan. Instead, we provide personalized medical weight loss treatments designed to meet your specific needs. We take into account every detail, from appointment frequency to prescription medication, exercise recommendations, nutrition recommendations, and one-on-one help setting goals for your weight loss treatment.

Our program is designed to improve the health of not just your body, but also your mind and soul. Our weight management program is made up of five pillars to provide you with a complete, comprehensive approach to losing weight. This includes:

  • Education
  • Medication
  • Movement/exercise counseling
  • Nutrition counseling
  • Self-awareness practices

Who we treat at our weight loss clinic

There are many reasons why someone might need to lose weight. At the University of Kansas Health System, we recognize the numerous factors that contribute to a person’s weight loss journey. For this reason, we offer specialized weight loss treatments for many different conditions and reasons, including:

  • Patients with an obesity diagnosis: — This includes patients with a BMI above 30.
  • Patients with overweight diagnosis: — This includes patients with a BMI between 25 and 30.
  • Patients with a current/past Cancer Diagnosis
  • Postpartum weight loss — Our providers will assist you in losing weight after you have had a baby.
  • Pre-pregnancy weight loss – Patients may need to lose weight to help with their fertility.
  • Weight loss to optimize a surgical procedure — Patients may be required to lose weight before surgery for several reasons, depending on the type of surgery and the individual's health status. Some of the common reasons include:
    • Back surgery
    • Bariatric surgery - Your provider will provide monthly provider-managed weight loss treatments and help you navigate insurance requirements for weight loss surgery.
    • Hernia repair surgery
    • Orthopedic surgery ex: hip replacement, knee replacement, shoulder replacement, etc.
    • Post-breast cancer surgery
    • Post-endometrial cancer
    • Post-ovarian cancer
Weight loss education

Obesity is a complex medical condition that is influenced by various factors. Weight loss goes beyond the simplistic idea of “calories in, calories out” or merely eating less and moving more. It is not solely an act of willpower. Rather, your body has mechanisms to retain excess energy and weight.

In our weight loss program, we will delve into the physiology of obesity to help you understand all its complexities. Our providers are committed to equipping you with the tools you need to control what is within your reach. As a patient, you will have control of your nutrition plan and the extent of physical activity you engage in, as well as the option to incorporate medications to help manage your appetite. In some cases, surgery may also be a viable tool in your weight management journey.

Our goal is to help you differentiate between what you can and cannot control, empowering you to make informed choices. The team at our weight loss clinic is here to support and encourage you every step of the way. Challenges are inevitable, but with our team by your side, you will have the support and resources you need to overcome them and achieve your health and weight goals.

Common medications we provide include:

  • Diethylpropion (Tenuate)
  • Liraglutide (Saxenda)
  • Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
  • Lomaria
  • Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave)
  • Phentermine (Adipex-P, Suprenza)
  • Qsmyia (phentermine/topirmate)
  • Semaglutide (Wegovy)
  • Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) 
Exercise and nutrition counseling

When it comes to your level of physical activity and fitness, we know that every patient is different. Our approach is centered on creating a personalized plan for weight loss that takes your current activity level into account, as well as factors like co-existing medical conditions and any physical limitations you may have. Our team also understands how time, finances, and transportation can pose barriers to achieving your fitness goals.

In our initial discussions with you, our team will assess your health to devise a movement/exercise plan that works best for your needs. Our goal is to provide you with a personalized plan that will help you achieve sustainable, long-lasting results.

Our weight loss clinic also offers nutritional counseling services. We will work with you to create a daily nutrition plan that includes recommendations for protein and carbohydrates. Our nutrition specialists will help guide you on reading food labels, understanding portion sizes, making smarter choices at restaurants, and other helpful resources. You will be given a dedicated notebook to serve as a valuable resource filled with helpful content to help you on your weight management journey.

Throughout your exercise and nutrition counseling, our team will provide you with continued support and address any questions or concerns you may have. Our focus is on your well-being and to help you achieve your long-term health and weight management goals.

Self awareness

In our program, we place a strong emphasis on self-awareness, which we believe has been missing in previous weight loss attempts. We understand that successful weight management involves more than just nutrition and exercise; it encompasses your overall well-being, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and addressing co-existing medical concerns—all within the context of your unique life circumstances.

This practice is an essential tool for gaining insights into your eating habits and making informed choices. It allows you to better understand how your nutrition choices align with your health and weight goals.

By integrating self-awareness into every aspect of your weight loss journey, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive and effective approach to achieving a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

Common reasons to refer to our providers specializing in medical weight loss:
  • Evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for binge eating disorder
  • Evaluations for anti-obesity medications
  • Medically Supervised diet as part of bariatric surgery requirements for insurance
  • Possible diagnosis/medical cause for weight gain or inability to lose weight
  • Pre-surgical weight loss
  • Weight regain
  • Recommendations on treatment of co-morbidities and diseases related to weight gain, including:
    • Binge eating disorder
    • Cancer - Obesity has been linked to many common cancers that include breast, uterine, pancreatic, liver, esophageal, gallbladder and colorectal.
    • Diabetes
    • Gallbladder disease
    • Heart disease
    • Heartburn
    • Hypertension
    • Insulin Resistance
    • Metabolic Syndrome
    • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
    • Osteoarthritis
    • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
    • Psychological depression
    • Sleep apnea
    • Stroke
Our weight loss clinic team

As medical providers, we are specially trained obesity medicine-certified providers. We want you to know our clinic is more than just about weight loss. We are here to support you on your journey through a life transformed! We will help guide you along the way and to offer you support and education. Weight loss is personal. What sets us apart from the rest is that we have personal experience in weight loss and management.

Lisa A. Goularte, DO
Medical Weight Loss

Danielle Rudder, APRN
Medical Weight Loss