I understand that there are two phases to the program. What are they? There are two phases to our program: the Weight Loss Phase and the Maintenance Phase.
			What happens during the Weight Loss Phase of your program? During the weight loss phase you will be on a 500- or 800-calorie prescription using meal replacements. You will come in weekly for medical monitoring and for a one-hour lifestyle change class. During the classes we will provide you with techniques to help you lose weight and we will teach you the skills that you will need to use to keep the weight off during the maintenance phase. Classes and medical visits occur during the early evenings.
			Explain the Maintenance Phase of the program, please. During the maintenance phase, you will be practicing the skills that you learned in the weight loss phase. In the beginning we recommend that you come weekly. The more you practice the skills, the more proficient you will become at managing your weight. Over time, frequency of attendance in maintenance may decrease.
			How do I know if I'm a good candidate for your program? Our programs are designed for people who have a substantial amount of weight to lose. Our Regular Program typically has patients with either a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30, or over 27 with health risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or sleep apnea. Referral from a primary care doctor is required. Our Moderate Program is for patients with at least 30 pounds to lose with no health risk factors. Physician referral is not required.
			Do you use any of the prescription weight loss medications in your program? We do not use medications in the weight loss phase of the Program. During the maintenance phase of the Program, we make these medications available to those patients for whom it is medically appropriate.
			I still have some questions. How can I get in touch with you? Our staff would be happy to answer any questions that you might have. Please give us a call at 415-771-1821. We are available to answer questions Monday through Thursday 9:00 AM until 7:00 PM.
			Your program sounds like it might be a good one for me. How do I sign up? Give us a call at 415-771-1821. We will send you an information packet. The packet will include an application for you to fill out and a referral form for your physician to complete.
			When can I start? It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks to process your application. If you are accepted into our program, we will send you a letter giving you the details regarding your start date and your group meeting times. We start a new group every month.
			Will my insurance cover the program? The best way to find out if your insurance will cover the program is for you to contact your insurance company directly. If your insurance company has contracted with the Brown & Toland network, you may be eligible for some coverage if you meet all of their requirements. Their requirements include a referral from your Brown & Toland primary care physician. Authorization will be considered by Brown and Toland for patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or greater with at least one health risk factor (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or Type 2 diabetes), or a BMI of 40 or greater with or without health risk factors. A BMI calculator is located at the top of the page for your convenience. Brown & Toland determines whether you meet their requirements. If you meet their requirements and receive an authorization number from them, you would be responsible for paying us your weekly co-payment at each visit and for the cost of the meal replacements.
		© 1998-2005 The Weight Management Program of San Francisco, Inc. All rights reserved.