A group of people sitting around each other.

How Much Weight Will I Lose?

Of course, each person is different and thus weight loss varies based on age, gender, metabolism/genetics, weight history, & activity level, however, safe and successful medical weight loss with weight loss medications is 1 – 2 lbs/week if you are also exercising at least 150 minutes/week and following a reduced calorie diet.

At Bari-Med M.D., with the addition of the New Direction Medical Grade Meal Replacements, and the weight loss medications under Dr McClendon’s guidance and supervision, our patients lose approximately 2 lbs/week or 8-10 lbs/month.

Losing too much weight per month can mean that you are losing too much muscle and not getting adequate nutrition. Therefore, if one is on a weight loss medication and wants to lose at least 5% of their body weight or 10 lbs or more, it should be done under the medical care of a Bariatric Medicine Physician like Dr McClendon!

Will I Gain All the Weight Back Like I Have With Other Weight Loss Programs?

Yes, it’s true, if you lose too much weight too quickly, you will typically regain it quickly as well!

This is why it is important to lose weight safely and steadily under medical supervision with a Weight Loss Specialist like Dr McClendon, M.D.

After your goal weight is reached in our Medical Weight Loss Program, our patients are transitioned into our Weight Maintenance Program.  This Weight Maintenance program was created by Dr McClendon to manage the weight loss of her patients to ensure that they keep the weight off in the long term. Patients have telemedicine visits with Dr McClendon every 3 months for weight maintenance.  As a result, our patients keep their weight stable after weight loss!

What is the Medical Weight Loss Program?

What Is the Weight Maintenance Program

Weight Maintenance Program

All visits are online via Telemedicine. Patients who have previously achieved their goal weight with Dr McClendon’s Medical Weight Loss Program will be placed in the Weight Maintenance Program to maintain their weight. Visits are scheduled every 3 months while in the Weight Maintenance program. This approach is very similar to seeing your doctor every 3 months for follow up appointments to manage high blood pressure, diabetes or any other chronic medical condition. 

For an overview of both the Medical Weight Loss Program and Weight Maintenance Program please click here: https://barimedmd.com/weight-loss-program/

Why are the New Direction® Medical Grade Meal Replacements better than other protein shakes/supplements ?

  • These Medical Grade Meal Replacements are specially formulated to optimize weight loss but also to improve medical conditions associated with Overweight and Obesity such as High Blood Pressure and Diabetes.
  • These products have been clinically proven to cause a reduction in blood pressure, lower blood sugar, lower serum cholesterol and reduce pain in weight bearing joints.
  • These products contain high quality medical grade protein that is better absorbed and digested than other commercial meal replacement products and protein shakes such as Premier Protein® or Pure Protein® for example.
  • These products have undergone clinical studies to prove their efficacy in optimizing weight loss.
  • This extensive product line includes Shakes, Soups, Protein Bars, Desserts, Protein Shakes, and much more.
  • These products have also been shown to aid with weight maintenance by using 1-2 products daily to help patients live a healthier lifestyle long-term.


As a result, they are the only Meal Replacement products that Dr McClendon, a Board-Certified Weight Loss Physician recommends.

As the former Medical Director of Inova’s Medial Weight Loss Program, Dr McClendon used these products exclusively to help thousands of patients to lose weight and keep it off successfully!

New Direction® is a product line that was developed as the result of a comprehensive review of recent academic research. This product includes synergistic ingredients which promote optimal metabolism for active weight loss.

A chart showing the rate of digestion for proteins.

Contains a combination of dairy proteins with differing absorption rates to support a steady amino acid balance and sufficient leucine to maintain optimal protein synthesis.

Contains controlled carbohydrate levels including soluble dietary fiber and low added sugars to support mild ketosis, satiety, and support protein sparing during a VLCD.

New Direction Advanced includes a combination of long and short chain polyunsaturated fats, medium chain triglycerides (MCT), and essential fatty acids, the combination of which promote thermogenesis and optimizes the utilization of fat for energy.

Balanced source of high-quality macro and micronutrients to support optimal metabolism with a key focus on preserving metabolic rate.

Average Nutritional Parameters: 200 calories  27gm protein  12.2gm carb  3gm fiber

A blue and white graphic with the words " lose an average of 3 6 pounds in 1 2 weeks ".

Where can I purchase the New Direction® Medical Grade Meal Replacements?

New Direction® Medical Grade Meal Replacements are not available in stores due the high bioavailable protein and nutritional content.  They are only available at select Medical Weight Loss Programs such as Bari-Med M.D.

They can be purchased here in the “Shop” category on this Bari-Med M.D. website.

Medical Grade means more bioavailable protein than commercial meal replacement/protein drinks (ie Premier Protein, Fairlife, Herbal Life, Pure protein etc)

What should I expect during our Telemedicine Consultation appointment?

Dr McClendon will discuss your weight history, medical history, medications, allergies, any recent labs, weight loss goals and you will be given an assessment. Based on this assessment, she will devise a weight loss regimen that is specific for you. This will include diet, exercise, and weight loss medications such as Tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro), Semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic), Liraglutide (Saxenda/Victoza), Contrave, Qsymia, Plenity, Xenical, Phentermine (Lomaira), Phendimetrazine, & Diethylpropion if they are medically appropriate for the patient.  She will also order labs such as a CMP, Lipid panel, TSH, HgbA1C, Insulin, and an EKG (if applicable). You can obtain the labs/EKG at a facility that your insurance approves.

Monthly (every 4 weeks) follow up visits with Dr McClendon are required while in the Weight Loss Program.

I was referred by my Healthcare Provider, where do I send the referral?

You can send the referral to our secured fax: 641-450-1315. Or, if you have a copy, it can be emailed to: admin@barimedmd.com

Is Dr McClendon a participating provider in Medicaid or Medicare?

No, Dr McClendon is not a participating provider/not enrolled in Medicare nor Medicaid.

If you have Medicaid or Medicare with supplemental insurance, you would be considered “Self Pay”.

Examples: Anthem HealthKeepers -Medicaid, AARP- Medicare

What is the Self Pay Telemedicine Appointment Pricing?

Consultation/ New Patient Self Pay Telemedicine Appointment: $250

Established Patient Self Pay Telemedicine Appointment: $130

Do You Accept Insurance?

We accept the following insurances (Excluding EPO Plans):

  • Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS, including FEP)
  • Aetna
  • Don’t have one of these insurances/no insurance – no problem … We have affordable Self Pay pricing too!

The Consultation appointment fee with Dr McClendon is $250 and is not billed to insurance.

Subsequent visits are billed to insurance just as they would when you see a Specialist Physician for a medical condition. You would be responsible for any copays if applicable.

If you don’t have one of these insurances that we accept, then you would be considered “Self Pay” and would pay out of pocket for the visits.

It is the responsibility of the patient to contact your insurance company to determine if Dr. Patricia McClendon M.D. is a participating provider with your specific insurance plan and that you have telemedicine coverage.

Please check with your insurance plan if you can use your FSA/HSA for reimbursement.

A woman in a dress is taking a picture of her belly.

What are the visits like?

All visits are Telemedicine/ Online Visits with Dr McClendon.  After the Consultation appointment, monthly (every 4 weeks) appointments have been extremely beneficial in allowing patients to connect at their convenience in their homes/office, or during their work or lunch breaks! This access & ease of use of medical care, has improved patient accountability & engagement, which in turn has directly improved the weight loss success of Dr McClendon’s patients! Well over 99% of her patients have lost at least 10% of their initial body weight!

Requirements:

  • Computer/phone with a functioning camera to log into visits with Dr McClendon
  • Home scale to track your weight loss
  • Tape measure to track your waist measurements
  • Something to take notes with (Dr McClendon frequently gives great medical weight loss advice based on Clinical Studies/Evidence-Based Medicine that help her patients to lose more weight than typical results!)
  • Monthly Medical Weight Loss visits (Every 3 months/Quarterly for Weight Maintenance Program)

See some of our 1000+ patient’s weight loss results here: Patient Reviews 

What is a Bariatric Medicine Physician/ Bariatrician?

A Bariatric Medicine Physician or Bariatrician is a Medical Doctor (M.D.) who specializes in the treatment of Overweight, Obesity and its associated conditions. They are also referred to as a Weight Loss and Obesity Medicine Specialist, or Bariatric Medicine Physician. Bariatricians can help prevent, and more importantly, reverse obesity related diseases by reducing body fat responsible for the disease processes while maintaining muscle mass.

 

Board Certification in Bariatric Medicine includes:

  • Education and training in Nutrition, Exercise Physiology, Obesity related conditions and Fat Metabolism
  • Passing a written board exam in Obesity Medicine
  • Undergoing several hundred credit hours of continuing medical education in Obesity and Metabolism
  • Maintenance of Certification in Obesity Medicine and Metabolism yearly

 

While some weight management doctors may refer to themselves as weight loss experts, only Board-Certified Bariatricians have had the rigorous education mentioned above.

A picture of the american obesity institute logo.

Do you prescribe weight loss medications?

Yes, since Dr McClendon is a Board-Certified Bariatric Medicine Physician (Weight Loss Physician) with over a decade of experience, she is up-to-date on the latest and greatest FDA approved weight loss medications, such as:

  • Tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro)
  • Semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic),
  • Liraglutide (Saxenda/Victoza),
  • Contrave
  • Qsymia
  • Plenity
  • Xenical
  • Phentermine (Lomaira)
  • Phendimetrazine
  •  Diethylpropion

 if they are safe and appropriate for you. If a stimulant medication such as Phentermine is prescribed, this will require an EKG prior to prescribing which can be ordered by Dr McClendon, and you can obtain it at a facility that your insurance approves.

What type of patients do you see?

Cases are accepted on a case-by-case basis once reviewed by Dr McClendon.

Our patients are Adult patients, ages 18 to 59, in Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland and Michigan who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) above 25 (Overweight and Obese) who are in need of safe and successful weight loss. 

Many of Dr McClendon’s patients are referred by patients that were successful, referrals by Primary Care Physicians & other Specialist Physicians.

Does Dr McClendon perform Bariatric Surgery (ie; Gastric Bypass/ Gastric Sleeve/ Lap Band)?

No, Dr McClendon is not a Bariatric Surgeon, she does not perform Bariatric Surgery (i.e.: Gastric Bypass/ Gastric Sleeve/ Lap Band). She instead practices weight management by prescribing weight loss medications, along with a diet and exercise regimen to lead to long term weight loss success. Because she specializes in weight loss and with her vast experience, she has been able to help her patients achieve similar weight loss results as having weight loss surgery!!

How do I measure my BMI?

BMI is your weight in kilograms divided by your height in meters squared.

A BMI calculator link can be found here: Calculate Your BMI – Standard BMI Calculator (nih.gov)

To find your BMI, locate where your height and weight intersect; your BMI is listed at the top of that column.

A chart showing the weight of each body mass.

I'm interested in becoming a new patient how do I go about making an appointment?

  1. Obtain your height, current weight and BMI. Your BMI must be above 25 to be seen for weight loss by Dr McClendon.
  2. Please call 703-869-7220 and speak with one of our receptionsits to be scheduled for a Consultation with Dr McClendon. The New Patient Portal link can also be found here: https://patientportal.advancedmd.com/149938/onlineintake
  3.  The Consultation visit with Dr McClendon M.D. is $250 and is not billed to the insurance.  Subsequent visits are billed to insurance just as they would when you see a Specialist Physician for a medical condition. You would be responsible for any insurance copays if applicable. We accept the following insurances: Aetna & Blue Cross Blue Shield. If you don’t have one of these insurances, then you would be considered “Self Pay” and would pay out of pocket for the visits. At this time, we are not a participating provider/do not accept Medicare or Medicaid. It is the responsibility of the patient to contact your insurance company to determine if Dr. Patricia McClendon M.D. is a participating provider with your specific insurance plan and that you have telemedicine coverage.

I'm not sure I want to go the Weight Loss Surgery or Medical Weight Loss route, can you help me with this decision?

Yes, Dr McClendon is uniquely qualified as not only a Board- Certified Bariatric Medicine Physician, but also due her experience working with Bariatric Surgeons, to be knowledgeable about Weight loss surgery such as the Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Bypass, Gastric Band, Intragastric Balloon, and Aspire Device.

Does Dr McClendon accept patients as a PCP?

No, Dr McClendon does not practice as a PCP and is instead a Specialty Physician.

How do I send a copy of my insurance card, driver's license, previous labs, ekg, and/or other pertinent information?

Please send a copy of the front and back of your insurance card, front of driver’s license, and any recent labs, ekg or other pertinent documents to admin@barimedmd.com or secured fax: 641-450-1315

I have some questions about payment (bill/copay/fees), who do I contact?

If you have any questions about any payments (bill/copay/fees) please contact our Patient Services Department at 1-855-255-1036 and they would be happy to assist you.  They can also accept payments by phone. In addition, payments can be made on our online patient portal.

What is your Meal Replacement Product Return Policy

For any question(s) regarding our Meal Replacement Product Return Policy, please Click here.

Are There Any Fees for the Telemedicine Visits?

The Consultation visit fee with Dr McClendon is $250 and is not covered by insurance. 

Monthly (every 4 weeks) follow up visits with Dr McClendon can be billed to the insurance and you would be responsible for any insurance copay/coinsurance/deductibles.

Dr McClendon is a participating provider with BCBS and Aetna.

It is the responsibility of the patient to contact your insurance company to determine if Dr. Patricia McClendon M.D. is a participating provider with your specific insurance plan and that you have telemedicine coverage.

Please check with your insurance plan if you can use your FSA/HSA for reimbursement.

A woman is in the process of losing weight.
A collage of photos with the words " we have not lost weight but also kept it off !"

Why Choose Dr. McClendon M.D.

  • You want an experienced Board-Certified Bariatric Medicine Physician (Weight Loss and Obesity Medicine Specialist/Bariatrician) to treat your weight concerns using an evidence based medical approach that has proven to be successful.
  • You want a compassionate medical doctor who has managed the weight loss of thousands of patients safely and effectively
  • You are ready to stop the weight rollercoaster and are ready to initiate a lifestyle change to help you to not only lose the weight but keep it off.
  • You want a one-on-one approach to enable you to be successful on your weight loss journey.
  • You want a second opinion on which weight loss option, Weight Loss Surgery or Medical Weight Loss is best for you.
  • You want a physician that as a Bariatrician, can help prevent, and more importantly, reverse weight- related illnesses (for example, High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, High Cholesterol) by reducing body fat responsible for the disease processes.

Of course, each person is different and thus weight loss varies based on age, gender, metabolism/genetics, weight history & activity level, however, safe and successful medical weight loss is 1-2 lbs/week if you are also exercising approximately 150 minutes/week. 

At Bari-Med M.D., with the addition of the New Direction Medical Grade Meal Replacements, and the weight loss medications under Dr McClendon’s guidance and supervision, our patients lose approximately 2 lbs/week or 8-10 lbs/month.

Losing too much weight per month can mean that you are losing muscle and not getting adequate nutrition, so if one is on a weight loss medication and wants to lose at least 5% of their body weight or 10 lbs or more, it should be done under the medical care of a Bariatric Medicine Physician like Dr McClendon !

Since we are a physician supervised medical weight loss practice that serves the Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland area we accept insurances.  We accept the following insurances (excluding EPO plans):

  • Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS, including FEP)
  • Aetna
  • No insurance – No problem! We have affordable Self Pay pricing too!

The Consultation appointment fee with Dr McClendon is $250 and is not billed to the insurance. Subsequent monthly follow up appointments are billed to insurance just as they would when you see a Specialist Physician for a medical condition. You would be responsible for any copays if applicable.

At this time, we are not a participating provider/do not accept Medicare or Medicaid. If you don’t have one of these insurances that we accept, then you would be considered “Self Pay” and would pay out of pocket for the visits.

It is the responsibility of the patient to contact your insurance company to determine if Dr. Patricia McClendon M.D. is a participating provider with your specific insurance plan and that you have telemedicine coverage.

Please check with your insurance plan if you can use your FSA/HSA for reimbursement.

Bari-Med M.D. Practice Policies can be found here: Practice Policies

Please click on the following link to access the Patient Portal:

https://patientportal.advancedmd.com/149938/account/logon

Bari-Med M.D. Practice Policies can be found here: Practice Policies

Dr Patricia N. McClendon MD, Included in Marquis’ Who’s Who of Physicians December 15 2020 Patricia N. McClendon, MD, Celebrated for Dedication to the Field of Medicine (24-7pressrelease.com)

Please Click Here for the News Section.

Please click the link below for the Established Patients Online Scheduler to make convenient and efficient Follow Up Telemedicine Visits:

https://patientportal.advancedmd.com/149938/onlinescheduling