Weight Loss Program

Meal Replacement Bars, Shakes, Puddings and Entrèes, Chips and Desserts are curated and carefully selected by Dr. Patricia McClendon M.D.

A table with cups and bowls of food.

Medical Weight Loss Program

Telemedicine (also called telehealth) is a way to have an appointment with Dr McClendon without going to a hospital or clinic. The appointments are held by computer, tablet or telephone.

All appointments are available online via Telemedicine. New patients are accepted on a case by case basis after review by Dr McClendon to ensure the utmost patient safety while in the program. Patients are seen by Dr McClendon for their Consultation appointment at which point an individualized Weight Loss Program is devised based on the patient’s medical history and goal weight. Monthly (every 4 weeks) follow up appointments are required for medication management, monitoring and to ensure success in the Weight Loss Program. Dr McClendon may prescribe 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. As such, medications will not be refilled if monthly appointments are not adhered to. In addition, motivational interviewing and a discussion of the importance of adding the New Direction® Medical-Grade Meal Replacements and exercise, enhances weight loss results. Once goal weight has been achieved, patients will be transitioned to the Weight Maintenance Program to maintain their weight.

The Consultation appointment fee is $250 and is not billed to insurance. Monthly (every 4 weeks) follow up appointments can be billed to insurance if Dr McClendon is a participating provider with your insurance plan.

Per our policy, and due to the high demand of Dr McClendon’s weight management appointments, patients who have missed two (2) or more appointments, and/or an interruption of the Weight Loss Program such as a period of absence of three (3) months or more, will be converted to Inactive Patients and subject to dismissal and discharge from the practice.

Inactive Patients who restart weight loss services with Dr McClendon will restart the program at Self Pay pricing. They will require a Consultation appointment with Dr McClendon to implement the new weight management plan and subsequent monthly follow up appointments are subject to the current Self Pay pricing of $130 per follow up appointment. The Consultation appointment fee is $250.

Weight Maintenance Program:

All appointments are available online via Telemedicine. Patients who have previously achieved their goal weight with Dr McClendon’s Weight Loss Program will be placed in the Weight Maintenance Program to maintain their weight. Appointments are scheduled every three (3) months while in the Weight Maintenance program. This approach is very similar to seeing your doctor every three (3) months for follow up appointments to manage high blood pressure, diabetes or any other chronic medical condition. As such, medications will not be refilled if quarterly (every 3 months) appointments are not adhered to.

Patients who have not been seen by Dr McClendon for greater than three (3) months, have regained weight and want to restart weight loss, they will need to be restarted on a weight loss regimen. As a result, they will need to restart the Medical Weight Loss Program. They will require a Consultation appointment with Dr McClendon to implement the new weight management plan and subsequent monthly follow up appointments are subject to the current Self Pay pricing of $130 per follow up appointment. The Consultation appointment fee is $250.

Due to the high demand of Dr McClendon’s weight management appointments, patients who have missed two (2) or more appointments will be converted to Inactive Patients and subject to dismissal and discharge from the practice.

Inactive Patients

Patients who have missed two (2) or more appointments, and/or an interruption of the Weight Loss Program such as a period of absence of three (3) months or more, will be converted to Inactive Patients and subject to dismissal and discharge from the practice.

Inactive Patients who restart weight loss services with Dr McClendon will restart the program at Self Pay pricing. They will require a Consultation appointment with Dr McClendon to implement the new weight management plan and subsequent monthly (every 4 weeks) follow up appointments are subject to the current Self Pay pricing of $130 per follow up appointment. The Consultation appointment fee is $250.

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

New Direction® Medical-Grade Meal Replacement Products:

New Direction® Meal Replacements for Sustainable Weight Loss

A bowl of pudding and a glass with chocolate milk.

Bari-Med M.D. Medical Weight Loss Program

Bari-Med M.D. offers the New Direction® meal replacements for sustainable weight loss. Backed by 30 years of research, these delicious, nutritionally complete meal replacements are formulated to help you manage your hunger.

New Direction Advanced Meal Replacement Products are medical quality protein meal replacements that provide optimal levels of electrolytes and vitamins to help you lose weight and remain healthy.

Patients on a our LCD (Low Calorie Diet) plan consume at least one meal replacement and a protein bar, along with a reduced calorie meal during the initial phase of their diet. Supplements are used as needed during the maintenance phase.
Patients on our VLCD (Very Low Calorie Diet) plan consume only meal replacements during the initial phase of their diet to accelerate weight loss.

A variety of great tasting and convenient meal replacement beverages and bars provide:

100% of the minimum daily requirement for protein, vitamins, and minerals.
High quality protein for positive nitrogen balance.
Essential fatty acids and minimal fat levels to stimulate the gallbladder.
A high protein (27 grams per serving), low carbohydrate formula that helps satisfy nutritional needs, reduce hunger, and maximize weekly weight loss.

New Direction® meal replacement beverages are packaged as single-serving packets, to be reconstituted with water.

Please see our Shop page to see our selection of Meal Replacement products!

Expected Average Weight Loss: 36lbs in 12 weeks
Patients on the New Direction Advanced VLCD typically reach ketosis 3-5 days into the program.

A pile of pretzels sitting on top of a red table.

What are Meal Replacements? Why do we use them?

Meal replacements are nutrient-dense substitutes for your regular solid food meals. They are usually in the form of drinks, bars, soups, puddings, etc. They provide 100% of the nutrients you need, so you still feel full and satisfied. They are prescribed by Dr McClendon, and as such, they are only available to clients currently in our weight loss program. Products can be found here: Products

Our goal with these products is to improve your overall quality of life while teaching you lasting lifestyle changes. As you progress, you will need fewer replacements, and traditional food will be re-incorporated into your lifestyle.

A glass of fruit and yogurt on the table. A glass of strawberry smoothie next to some strawberries.

Why Robard New Direction Meal Replacement Products?

We chose Robard New Direction Meal Replacement Products because they are:

Nutritionally-complete
Formulated upon evidence-based research and protocols
200 calories
27g protein
10g carbohydrates
35% of the recommended daily intake of vitamins and minerals in just one!

Expected Average Weight Loss: 36lbs in 12 weeks
Patients on the New Direction Advanced VLCD typically reach ketosis 3-5 days into the program.

As the Medical Director of the Inova Weight Loss Program, Dr McClendon had used these products leading to successful weight loss of hundreds of patients in that program!

Multiple studies support medically superior spinal replacement and vascular surgery for diabetic patients.

Why It Works: Products, Nutritionals and Benefits

New Direction Advanced is a state of the science program and 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

How do I get started?

Make an appointment to get started with Dr McClendon. She will work with you to develop a nutritional treatment plan that works with your health goals.

To get in started, please click the New Patient link to sign up, or call 703-869-7220 to make an appointment.

Need more information?

Email: info@barimedmd.com

A table with cups of coffee and other food.

Return and Refund Policy

Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. As a result, we do not accept returns nor issue refunds on any Meal Replacement Products.

Additional non-returnable and non- refundable items:

Health and Personal Care Items (Blender Bottle and Shaker Cups)

How Much Weight Will I lose?

Patients lose an average of 2-5 lbs /week while in the Bari-Med M.D. Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD) Program*

Patients lose an average of 1-2 lbs/week while on the Bari-Med M.D. Low Calorie Diet (LCD) Program*

*Individual results vary

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

What is Bari-Med M.D. Medically -Supervised Very Low Calorie Diet?

The New Direction® Medically Supervised Very Low Calorie Diet Plan is most appropriate for anyone with a BMI greater than 30, or those with a BMI as low as 27 with medical conditions related to their weight, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and others.

On the Very Low Calorie Diet Plan, Dr McClendon works with you closely to safely lose a significant amount of weight. This diet plan is a high protein, very low calorie diet that uses New Direction® meal replacement products as the sole source of nutrition. With average weight loss of 2-4 pounds per week, this is the most rapid weight loss program available.

The meal replacement products are formulated to exclusively to meet an individual’s nutritional needs; no food is consumed while on this program. Depending on an individual’s starting weight, age, gender and activity level, a calorie prescription is determined; most usually 600-800 kcal/day for women, 800-1000 kcal/day for men. The meal replacement product is a medically formulated, low-calorie, low-carbohydrate meal replacement product with high biologic-value (HBV) protein. The meal replacement product also functions to minimize side effects typically experienced with food-based VLCDs. No extra vitamins/minerals are needed; each meal replacement provides 33% of the Daily Value for vitamins and minerals.

Due to the rapid-weight loss that this plan offers, continuous medical monitoring is an important aspect of this weight loss plan. When used under medical supervision and guidance, the high protein, low carbohydrate meal replacements are a sustainable and healthy way to lose weight. During the active weight loss phase, regular lab work is required. Follow up during the Transition and Maintenance phases will help you learn to keep the weight off long-term.

Most people would be concerned about physical hunger while on a VLCD. However, the low-carbohydrate content of the meal replacement promotes a mild level of ketosis (typically by Day 3 or 4 after starting) which is associated with decreased hunger and cravings. Ketosis is a metabolic state where fat stores are being used as the primary fuel source as carbohydrate intake is restricted. To maintain ketosis while on the VLCD, it is important to avoid extra sources of carbohydrate during that time period. Ketosis is associated with potential side effects listed below, however, medical monitoring and management helps minimize side effects. No travel outside of the country while on this program.

If considering bariatric surgery, one should be aware this program provides a NON-SURGICAL option for rapid weight loss and medical improvements WITHOUT the potential short and long-term risks associated with surgery.

A glass of strawberry milk with bananas and strawberries.

Overview

High protein, very low calorie diet consisting of an average of 800 calories per day
Meal replacements provide 100% RDI for vitamins and minerals and adequate fat to stimulate the gallbladder and decrease the chances of gallstone formation during weight loss.
We do not use hCG, magic fat burning pills, herbal remedies, or other unproven medical practices in this program.
Weekly visits with Dr McClendon for medical monitoring are required for you to continue to safely and effectively lose weight.

Bari-Med M.D. Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD) Plan (730-800 cal/day):

Daily Requirements: 4 Meal Replacement Beverages/Shakes/Puddings/Soups/Bar products* for at least 4 weeks to obtain full benefits of Ketosis & Weight Loss

= 4 containers (7 servings/container) per Week

=16 containers total (112 Meal Replacements) per month

*Tip: “Select Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD) Program” Products.

2 Week Transitional Phase (After completion of VLCD Plan) (1000-1600 cal/day):

Â Daily Requirements: 2 Meal Replacements (Beverages/Shakes/Puddings/Soups/Bar products) per day for 2 weeks

= 2 containers (7 servings/container) per Week

= 4 containers total (28 Meal Replacements over 2 weeks)

* Can also select other products such as Chips, Dessert, Fiber enhancers products as desired.

Basic Qualification Criteria

Initial Consultation with Dr McClendon

21 years of age

BMI of 30 or a BMI of 27 with medical risks

BMI calculator for adults

Contraindications:Â Liver or kidney disease, Type 1 diabetes, active ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease, bulimia, psychiatric disorders, pregnant or breastfeeding women and children or adolescents.

Program Elements

Average weight loss rate of 3-5 pounds weekly; women typically in the lower range and men in the upper range.

Exclusive use of meal replacement product to createÂ a safer (compared to food-based) VLCD, mild ketosis, consistent weight loss results and avoidance of nutritional deficiencies.Â Â

Physician review of blood glucose logs and adjustment of medications throughout the weight loss phase is included as medical monitoring for diabetic patients.Â

Multiple studies support medically superior spinal replacement and vascular surgery for diabetic patients.

Program Structure

Screening Phase consists of an initial appointment with Dr McClendon. Labs and an EKG are done as part of the medical screening. Contraindications for this program include liver or kidney disease, Type 1 diabetes, active ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease, bulimia, psychiatric disorders, pregnant or breastfeeding women and children or adolescents.

Weight Loss Phase consists of consumption of meal replacements in variety of flavors and textures: chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, pineapple apricot, lemon, hot cocoa, mocha, chocolate pudding, vanilla pudding, lemon pudding, cream of chicken soup, cream of tomato soup and cheddar-broccoli soup. Each flavor come packaged as a powder which is mixed with water or any other non-calorie liquid.

Transition and Maintenance Phases which accomplishes a gradual transition from meal replacements.

A bowl of soup with carrots and greens on the side.

Benefits of the Bari-Med M.D. Medically- Supervised Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD) Plan

Rapid weight loss builds confidence in your ability to lose weight
Improved health and decreased medication costs
Better quality of life with increased energy, less aches and pains, and improved mobility
Higher self-esteem, better lifestyle management skills, avoidance of emotional eating, increased awareness of social triggers, improved stress management
Proven approach to weight loss backed by over thirty years of medical research and success by the company that provides the New Direction® meal replacements

*These are average results. Individual results may vary.

A purple plate with some granola bars and berries