A first weight loss consultation at Avellina Aesthetics is typically a 30- to 60-minute visit with Dr. Violetta Berdichevskaya, who reviews your health history, current medications, and goals to determine whether a medically supervised program is a good fit for you. Expect a conversation about your habits and challenges, basic measurements such as weight, height, and blood pressure, and sometimes a lab order to check your metabolic health before any treatment is discussed. The exact process varies by clinic, but most follow a similar structure, which this guide walks through, along with the questions you’re likely to be asked and how to prepare.
What Happens During a Weight Loss Consultation?
Most consultations follow a similar flow: intake paperwork, a one-on-one conversation with a provider, a physical check, and a discussion of next steps. Some clinics complete everything in a single visit, while others ask you to return once lab results are back. Since the process can differ between practices, it’s worth confirming what your specific consultation includes when you book.
The Weight Loss Consultation Process, Step by Step
- Health history review. The provider asks about past weight-loss attempts, chronic conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or PCOS, current medications, allergies, and family health history. This step helps identify medical conditions that can affect weight loss success.
- Physical measurements and vitals. Expect your height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) to be recorded, along with blood pressure and sometimes waist circumference, giving the provider a baseline to track progress against.
- Lab work, if ordered. Some clinics order bloodwork, such as a thyroid panel, fasting glucose, A1C, or lipid panel, to check for underlying causes of weight gain and confirm a treatment is medically appropriate. Not every consultation requires labs immediately.
- A conversation about your goals and lifestyle. You’ll typically discuss eating patterns, activity level, sleep, stress, and what has or hasn’t worked before, so realistic short- and long-term goals can take shape.
- A review of treatment options. Dr. Violetta Berdichevskaya will walk you through the approaches available to you, which may include lifestyle and nutrition counseling, appetite-regulating medications such as semaglutide injections for weight loss, or a combination, depending on your health profile.
- A personalized plan and next steps. A consultation should end with a clear outline of what happens next, whether that’s starting treatment, additional testing, or a follow-up visit. Ask about the benefits of a structured weight loss program if you’re weighing whether ongoing medical supervision is worth it.
What Questions Will You Be Asked?
Providers typically ask questions to understand your health picture and rule out contraindications, including:
- What is your current weight, and what has your weight history looked like?
- Have you tried other weight-loss methods, and what were the results?
- Do you have chronic health conditions or take prescription medications?
- Do you have a personal or family history of thyroid disease or diabetes?
- Are you pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy soon?
- What does a typical day look like in terms of eating, activity, and sleep?
Questions You May Want to Ask Your Provider
A consultation is also your chance to gather information. Consider asking:
- Which treatment options make sense for my specific health profile?
- What results are realistic, and over what timeframe?
- What side effects or risks should I watch for?
- How often will I need follow-up visits?
- What does the program cost, and does insurance apply?
- What happens if a particular treatment doesn’t work for me?
How Long Does a First Weight Loss Consultation Take?
Most initial consultations run about 30 to 60 minutes, though the exact length depends on the clinic, whether labs are drawn on-site, and how much history needs review. A visit that includes bloodwork or a detailed intake may take longer than a conversation-only consultation.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
Coming prepared can make the visit more efficient:
- A photo ID and insurance card, if applicable
- A list of current medications and supplements, with dosages
- Recent lab results, if you have them from another provider
- A general sense of your weight history and past attempts at weight loss
- A written list of questions or concerns you want to cover
Common Concerns Addressed During the Visit
Most patients come in with questions about cost, safety, and whether a program fits their life. A thorough consultation should address pricing transparency, potential side effects, and how the plan adapts if your needs change. It’s also worth reviewing medical weight loss program options and going over important things to keep in mind before starting, since understanding the full picture upfront tends to prevent common mistakes that can slow progress later.
Is a Weight Loss Consultation Right for You?
A consultation generally suits adults who want a medically guided approach to weight management, particularly if previous attempts on their own haven’t produced lasting results. Suitability for specific treatments depends on individual factors such as BMI, existing conditions, and current medications, which is exactly what the consultation is designed to evaluate. Some people, including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding or who have certain medical histories, may need a different approach; your provider can help determine what fits your situation.
Ready to Talk About Your Options?
If you’re considering a medically guided approach to weight management, a consultation with Dr. Violetta Berdichevskaya is a low-pressure way to understand what’s realistic for your situation and ask the questions that matter to you. Schedule your consultation to find out what a personalized plan could look like for you.
Avellina Aesthetics welcomes patients to our Northeast Philadelphia clinic for weight loss consultations, with patients also traveling from Abington, Allentown, Horsham, Hamilton, Southampton, Delaware, and Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions
A first consultation typically includes a review of your health history, a physical check such as weight and blood pressure, a discussion of your goals, and an overview of treatment options, designed to determine whether a medically supervised program is appropriate for you.
It depends on the provider. Some clinics order bloodwork, such as thyroid or metabolic panels, before recommending treatment, while others proceed based on your history and order labs only if something specific needs to be ruled out.
Coverage varies by insurance plan and provider, so it's best to confirm with your insurer and the clinic directly during scheduling so there are no surprises before your visit.
Past attempts are useful information, not a disqualifier. Providers use that history to understand what hasn't worked and adjust the approach accordingly.
This depends on the clinic and your health profile. Some providers can begin treatment the same day if no additional testing is needed, while others prefer to review labs first.
There's generally no special preparation required, though if bloodwork is planned, your provider may ask you to fast beforehand. Confirm any specific instructions when you book.