Your Questions, Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers about bariatric surgery, GLP-1 medications, nutrition, insurance coverage, and our weight loss program in Tucson, AZ.
General Questions
Where is Pound of Cure Weight Loss located?
Our office is located at 5155 E Farness Drive, Suite #111A, Tucson, AZ 85712. We primarily serve patients in Tucson and southern Arizona, but also see many patients from Phoenix and throughout the Southwest. We offer telemedicine visits for patients in Arizona, Michigan, California, New York, and Florida - with more states coming soon.
How do I become a patient?
Fill out our contact form or call our office directly at (520) 298-3300 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Matthew Weiner and our team. We look forward to meeting you.
Do you offer telemedicine or telehealth visits?
Yes. We offer both telehealth and in-person visits so you can choose whichever is most convenient for your schedule.
I live outside of Arizona. Can I still join the program?
Our non-surgical weight loss program is currently offered only in Arizona. However, you can still sign up for our nutrition counseling program, which is available worldwide.
What can I expect to improve when I lose weight?
Even with modest weight loss, you can expect increased mobility and decreased joint pain, improved blood pressure and cholesterol, improvement in diabetes and prediabetes, better sleep quality, reduced need for medications, and improved overall quality of life.
How often will I have follow-up visits?
Typically, patients follow up every 2 weeks when they first start the program, then move to less frequent visits as they become more comfortable - usually after a few months. Our nutritional program is self-paced with on-demand content available 24/7 and live sessions offered multiple times per week.
Surgery
Am I a candidate for bariatric surgery?
Every case is different. General guidelines include: unsuccessful prior weight loss efforts with diet and exercise, a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35-40 with a related medical condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. Visit our bariatric surgery page to learn more about next steps.
What types of bariatric surgery do you offer?
Dr. Matthew Weiner offers gastric sleeve surgery (vertical sleeve gastrectomy), gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y), and revision surgery for patients who need to correct or improve a prior procedure. All surgeries are performed laparoscopically.
How does the gastric sleeve (vertical sleeve gastrectomy) work?
The sleeve gastrectomy removes about 80% of the stomach and reshapes the remaining portion into a narrow tube. While the smaller stomach limits portion size, the primary mechanism of weight loss is hormonal - removing the part of the stomach that produces ghrelin (the hunger hormone) significantly reduces appetite and cravings.
How does the gastric bypass work?
The gastric bypass divides the stomach into two parts and reroutes the intestines into a Y shape. The small pouch (about the size of a thumb) connects to one limb, while the gastric remnant connects to the other. This delays the mixing of food with digestive enzymes, triggering favorable hormonal changes that prompt your body to burn stored fat.
What is laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery uses several very small incisions (about 0.5-1 cm) instead of a large abdominal opening. A tiny camera guides the surgeon using a TV monitor. Benefits include faster recovery, less pain, less scar tissue, and a quicker return to normal activities compared to traditional open surgery.
What are the complications and complication rates for bariatric surgery?
Serious surgical complications are uncommon - the risk is between 1-3% for most patients. Dr. Weiner's serious complication rate is in the lowest 10% nationally. Potential complications can include heartburn/GERD, vomiting, iron deficiency, bowel obstruction, marginal ulcers, hair loss, taste changes, gallstones, or increased alcohol sensitivity. These are typically treatable and rarely life-threatening.
How long is the hospital stay after bariatric surgery?
The vast majority of patients spend one night in the hospital after bariatric surgery.
Is there pain after bariatric surgery?
Most patients experience minor discomfort but not enough to require significant pain medication. Those who do use pain medication typically need it for only 3-4 days.
How long do I need to be off work after surgery?
Dr. Weiner recommends two weeks off after sleeve gastrectomy and three weeks off after gastric bypass. Many patients are eager to return sooner, and this is often possible depending on your job.
How long does the process take from initial consultation to surgery?
Depending on your insurance requirements, the process typically takes between 3-6 months.
Will I have to follow a special diet before surgery?
Yes. All patients follow a one-week liquid diet before surgery to help shrink the liver, which makes the surgery safer.
Do patients regain weight after bariatric surgery?
About 25% of sleeve gastrectomy patients and 10% of gastric bypass patients may regain half of the weight they lost. However, weight regain after surgery is far less common than after diet-and-exercise-only weight loss. Our program aggressively addresses weight regain with a comprehensive approach that helps you lose weight again if needed.
What type of postoperative support do you provide?
Our post-op program includes regular follow-up with Dr. Weiner and his team, unlimited group nutritional sessions over Zoom, grocery store tours for local Tucson patients, and automatic enrollment into our non-surgical weight loss program after you are one year out from surgery.
Do you accept patients who have had surgery elsewhere?
Absolutely. Whether you are interested in revision surgery or our non-surgical weight loss program, we welcome you.
Can I get pregnant after bariatric surgery?
Yes. In fact, your fertility may increase due to the weight loss after surgery. We recommend waiting 12-18 months after surgery before becoming pregnant to allow your body to stabilize.
Do I need to take vitamins after bariatric surgery?
Yes. Which vitamins you take and for how long depends on the surgery you have and your nutritional progress afterward. Our team will guide you through the specific supplement regimen that is right for you.
Do you offer other surgeries besides bariatric procedures?
Yes. In addition to sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, our practice also offers gallbladder surgery, hernia repair (ventral, inguinal, hiatal, and umbilical), and Nissen fundoplication.
GLP-1 Medications
What are GLP-1 medications and why do you use them?
GLP-1 medications (like semaglutide and tirzepatide) work by lowering your body's set point for weight. Research shows that nutrition and exercise alone are rarely enough to overcome the long-term hormonal changes that drive weight regain. GLP-1s correct these hormonal and metabolic shifts, and unlike older weight loss medications, they are safe for long-term use. They can also improve blood sugar regulation, heart health, and inflammation.
Which GLP-1 medications do you prescribe?
We prescribe a range of GLP-1 medications including semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus), liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda), tirzepatide (Mounjaro), dulaglutide (Trulicity), exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon), and lixisenatide (Adlyxin). The right medication depends on your individual needs and medical history.
How much does semaglutide cost? Is it covered by insurance?
Semaglutide can be expensive when purchased outright - Wegovy (the weight loss dose) can cost over $1,000 per month. However, it is being covered by more and more insurance companies, and our program will help you obtain insurance coverage if possible. Sometimes the lower-dose diabetic version can be used off-label for weight loss at a lower cost.
Nutrition
What is your nutritional approach?
Rather than calorie counting or meal replacements, we focus on gradual, sustainable changes - increasing your intake of real, whole foods. Our dietary approach is based on Dr. Matthew Weiner's Metabolic Reset Diet from his book A Pound of Cure, designed to lower your body's set point for weight and promote durable results. Learn more about our nutrition program.
What nutritional program do you recommend after bariatric surgery?
We recommend the Pound of Cure Weight Loss Program, based on eating nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and beans while minimizing refined and processed foods. Right after surgery, you start with a protein-first eating plan and slowly transition to a produce-first approach over the first year. Learn more about our nutrition program.
How much protein should I eat after surgery?
We recommend a minimum of 60 grams of protein per day, ideally 80 grams. Initially you may need protein shakes to meet this goal, but over time the target is to get all your protein from whole food sources. Around 6 months to a year after surgery, most patients shift from counting protein to counting vegetables.
Do I really have to eat a pound of vegetables every day?
Yes, but it is easier than it sounds. One large salad typically weighs about a pound - most people can eat that in a single meal, even after weight loss surgery. Eating a pound of vegetables daily helps reduce cravings for processed foods.
How strict is Dr. Weiner's diet plan?
Because the Pound of Cure program focuses as much on what you eat as what you avoid, many people find it easier to follow than other diets. It is also more forgiving - unlike keto, which can cause significant weight gain from even small deviations, our plan allows flexibility without derailing your progress.
Why can't I lose weight even though I eat healthy?
There are many reasons - medications (the most common cause), genetics, stress, depression, or inadequate sleep. We offer a complete medical evaluation through our non-surgical program to identify what may be holding you back.
Is the weight loss program effective for people who haven't had surgery?
Yes. The Pound of Cure program focuses on eating nutritious food and avoiding weight loss through starvation or ketosis, which almost always leads to regain. The program can mimic some of the favorable hormonal changes that occur after bariatric surgery.
Are artificial sweeteners good or bad?
While artificial sweeteners have no calories, they can cause significant metabolic changes - increasing cravings for sweet foods and limiting your body's ability to respond to natural sugars found in fruit. In general, they should be avoided as much as possible.
Does insurance cover visits with a dietitian for weight loss?
Unfortunately, the majority of insurance plans do not cover dietitian visits for weight loss. Our program uses online group sessions held over Zoom to keep costs low - membership is $24.99/month.
How will my diet change after bariatric surgery?
Your diet changes start before surgery with a pre-op liquid diet to prepare your body. Immediately after surgery you follow a liquid diet, then transition to soft foods, and eventually return to regular whole foods. Our team guides you through every phase.
Do you offer nutritional counseling?
Absolutely. We consider nutrition one of the most important components of weight loss success. Our Registered Dietitian leads group sessions and provides individualized guidance.
Insurance & Cost
Does insurance cover bariatric surgery? What insurances do you accept?
About 95% of insurance plans provide coverage for bariatric surgery. We accept most insurance plans, including AHCCCS. After your first visit with Dr. Matthew Weiner, we review your policy to confirm coverage. For those without insurance coverage, we offer competitively priced self-pay options. Our team will guide you through the entire authorization process.
How much does bariatric surgery cost?
It depends on your insurance plan. Medicare, Medicaid, and AHCCCS patients typically pay nothing out of pocket. With commercial plans (Blue Cross, Cigna, United, Aetna), you will likely reach your maximum out-of-pocket for the year. Contact your insurer to find out how much you have already contributed and what your maximum is - the difference is your expected cost. We offer payment plans. Learn more about bariatric surgery costs.
Do you offer a self-pay or cash-pay option for surgery?
Yes. We partner with Tucson Medical Center to offer all-inclusive pricing that covers surgeon fees, hospital stay (1 night), anesthesia, follow-up care for 90 days, nutritional support, pre-operative labs, and access to a Registered Dietitian for 1 year.
How much does the initial visit cost if I self-pay?
The initial visit costs $300. If you proceed with surgery, this amount goes toward the total cost of surgery - effectively making the initial visit free.
Are there other costs besides insurance copays and deductibles?
All patients participate in our nutrition program ($24.99/month) and take bariatric vitamins after surgery ($20-$30/month). The pre-surgery VLCD protein powder costs about $65 for the week, though many patients find they spend less on food overall that week.
What tests does my insurance require before approving surgery?
Most insurance companies require 2-6 months of supervised weight loss, a psychological evaluation, an upper endoscopy, blood work, and cardiac clearance. Our team handles the logistics so you know exactly what to expect at each step.
What is the cost of the non-surgical weight loss program?
Medical visits with our PA are covered by your insurance. Nutrition counseling with our Registered Dietitian is $24.99/month, and you can cancel at any time.
Recovery & Lifestyle
How long is recovery after bariatric surgery?
Most patients return to normal activities, including work, within 1-2 weeks after sleeve gastrectomy and 2-3 weeks after gastric bypass. You will be up and walking the same day as surgery. Full recovery typically takes 4-6 weeks.
What happens during the pre-op diet?
All patients complete a one-week very-low-calorie liquid diet before surgery. This shrinks the liver and makes the surgical procedure safer. Our team provides detailed instructions and support throughout this phase.
What does postoperative support look like?
Our program includes regular follow-up visits with Dr. Weiner, unlimited group nutritional sessions via Zoom, grocery store tours for Tucson-area patients, and enrollment in our non-surgical weight loss program once you are one year post-surgery. We are committed to your long-term success.
Will I regain weight after surgery?
Some weight regain is possible - about 25% of sleeve patients and 10% of bypass patients may regain half of the weight they lost. However, this is far less common than after diet-only weight loss. Our program provides aggressive support to minimize regain and help you lose weight again if needed.
Still Have Questions?
We Are Here to Help
Our team in Tucson is happy to answer any questions you have about weight loss surgery, GLP-1 medications, or our nutrition program.
Explore Our Services
Weight Loss Surgery
Gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and revision surgery in Tucson
GLP-1 Medications
Semaglutide, tirzepatide, and other FDA-approved weight loss medications
Nutrition Program
Registered Dietitian-led program based on the Pound of Cure approach
Bariatric Surgery Cost
Self-pay pricing, insurance coverage, and payment options
Insurance for GLP-1s
How to get insurance coverage for weight loss medications
Gastric Sleeve
Learn about vertical sleeve gastrectomy with Dr. Weiner
Gastric Bypass
The gold standard for diabetes and GERD patients
Revision Surgery
Options for prior bariatric surgery patients
Success Stories
Real patient results and before-and-after photos
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Fill out the form and our team in Tucson will help you determine the best weight loss approach for your goals.
Or call us at (520) 298-3300