Complaint Review: Physicians Weight Loss Center

I chose Physicians Weight Loss primarily because of the medical supervision from both a certified doctor and nurse to ensure a safe and healthy weight loss and, secondarily, because I felt that the B12 shots and phentermine prescription would help me kick-start my program until I am able to establish healthier eating habits. As detailed below, the Manassas PWL Center did not only deliver any of the goals professed in their website, but also subjected me to the antithesis of motivation and support and medical practices which I find irresponsible. 

1)   Bait and Switch:  Although I completed my application where I clearly indicated that I am allergic to iodine-based products and spoke about this with the woman who took my application, I did not learn until the first appointment that the B12 injections are iodine-based.  Given my evident disappointment and displeasure, I was told that they would replace the cost of the B12 with some body-sculpting promotion when I achieved my goal. This was never written into my Agreement.  In addition, the agreement indicates that I am able to cancel my membership within 3-days after signing.  If I had known the day I signed up that BI2 shots were iodine-based, this would have given me the opportunity to consider whether I should join the program, but if not then, the opportunity to consider whether I should continue the membership within the 3-day cancellation period.  This choice was taken away from me and, as such, I feel this was a bait and switch maneuver meant to lock me into a very expensive program, of which a portion I cannot partake. 

2)  Motivation, support and medical expertise are non-existent in this Center:  The day I learned BI2 was iodine-based, I was told that some people who are allergic to the injections are able to take the B12 sublingually and that I should try it.  Because I believed I was at a reliable weight loss center with medical expertise, I started taking the sublingual B12 tablets about a week thereafter.  It is important to note that at my first appointment and prior to taking the B12 tablets, my EKG and blood pressure were taken and both were normal.  When I returned for weigh-ins thereafter, I was told that my blood pressure was really high, registering at around 197/145.  The nurse was called and my blood pressure was taken again and it still registered the same.  I was told that, if my blood pressure was this high, they would not be able to prescribe the phentermine.  I certainly understood that but I was obviously very worried since my normal blood pressure, even with excess weight, hovers around 120/70.  Both nurse and consultant were matter of fact about this situation so I thought it was merely an anomaly.  As I continued to come back for weigh-ins, my blood pressure remained at that alarmingly high rate, even though I was starting to lose weight.  I asked whether this had something to do with the sublingual B12 I started taking and they clearly did not know, so I asked to see the Doctor.

I first met with Dr. Match on May 4, 2016 who took my blood pressure and, once again, it registered around the 197/145 range and he said he could not prescribe the phentermine. Again, I understood this but I asked what could be the cause, given that I have no history of high blood pressure.  He suggested I see a doctor, but as I pressed him on what “he” thought could be causing this – fully expecting medical advice, motivation and support.  Without even looking at my file, what I got was condescension and easy platitudes.  He did a couple of tests to show me I have no core muscles or leg muscles which I obviously knew.  I told him I have problems eating at night and his answer was – when you’re hungry, eat an apple – and the disdain in his voice was unmistakable.  I am not an idiot and I know I clearly have an eating problem which is why I joined a medically supervised weight loss program.  I, however, did not sign up for a very expensive program so that some insensitive doctor can ridicule me. 

I persevered and saw Dr. Match two other times wherein my blood pressure remained at an alarming rate.  Both times he acted like I was wasting his time.  Finally, on May 26, 2106, I had enough so I spoke with the Office Manager / Nurse indicating that I signed up for a program that included B12 shots and phentermine prescriptions to help me kick-start my weight loss, but instead, I am subjected to an insufferable doctor, while motivation and expertise came in the form of “you’ll do better next week”.  The Office Manager did acknowledge that Dr. Match did not have the best bedside manner (an understatement) and that she was willing to discount my program to remove charges for the B12 shots and the phentermine prescriptions. 

Because this Center no longer represented a positive environment to motivate and support me with my weight loss, I asked to terminate my program but I was told I was unable to do.  Rather, they would accept a transfer to another Center.  The next closest place from my home is Gainesville, VA, but lo and behold, Dr. Match is the physician for that Center too.  I looked into the Fairfax Center, but it would take me an hour, if not more during rush hour, to get to the place.  Given no viable alternatives, I told the Office Manager / Nurse I was not coming back.  This was the last time I heard from this Center, yet, I have been continuously billed.  Based on a recent notice, it appears they sold my account to a collector.

3)  Non-existent and dangerous medical supervision and expertise:  I stopped taking the sublingual B12 tablets the day I walked out of the Manassas Center and my blood pressure immediately reverted back to 120/70.  I am infuriated that I went to a medically supervised weight loss program who suggested I take sublingual B12 tablets and who would not take the time to look at my chart to determine that there may have been a correlation to my iodine allergy and elevated blood pressure. I would understand if I went to a weight loss program that did not sell their medical expertise, but Physicians Weight Loss does.  I am equally infuriated by the fact that a blood pressure reading this high poses much danger, yet the center and the doctor had no qualms allowing me to walk out of the center.  I find this to be completely irresponsible.