Frequently asked questions

Gain answers to the top SDSM queries

SDSM's FAQ page is your go-to destination for answers, offering clarity and direction on your weight loss and wellness journey.

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We specialize in weight loss to reduce the medical complications of obesity. Weight loss may improve your physical, mental, and cardiometabolic health if you have a medical condition such as arthritis, pre-diabetes, diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, hyperlipidemia, sleep apnea, and fatty liver disease, to name just a few.
Yes, SDSM is the place for you! Dr. Look is board certified in Sports Medicine and has extensive experience with pre- and post-orthopedic surgeries. Reducing your weight prior to surgery can reduce the risk of surgical complication, hospitalization, infection, and need for revision. We have treatments to safely assist in weight loss prior to your surgery.

The number of calories you can eat per day will depend on your health conditions and weight goals. Dr. Look will discuss your safe weight loss strategy with you. While sustainable weight loss is not simply about eating less, we do offer two meal plans with specific calorie counts designed to meet your goals:

  • Very-low-calorie diet (VLCD): 800–1,000 calories/day
  • Low-calorie diet (LCD):1,000–1,500 calories/day
Obesity is a serious and chronic progressive disease. Like other chronic diseases, medications may be an appropriate tool to improve your wellness. There are several safe and effective FDA-approved prescription weight loss medications. Dr. Look will discuss if they are appropriate for you.
The amount of weight you can expect to lose will depend on several factors including your current weight, program, age, sex, and activity level. A loss of four pounds is common in the first week or so because you are losing water. Ongoing weight loss will average about two to three pounds a week.
Most clients report that their hunger decreases within the first five days of starting the program.
Yes, you will be asked to sign a month-to-month contract that identifies what services you will receive in our program. Our program fees are billed in whole month increments and payable monthly. You can cancel at any time by giving us a call at 619-229-3909. The cancellation will take effect at the end of the current monthly billing cycle.

Explore our range of services

SDSM Weight and Wellness will guide you toward lasting transformation with personalized care and science-based strategies.

Medical Consultations

Certified Weight Loss Nutritionist

Medically Prescribed Meal Replacements

Monica photo

Monica Rivera-Gonzalez

MSN, FNP-BC

Monica earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Azusa Pacific University in 2022 and brings over a decade of healthcare experience to her role. With 10+ years as a registered nurse specializing in cardiology and neuro/stroke care, she has developed a deep understanding of complex, chronic health conditions and patient-centered care

She has been a nurse practitioner in family medicine, where she discovered a strong interest in weight management and metabolic health. She is passionate about supporting patients on their weight loss journeys, understanding that obesity is a multifaceted, chronic condition influenced by biological, environmental, and behavioral factors. Monica believes in a compassionate, individualized approach to care that combines medical treatment with small, sustainable lifestyle changes for lasting results. Her goal is to empower patients to achieve healthy weight loss, reduce the risk of other chronic diseases, and improve energy and confidence. Outside of work, Monica enjoys running, cross-training, traveling, and spending quality time with her loved ones (both two and four legged!)