Optimize: Orthopaedic Metabolic Wellness Program | Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio

Personalized weight management to help you move better, feel better, and live healthier.

Optimize at Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio is a medically supervised weight management program designed to help you achieve sustainable weight loss while improving mobility, joint health, and overall wellness.

Led by Shannon Schlagbaum, APRN-CNP, the program combines medically supervised care with nutrition guidance, lifestyle coaching, and ongoing support to create a personalized plan tailored to your goals—whether that’s reducing joint pain, becoming more active, preparing for surgery, or improving long-term health.

Why Weight Management Matters

Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on the joints, improve mobility, and help slow the progression of osteoarthritis, all while improving overall health. It’s about much more than a number on the scale.

Reduced Joint Stress

Every pound of weight lost can reduce up to four pounds of pressure on the knees with each step, making walking, stairs, and daily activity easier.

Lower Inflammation

Excess body fat can contribute to systemic inflammation, which may worsen joint pain and stiffness. Weight loss can help reduce this burden.

Slowing Joint Wear

Reducing weight may help slow the progression of osteoarthritis by decreasing stress on cartilage and joint structures.

Preparing for Orthopaedic Surgery

Excess weight can contribute to joint pain, arthritis progression, and increased surgical risk. Optimize was developed to help patients improve their overall health while supporting better orthopaedic outcomes—whether that means reducing pain, improving mobility, or preparing for surgery.

For some procedures, such as joint replacement or spine surgery, your surgeon may recommend achieving a healthier BMI before surgery to help reduce risks and improve outcomes.

If surgery is part of your treatment plan, our Optimize program can help you:

Reach Your BMI Goals: Work toward achieving the weight and health milestones recommended by your orthopaedic surgeon to help qualify for elective procedures.
Reduce Surgical Risks: Improving your overall health before surgery can help lower the risk of complications such as infection, blood clots, delayed wound healing, and other postoperative concerns.
Support a Stronger Recovery: Patients who optimize their health before surgery are often better prepared for rehabilitation, allowing them to regain strength, mobility, and function more efficiently.

Every patient receives an individualized treatment plan based on their health history, goals, and lifestyle.

Medical Evaluation

We review your health history, medications, and goals to determine the safest and most effective approach for you.

GLP-1 Medication Management

When appropriate, GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide or tirzepatide may be recommended to support appetite regulation and metabolic health.

Nutrition Guidance

Nutrition counseling focused on sustainable habits that support healthy weight loss and long-term success.

Lifestyle & Activity Recommendations

Guidance on safe, regular physical activity that supports weight loss while protecting your joints.

Muscle Preservation

Maintaining lean muscle is an important part of healthy weight loss. We emphasize adequate protein intake and appropriate activity to help preserve strength, mobility, and function.

Orthopaedic Optimization

Coordination with your orthopaedic provider when preparing for surgery to help optimize health and outcomes.

Who Can Benefit?

This program is designed for adults who want medically supervised support for weight loss, especially those who:

Experience joint pain that limits activity
Want to improve mobility and daily function
Are working toward a healthier weight
Have arthritis or chronic musculoskeletal pain
Are preparing for joint replacement or other orthopaedic surgery
Have been advised to lose weight before surgery
Want accountability and long-term support

No referral is required.

Meet Your Provider

The program is led by Shannon Schlagbaum, a family nurse practitioner with extensive experience in orthopaedic care.

She works closely with each patient to develop a personalized, realistic plan focused on improving health, mobility, and long-term success.

FAQs

What should I expect?

Your weight management journey is personalized to your individual goals. During your first visit, Shannon will review your health history, discuss your goals, and develop a treatment plan tailored to you. Throughout the program, you’ll receive ongoing support through regular follow-up appointments, medication management (when appropriate), nutrition guidance, and lifestyle coaching to help you build healthy habits and achieve lasting results.

What are GLP-1 medications?

GLP-1 medications are prescription medications that help regulate appetite, slow stomach emptying, improve blood sugar control, and promote weight loss. Depending on your medical history and goals, your provider may recommend medications such as semaglutide or tirzepatide.

How much weight can I expect to lose?

Results vary for every patient. Clinical studies have shown that many patients taking GLP-1 medications alongside healthy lifestyle changes may lose approximately 10–20% of their body weight over six to twelve months, although results vary.

How often are appointments?

Most patients begin with a comprehensive 60-minute initial consultation to review their medical history, discuss goals, and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Follow-up visits are typically 20–30 minutes and are usually scheduled once a month to monitor progress, adjust medications if needed, answer questions, and provide continued support.

As you reach your goals and transition into maintenance, visits may become less frequent based on your individual needs.

How long will I stay in the program?

There is no set timeline. Some patients participate for several months, while others continue longer for ongoing weight management and maintenance. Your treatment plan will be individualized based on your goals and progress.

Will I receive nutrition guidance?

Yes. Every patient receives nutrition education and practical guidance to help build sustainable eating habits that support healthy weight loss and long-term success.

Is this only for patients preparing for surgery?

No. While the program can help patients safely prepare for orthopaedic procedures, it’s designed for anyone looking to improve their overall health, reduce joint pain, increase mobility, and live a healthier lifestyle.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can schedule directly with the Optimize program.

Is this covered by insurance?

Office visits are billed to your insurance when applicable. Medications prescribed through the Optimize program are self-pay. During your consultation, we’ll review treatment options and associated costs so you know what to expect.

Where are appointments available?

Appointments are currently offered at our Lima location.

How do I know if I'm a candidate?

Schedule a consultation with Shannon Schlagbaum, APRN-CNP, to discuss your health goals and determine whether the Optimize program is right for you.