Personal Evaluation
Section titled “Personal Evaluation”We design each program to help you reach and maintain an optimal weight as safely and economically as possible. You receive an initial examination, laboratory studies to screen for medically treatable conditions such as under-active thyroid, diabetes, high cholesterol, and other metabolic disorders associated with excessive weight gain. We repeat blood and other laboratory tests as required to assure safety, especially during rapid weight loss programs.
We do not throw a standard exercise or diet program at you. We tailor your program to fit your schedule, abilities, and life circumstances.
Here are some of the methods you can choose from:
Section titled “Here are some of the methods you can choose from:”Dysglycemic diet
Section titled “Dysglycemic diet”Many overweight people have difficulty handling sugar. Blood sugar goes too high after a meal, then too low. The person may even be given the diagnosis of hypoglycemia. Our dysglycemic diet reduces this rise and fall of blood sugar. The result is that insulin levels fall, which reduces appetite and the tendency to form fat. Patients tell us that this program is practical and do-able. Often they are able to reduce their hunger. Although anyone will lose weight if they follow any of the many low-calorie diets out there, most of those diets are difficult to follow for any length of time.
This program is based on a new understanding of the metabolic changes that accompany weight gain. It is not a blind "eat less, and you'll lose weight" approach. Here is a handout we use as part of this program.
Very low calorie diet
Section titled “Very low calorie diet”With a very-low-calorie diet, a person can lose more muscle than fat. A low-calorie high-protein diet (called a protein-sparing diet) prevents this loss of muscle. On such a program people can lose from two to five pounds a week. The downside is that rapid weight lose can be dangerous without careful medical supervision, which is costly.
The loss of fat produces ketones in the blood which provide a sense of well-being. Usually this will eliminate or greatly reduce hunger. On this diet most people need to be reminded to eat because they are not that hungry. Some patients find it easier to eliminate food entirely and live on meal-replacement packets alone. Others choose to take meats and salads as well. Supplements can be taken as shakes, soups, or bars.
This option requires careful initial evaluation, weekly checkups and monthly lab tests.
Prescription Medication
Section titled “Prescription Medication”In conjunction with diet and exercise, prescription appetite suppressant medications are sometimes used. Choices include Meridia and others.
Nutritional Supplements
Section titled “Nutritional Supplements”The recommended daily allowances are intended for the average healthy person and are not intended for people on restricted calorie diets. We always recommend supplementation with adequate doses of essential vitamins and minerals.
Coenzyme Q10, 5-hydroxytryptophan and a number of other nutritional substances have been shown to aid in weight loss. Each has a specific effect on the metabolism. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. These can be given in addition to or instead of prescription appetite suppressant medication. None has a dramatic effect.
Nutritional Education
Section titled “Nutritional Education”There is so much more to healthy weight maintenance than diet and exercise, just as there is much more to alcoholism treatment programs than just "don't drink alcohol." With every visit we provide education and other help.
You may already be working towards maintenance of healthy weight. We want to help you crown your work with success.
Doctor Supervised Program
Section titled “Doctor Supervised Program”Our weight loss programs are completely under physician supervision. They are tailored to you. If, for example, a musculoskeletal problem makes exercise difficult, we help unravel the knot in a manner most effective for you. If you have diabetes or are on medication, we can deal with that as necessary in coordination with your primary care physician.
We use body fat analysis through a bio-impedance technique at the beginning of each program and to monitor progress as necessary.
The goal is not just to attain a healthy weight but to maintain it. Overall our weight loss and maintenance programs have been successful and medically safe. Our goal is to help you become healthier, feel better and look better!
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