Q How is your program different from others?

A. The thorough weekly medical monitoring (not just a weigh-in and a blood pressure) by our highly qualified professionals is not a part of all programs. We offer a variety of customized meal plans to meet the needs of the participants, not just one diet fits all. Dr. Donald Robertson is a gastroenterologist and board-certified bariatrician.

The educational classes are available to participants each week. We also have a new special maintenance program for our patients who have achieved goal weight. This is a very unique feature to facilitate long-term maintenance.
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Nutrition education and self-awareness receives a very high priority in this program to promote sustained weight-management success for our participants.

Q What sort of service is included in an initial consultation?

A After an initial weight, height, blood pressure, pulse and Body Mass Index (BMI) are measured, the patient meets with the physician for an hour an a half visit which includes a family history as well as thorough patient history, lifestyle, needs and goals, a discussion of the overall program, some of the current theory related to weight gain and weight loss issues, recommended dietary options based on the discussion and findings, and a decision by the patient whether to pursue a program and, if so, which type meal plan option and course of action would probably work best with the lifestyle. It is a collaborative decision.

Q Is there a liquid meal option that is recommended in your program?

A For those participants who choose to begin their weight loss program with a liquid diet or a combination of liquid diet plus a meal or two, and whose medical condition permits, we prescribe OPTIFASTR made by the well-known Novartis Nutrition Corporation. No other liquid shake is recommended because of content differences. Optifast contents are guaranteed and can only be obtained from a physician. Close medical supervision is required when a patient is on OPTIFASTRand/or any other weight-loss diet prescribed in our office.

Q Can we change the diet?

A That is the beauty of weekly monitoring and having a medical service that offers several options for diets and emphasizes nutritional awareness. Meal plan changes, small and large, are made in consultation with the participant to adapt to current and fluctuating individual physical, emotional, and lifestyle needs.

Q Do you offer medications for weight loss?

A If the patient's health status permits use of medication and the patient needs medication to change eating habits, oral medications may be prescribed for a limited period of time under medical supervision. No injections are given.

The participant will be counseled by medical professionals on fluctuating vitamin and mineral needs and dietary changes depending on age, sex, condition, periodica laboratory checks and total daily diet.

Q What is the range of weight that you see in your office?

A From 30 pounds overweight to participants who have many more than 100 pounds to lose. Some with very high weights must lose weight to reduce risks of a needed surgery or to reduce or be able to eliminate medications for diabetes, hypertension, or knee pain.

Q What kinds of concurrent problems do you see in the population?

A Hypertension, Degenerative Joint Disease, High blood cholesterol and other elevated lipid levels, Hyperinsulinemia, Metabolic Syndrome X, Diabetes, Chronic pain, Shortness of breath, Exercise intolerance, Low self esteem, Unsatisfying lifestyle and frustration with diets and other methods tried in the past.

Weight loss and the foregoing conditions address the need for a comprehensive medically supervised program. Medications' adjustments and lab value fluctuations in the course of losing weight also necessitate medical supervision for safety reasons. These conditions are not static.

Q Can we eat energy/health bars a substitute for meals in your program?

A The various bars are not recommended as a meal substitute in our program. Total carbohydrates count as do total calories in those bars. If someone chooses to have one for an occasional snack, that's a choice to be made among several options.

Q From whom do you receive most of your referrals?

A From primary physicians, specialists and former or current participants.

Q Is the price of your program affordable?

A The price is very affordable considering all the professional staff available, the classes and maintenance programs, the medical care offered as well as the safety net provided for participants whose conditions merit prompt referrals.

Q What kind of success have you had?

A We have a very high rate of success because of all of the issues addressed in the foregoing questions. Professional medical supervision, dietary options, a major emphasis on education, emotional support, insight and maintenance, a program well-grounded in science and valid research and directed day-to-day by an on-site board-certified bariatrician all contribute to our success!