Slimmer Success           Program: History             Attitude & Pep-Talk            Medical Steps

The Slimmer Success TESTING AND TREATMENT Program is unique

1. Affordability- meal plans are wholesale cost plus shipping, controversial components  such as higher dose vitamins, B12 injections, etc. are not included in the regimen. safety assessment visits every 3 months for younger patient-clients and every 2 months for patients over 50 years or cardiac, blood pressure, poorly controlled diabetes or other complications has been the general standard for the last decade.
           2. more Thorough and RELEVANT medical TESTING and appropriate intervention of co-existing medical conditions and medication SAFETY (we copyrighted   our own follow-up questionnaires). We use studies to determine which weight  loss approach best customizes your needs and safety
      3. far more focus on "buddy" support and access of credible advances in weight management.
                  4. CRITICAL FOCUS ON LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION AND STRESS REDUCTION which are the culprits that make dieting and exercise regimens so difficult to begin or maintain.

We are separated into learning areas, laboratory testing, and cardio-pulmonary testing-all under the direction of a medically certified physician. an on-site program specialist is available at the distribution center for consultations (Mt. Pleasant office) and a board certified cardiopulmonolgist/exercise physiologist is at the central testing center  near the South Windermere shopping center. special cardiopulmonary and sleep testing is typically only performed at the onset of the program-unless abnormal results are found.

A metabolic assistant and a certified nutritionalist are available for scheduled consultations. The center addresses medical issues, especially troublesome obesity with associated shortness of breath, fatigue, and the complications associated with obesity. Medical insurance covers typically 80% of the non-foods expenses, if symptoms are problematic... the foods should cost less than the usual daily eating expenses since they are offered at “wholesale ". Meal replacements currently cost under $1.20 per meal.

The centers are fee-based and profits are NOT from vitamins, B12 injections, etc. Testing allows safer, faster weight loss, however, studies show that too fast is associated with more rebound weight gain, and OUR PROGRAM is “all about LIFESTYLE AND EATING STYLE CHANGES”.  Diet pills or amphetamines are fully intended for short term management, while the patient re-crosses a line or stage where they can, once again, exercise or their mood disorder has been treated. If amphetamines (Adipex®, Fastin®, generic Phentermine, etc) require close monitoring which may include regular cardiac evaluations. Symptoms of palpitations often require 24- hour cardiac rhythm monitors. Patients with higher cardiac  risk WILL NOT BE GIVEN cardiac stimulants. There are many other options such as resolving their sleep conditions.

(1) We specialize in THE DIAGNOSIS AND INITIAL TREATMENT OF weight-related medical conditions, especially hypertension, thyroid abnormalities, HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA,  and diabetes. If urgent, initial treatment is begun at our center. Findings are reported to your family physician.

(2) Reading suggestions to further motivate weight management are available on-line – with commentary. However, given the choice of reading a great book about the best and worst foods (we currently prefer the south beach diet or Adkins’s diet which are lower carb, higher protein); please recognize that lifestyle changes and exercise have a far more immediate result.

(3) Documentation- we love the www.choosemyplate.gov website which allows you to see the results of your efforts. we can also follow your progress simultaneously. We expect you to follow weights and daily consumption.

(4) Special testing- to reassure safety, we perform initial cardiopulmonary testing, echocardiography and holter monitoring when indicated.

(5) Exercise relationships with local gyms for discounted memberships-have been arranged. depending on which area of town you line in, this could be another significant cost savings. However, it’s very inexpensive to find “a weight loss buddy”.

(6) Myth Breaker or “unknown fact” survey questionnaires which will better direct you to the most successful path to a “slimmer you.” one of our favorite questionnaires dispels the myth of “big boned” obesity. We have created a family tree diagram which typically shows obese family members often have several lifestyle reasons for uncontrolled weight-it’s not all heredity. don’t over-blame genetics.

You must change the EATING HABITS AND attitudes of obese friends or avoid them. Studies show that just “hanging out” with the obese crowds leads to more obesity. You all will commiserate (good word-means sympathize) as you eat away stresses. Heavy cliques of friends often find dieting stressful and are less likely to  pursue exercise and diet regimens and really change themselves-partly due to failures in the past. …you can “be the best you can be” by preaching to all your friends to join you in your efforts. Then the whole group can positively reinforce weight control.

(7) Interventions - Our Slimmer Success offer the following:

A. More aggressive MEDICATION interventions if the initial steps are not satisfactory. The centers are allowed to give WEIGHT REDUCTION MEDICATIONS, if you, the patient, can safely take them.

B. Importantly, we must consider referral for lap-band or gastric bypass if indicated and covered by your insurance. This aspect will require 1-on1 discussions with the specialist. surgery is a careful decision, but with improved laparoscopic procedures the risk of surgery has dramatically fallen.

B. Natural herbal products have been specifically requested by clients. Many patients respond well to natural products. They are over-the counter that appears to have fewer side effects than some pharmaceutical prescription products.

Whether they offer motivational support (psychological support) or have an "un-scientifically explained cellular effect”, they help a certain group of patient reach their goals.

 Any safe product that works well, has both immediate and long term benefits, and is not expensive initially or over a long treatment period will be considered- whether the mechanism of action is well understood or not.

 we will not sale these herbals, but have an obligation to have our patients know of their individual safety profiles.

 *(8) Special male lifestyle offerings

Lastly, for male participants, we offer private sexual advice and consultation since obesity is also associated with sexual dysfunction (men have reduced cortisol and testosterone  which can be medically managed). This may include the use of erectile dysfunction (ed) medications or suggested procedures with referrals to certified urologists. this intervention has a major rejuvenating effect. it will tremendously enhance self-confidence and improve the part of a male lifestyle, which too frequently is embarrassing in conversation.

This change alone, will be the catalyst to far greater success. Fortunately, the physicians at our center are required to do initial cardiopulmonary testing and family history surveys to assess the risk and benefits of our program. these same surveys also provide us with the appropriate data to safely prescribe such ed medications or interventions.

Please recognize that approximately one in four obese patients who have undergone our surveys and testing have required referral to cardiologists for further testing and/or intervention. these unrecognized cardiac patients have clearly been many of our most grateful patients. After repair of their cardiac conditions, we typically aggressively address exercise and the other safer intervention measures.

Insurance issues:

as opposed to most medical offices and hospitals, clients or patients who do not have insurance are not charged the highest rate for their care. Sleep studies, cardiopulmonary testing, and cholesterol, sugar, and other metabolic blood testing are in the more affordable range because our ultimate goal is weight and health success. Nonetheless, insurance is greatly preferred for all medical services.

When medically indicated, such as cardiac testing for chest pain, or shortness of breath, standard insurance should cover 80% of cost. Insurance companies want you to be slimmer, it will slim their risk of your having future expensive medical complications.
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Specialties   Reading   Documentation   Special Testing   Exercise Room   Myth Breakers   Plastic Surgery  Interventions   Stretch Marks   Special male lifestyle offerings   Insurance issues   History       The Slimmer Success Steps