1. How often
do I return to the clinic to have my weight checked?
After your first visit you will choose your return schedule. Some patients
want to be checked every week to keep their motivation up. Others are more
comfortable being seen in the clinic on a monthly basis or every two weeks.
Whichever schedule you choose we will work with you to achieve the results
you want. 2.
What is the average cost of the program?
The initial start-up fee for new patients is usually $85. This includes your
first appointment evaluation as well as one month’s supply of our basic
medication. The cost of subsequent visits depends upon the strength and amount
of the medication and includes the cost of the medication for one month--usually
between $70 and $75. The cost of a visit without medication is usually $40.
If a patient chooses to interrupt the program due to illness, lack of finances,
vacations, etc. he or she will not be re-charged the initial $85 fee. However,
if more than a year has elapsed since the last visit, a $25 re-start fee may
be assessed to bring the chart up to date.
3.
What happens on my first visit?
On your first visit with us, you will be given forms to complete that will
give the doctor the pertinent information about your health history, any medications
that you are taking, and your exercise and eating habits. You will than be
seen by the physician who will evaluate your information, check to make sure
that any medications that you are taking will not interfere with the weight
loss medications. He will also check your blood pressure, heart, and lungs.
At this time, you will also review the details of your program with the doctor
including your eating pattern, the suggested foods, and your exercise program.
If there are no problems, you will be started on the medication that helps
reduce your appetite and be given an appointment to return, so that your response
to the medicine can be evaluated.
4.
What is the average monthly weight loss?
There is no average weight loss. The amount of weight you lose will depend
on several factors including your eating pattern, the amount of exercise
you do, your hours of work and the amount of weight you want to lose. The
doctor will work with you to achieve the maximum weight loss for you.
5.
Where are you located and what are your hours of operation?
We are located in Stockton, California, at 1502 St. Marks’s Plaza, Suite
5. Our office is visible from March Lane, one block west of Pershing Avenue.
Our office hours are 8:30 A.M. to Noon, and 1:30 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. on Monday,
Tuesday, and Thursday, and from 8:30 A.M. to Noon on Friday.
6.
What medicines do you use for weight loss?
The primary medicine is an anorectic medicine that reduces the feeling of hunger.
Some patients also find that injections of B-12 to give them increased endurance
and energy. This vitamin is also available. For patients who prefer the use
of herbs, we offer this approach but at a higher cost. The Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) do not evaluate herbal products.
7.
Do you have diets available to help guide my eating?
Yes, we do have diets for use by our patients who desire a more structured
eating pattern. Incidentally, using our program along with another program
such as Weight Watchers greatly increases your chances of success in losing
weight and keeping it off.
8.
Do you have to exercise with the Nu You Weight Loss program?
Exercise is definitely advised as a means of reducing weight, reducing stress,
and keeping the muscles toned. It is also important as an aid in keeping the
excess pounds off. It is not necessary to use a commercial aerobic program,
but a regular, consistent exercise program that goes along with your age and
physical status will be a definite assess. We can help you develop such a program.
9.
Do you need an appointment in order to be seen?
For your initial visit, an appointment is definitely necessary. This allows
the physician to take his time in evaluating your health status and work with
you in outlining the specifics of the program. It also gives you an opportunity
to ask any questions you may have about the program. After the initial appointment,
it is best to make an appointment so that you will not have to wait. Of course,
if you do decide to drop in, you may have to wait for those who have made appointments
or whoever is next in line. We will try to see you as quickly as possible.
10.
Are any of the medicines used in the program dangerous?
Most people who try to lose weight on their own use so-called “over the
counter products” (OTC). Unfortunately, the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) do not routinely screen these products. This occurs because if a marketer
of a product indicates on the label that the product is not used to diagnose
or treat a disease condition, the FDA has limited control over it. There has
been much written and said recently about a couple of these products—most
recently about a chemical called ephedra which is a potent heart stimulant.
The use of this product in OTC medications has caused strokes, heart disease,
and death in some users.
Such compounds are modified and used safely in regular medical practice
under the supervision of qualified physicians. The problem comes when
manufacturers trying to produce rapid weight loss in consumers and avoid
scrutiny by the FDA add these compounds to other products. However, it
is important to remember that all medications (even aspirin) have some
side effects. These effects can be as slight as a mild skin rash or as
severe as breathing problems and allergic reactions causing death. The
medicines used in the Nu You Weight Loss Program for reducing appetite
have a long history of safe use in the hands of qualified physicians;
however, there may be possible side effects. These will be discussed
during your first visit. It is part of the assurance you have in coming
to us that a qualified physician is overseeing your program and is available
for questions or problems that may arise. You are carefully monitored
each month, and the effect of the medicine on your body and mind are
considered at each visit. It is part of the philosophy of Dr. Holmes
to give the best medical care possible using the safest medicines available
to help his patients achieve their weight loss goals.
11 What
is a Medical Program for Losing Weight?
There are several kinds of weight loss programs available for the general
public.
• Some of the most popular programs only deal with dieting by using special
foods prepared by the organization and advice given by inadequately trained
helpers. After a while these foods tend to become boring and are very
expensive.
• Other programs combine dieting with exercise but do not prescribe medications.
They are of limited value because of the amount of self-denial they involve.
• Still others do not use any dietary counseling nor do they advise exercise
but depend strictly on the use of medications. These approaches are not
sufficient to keep the weight off.
• The most drastic programs are involve surgery to reduce the size of the
stomach which limits the amount of a food a person is able to eat (these
are available only for the severely obese).
The
Nu You Weight Loss Program is a medical program which combines medicines
specifically designed to reduce the appetite with exercise, emotional
support and learning how to eat properly to not only reduce weight, but
also to keep it off. Combining these approaches allows the patient to
reduce the intake of food while he or she is learning new eating and
lifestyle habits.
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