How much weight can I expect to lose if I participate in the Lifestyle Strategies™ program?
The average weight loss experienced within the first twenty weeks of the program is 50 pounds.
Is the Lifestyle Strategies™ program appropriate for a person who wants to lose only 10-15 pounds?
The Lifestyle Strategies™ program is appropriate for any individual who is interested in managing their health and weight. Whether a person has 10 pounds to lose, or 100 pounds to lose, the same skills and strategies are necessary for either person to be successful long-term. The main differences in participation would be the specific meal plan either person would follow and the time in which it would take to reach for them their “goal weights.”
Can I participate in the Lifestyle Strategies™ program if I have Type 2 Diabetes?
The Lifestyle Strategies™ program is a very effective treatment option for a person with Type 2 or Type 1 diabetes. The meal plan that patients follow supports a diabetic meal plan and the weight loss that patients experience results in improved blood sugar control and for many type 2 diabetics, a reduction or discontinuation in medication and/or insulin. The individualized medical component of the program ensures that each diabetic patient is followed closely so that adjustments can be made as needed.
What is a meal replacement?
A meal replacement is an effective tool for weight management. Simply stated, it is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense meal that is used to replace a higher-calorie, less-nutritious meal. We use meal replacements in the Lifestyle Strategies™ program because they enable us to set up structured, filling meal plans for our patients that are low in calories but adequate in protein, vitamin and minerals. Meal replacements ensure a more rapid, safe weight loss. In addition to their nutritional benefits, meal replacements can be extremely versatile. The meal replacement we use comes in a variety of flavors including vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, orange cream, banana cream, cappuccino, oatmeal, potato soup, chicken soup and tomato soup, and can be prepared in many different ways. For example, the meal replacement makes excellent shakes, cookies, muffins, cakes, soups, chips and pizzas.
What happens after I reach my goal weight?
It is important for a patient who has reached their goal weight to continue to participate in the Lifestyle Strategies™ program. On-going participation will enable them to remain accountable to their health management, set up structured meal plans that support their new weight, continue to practice setting up supportive environments, and begin to develop lifestyle goals.
I’ve lost weight many times before, but have always gained it back. How do I know the same thing won’t happen if I participate in the Lifestyle Strategies™ program?
The Lifestyle Strategies™ program does not offer a “quick fix” for weight loss. Rather, it is designed to promote lifestyle change to support long-term weight maintenance. While a patient is losing weight in our program, they are learning how to implement specific skills and strategies so they can build a lifestyle that supports their new weight. Patients who join our program must view their participation as long-term, since it takes time to build a new lifestyle that supports long-term health and weight management.