Clinical Information
Choosing a Weight Loss Program
Thank you for inquiring about Aesthetic Medicine’s Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program. Our two main programs are outlined below:
Low Calorie Diet
Weight Loss Phase:
This program consists of five or more delicious nutritionally balanced shakes daily and is medically supervised by a physician. In the first two weeks you will meet individually with the physician and a health educator to establish you in the program. The following weekly visits will include:
a) Medical Check-In
b) Class or health educator
c) Physician visit weekly during the first month and then once a month thereafter
During this time, you will receive information from our health educators to guide you toward permanent lifestyle changes, as well as physician supervision and monitoring of appetite control. Monthly blood tests are evaluated and an EKG is performed for every 50 lbs of weight loss.
Maintenance Program Options:
There are four options of our Maintenance Program that the patient may choose from once he/she desires to change to the Maintenance Program. The patient may choose the option that best meets his/her needs to succeed in maintaining permanent life style changes. Our comprehensive maintenance program includes lifetime free maintenance classes.
Healthy Solutions:
This program consists of three nutritionally balanced shakes, two entrees and five servings of fruits/vegetables per day. The clinic visits in this program are the same as outlined in the Low Calorie Diet program above. Blood tests are obtained every three months and an EKG is performed for every 50lbs of weight lost.
Stabilization: Same as above for Low Calorie Diet.
Maintenance: Same as above for Low Calorie Diet.
Weight Management Classes
Class attendance is highly encouraged to assist in guiding you toward a healthier lifestyle. The classes are small and informative with sharing of issues by all in the group. Both Healthy Solutions and Low Calorie Diet patients have the option of attending classes or seeing the health educator on a weekly basis. Please see our calendar for the list of topics and times.
Choosing a Safe And Successful Weight Loss Program
Choosing a weight loss program may be a difficult task. You may not know what to look for in a weight-loss program. This sheet can help you make an informed decision about joining a program. A responsible and successful weight-loss program should be able to answer these questions:
* What does the weight-loss programs consist of? Is it backed by scientific studies?
* What are the staff qualifications? What type of training and education does the staff have?
* Does the program carry any risks and does a medical professional oversee the program?
* What results do participants typically have?
* Does the program offer individual counseling and/or group education classes in changing behavior patterns and making permanent lifestyle changes?
* Are you encouraged to be physically active, follow a specific physical activity plan, or provided exercise instruction?
* What is the weight maintenance program after the weight-loss phase is over?
*
What is the total cost of the program? The program should provide a detailed statement of fees and costs of additional items such as dietary supplements.
Weight Control Classes
Times:
Monday 10am – 11am
Tuesday 12pm – 1pm
Thursday 12pm-1pm; 6-7pm
Check in times start 30 minutes before each class
Topics:
* Failure / Success Cycle
* Baked Goods and Fruits / Lab
* Barriers to Success
* Journalin
* Environmental Control
* Physical Activity
* Weight Training
* Dining Out
* Cholesterol / Saturated Fat
* Beverages & Prepared Foods
* Record Keeping
* Food Lab: Portion Control
* Revising Your Strategy
* General Nutrition
* Understanding Labels
* Reducing Risk Factors
* Emotional Eating
* Building Support
* Condiments, Meats, & Vegetables
* Goal Setting
Back To Top
Appetite Suppressants
Amino Acid Formula “All Natural”
Amino Acid Formula (AAF) is an all-natural appetite suppressant consisting of several extracts, vitamins and amino acids, which are specially formulated and manufactured to induce appetite suppression with minimal side effects. These supplements can not only reduce the appetite but also improve the mood, enhance sleep and increase the sense of well-being.
Dosage & Side Effects
AAF can be used by itself or in conjunction with Phentermine to maximally suppress the appetite. It seems to work best for patients who have sweet or carbohydrate cravings. These cravings are probably short circuited by producing the sense of well being that “comfort foods” produce. It is recommended to begin with one capsule three times daily, at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Then patients should gradually increase over the next several weeks. Nine to twelve capsules per day may be required to achieve the desired effect. The appetite suppression can last from three to six hours and builds up over time the longer you take these supplements. Since the appetite is usually greatest in the afternoon and evening that may be the best time to take AAF. Many variations will occur and you are encouraged to experiment to find the optimal dosage and times. The only side effect noted thus far has been a very slight nausea when first starting the pills. Eventually, some patients may notice intolerance to certain refined carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, or even alcohol. This intolerance is usually limited to only one or two foods and manifests as a mild nausea. The rare occasional patient may have severe nausea or diarrhea when first starting the product but this can easily be overcome by cutting the dose.
Contraindications
The effects of AAF usually take two to three days before patients noticed. If patients stop taking these supplements even for a day it may take three to four days for the good effects to resume after re-starting. While all these supplements could theoretically be purchased individually at a health food store they would cost hundreds of dollars and the quality would not be equal. This formulation is very precise. AAF can be taken with almost any other medication. Occasionally patients are able to discontinue medications such as Prozac, Welbutrin, Zoloft, and other mood elevating drugs in time.
Mechanism of Action
AAF increases the total amount of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain by supplying direct precursors and the vitamins and minerals needed to convert them into neurotransmitters. This increase in neurotransmitters reduces the appetite and enhances the mood. The best analogy is that of a lake from which neurotransmitters are drawn by drugs such as Prozac and Phentermine. The level of the lake eventually drops and these drugs become less effective. By using AAF these medications become much more effective. In essence by taking enough AAF the lake will overflow and produce excess amounts of these neurotransmitters. AAF can be used by itself or in conjunction with Phentermine to suppress the appetite.
Other Benefits
The net effect of taking AAF is that the appetite is suppressed, the mood is improved, and the general sense of well-being is enhanced. Interestingly, certain additional benefits have been documented. Specifically physicians have seen improvement in syndromes such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, PMS, Fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, depression, panic disorder and insomnia. These syndromes may all be caused by neurotransmitter deficiencies. AAF can actually be used for patients with these syndromes without causing any other problems such as excessive weight loss. In essence, it returns your brain chemistry to a more natural state.
Phentermine
Phentermine is an appetite suppressant which has been used successfully for over 30 years. It works by stimulating the brain to produce more norepinephrine which in turn reduces cravings for all types of foods. It has been taken by millions of patients worldwide and its safety and efficacy are well established. It is available in generic form and also is produced under the brand names of Adipex and Fastin. A long acting form known as Ionamin is also available.
Thank you for inquiring about Aesthetic Medicine’s Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program. Our two main programs are outlined below:
Low Calorie Diet
Weight Loss Phase:
This program consists of five or more delicious nutritionally balanced shakes daily and is medically supervised by a physician. In the first two weeks you will meet individually with the physician and a health educator to establish you in the program. The following weekly visits will include:
a) Medical Check-In
b) Class or health educator
c) Physician visit weekly during the first month and then once a month thereafter
During this time, you will receive information from our health educators to guide you toward permanent lifestyle changes, as well as physician supervision and monitoring of appetite control. Monthly blood tests are evaluated and an EKG is performed for every 50 lbs of weight loss.
Maintenance Program Options:
There are four options of our Maintenance Program that the patient may choose from once he/she desires to change to the Maintenance Program. The patient may choose the option that best meets his/her needs to succeed in maintaining permanent life style changes. Our comprehensive maintenance program includes lifetime free maintenance classes.
Healthy Solutions:
This program consists of three nutritionally balanced shakes, two entrees and five servings of fruits/vegetables per day. The clinic visits in this program are the same as outlined in the Low Calorie Diet program above. Blood tests are obtained every three months and an EKG is performed for every 50lbs of weight lost.
Stabilization: Same as above for Low Calorie Diet.
Maintenance: Same as above for Low Calorie Diet.
Weight Management Classes
Class attendance is highly encouraged to assist in guiding you toward a healthier lifestyle. The classes are small and informative with sharing of issues by all in the group. Both Healthy Solutions and Low Calorie Diet patients have the option of attending classes or seeing the health educator on a weekly basis. Please see our calendar for the list of topics and times.
Choosing a Safe And Successful Weight Loss Program
Choosing a weight loss program may be a difficult task. You may not know what to look for in a weight-loss program. This sheet can help you make an informed decision about joining a program. A responsible and successful weight-loss program should be able to answer these questions:
* What does the weight-loss programs consist of? Is it backed by scientific studies?
* What are the staff qualifications? What type of training and education does the staff have?
* Does the program carry any risks and does a medical professional oversee the program?
* What results do participants typically have?
* Does the program offer individual counseling and/or group education classes in changing behavior patterns and making permanent lifestyle changes?
* Are you encouraged to be physically active, follow a specific physical activity plan, or provided exercise instruction?
* What is the weight maintenance program after the weight-loss phase is over?
*
What is the total cost of the program? The program should provide a detailed statement of fees and costs of additional items such as dietary supplements.
Weight Control Classes
Times:
Monday 10am – 11am
Tuesday 12pm – 1pm
Thursday 12pm-1pm; 6-7pm
Check in times start 30 minutes before each class
Topics:
* Failure / Success Cycle
* Baked Goods and Fruits / Lab
* Barriers to Success
* Journalin
* Environmental Control
* Physical Activity
* Weight Training
* Dining Out
* Cholesterol / Saturated Fat
* Beverages & Prepared Foods
* Record Keeping
* Food Lab: Portion Control
* Revising Your Strategy
* General Nutrition
* Understanding Labels
* Reducing Risk Factors
* Emotional Eating
* Building Support
* Condiments, Meats, & Vegetables
* Goal Setting
Back To Top
Appetite Suppressants
Amino Acid Formula “All Natural”
Amino Acid Formula (AAF) is an all-natural appetite suppressant consisting of several extracts, vitamins and amino acids, which are specially formulated and manufactured to induce appetite suppression with minimal side effects. These supplements can not only reduce the appetite but also improve the mood, enhance sleep and increase the sense of well-being.
Dosage & Side Effects
AAF can be used by itself or in conjunction with Phentermine to maximally suppress the appetite. It seems to work best for patients who have sweet or carbohydrate cravings. These cravings are probably short circuited by producing the sense of well being that “comfort foods” produce. It is recommended to begin with one capsule three times daily, at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Then patients should gradually increase over the next several weeks. Nine to twelve capsules per day may be required to achieve the desired effect. The appetite suppression can last from three to six hours and builds up over time the longer you take these supplements. Since the appetite is usually greatest in the afternoon and evening that may be the best time to take AAF. Many variations will occur and you are encouraged to experiment to find the optimal dosage and times. The only side effect noted thus far has been a very slight nausea when first starting the pills. Eventually, some patients may notice intolerance to certain refined carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, or even alcohol. This intolerance is usually limited to only one or two foods and manifests as a mild nausea. The rare occasional patient may have severe nausea or diarrhea when first starting the product but this can easily be overcome by cutting the dose.
Contraindications
The effects of AAF usually take two to three days before patients noticed. If patients stop taking these supplements even for a day it may take three to four days for the good effects to resume after re-starting. While all these supplements could theoretically be purchased individually at a health food store they would cost hundreds of dollars and the quality would not be equal. This formulation is very precise. AAF can be taken with almost any other medication. Occasionally patients are able to discontinue medications such as Prozac, Welbutrin, Zoloft, and other mood elevating drugs in time.
Mechanism of Action
AAF increases the total amount of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain by supplying direct precursors and the vitamins and minerals needed to convert them into neurotransmitters. This increase in neurotransmitters reduces the appetite and enhances the mood. The best analogy is that of a lake from which neurotransmitters are drawn by drugs such as Prozac and Phentermine. The level of the lake eventually drops and these drugs become less effective. By using AAF these medications become much more effective. In essence by taking enough AAF the lake will overflow and produce excess amounts of these neurotransmitters. AAF can be used by itself or in conjunction with Phentermine to suppress the appetite.
Other Benefits
The net effect of taking AAF is that the appetite is suppressed, the mood is improved, and the general sense of well-being is enhanced. Interestingly, certain additional benefits have been documented. Specifically physicians have seen improvement in syndromes such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, PMS, Fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, depression, panic disorder and insomnia. These syndromes may all be caused by neurotransmitter deficiencies. AAF can actually be used for patients with these syndromes without causing any other problems such as excessive weight loss. In essence, it returns your brain chemistry to a more natural state.
Phentermine
Phentermine is an appetite suppressant which has been used successfully for over 30 years. It works by stimulating the brain to produce more norepinephrine which in turn reduces cravings for all types of foods. It has been taken by millions of patients worldwide and its safety and efficacy are well established. It is available in generic form and also is produced under the brand names of Adipex and Fastin. A long acting form known as Ionamin is also available.


