OUR WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM
Our weight loss program is based 'on medically proven techniques that not only help you lose weight but also keeps the weight off. It is a physician directed program.
MY MISSION
Dr. Azinge is a member of the American Society of Bariatric (weight loss) physicians. Motivated by the fact that obesity-related, diseases have been' responsible for a lot of morbidity and mortality in the United States, I decided to open a medically supervised weight-loss program.
I believe that by helping people to reduce their weight to their ideal weight, we would be able to prevent them from numerous obesity-related diseases.
The obesity related diseases include various heart diseases including Heart Attacks, Hypertension, Hypercholesterol, Gall-Bladder diseases, and Sleep Apnea. Others are Diabetes especially Type 11, Arthritis, Low Back Pain, Gout etc.
Not only is obesity a dangerous health risk, it is also closely associated with a "Poor Self Image". The NIH says, "Obesity creates an enormous psychological burden. In fact, in terms of suffering, this burden may even be the greatest adverse effect of *obesity."
THE WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM
This is divided into two phases:
Phase I (Weight Reduction):
During your first visit to the, clinic and every subsequent visit our friendly trained staff will welcome you. You will then have your weight and body fat analyzed. This is done with the help of a computerized scale, which prints out your vital information for the doctor. Also' labs, EKG etc are done if you have not had one done in recent times.
Based on your discussion with the doctor and the results of your body fat analysis, the doctor puts you on a program, which involves the use of various medications, a diet prescription, life, style modification I and exercise.
* The Medications: There are various medications including some natural products, which are used to help you achieve your ideal body weight. The doctor after discussing and examining you determines which medication is best. The medications include Appetite Suppressants, Fat-Blockers, Energy Boosters, Vitamin shots and many others.
* Life Style/Behavior Modification: Motivation classes are held once a month with patients and a psychologist. These classes serve as inspirations to everybody present.
* Diet Counseling: Patients are taught to "eat right". This involves counting calories and reading food labels. Nutrition classes are also held once a month with a trained nutritionist who together with the doctor prepares individualized diet prescriptions.
* Exercise/Muscle Toning: Patients are given graduated exercise prescriptions. There is also an exercise physiologist and a personal trainer associated with the center that also offers personal training. Classes are also held once a month.
Phase II (Weight Maintenance):
Most people ask me "Doctor, after I lose all this weight, how do I keep it off?" This is what the weight maintenance phase is all about. During this phase, we help you maintain your hard earned new weight. First, we wean you off the medications gradually. Instead of weekly of biweekly appointments, you are now given monthly or bi-monthly appointments. You may still be given some medications to take, but these will either be given at a lesser dose or increased intervals.
Secondly, weight maintenance and motivation classes are run where clients motivate and encourage each other. Discussions are also held on how they all manage to keep the weight off. Some of which are the following:
1. Newly acquired lifestyle/eating behavior
2. Routine exercise/work out
3. Diet prescription
4. Occasional visit to the weight loss Doctor for what I call a tune-up.
If patients keep to the above plans their chances of loosing those unwanted pounds and keeping them off is guaranteed.
