Program I: Full Meal Replacements

An aggressive weight loss program appropriate for people with a significant amount of weight to lose (BMI of 30 or greater) or for people with less weight to lose (BMI 27-29.9) who have been diagnosed with a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension. Also for patients who would like to “jump start” their weight loss.

Program I features a full meal replacement weight loss diet, weekly medical monitoring to ensure that patients lose weight as quickly and safely as possible, a lifestyle/behavioral education program that addresses nutrition, activity, and other skills, and a gradual transition back to conventional foods.

Meal Replacement products are protein rich, low calorie healthy choices. They include, shakes, nutrition bars, and soups. They provide a precise ratio of high quality protein, carbohydrate, and essential fatty acids to stimulate weight loss while curbing appetite and protecting against muscle weight loss.

Patients  following the Full Meal Replacement Program replace all of the conventional foods they would typically eat with specialized medical weight loss products. All of the vitamins, protein and minerals are in the product. This “stimulus narrowing” eliminates the confusion and stress that often accompany dieting and allows the patient to safely lose a large amount of weight in a very short period of time.   They eat 5-7 times a  day, depending upon their calorie needs as defined by the physician. People following Program I usually eat between 500-800 calories per day. Weight loss averages around 3 pounds a week for women and up to 5 pounds a week for men.

During the transition phase, conventional low calorie foods are gradually added back to the diet in place of meal replacement products. People continue to lose significant amounts of weight during this phase.

Many patients choose to continue using meal replacement products during maintenance in order to improve their ability to control their weight. They also find them to be incredibly convenient , tasty and less stressful than the myriad of choices available in the real world of food. We will help you to choose the right combination of low calorie snacks, shakes, soups, drinks and bars. We regularly offer samples for your convenience and pleasure.

Liquid weight loss products ( shakes and soups) , contain a significant amount of protein (15 -35 grams per serving) in order to minimize muscle mass loss and improve appetite control. Eating small amounts of high quality protein five or more times a day helps patients to stay ahead of their hunger and stabilizes their blood sugar, which in turn minimizes food cravings.

“The food provided with the program that I chose were very tasty and satisfying. From the protein shakes, bars, and my favorite ‘nacho cheese pasta’, the weight melted off!” Mary W., 59 lbs. in 22 wks.