Studies have shown that obesity has overtaken tobacco use as the #1 preventable cause of death in the United States!

Physician’s Choice Wellness will provide a comprehensive healthcare team that will safely and effectively assist you in improving your health by lowering your Body Mass Index (BMI).

Nationwide Epidemic of Obesity

• Obesity has more than doubled in the last 25 years. Click here to see how it has changed.
• 61% of all Americans are overweight (BMI>25)
• 27% of all Americans are clinically obese
• 300,000 premature deaths yearly
• 6,000 deaths each week

The “Costs” of Not Joining

Obesity can be physically debilitating, limiting your participation in LIFE. Obesity can be socially stigmatizing, inhibiting interactions

Health Costs

• Type II Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Osteoarthritis
• High Cholesterol
• Coronary Heart Disease
• Stroke
• Sleep Apnea
• Psychological Concerns
• Cancer risk

Monetary Costs

• Annual healthcare costs for an obese person are 42% higher. In 2007, over 97 billion dollars were spent on treating obesity and related disorders.
• Compare what you spend on one week of groceries or dining out to the products from the New Direction System.
• Remember, all of your nutritional needs are provided through the program. You won’t need to buy any grocery foods.

Contraindications to Entering Program

• Under 18 years of age
• Metastatic cancer
• Bone fracture
• Corticosteroid therapy
• Type I diabetes
• Peptic Ulcer Disease
• Some active ulcers
• Untreated hyperuricemia
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Lithium treatment
• Some liver diseases
• Mental illness
• Recent myocardial infarction
• Pregnancy or lactating
• Renal insufficiencies 

Mount Zion Clinic & Classes

Tuesdays 12:00-1:00pm .
Wednesday 6:30-8:00am
Thursday 5:00-6:00pm
Sunday 3:00-4:00pm, 4:30-5:30, 6:00-7:00pm

Sullivan Locations
Wednesday 5:00-6:30 p.m.

First half is clinic and last half is class.
Mandatory Attendance and Participation Policy

Download & sign this form: Attendance Policy

• Clients are required to attend a weekly clinic/class session during the Reducing, Adapting, and Sustaining phases of the program.
• Clients are expected to arrive on time for their scheduled clinic/class session.
• Clients arriving more than fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled start time may be asked to schedule a make-up session with a counselor for an additional fee.
• During the Reducing and Adapting phases, clients will be allowed to miss no more than three (3) sessions. These absences include excused as well as unexcused absences. Clients missing more than three (3) sessions may be discharged from the program. Close medical supervision is essential.
• When alternate arrangements need to be made due to schedule conflicts, the Physician’s Choice Wellness team must be notified at least 24 hours in advance. In an emergency situation, the center must be notified prior to the scheduled start of clinic/class session. In any case, the client is required to attend another session that week or early in the following week.
• Clients should notify the team at least two (2) weeks prior to vacation so that arrangements can be made for additional products and appropriate counseling.
• During the sustaining phase, the cost for six (6) months of clinic/class is due up front. This cost is $300 ($12.50/session). At the end of the sustaining phase, if a client has had perfect attendance and maintained weight loss within five (5) pounds, half of the cost ($150) will be returned to the client.
• With sufficient attendance during the sustaining phase (no more than 4 total absences) lifelong beverage purchasing privileges are obtained.
• In the event a private consultation with a counselor is scheduled, there will be an additional fee for this service.

Why a VLCD?

• All of your nutritional needs are met
• The program is medically supervised by a team of healthcare professionals
• Rapid results inspire you to keep moving towards your long-term goals. Average weekly weight loss is 3 to 5 pounds.
• “Burn” FAT as a fuel source

Complications

The weight management team reserves the right to discharge or put anyone on hold at any time if conditions arise that could lead to medical complications.

Risks Associated with VLCD

• Cardiac Risk- Prolonged QT interval (abnormal heart rhythm, related to electrolyte abnormalities)
• Caution with Procainamide, Quinidine and Phenothiazides
• Electrolyte Abnormalities (magnesium, potassium, phosphorus)
• Gallbladder Disease (cholelithiasis, cholecystitis)
• Elevated Liver Enzymes (temporary, first few weeks mostly)
• Gout (increased uric acid levels first four to six weeks)
• Foot Drop (peroneal nerve palsy) (compression peroneal nerve)

Side Effects of VLCD

• Constipation Dry mouth
• Dry skin
• Fatigue
• Bad breath
• Dizziness
• Muscle cramps
• Hair loss/Thinning
• Diarrhea
• Hypotension
• Menstrual irregularities
• Hypokalemia
• Hypomagnesemia

Nuts and Bolts of a LCD

• Same screening process as for Level I (will be discussed in detail at that time)
• Weekly clinic and class for support and accountability
• Success correlates with ability to adjust lifestyle choices
• Not as closely supervised by medical team

On the fence about bariatric surgery?—we can provide pre- and post-operative care. We are a complimentary service to bariatric surgery; not necessarily an alternative to it. Also, we are what insurance companies are looking for when they require 6 or 12 months in a medically-monitored weight management program prior to insurance approval for the procedure.

• One-on-one behavioral assessment and financial consult: pre-screening for program readiness.
• Detailed discussion of the cost vs benefit for your budget.
• 12-hour fasting lab and EKG
• Exercise assessment
• Full physical
• Start-up class with Dietitian

It is our medical team’s role to provide medical monitoring as it relates to your weight loss. Dr. Dust will not act as a primary care physician.

You MUST have a primary care physician before entering the screening phase.

Reducing Phase

• Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD)
• Sole source of nourishment is a nutritionally complete, high protein, low carbohydrate beverage
• Medical staff closely monitoring. A beverage prescription card is given at monthly check-ups and tracked for compliance. Program and medical compliance is taken very seriously.
• Average weight loss is 3-5 pounds/week

Adapting Phase

Typically occurs when you are within 5 to 10 pounds of your goal weight
Calories are increased and solid food is re-introduced over 5 weeks
Allows you to practice healthy eating habits as you lose your last few pounds

Sustaining Phase

• Typically occurs when you have reached your goal weight
• This is the most important phase
• Maintenance is the key to long-term success and good health
• A lot of attention given to education, exercise, and accountability once you are in the sustaining phase