The Center for Medical Weight Loss

The Center For Medical Weight Loss - This medical weight loss chain was founded by Dr. Michael Kaplan, an internist on  Long Island, NY who later got board certified in bariatric medicine and made that the main focus of his practice.  He eventually expanded to open 3 offices on Long Island. He launched the “centers” by finding doctors to basically create their own Center for Medical Weight Loss within their practice, where they see their primary care patients and then block out hours to see new weight loss patients.

Since Dr. Kaplan launched his venture in September 2006, 60 centers have opened in 10 states. The centers try to treat people looking for both cosmetic and medical weight loss, but are doctors, they are not bariatric surgeons. Patients are usually put on low calorie diets of shakes and nutrition bars and, in some cases, prescription appetite suppressants. As they approach their goal weight, they are eased back onto food.

Patients initially have weekly appointments and then often taper off, depending on their progress. There's a big emphasis on counseling patients on behavior modification and lifestyle changes. One of the nutritional programs offered at The Center for Medical Weight Loss is the medically prescribed low calorie diet program. These low-calorie diet programs, prescribed only by physicians, utilize several nutrition-rich liquid diets, high quality meal replacement formulas, protein bars and soups in combination with comprehensive lifestyle education, including exercise and counseling to help you lose weight, improve your health, and develop - and maintain - the new skills and habits necessary to successfully manage your weight in the future.

Bariatric surgery program is offered at these centers. Before recommending bariatric surgery as an option, your doctor will undertake a thorough evaluation and examination to assess appropriateness of the procedure. In general, bariatric surgery is optional for people who are at least 100 pounds overweight and have a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40, or for those with a BMI between 35 and 39 who show evidence of weight driven disease.

It is also critical that potentialcandidates are mentally capable of understanding the risks inherent in this surgery.  Bariatric surgery, sometimes referred to as gastric bypass surgery, involves surgical alterations to the stomach or small intestine so that significantly less food can be consumed and fewer calories absorbed. 

What we like about this plan  It is medically sponsored.  There is an emphasis on behavioral and lifestyle issues.  Weekly appointment can be a motivating enough on stay on tract. 

What we dislike about this plan  It is very strict.  Shakes and nutritional bars as meal supplements are not for everyone.  The use of prescription weight loss drugs to jump start the program seems extreme.  Dr. Kaplan trains the doctor for two days prior to opening their center.  This does not seem like enough time to learn the ropes on nutrition, fitness, exercise, behavioral changes.  It is an expensive plan.  Since they are individually owned, the validity of the centers will vary from center to center. 

How Healthy Is This Plan  Even though it is supervised by doctors, there are many doctors who are clueless to good nutrition.  Drinking only liquids and taking pills does not seem like a healthy plan no matter who is monitoring you while you do it. It should not be intended for an extended period of time. 

Here the Bottom Line  This plan is an expensive crash diet under medical supervision. The fact that they try to teach lifestyle changes seems like the pot calling the kettle black. It is a clone of the Optifast diet that Oprah tried in the 80’s, with an option of surgery if you qualify.  Oprah gained the weight back and then some.  No one knows if these doctors have anything to gain in the recommendation of bariac surgery.  On top of that, every center has different players, so reviews are so mixed it is hard to get a perspective on the plan, other than its costly.  If finding a diet center to help you lose seems appealing, find one that focuses on sensible eating.

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