Weight loss is often a long list of attempts and failed diets. We want to help change that! Most people that start a weight loss program do not know how to lose the weight safely or effectively.
The first thing many people do is to attempt to starve themselves, which never works, or they try the latest fad diets. Some people join a gym, only to find out there is too much sweat equity involved, and not as easy as it looks. It takes a lot of time to lose weight this way, and the fewer results people see, the less committed they are to the regimen.
Medical weight loss at Palmetto Physical Medicine operates on two fronts. First, we focus on identifying if there are any specific barriers to the patient losing weight (hypothyroid, gut imbalance, toxic load) and correcting those through diet and lifestyle.
Secondly, we will work toward changing the biochemistry of the body to convert it to a fat burning state. A low calorie diet, coupled with HCG injections and appetite suppressants will jump-start the patient’s weight loss. Shifting metabolic tendencies will be accomplished by providing the body with concentrated nutrients through injections, mobilizing fat stores using the lipo-laser, facilitating the drainage of toxins and excess fluid using the Hypervibe machine, and encouraging the body to build more fat burning cells through the use of resistance exercise.
Out team will spend time learning about your past medical history, including your weight, and determining if any medical conditions are causing your extra weight. While few patients fit into this category, it is important to get a clean bill of health before starting any new nutrition and exercise regimen.
Palmetto Physical Medicine offers comprehensive nutrition counseling and support services to help patients better understand the impact a healthy diet plays on their overall health.
A Lipotropic injection (MIC) contains a solution of lipotropic nutrients that are made up of the following fat burning compounds: choline, inositol, methionine, amino acids, vitamin b12 and other vitamins and minerals. Each of these properties are important because they each have a key role in utilizing fat, distributing energy, and removing toxins from the body.
Vitamin b12 serves many biological purposes including normal blood, brain, heart, and nervous system functions; most importantly, it’s essential for fat metabolism.
Lipo Laser uses low level lasers to target the fat stores in your body. It works to convert these deposits into energy, which is burned off in post-treatment exercise. One major benefit is that it is conducted by a trained professional, is approved by the FDA and is a much safer alternative to Liposuction. This weight loss technology delivers a totally new body contouring system with slimming results, in a non-invasive, pain-free and safe way.
HCG, when coupled with a very low calorie diet, will aid in the burning of unwanted fat. When patients are subjected to low calorie diets without HCG, the body will first target normal, necessary fat in the body. This includes structural fat – fat found on the bottoms of our feet and pads of our hands, or supporting vital organs – as well as lean muscle. This is unwanted, unhealthy and does not provide long-term weight loss results. With HCG, the body is told to burn unwanted, abnormal fat first – this is the fat found around our midsection, abdomen, thighs and love handles. When our bodies use HCG and are able to burn this unwanted fat first, we are able to see and feel results much sooner than when we try just dieting alone.
Medication options include, but are not limited to: Phentermine, Phendimetrazine and Contrave. Based on the patient’s medical history and comprehensive examination, the medical provider will determine the appropriate medication and dosage.
Frequently asked Questions
Eating 500 calories? Is that safe?
Patients are instructed to reduce food to 500 calories per day; however, hunger is not noticed because 3,500 additional calories are consumed each day by the body. The results: patients lose about one pound per day while using HCG.
If I choose not to follow the 500 calorie diet, what will my results be?
We cannot not provide any weight loss results on HCG without following the 500 calorie diet.
Will I lose a pound a day?
You will lose an average of a pound per day not necessarily a pound each day. For example you may lose 4 pounds your first two days and a half a pound you’re fifth. You will average a pound a day over your time period on HCG.
Will I gain the weight back when I stop HCG?
It is very important to walk through the steps to reset your hypothalamus when you take your last dose of HCG. Stay on the 500-calorie diet for 3 days after you finish. Continue to not eat any processed sugar or simple carbs. Follow the guidelines that the medical provider will lay out for you. We will determine a healthy caloric intake based on your BMI and daily activities to continue working toward your goal weight.
What are the side effects?
Side effects from HCG are reportedly very rare, and when they do occur they are generally not severe.
*Medium Headaches – especially in the first few days of the protocol. This is caused by the release of toxins from the stored fat, which is being burned.
*Leg Cramps (often due to a potassium shortage) – This can be corrected with a potassium supplement which our clinic does offer.
*Fatigue – again, this is generally in the first couple of days before the HCG has begun circulating your stored fat.
*Hunger – possible if the patient is doing too much to burn excess calories while utilizing the HCG.
Why do I have to stop use of my HCG on my cycle? How Long?
HCG may disrupt your regular cycle, and you also have the possibilities of it causing the reverse effect and causing weight gain. We advise all of our patients to stop use of their HCG for the first three days of their cycle.
What if I accidentally miss a dose?
You will be fine. Just resume as soon as possible. Don’t double up on the doses though.
Do I have to get all my food in?
Yes. For the best results we advise all of patients to follow the protocol exactly.
What do I do if I plateau for more than 5 days?
To break up a plateau it is best treated with the so called “Apple Day”. This is discussed more in the following pages, but, an apple-day begins at lunch and continues until just before lunch of the following day. The patients are given six large apples and are told to eat one whenever they feel the desire to eat, though six apples is the maximum allowed. During an Apple Day no other food or liquids except plain water are allowed. Only drink just enough water to quench an uncomfortable thirst if eating an apple still leaves you thirsty. Most patients feel no need for water and are quite happy with their six apples.
Will HCG affect my hormones?
No. HCG is not a sex hormone. It is completely safe for men and women.
Can I wear make-up or lotions?
Yes. The protocol was created in the early 50’s when make-up and lotions contained large amounts of oils and animal fats. That is no longer an issue with beauty products.
What do I do during my period (menstruation)?
Women do produce a little HCG naturally when they are on their period. Stop the HCG, but do not stop the 500 calorie diet.
What about vitamins?
For the short amount of time you are on the HCG protocol, dietary supplements are not necessary. Dr. Simeons states that “Every time they lose a pound of fatty tissue, which they do almost daily, only the actual fat is burned up; all the vitamins, the protein, the blood, and the minerals which this tissue contains in abundance are fed back to the body.” Calcium, Vitamin D, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, and Iron can be safely taken during the protocol. If for some reason you have a particular concern about this issue, supplements can be reviewed by your prescribing doctor.
What about over-the-counter medications?
Medications that have been given the o.k. include: Aspirin, Tylenol, and Ibuprofen. Otherwise check with prescribing Medical Provider.
What happens if I get pregnant?
HCG has NOT been known to cause any detrimental effects to the mother or fetus. It is naturally produced during the pregnancy. Such a low calorie diet, however, is unsafe for both the mother and unborn child. If you find you become pregnant during the protocol you will end the treatment.
What happens if I mess up and eat something I’m not supposed to?
Most likely you will not lose weight that day. It is incredible how sensitive the diet is. If you eat too much you will most likely gain a little weight or may even stall your weight loss by 1-3 days. Whatever you do, don’t panic. Use the “miss-hap” as an opportunity to review why you chose to eat, and what you can do instead in the future.
*Results may vary from person to person. No individual result should be seen as typical*