FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT WEIGHT LOSS

If you need any additional information, we encourage you to call us at 770-394-9991.

Q. What can I expect when I come in for the initial visit?
A. Photographs are taken on the first visit which is the before picture. Patients are given a copy of their before photograph as well as a computerized analysis of their weight, fat percentage, body water and BMI. This will better help them to gauge their progress. We will also check their blood pressure and listen to their heart. The patient will also complete a medical questionnaire concerning past surgeries, medical conditions, allergies and current medications. We will ask what the patient’s weight loss goals are and if they have already decided what they want to do, then we will customize a weight loss plan that we think will work best for that particular patient. It is best to allow one hour for the initial visit. The consultation is free, even if the patient decides not to participate in the program.

Q. Do you accept insurance?
A. Dr. Mansfield is a provider for most insurance carriers. We do not place claims for weight loss. It is extremely rare for health insurance to cover weight loss. Check with your insurance carrier to see if they will reimburse you for the fees you pay for weight loss.

Q. How often do you recommend follow up visits? A. Every week if you are local. Patients at a distance have better results if they stay in contact with us frequently, concerning their progress. Being accountable is required for successful weight loss.

Q. What are the office hours?
A. Our Hours are as follows: Monday: Closed - Tuesday & Thursday: 11:00-9:00 - Wednesday & Friday: 9:30-5:30 - Saturday: 10:00-4:00 By Appointment Only

Q. Is it possible for someone out of town to be on the weight loss programs?
A. Yes, we ship the products via Fed Ex. However, patients that will be taking controlled drugs such as phentermine must be seen by the doctor for their initial consult.

Q. Is it really possible to lose up to 15 pounds in 15 days?
A. Yes, if the program guidelines are followed perfectly.

Q. Is it safe to lose up to 15 pounds in 15 days on the Protein Program?
A. Yes, because our program causes fat burning (ketosis). When patients are in ketosis their lean muscle is protected and unlike with most diets they never look like they have anorexia.

Q. Do you have to stay on this program for life?
A. No, we have a maintenance program that we will explain as you get closer to achieving your goal. If we give the maintenance plan too soon, patients often start including some foods that will stop fat burning (ketosis). Patients on our maintenance program are no longer in ketosis. The maintenance plan will allow patients one day a week where they can eat anything they want.

Q. Can I use any Protein Shake or Bar?
A. Not recommended. Dr. Mansfield has tested most of the shakes and bars on the market. Many of those tested did not result in the patients losing weight. The shakes and bars we use for our patients taste the best and are designed to produce the most weight loss.

Q. Why can fruit cause weight gain on the Protein Program?
A. Fruit is very high in carbohydrates which knocks patients out of ketosis (burning fat) and slows down weight loss tremendously.

Q. Why can some people eat everything they want and never gain weight?
A. Those people inherited a fast metabolic rate, which prevents the body from storing fat.

Q. Why can't I control my cravings for carbohydrates?
A. It is not your fault. The body makes us crave carbohydrates to use as energy, but it only uses a small amount for energy and converts the remainder into fat.

Q. When I was younger I never had a weight problem, why am I gaining weight now?
A. This happens when the metabolic rate slows down and the body slowly begins to store fat. The metabolic rate slows down around age 19 in most people; however, it can happen earlier or later.

Q. What can I do to speed up my metabolism?
A. Nothing, the Metabolic Rate is determined by genetics.

Q. What is the medical term used for burning fat?
A. Ketosis

Q. What are the benefits of fat burning in addition to losing weight?
A. Fat Burning eliminates hunger and cravings and prevents muscle loss so that patients never look anorexic. Ketosis also gives the body more energy.

Q. Does excessive exercise slow down weight loss? If so how much exercise is recommended on your program?
A. Exercise is a very healthy habit. However, Dr. Mansfield noticed that patients doing aerobic exercise to lose weight often only lost a small amount. The good news is that they do not usually gain weight when exercising five days per week. If patients are not exercising, he advises them to wait until they have achieved their goal weight and then we will recommend a personal trainer who will teach patients how to exercise correctly in order to maintain their goal. A good personal trainer can also teach people how to save time and still get the results they desire. We have names of personal trainers who know what they are doing, so ask us for a referral. Exercise is not required to lose weight so you will not need a personal trainer until you have reached your goal weight. If a patient is already on an effective exercise program then Dr. Mansfield recommends maintaining that exercise routine. However, the calories burned must be replaced the instant the exercise is finished. The challenge is to know exactly how many calories were burned in any given exercise. Dr. Mansfield has found that drinking one of our recommended protein shakes before exercise and one immediately after will not slow down the weight loss process. Saunas and Jacuzzis can burn calories in the same way as exercise and are best avoided during the weight loss phase. Burning calories that are not replaced has the same effect as skipping a meal. That is why our protein shake at bedtime is most critical, because it will give the patient enough calories to last for 8 hours so while sleeping they will burn fat. How often do you get an opportunity to actually burn fat while you’re sleeping????? Seize that opportunity every night you possibly can during your lifetime!

Q. During menopause does hormone replacement therapy interfere with weight loss?
A. No, if a patient is in ketosis then the hormones have no effect on the weight loss.

Q. Do people that have a hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) have more difficulty losing weight on your program?
A. No, if the patient is being treated with the correct dosage of thyroid medication they can lose weight as fast as anyone with a normal thyroid function.

Q. What about hypertension medications?
A: You can do the program and you can take appetite suppressants such as Fastin, Adipex (Phentermine) or Bontril (phenametrazine) if hypertension is being controlled.

Q. What about diabetes and the Protein Program?
A. Our Protein Program will make the blood sugar normal in most patients with diabetes within 72 hours. The patient must monitor their blood sugar closely if they are on oral agents or insulin to lower their blood sugar. Most patients on oral agents do well on the program; however, insulin dependent diabetics may or may not be able to do the program depending on their particular type of insulin program. Dr. Mansfield will have to discuss this on an individual basis.