Frequently Asked Questions about the Tuscaloosa Weight Loss Program

Can I start the weight loss program if I have health problems?
Since we are a medically supervised weight loss clinic, your health is our number one concern. Our staff will carefully review your medical history and make certain that any given program is suitable for you. Our team will work with your primary care physician to make sure you receive the best quality of care.

Can I start a weight loss program if I am currently taking medications?
Yes! At Tuscaloosa Weightoss Center, your current medications will be cross-referenced. Only products that are compatible with your current medications will be recommended.

How old do I have to be to go on a weight loss program?
At Tuscaloosa Weight Loss Center we promote a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, we cater to individuals of all ages. We offer programs designed specifically for adolescence, teenagers and adults.

I’ve lost weight on numerous diets but I haven’t been able to keep it off. Why not?
Because most commercial diet centers only concentrate on you losing weight. They give you a particular mixture of products – pre-packaged foods, supplements, a pat on the back, etc. A very small number actually help you identify the behaviors that led to your weight gain. Our program will help you overcome and manage those behaviors while enjoying a diet of pure, wholesome foods coming directly from the land. Throughout the program, you will receive professional help and will be accountable for your decisions.

What should I look for in a weight loss program?
The primary concern in choosing a weight loss program is your health. If you are overweight or obese, it would be sensible to enroll in a clinical weight loss program. Obesity is a serious health problem which has physiological, psychological and social affects. Health professionals, such as dieticians, psychologist, exercise physiologist, nurses and doctors are available to you in a clinical program. This team of professionals will be able to monitor weight loss and give expert advice concerning the dietary affects of other health problems. Any program should be initiated with a full health assessment by a physician.

How long will the program take?
The diet phase lasts as long as it takes you to reach your desired weight. On the average, women lose about two - three pounds a week, men about four - five. However, everyone is different and results may vary based on a number of factors, including an individual’s personal weight history, body composition and level of physical activity. The maintenance phase is at least 12 months after weight loss is completed. Although patients are learning while in the weight loss phase, the experience comes in the maintenance phase. Behaviors are learned, therefore must be practiced repeatedly to become a part of daily life. Therefore, this amount of time is essential to create long-term behavioral changes to make sure you keep the weight off.

Will your program make me thin?
Our objective is your health. Tuscaloosa Weight Loss will give you the support you need and teach you skills for managing your weight and improving your appearance. A healthy lifestyle promotes healthy behaviors. Healthy behaviors lead to an enhanced quality of life.

What if I am too busy to come to the center once a week, can I still be in the program?
Since personal coaching and support is proven to be an important part of your weight loss success, we ask for your commitment in making the time to come in for frequent visits. It is imperative that we see you on a regular basis to ensure that you receive the appropriate guidance, monitoring and motivation you need to reach your weight loss goals.

Can’t I just take a diet pill?
It is true that medications are useful in the treatment of obesity. However, it is our opinion that relying on a medication for weight loss is not a replacement for learning effective behaviors. Learning how to maintain a healthy weight with education in proper nutrition, exercise and behavior management can never be replaced by a pill. We want our clients to learn how to effectively adjust to a lower body weight, therefore diet suppressants are only used during Phase I when necessary.

Should I Just Have Bariatric Surgery?
Gastric bypass surgery is not a cure for obesity. It is an effective tool for the severely obese, however, surgery does not cause long-term behavioral change. Without effective behavioral modification, there can be significant regain. There are no second opportunities if you regain after surgery. There are also significant medical risks associated with surgery—nutritional deficiencies, surgical complications like intestinal obstructions, bleeding, and even death.

How do I know if I need Tuscaloosa Weight Loss Center?
If you have been given the diagnosis of obesity (see our BMI calculator) or your weight is affecting your health, the combination of medically-supervised weight loss and long-term behavioral counseling offered by Tuscaloosa Weight Loss Center is the successful way to manage your new weight. If you’re still not sure, request more information by telephone (205-633-3669) or by e-mail: info@tuscaloosaweightloss.com.

If your program is successful, why do you have repeat clients?
Although it is possible to lose weight and maintain a 100% loss, and some patients do, many people have resistance to the new behaviors that will make weight maintenance possible. Their level of commitment is not yet sufficient to learn and maintain these behaviors. This can lead to frustration and feelings of failure, often followed by loss of contact with the program and regain. At Tuscaloosa Weight Loss we want our patients to understand that, whether they had to interrupt weight loss before reaching their goal or have experienced regain, they are always welcome to return to the program.