What kind of diet will I be on while I am on New Direction?
The New Direction program is a fasting program. Your sole source of nutrition is our nutritionally complete high-protein, low-carb meal supplements. In order to keep you in ketosis and provide you with optimal weight loss, it is important that you commit to not eating other foods while you are in the "Reducing" phase of the program.
How much weight should I expect to lose?
The average weight-loss rate is 2-5 pounds per week for New Direction and 2-3 pounds per week with New Outlook. The weekly weight loss varies per person, however.
Can I just purchase the meal replacements?
The beverages are tools in the overall process and not available for purchase outside New Direction and New Outlook. Our programs are medically monitored weight-loss programs that require initial and ongoing medical management by our trained staff of dietitians, nurses and physicians. The programs combine the use of the meal replacement beverages with education sessions where you'll learn about nutrition and behavior change. The programs emphasize making long-term lifestyle changes to lose - and then maintain - weight.
How often do I need to come?
The program consists of two parts: medical clinic and classroom instruction. The time commitment is about 90 minutes, once per week. Your weight and blood pressure are taken during medical clinic, and your food logs are reviewed. For the New Direction program, ongoing labs are drawn every other week - and you see the doctor monthly. For the New Outlook program, ongoing labs are drawn every seventh week - and you see the physician every eighth week. The educational group session is 30 minutes long. Day and evening clinics and classes are offered to fit your schedule.
At what point do I begin eating food?
Ideally, you will remain in the Reducing phase of the program until you are within 10 pounds of your goal weight. At that point, the "adapting" phase begins - and you will transition to food in a step-wise fashion over several weeks. The meal replacement beverage will slowly be withdrawn, and regular food and calories are added. A normal eating plan is achieved that is customized to your age, gender, height, level of physical activity and new weight.
How long is the "Sustaining" (maintenance) phase of the program?
Long-term weight maintenance is the most difficult phase of the program. During this phase, you will put together the knowledge gained in the Reducing and Adapting phases. It takes a lot of work on your part to make the commitment to maintaining your new, healthy lifestyle. The group support that is provided helps to prepare you for dealing with the temptations you face. We recommend that you participate in Sustaining for at least six months post-program.
How much does the program cost?
The cost depends on the program you choose and the amount of weight you wish to lose. Our programs are affordable compared to other weight-loss programs.
Does insurance cover the programs?
We recommend that you call your insurance carrier and inquire whether weight loss is a covered benefit. Aultman Weight Management does not bill insurance for our services. Payment is due when services are rendered on a weekly basis. Cash, check, Visa, MasterCard and Discover are accepted forms of payment.
How soon can I get started?
Because our programs are medically monitored, the New Direction and New Outlook programs require a medical screening, physician exam and dietitian consultation before you receive your beverages and begin the program. Once the medical testing is completed and your application is reviewed, we will schedule your physician exam visit and dietitian consultation. Typically, enrollment takes up to 5-7 business days from the time we receive your medical testing results at our office.
