*In a CMWL multicenter randomized trial involving 550 patients who followed a CMWL Low-Calorie Diet (LCD) or Modified LCD Program, both with and without appetite suppressants, the average weight loss was 2 pounds per week over a 12-week period. The research was wholly funded by an independent third party with the exception of travel expenses. According to a study published in The American Journal of Medicine, participants completing a 12-week medical weight loss program lost 11.1% of their body weight, on average. Results may vary.

"At CMWL, I learned valuable information from Dr. Kaplan to help keep me moving forward."

I was advised by my doctor to lose weight for medical reasons. I was diagnosed with a heart issue in 2004 and gained a significant amount of weight since that time – about 60 to 70 pounds. In 2009, I lost weight on my own by eating fiber bars for breakfast and lunch with a regular dinner. However, when I stopped eating the fiber bars, I didn’t alter my diet enough to keep off the weight. The medications I’m on also contributed to my difficulty in maintaining my weight loss.

This time, after looking at different programs and speaking with my doctor, I decided to try The Center for Medical Weight Loss (CMWL).

At CMWL, I learned valuable information from Dr. Kaplan to help keep me moving forward. He explained that our bodies’ filters, the liver and kidneys, are responsible for removing medications from our systems. The liver is also responsible for transforming fat back to usable energy, and is more effective in this process when it doesn’t have to work on processing as many medications.

At the start of my program, I told Dr. Kaplan that I had my “Last Supper” the evening before. When he quizzed me about what it was, I told him, two hot dogs (people who know me know hot dogs are my favorite food group!), baked beans, and boxed mac and cheese. He told me that at least I’m honest!

How CMWL Helped Me

The CMWL program helped me lose weight by lowering my caloric intake, which allowed me to drop the weight while I learned to eat healthier in the future. The meds I was taking were an obstacle to my weight loss; I had a period of dehydration even though I was drinking extra water every day. But I’m almost completely off my diuretic now as a result of my current condition.

My heart function has improved from a year ago, which is a great thing. I have been able to reduce my medications, and my doctors are looking to see what other meds I can safely cut back on to lower my body’s load. I find I can bend over easily to do daily things that others take for granted. I no longer need seat belt extensions when flying in planes. Plus I was able to do some outdoor work recently that in the past few years required help from family and friends.

Ongoing Weight Loss Challenges

My travel for work also causes me to dine out quite a bit. That’s a challenge I will continue to face; however, I’m much better at making correct choices to watch my calories. Dr. Kaplan also mentioned that when I need to eat out, I should stick to a six-inch sub sandwich with no or low-fat mayo to keep it under 500 calories. I have done this quite often!

Plus, Dr. Kaplan told me something else that will stick with me. He said, don’t let a holiday celebration or event that is focused around food get you off-track. Enjoy that day, and the next morning start back on the voyage. Don’t make an indulgent day turn into an indulgent week or longer. At the worst, you would gain approximately one pound from a day of celebrating. But by going back to your plan the next day, you will get that right off.

Now I can enjoy my beloved hot dogs in moderation as long as I make adjustments around them. I take them as a treat now!

Frank's Weight Loss Success Tips

Favorite CMWL Product:Powdered Vanilla Shake.

Top Tip to Stay Motivated:Keeping it real day by day.

What I Like Best About CMWL:It helped me by reducing my need to make meal decisions in the beginning. The discussions I had with Dr. Kaplan were also very informative.