Frequently asked questions.
What are you hours of operation?
What programs are available?
We have several programs available:
The Weigh Station’s Physician Managed Program is designed for overweight, obese & morbidly obese patients. In this program, we teach patients to choose low glycemic, low inflammatory, high quality foods that are necessary for healthy living and metabolic homeostasis. Processed, refined carbohydrates with added sugars are not permitted nor are foods that contain high amounts of naturally occurring sugars or starches. Like all of our programs, the focus is on changing one’s lifestyle versus being on a “diet”. Patients come weekly to be seen until their goal weight is met. At that time they are placed into the FREE maintenance portion of the program. At this visit patient’s learn how to expand on their food choices to sustain long term weight maintenance without feeling restricted.
Our Plant-Based Whole Food plan incorporates much of the classic Weigh Station program, but with an emphasis on plants consumption first. It is adaptable for vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and meat eaters; thereby, eating the rainbow of natures colors. (coming soon)
The Healthy Eating Lifestyle Program “HELP” is designed for people who have less than twenty pounds to lose (BMI of <25) and are not looking for rapid weight loss. The program is designed for slow to moderate weight loss and includes additional healthy foods that are not recommended initially in our Physician managed program. Weekly visits and accountability are included in this program as well.
MRT/LEAP: The MRT is a food sensitivities test that identifies your sensitivity to 170 foods and food chemicals. It is a blood test and is recommended for individuals who suffer from one or more of the following: Unexplained Migraines, IBS, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Joint Pain, Muscle Pain, Weight Imbalances, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Sinusitis, Insomnia, Skin Eruptions and Autism/ADD. Please call our office for more information.
Our Latest program is our Patient led Semaglutide program. This program uses GLP-1RA medications to assist in a patient lead exercise and diet program. Of course TWS is more than welcome to provide guidance and support. Those seeking a detailed holistic approach should consider our classic program with semaglutide as augmentation.
Do you accept children and adolescents as patients?
Yes!
Do you accept insurance?
No, The Weigh Station does not accept any insurance plans. We are a Flex Spending and HSA approved usage. All pricing is listed on our website and is accepted at time of service. If desired, we can supply an insurance form for each visit that can be submitted along with their claim forms to the insurance provider. Some insurance companies do cover our services – each patient needs to review their individual insurance plan (or talk to their insurance provider) to see if Morbid Obesity is covered under their medical plan.
THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS ARE RELATED TO THE WEIGH STATION’S PHYSICIAN MANAGED PROGRAMS:
Is it okay to use the bouillon cubes if they have sugar listed in the ingredients?
Yes, this is one exception to the rule, bouillon is used to treat cramping which is a common side effect during stage 1 of our program. Chicken bouillon is recommended over beef and brands such as Knorr seem to contain less sugar than other brands. There is not enough sugar to compromise your weight loss efforts.
Do I need to limit my salt?
No, if you are drinking the recommended gallon of water per day you will be diluting important minerals that you need including salt! Be sure to season your food with salt or herbs and spices that contain sodium to ensure you are repleting your electrolytes. Other electrolytes that may need to be increased include potassium and magnesium.
What else can curb sweet cravings?
In addition to dill pickles, heavy whipping cream (HWC) can be used to curb sweets cravings. Limit 2 tbsp per day. HWC can be drizzled on frozen blueberries or strawberries or frozen in ice-cube molds with cocoa powder and Stevia to create an approved “dessert” for our program and keep you on track. Limit two ice-cubes per day, four per week.
Can I have any type of nut?
Almonds and Walnuts have been approved for our program but are limited. We recommend no more than two servings a day. Each serving counts as one protein and one fat. Please note that too many nuts will slow down or even stop weight loss, please consult our staff if you feel an adjustment to your recommended servings needs to be made.
Can I eat sugar-free gelatin/pudding?
No. These both have aspartame and are not allowed on the diet. They also increase cravings for sweets and increase the risk of deviating from the diet. Please note that these will stop weight loss if eaten.
Can almond flour be used?
Almond flour is only allowed on a case by case basis. Only the Doctor can determine if almond flour is right for you. If it is approved for you it can be used to coat meats prior to cooking, however should not be used for baking. It has no known carbohydrates but you cannot combine this with other flour as many recipes recommend. A light coating can add flavor to some of your recipes. Please note that too much may slow down weight loss.
What gum can I chew?
This changes frequently due to new flavors replacing old flavors, etc. The brands and flavors that we know of that are the safest are: Stride Sweet Cinnamon, Orbit Fabulous Frutini and Dyntyne Fire. Spry brand gums and mints available at health food stores are also approved in moderation. The above list of gums (and mints) are all aspartame free, thus the safest available. Please limit your consumption to 3 pieces per day.
What other types of water/drinks can I have?
There are several drinks approved for the program. Please refer to the program guide.
Why do I have to drink so much?
Chronic dehydration is a significant problem. The water helps prevent this and also helps to maintain hydration once the ketosis develops. Ketosis typically causes increased urination and the water helps prevent any dehydration this might cause. The water is also needed to help metabolize sugars.
Are sour cream, yogurt, or whipped cream allowed?
We do not use these foods as they increase the cravings for sweets and thus we try to avoid them all together. Please not that if eaten they will stop weight loss.
Why should I avoid bagged cheese?
Depending on the brand, some shredded cheese does contain potato starch which is not recommended. If you are having difficulty finding one without potato starch you may need to buy block cheese and use a grater to shred it by hand.
Can I have cream cheese?
In the past cream cheese has been allowed for our program, it is not currently recommended because we found that many patients consumed too much which caused their weight loss to stop. Small amounts, 1 tbsp on special occasions (holidays, birthdays, etc) should not affect weight loss progressCan I have cream cheese?
Why do I take Calcium Pyruvate at the scheduled time?
The calcium is used to allow absorption in the human body and it is a minimal amount. It contributes very little to the need for calcium to help build bones. The pyruvate is a naturally occurring carbohydrate compound that increases the activity of each cell. It enters the liver after digestion and then enters the bloodstream and gets into each cell. The timing is based on eating breakfast between 6 and 8 AM and eating lunch around noon. Thus, it is taken 2-4 hours after eating breakfast or lunch and 2-4 hours before eating the next meal. This can be changed if your work a different schedule than the one above – such as shift work and you work the second or the third shift. However, this needs to be discussed with the staff at the Weigh Station. Note: If you are using Phentermine, this should always be taken one hour or more before or after the calcium pyruvate.