What is HRT?

What makes Synergy Weight Loss Solutions unique?

Synergy has found that the key to losing weight in women and men is to approach weight loss from both a metabolic and a hormonal balance perspective. This method allows patients to lose more weight as well as have greater success in maintaining weight once their target has been reached.

What is metabolic balance?

Metabolic balance is the ability to correct the metabolic parameters that impact both weight gain and the ability to lose weight. Examples of metabolic balance include regulating insulin levels, thyroid levels, fasting glucose, cortisol, and triglycerides.

Why not just look at the normal lab values and adjust?

A patient's changing age and weight will cause his or her lab values to change, and subsequently the treatment they should receive. For example, every year after age 30 a person's metabolic rate declines 5-7%; a single treatment would be inadequate for these changing conditions.

What diet plans are available?

  • The Full Fast is our most rapid weight loss plan. This plan consists of an exclusively liquid diet providing less than 500 calories a day. Because of the dramatic weight loss that can be achieved from Full Fast, it can only be done for a short period of time.

  • The Modified Fast is our most popular plan.  It consists of a one meal, two supplements, and one snack per day.  Unlike the Full Fast plan, the Modified Fast can be done long term.

  • The Low Carb plan is basically a high protein diet with less than 40 grams of carbohydrates per day. The plan starts with no carbohydrates and then gradually adds them as the weight is lost. This is a popular plan for those seeking more moderate weight loss than provided for in the above two plans.
  • The Modified Low Carb plan consists of two meals a day along with a lunch or dinner replacement supplement.  The Modified Low Carb is a great intermediate plan, in between the Modified Fast and the Low Carb.
  • With the Maintenance Plan, once someone has reached his or her target weight, carbohydrates are reintroduced into the diet.  Also, an exercise plan is added starting at 4 hours a week and increased to maintain weight as caloric intake is carefully monitored.

If I chose a plan am I committed to that plan?

Absolutely not!  Many patients change between plans and a change may recommend if weight loss goals are not being met. Some patients will stay on a plan until they lose a certain amount of weight and then change to a less strict plan. The plans are totally flexible to meet your goals.

Is weight the only parameter used to measure goals?

No.  We do a full body composition on each patient as well as waist, hip, and arm measurements.  Analysing body composition allows us to see that fat is being lost and not lean body mass or muscle, while physically measuring body parts allow us to monitor actual dimensional changes in the patient's body.

How frequently are patients seen?

One thing I have found, that keeps patients on track, is to require them to come in for a visit at least every 2 weeks. I find this prevents someone from taking a diet holiday if they are seen often enough.  I will start to space out appointments as they have proven themselves to be consistent losers of weight. The Full Fast patients, however, are seen once a week.

What if I don't lose the required weight?

My purpose is to encourage you, but also to address where the problems might lie. Many times the patient is on the wrong diet for their goals and a change is needed. At other times, they may have lost focus or had a weekend indiscretion. I am always looking at what I can do to make the patient successful in their endeavor.

What is hormonal balance?


How is the diagnosis of hormonal imbalance made?

There are many companies that are selling saliva and urine tests that monitor hormone levels. What I have found to be the most reliable is a symptom checklist. It is not to say I don't use some laboratory testing if the picture is not clear or the response is not what I expected. The patient is your best indicator of how treatment is working. The key is to bring them back to follow up on the treatment plan initiated.

What are bio-identical hormones?

Bio-identical hormones are hormones that are chemically and biological identical to the hormones that are produced in our body. They are not plant hormones or not herbs found in the health food store. The only people who can prescribe bio-identical hormones are physicians. The only place to get bio-identical hormones is through a compounding physician or pharmacist.

What makes bio-identical hormones so special?

First of all, the fact that they are identical to hormones found in the body, is a big plus. Another advantage, if dosed properly, they come very close to the levels produced by the body naturally.  In contrast, synthetic hormones are much more potent than the body's natural hormones. That is why we see problems, when synthetic hormones are used, with the potential for cancer, blood clots and strokes. The side effects from very powerful synthetic hormones have scared people away from the use of any hormones.

Why am I taking glucophage and I am not a diabetic?

Insulin resistance is one of the main causes of weight gain. The glucophage is to lower your insulin level, not to control your blood sugar. There is no need to check your blood sugar on the medication.

How do I take glucophage?

The medicine is irritating to the stomach and best taken with something on your stomach. The side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain. The medicine is best taken at night to start off with. The dose should be 500mg for 5-7 day and increase by 500mg. When the dose exceeds 1000mg you should split the dose. Take 1000mg and night and the additional 500-1000mg in the morning.

What if I have side effects from glucophage?

You should back the dose down by 500 mg and take it for 5 more days before increasing the dose. You should never take the medicine if it continues to make you sick. There are alternative medicines we can use.

When do I take my synthroid?

You should take it on an empty stomach, either in the morning or after you have not eaten for six hours prior to bed.

What if my doctor questions why I am on glucophage?

Many doctors don’t understand metabolic syndrome and how it causes weight gain. This a concept that I treat every day. If there is a issue I will be glad to discuss it with you or your doctor. My goal is for all of us to be on the same page with what is the best for you.

What should I do if I am on insulin and starting the diet?

You should reduce your insulin by as much as 40% depending on what diet you are doing. You must watch out for low sugar and check your sugars frequently. My goal is to reduce your dependence on insulin, but this comes with significant weight loss.

Why I am I using progesterone?

Progesterone helps to counteract excessive estrogen in the body.  Estrogen is a fat depositing hormone.  It can cause weight deposition around the breast, hips and lower abdomen. It is essential that we create a balance to assist your weight loss and help you to maintain as you achieve goal weight.

How do I use progesterone?

It should be used on thin skin as labeled on the bottle and applied twice daily. It is important to take a 3 day break, and to restart back at the lower dose.

What if my skin breaks out with the progesterone?

I recommend moving the site of application around to different areas. The chest seems to be the most sensitive area for breakouts.

How do I prevent constipation?

A very common problem with any diet. The problem is not taking enough water; the colon pulls in water from digested food to keep the stools soft. Make sure you drink at least 64oz of water every day to help reduce or prevent constipation.  Stool softeners are allowed and I have prescription medicines that I have used commonly with good success.

What should I do if I can’t make my appointment?

You should get in as soon as possible. You can not afford to have rebound weight gain as your system is without metabolic stimulation from the diet meds.

How does HCG work?

It is hypothalamic hormone that suppresses appetite and accelerates fat loss. It is most effective when you are in a state of ketosis, meaning that you are very carbohydrate restricted.  HCG will tell the body to release energy from the fat stores, and you should see an additional 1-2 pounds more a week with HCG versus the diet pill alone.

Are there any side effects to HCG?

The drug is extremely safe and the only side effects in the studies were headaches and rare testosterone increases in men.


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home plans TheLowCarb
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