Hospital Weight Management program
Replies
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No personal insights, OP, but just wanted to say my heart goes out to you for keeping at it. It's hard for me to imagine losing 100 pounds *several times*. You obviously have the knowledge, perseverance and mental toughness to do this. I wish you nothing but the very best to discover that missing piece that has led to regain.
Can you ask for references for this specific program? Despite HIPPA, there may be people willing to talk about their experience. If they're a reference, they probably have positive things to say, but maybe you can get a sense of whether what worked for them would be of value to you or not.
Either way, best to you and press on!7 -
No personal insights, OP, but just wanted to say my heart goes out to you for keeping at it. It's hard for me to imagine losing 100 pounds *several times*. You obviously have the knowledge, perseverance and mental toughness to do this. I wish you nothing but the very best to discover that missing piece that has led to regain.
Can you ask for references for this specific program? Despite HIPPA, there may be people willing to talk about their experience. If they're a reference, they probably have positive things to say, but maybe you can get a sense of whether what worked for them would be of value to you or not.
Either way, best to you and press on!
I asked and yes, because of HIPAA they couldn't give me any names.0 -
Have any of you done a hospital weight management program? First of all, I am NOT talking about an ultra low calorie Medifast type program. I am talking about a whole person comprehensive program that combines medical doctors, dieticians, therapists, group therapy, and fitness specialists in order to achieve sustainable loss.
If you have:
Did you find it was helpful?
Did you lose throughout the program?
Was it expensive?
Have you kept the weight off?
in like 2015 ish I lost 100lbs with one of these program. They assess which stream you best fit in (natural guided weight loss, bariatric surgery, or health shake type program - I was in the normal food guided by dietician/doctor stream).
It was wonderful. The staff were awesome, helpful, good tips and support. I didn't attend the group sessions due to time constraints. I lost around 100lbs. They had walking groups but I walked my dog (then picked up running again). This is how I learned about MFP and volumetric eating.
But indeed, i put about 35-40lbs back on before I got back here in April. I was in a stressful place and unable to exercise as much and had been letting portions slip (and rewards become too regular).
I've lost 27ls so far - this is my first time loosing weight without a dietitian and I was pretty impressed that I managed to do it (not done but almost there). But I use many of the tools I learned in my past two experienced of weight loss guided by dietitian (the first time was under an endocrinologist+dietician with weight loss meds)
Also, I STOPPED the gain at 40lbs which is better than I did the last time (putting on another 100 before going to the above program). and had all the tools to get myself into gear as well as the knowledge that I COULD do it. Next time I just need to stop at 5lbs.
It was covered so no cost.
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I'm a little perplexed by a few of the responses here too. I didn't hear anything in your description about a particular meal plan (which typically can be problematic), but rather some general (albeit professional) education & guidance in nutrition, which doesn't sound like a terrible thing. Coupled with the support of therapists, it sounds rather attractive. I think it's possible that, like @cheryldumais said, you could find that they don't actually tell you anything you don't already know or couldn't learn on your own when it comes to diet & nutrition, but as has been said, it will really come down to the quality of the program.
Maintenance is going to be a challenge for everyone, regardless of how they get there.
Sorry- I know you were asking for experiences, not opinions.6 -
No personal insights, OP, but just wanted to say my heart goes out to you for keeping at it. It's hard for me to imagine losing 100 pounds *several times*. You obviously have the knowledge, perseverance and mental toughness to do this. I wish you nothing but the very best to discover that missing piece that has led to regain.
Can you ask for references for this specific program? Despite HIPPA, there may be people willing to talk about their experience. If they're a reference, they probably have positive things to say, but maybe you can get a sense of whether what worked for them would be of value to you or not.
Either way, best to you and press on!6 -
kommodevaran wrote: »No personal insights, OP, but just wanted to say my heart goes out to you for keeping at it. It's hard for me to imagine losing 100 pounds *several times*. You obviously have the knowledge, perseverance and mental toughness to do this. I wish you nothing but the very best to discover that missing piece that has led to regain.
Can you ask for references for this specific program? Despite HIPPA, there may be people willing to talk about their experience. If they're a reference, they probably have positive things to say, but maybe you can get a sense of whether what worked for them would be of value to you or not.
Either way, best to you and press on!
What on earth are you talking about, and how does this relate to a question about a comprehensive guided weight loss program (especially since you are so against learning new strategies)?11 -
Why would "pressing on," or continuing an effort, to achieve good health not be a good idea in this case, or in any case? To my mind, perseverance means trying different approaches until finding the one that works. I generally respect your comments, kommodevaran. We seem to have different understanding of what certain words mean in this discussion.
OP is considering professional help across multiple disciplines to accomplish something -- maintaining a loss-- that has eluded him/her so far. That seems to suggest trying new approaches, finding what failed before. As I stated, I have no insight on how helpful the professional insights would be, but I do admire the OP's continuing effort. You are worth the effort, OP!11 -
kommodevaran wrote: »No personal insights, OP, but just wanted to say my heart goes out to you for keeping at it. It's hard for me to imagine losing 100 pounds *several times*. You obviously have the knowledge, perseverance and mental toughness to do this. I wish you nothing but the very best to discover that missing piece that has led to regain.
Can you ask for references for this specific program? Despite HIPPA, there may be people willing to talk about their experience. If they're a reference, they probably have positive things to say, but maybe you can get a sense of whether what worked for them would be of value to you or not.
Either way, best to you and press on!
What makes you think that the program wouldn't also incorporate strategies for maintenance? It sounds like a comprehensive program that will teach new (maybe new) strategies for diet as well as coping. At worst, it would be full of the bunk woo that we hear about here all the time. In which case, OP has been around long enough to know that it's bunk. Or maybe it will just reinforce things she already knows.kommodevaran wrote: »No personal insights, OP, but just wanted to say my heart goes out to you for keeping at it. It's hard for me to imagine losing 100 pounds *several times*. You obviously have the knowledge, perseverance and mental toughness to do this. I wish you nothing but the very best to discover that missing piece that has led to regain.
Can you ask for references for this specific program? Despite HIPPA, there may be people willing to talk about their experience. If they're a reference, they probably have positive things to say, but maybe you can get a sense of whether what worked for them would be of value to you or not.
Either way, best to you and press on!
What on earth are you talking about, and how does this relate to a question about a comprehensive guided weight loss program (especially since you are so against learning new strategies)?
I personally don't have any experience with something like this, but I don't have any sense of "run away" that I get with a lot of the crap that's out there right now. Have you talked to the provider about cost and your insurance about coverage?5 -
nutmegoreo wrote: »kommodevaran wrote: »No personal insights, OP, but just wanted to say my heart goes out to you for keeping at it. It's hard for me to imagine losing 100 pounds *several times*. You obviously have the knowledge, perseverance and mental toughness to do this. I wish you nothing but the very best to discover that missing piece that has led to regain.
Can you ask for references for this specific program? Despite HIPPA, there may be people willing to talk about their experience. If they're a reference, they probably have positive things to say, but maybe you can get a sense of whether what worked for them would be of value to you or not.
Either way, best to you and press on!
What makes you think that the program wouldn't also incorporate strategies for maintenance? It sounds like a comprehensive program that will teach new (maybe new) strategies for diet as well as coping. At worst, it would be full of the bunk woo that we hear about here all the time. In which case, OP has been around long enough to know that it's bunk. Or maybe it will just reinforce things she already knows.kommodevaran wrote: »No personal insights, OP, but just wanted to say my heart goes out to you for keeping at it. It's hard for me to imagine losing 100 pounds *several times*. You obviously have the knowledge, perseverance and mental toughness to do this. I wish you nothing but the very best to discover that missing piece that has led to regain.
Can you ask for references for this specific program? Despite HIPPA, there may be people willing to talk about their experience. If they're a reference, they probably have positive things to say, but maybe you can get a sense of whether what worked for them would be of value to you or not.
Either way, best to you and press on!
What on earth are you talking about, and how does this relate to a question about a comprehensive guided weight loss program (especially since you are so against learning new strategies)?
I personally don't have any experience with something like this, but I don't have any sense of "run away" that I get with a lot of the crap that's out there right now. Have you talked to the provider about cost and your insurance about coverage?
I have and it is not covered by insurance. One good thing is that it includes a free membership to the same fitness center I used to go to for my water aerobics and lap swimming along with sessions with a personal trainer/physical therapist (depending on needs and ability). I love the pools there and the water exercise instructors
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nutmegoreo wrote: »kommodevaran wrote: »No personal insights, OP, but just wanted to say my heart goes out to you for keeping at it. It's hard for me to imagine losing 100 pounds *several times*. You obviously have the knowledge, perseverance and mental toughness to do this. I wish you nothing but the very best to discover that missing piece that has led to regain.
Can you ask for references for this specific program? Despite HIPPA, there may be people willing to talk about their experience. If they're a reference, they probably have positive things to say, but maybe you can get a sense of whether what worked for them would be of value to you or not.
Either way, best to you and press on!
What makes you think that the program wouldn't also incorporate strategies for maintenance? It sounds like a comprehensive program that will teach new (maybe new) strategies for diet as well as coping. At worst, it would be full of the bunk woo that we hear about here all the time. In which case, OP has been around long enough to know that it's bunk. Or maybe it will just reinforce things she already knows.kommodevaran wrote: »No personal insights, OP, but just wanted to say my heart goes out to you for keeping at it. It's hard for me to imagine losing 100 pounds *several times*. You obviously have the knowledge, perseverance and mental toughness to do this. I wish you nothing but the very best to discover that missing piece that has led to regain.
Can you ask for references for this specific program? Despite HIPPA, there may be people willing to talk about their experience. If they're a reference, they probably have positive things to say, but maybe you can get a sense of whether what worked for them would be of value to you or not.
Either way, best to you and press on!
What on earth are you talking about, and how does this relate to a question about a comprehensive guided weight loss program (especially since you are so against learning new strategies)?
I personally don't have any experience with something like this, but I don't have any sense of "run away" that I get with a lot of the crap that's out there right now. Have you talked to the provider about cost and your insurance about coverage?
I have and it is not covered by insurance. One good thing is that it includes a free membership to the same fitness center I used to go to for my water aerobics and lap swimming along with sessions with a personal trainer/physical therapist (depending on needs and ability). I love the pools there and the water exercise instructors
I remember your love of the water. Is there a similar program nearby, so you can compare prices and programs? I'm guessing that a program like that isn't cheap, but if it makes the difference for you, it's worth considering.3 -
nutmegoreo wrote: »nutmegoreo wrote: »kommodevaran wrote: »No personal insights, OP, but just wanted to say my heart goes out to you for keeping at it. It's hard for me to imagine losing 100 pounds *several times*. You obviously have the knowledge, perseverance and mental toughness to do this. I wish you nothing but the very best to discover that missing piece that has led to regain.
Can you ask for references for this specific program? Despite HIPPA, there may be people willing to talk about their experience. If they're a reference, they probably have positive things to say, but maybe you can get a sense of whether what worked for them would be of value to you or not.
Either way, best to you and press on!
What makes you think that the program wouldn't also incorporate strategies for maintenance? It sounds like a comprehensive program that will teach new (maybe new) strategies for diet as well as coping. At worst, it would be full of the bunk woo that we hear about here all the time. In which case, OP has been around long enough to know that it's bunk. Or maybe it will just reinforce things she already knows.kommodevaran wrote: »No personal insights, OP, but just wanted to say my heart goes out to you for keeping at it. It's hard for me to imagine losing 100 pounds *several times*. You obviously have the knowledge, perseverance and mental toughness to do this. I wish you nothing but the very best to discover that missing piece that has led to regain.
Can you ask for references for this specific program? Despite HIPPA, there may be people willing to talk about their experience. If they're a reference, they probably have positive things to say, but maybe you can get a sense of whether what worked for them would be of value to you or not.
Either way, best to you and press on!
What on earth are you talking about, and how does this relate to a question about a comprehensive guided weight loss program (especially since you are so against learning new strategies)?
I personally don't have any experience with something like this, but I don't have any sense of "run away" that I get with a lot of the crap that's out there right now. Have you talked to the provider about cost and your insurance about coverage?
I have and it is not covered by insurance. One good thing is that it includes a free membership to the same fitness center I used to go to for my water aerobics and lap swimming along with sessions with a personal trainer/physical therapist (depending on needs and ability). I love the pools there and the water exercise instructors
I remember your love of the water. Is there a similar program nearby, so you can compare prices and programs? I'm guessing that a program like that isn't cheap, but if it makes the difference for you, it's worth considering.
None that are close enough (within a 30 minute drive).0 -
kommodevaran wrote: »No personal insights, OP, but just wanted to say my heart goes out to you for keeping at it. It's hard for me to imagine losing 100 pounds *several times*. You obviously have the knowledge, perseverance and mental toughness to do this. I wish you nothing but the very best to discover that missing piece that has led to regain.
Can you ask for references for this specific program? Despite HIPPA, there may be people willing to talk about their experience. If they're a reference, they probably have positive things to say, but maybe you can get a sense of whether what worked for them would be of value to you or not.
Either way, best to you and press on!
This is a new strategy or else the OP would not be asking about it. Losing weight takes a lot of time so if the OP is smart she will use some of that time like I have been doing to figure out why weight was regained in the past and with the help of her team if she chooses to go this route develop new maintenance strategies.
My personal plan right now is to eat at a deficit 4 days a week when I get there sticking with most of my calories at lunch. I also plan to keep logging and weighing at least twice a month.
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kshama2001 wrote: »These posts sum up my position:I'm surprised people are so against the idea of getting help. I went to therapy for depression and it really taught me so many strategies and coping mechanisms so now I can self-manager my moods and I am a much happier person for it. I also used therapy to quit smoking with great success years back. I've definitely thought of going to therapy for weight loss as it's equally a psychological battle, but i haven't taken the plunge yet. I'd argue that therapy can not only teach sustainability and self-responsibility, but that it's usually the main objective.SuzySunshine99 wrote: »I think some of you are being awfully judgmental. Sure, it's entirely feasible to lose weight using your own resources and with no outside help. I did it, and many of you did it. But, some people do need professional medical advice. Yes, they still have to do it themselves, but for some people, a personalized road map can make all the difference.
Most of these hospital programs are NOT for people who are just overweight and looking to drop a few pounds. They are aimed at people who are morbidly obese, most of whom have serious health issues related to their weight. A team of medical doctors, registered dieticians, and clinical psychologists can help people who have physical problems related to their weight such as diabetes and hypertension, as well as mental health issues like eating disorders and depression. Many insurance companies will cover this treatment in situations such as these.
These programs DO try to teach the skills needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle for the rest of these patients' lives. That is the point of the programs.
That was my thought as well. To use a not terribly adequate comparison - some people are able to treat mild depression with exercise. Others are only really able to treat their mild-moderate/severe depression with medication. Yet others need medication and psychotherapy and still others need just therapy. To complicate matters, some forms of therapy are going to work better for one person than they are for another.
I am able to lose weight without the help of medical professionals. I'm not morbidly obese, I don't have any actual metabolic issues (as in ones that you would be diagnosed with from a responsible medical doctor), etc. On the other hand, my depression is such that exercising or spending time outside wouldn't come close to touching it (it's laughable when people suggest exercise to me specifically) and meds don't work either - I need to be in therapy multiple days a week.
The psychotherapeutic care that I need for my depression is what I would liken to the health care that people who are admitted to hospital weight management programs need.
edit: I really wish the nesting of quotes was better on this platform...
I really like this post. Lots of times people don't realize there are many ways up the mountain and people get attached to their particular route and think everyone should take it.8 -
kshama2001 wrote: »I really like this post. Lots of times people don't realize there are many ways up the mountain and people get attached to their particular route and think everyone should take it.
Attached? lol. That is putting it mildly.
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nutmegoreo wrote: »nutmegoreo wrote: »kommodevaran wrote: »No personal insights, OP, but just wanted to say my heart goes out to you for keeping at it. It's hard for me to imagine losing 100 pounds *several times*. You obviously have the knowledge, perseverance and mental toughness to do this. I wish you nothing but the very best to discover that missing piece that has led to regain.
Can you ask for references for this specific program? Despite HIPPA, there may be people willing to talk about their experience. If they're a reference, they probably have positive things to say, but maybe you can get a sense of whether what worked for them would be of value to you or not.
Either way, best to you and press on!
What makes you think that the program wouldn't also incorporate strategies for maintenance? It sounds like a comprehensive program that will teach new (maybe new) strategies for diet as well as coping. At worst, it would be full of the bunk woo that we hear about here all the time. In which case, OP has been around long enough to know that it's bunk. Or maybe it will just reinforce things she already knows.kommodevaran wrote: »No personal insights, OP, but just wanted to say my heart goes out to you for keeping at it. It's hard for me to imagine losing 100 pounds *several times*. You obviously have the knowledge, perseverance and mental toughness to do this. I wish you nothing but the very best to discover that missing piece that has led to regain.
Can you ask for references for this specific program? Despite HIPPA, there may be people willing to talk about their experience. If they're a reference, they probably have positive things to say, but maybe you can get a sense of whether what worked for them would be of value to you or not.
Either way, best to you and press on!
What on earth are you talking about, and how does this relate to a question about a comprehensive guided weight loss program (especially since you are so against learning new strategies)?
I personally don't have any experience with something like this, but I don't have any sense of "run away" that I get with a lot of the crap that's out there right now. Have you talked to the provider about cost and your insurance about coverage?
I have and it is not covered by insurance. One good thing is that it includes a free membership to the same fitness center I used to go to for my water aerobics and lap swimming along with sessions with a personal trainer/physical therapist (depending on needs and ability). I love the pools there and the water exercise instructors
I remember your love of the water. Is there a similar program nearby, so you can compare prices and programs? I'm guessing that a program like that isn't cheap, but if it makes the difference for you, it's worth considering.
None that are close enough (within a 30 minute drive).
I was just thinking that you could at least price and product compare to make sure that you aren't being oversold something. The other thing I would check into is if they are promoting any quackery as part of the program. I'd be ticked if I paid good money for rubbish advice. Is there someone you can chat with there, and let them know what your experiences have been, and what you are hoping to get out of the program, or ask them what they could offer that will make it worth the cost? Since it gives you access to the facilities you were using previously, you know the value of that membership.5 -
I’d also make sure it isn’t designed to sell you on WLS - cynical, I know but hospitals make a lot of $ with bariatric surgery these days.2
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One more tip as someone who has done outcomes reporting for similar programs- they may not be able to tell you personal testimonials if no participants are willing to sign a HIPAA release (which, may be a bad sign because usually very outgoing people who had success are totally willing to do this) but they are absolutely allowed to show you anonymous aggregated data measuring program success. Things like how much weight participants lose, improvements in any labs/vital signs, before and after surveys, long-term data about weight maintenance etc. If they refuse to show it to you (HIPAA does not apply here so don't let them use that as an excuse) or say they don't track this kind of information run away.9
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happytree923 wrote: »One more tip as someone who has done outcomes reporting for similar programs- they may not be able to tell you personal testimonials if no participants are willing to sign a HIPAA release (which, may be a bad sign because usually very outgoing people who had success are totally willing to do this) but they are absolutely allowed to show you anonymous aggregated data measuring program success. Things like how much weight participants lose, improvements in any labs/vital signs, before and after surveys, long-term data about weight maintenance etc. If they refuse to show it to you (HIPAA does not apply here so don't let them use that as an excuse) or say they don't track this kind of information run away.
She did give me some of that kind of data which was helpful. It also is not just for weight loss. When I was there there were 2 different people who came in for a weight check who are obviously recovering from something like anorexia so it is all about weight management in whatever capacity it is needed.
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I did a hospital based weight management program but I'm in the UK so obviously there was no cost to me
I saw the phychiatrist once who said "well you seem sensible, I don't need to see you again" and I saw the physio once who identified that I have hypermobility, weakness in my legs and scoliosis due to the weakness. Unfortunately she too could only see me once
I had a couple sessions with a dietitian, nothing she said wasn't things I already knew (cut down on things like cakes, sweets, refined carbs and up fruit and vegetables)
Most of my weekly sessions were with support workers who weighed me and chatted. One week I lost nothing, they accused me of cheating on my diet, next week I lost 10lb and was accused of starving myself. In reality I followed Thier 1500 calorie diet exactly the same both weeks.
At the end of the 6 months I was shunted over to the bariatric surgery list where I met a thoroughly unplesent doctor who accused me of overdosing on thyroid meds as my heart rate was always far over 100bpm because "you wouldn't be the first fat woman killing herself with thyroid meds because she wants to be thin"
I would want to know who will be holding each session with you, exactly how many sessions you will have with each speciality and what support is available to you outside of set appointments or if there's a clash of personalities between you and any specialists/support staff9 -
If a program like that had been available where I am, I would've jumped on it. I'm one of those people who for years had no clue about how or wherr to start weight loss, how to sustain it by eating differently, and who bought into the 'motivation/willpower' mantra-- I was discouraged because I had neither. It would've been a lot easier to have the kind of holistic support you're talking about. I do better being told what to eat and what to reduce. My dietitian told me what foods to reduce that weren't helping me and I did. If you feel you might benefit from this type of program, and it's being offered to you, then take it. It takes a lot to retrain yourself how to eat, and to get into a pattern of regular exercise, so if there's some help learning how to incorporate those things in your daily life, and it can give you the kickstart you need, then do it.3
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