Welcome back to our first AMA Live Facebook show for 2021! Michelle Kennedy, NP-C and special guest Lovie Watson answer your weight loss questions and help you kick off a new year on the right foot. Just a reminder that both of our offices are open and seeing patients.
Q: Do you believe in setting New Year’s resolutions when it comes to weight loss?
A: It highly depends on the person. Some thrive on setting goals, while others may feel extra pressure and discouragement in setting resolutions. While we believe it’s okay to have long term goals, we really think that short term goals are the way to go. Small wins along the way are so important to stay motivated and feel like you’re succeeding on your journey. This is another reason that we encourage you to seek help along the way. We will never judge you and help you set goals that will keep you on the right path and set proper goals.
Q: I plan on trying a fast to help jump start my weight loss. Do you recommend fasts? Do they work and what are the risks?
A: Yes, we do recommend fasts. While we recommend different types of fasts for patients, it is highly individualized. Many factors will need to be considered such as medical history and history of fasting. There really isn’t a one fast, suits all approach. And yes, fasts are effective but it’s important to have proper expectations and make sure they are done properly and carefully. Fasting causes a reduction in water weight, and when normal eating resumes there will be some water weight regained, which is completely normal. Fasting has many benefits such as weight loss, reduction in swelling, anti-aging and so many others. Fasting does have some risks as well such as electrolyte imbalances and dehydration. It’s really important to listen to your body while fasting.
Q: How long can someone effectively be in ketosis? Is longer better?
A: It really depends on the person. When you’re in ketosis, it means that your body is burning fat for fuel versus glucose. A person can be in ketosis indefinitely as long as they are properly supported and are in the right environment. Again, it really depends on the person, but many can achieve ketosis while consuming 5o grams of carbs or less. We can’t stress enough on how individualized the process is and we take many factors into consideration when assisting patients. Even gender can have an effect on ketosis as we find men have an easier time achieving ketosis.
Q: What’s the best way to encourage your spouse to seek weight loss treatment?
A: It really is a delicate subject and we are asked this quite frequently. It’s important for the person to be ready, so look for signs that they may be open to seek treatment. They may be using language that suggests that they are open to treatment but may need a little extra push. Try to offer as much positive support and encouragement as possible when explaining your own experience. And, we also offer a discount for family members too. It’s important that the patient wants to be here for themselves, so definitely refrain from any negativity or belittlement and try to be as patient as possible until they are ready. You cannot be successful unless your really invested and ready to begin your journey.
Q: I had bariatric surgery two years ago and I’m starting to really struggle with weight gain again. Do you treat many bariatric patients?
A: Absolutely! We have much success in treating patients that have had weight loss surgery. Weight gain and obesity is a disease and while bariatric surgery is an excellent tool, it is not a cure. Remember, you are not a failure if you’re gaining weight after surgery. Bariatric surgery is just a part of the process to help you manage your weight loss, so it’s important to use other tools and use a multi-disciplinary approach while on your journey. Psychology, support groups, weight loss medications and familial support can go along way and are part of the process to be successful.
Q: Do you recommend cleanses or probiotics?
A: We are a fan of probiotics and probiotic foods as well. We carry a great line of probiotics in the office (or available online) called, Metagenics. As far as cleanses go, we do understand that they are very popular and we are supportive of some types such as juice cleanses or natural remedies such as taking magnesium. However, we are more cautious of the more extensive types of cleanses that completely clean you out, such as enemas. It’s important to make your safety and health a top priority, so be careful and feel free to contact us before starting a cleanse.
Q: Is it true that you can avoid the keto flu by eating more salt?
A: The keto flu is something that you may experience when beginning the keto diet as your body is shifting into ketosis. The symptoms of the keto flu are headaches, fatigue and body aches. It’s the depletion of electrolytes, sodium and magnesium that may cause you to feel these symptoms. So, yes consuming additional salt may help ease symptoms when transitioning to the keto diet. If you find that simply consuming additional salt is not helping your symptoms, contact our office and we may be able to recommend an additional supplement to help.
Q: I work out a lot (mainly weights), but it’s impossible for me to drop weight. Any advice for a weight lifter that needs to keep calories up?
A: Great question! When your lifting a lot of weights, it’s natural for you to experience an increase in hunger. It’s important to keep your goals in mind. Are you trying to lose inches or overall weight? When it comes to weight loss, we are advocates of lighter weight training, such as using body weight or light resistance training. For weight loss, we encourage exercises such as light cardio, walking, yoga and Pilates. Your diet, consumption of carbohydrates and when your eating in relation to your workouts are also a factor in weight loss. Cutting back a little on your weight lifting will help you bring your calories down and help with weight loss. Eating plenty of protein and eating more frequently such as every 3-4 hours is beneficial for heavy weight lifters. We also prescribe FDA approved appetite suppressant may also be helpful to curb hunger. Contact us if you need additional guidance.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get started on your weight loss journey!
