LIPO-B INJECTIONS
Lipotropics effectively reduce appetite and increase your body's fat-burning processes. Using Lipotropics, along with proper diet and exercise, can help you reach your weight loss goals. Each of our injections contains three types of Lipotropics:
1) Methionine: Methionine is one of the essential (meaning the body cannot make these themselves) amino acids and is important for many bodily functions. It acts as a lipotropic agent to prevent excess fat buildup in the liver and the body, is helpful in relieving or preventing fatigue, and may be useful in some cases of allergy because it reduces histamine release. Methionine works as an antioxidant (free radical deactivator) through conversion to L-cysteine to help neutralize toxins.
2) Choline: Choline is considered one of the B-Complex vitamins as well as a lipotropic nutrient. It is present in the body of all living cells and functions with inositol as a basic constituent of lecithin. Choline appears to be associated with the utilization of fats and cholesterol in the body. It prevents fats from accumulating in the liver and facilitates the movement of fats into the cells. It is essential for the health of the liver and kidneys.
3) Inositol: Inositol, is a nutrient belonging to the B vitamin complex and is closely associated with choline. It aids in the metabolism of fats and helps reduce blood cholesterol. Inositol also participates in the action of serotonin, a neurotransmitter known to control mood and appetite.
In addition to these three Lipotropics, each injection also offers a B-Complex which includes: Cyanocobalamin (B-12), Riboflavin (B-2), Thiamine (B-1), Pyridixone (B-6), Dexpanthenol (B-5), and Niacinamide (B-3).
Lipo-B shots may help move fats and cholesterol through the body which aids in weight loss. Patients receiving these treatments have also reported feeling better, happier, and more energetic. Our Medical Weight Loss patients are encouraged to come by anytime to receive their injections and each visit should take about 5 minutes (depending on how busy we are). These injections are not required to be a part of your treatment plan- they are only an additional option you are welcome to utilize.
ON YOUR FIRST VISIT
Thanks for choosing Aspen Family Medicine’s Medical Weight Loss Program. Obesity is a complex medical condition requiring individualized, professional treatment. Our staff is prepared to find solutions for each of our patients that will lead you to the successful weight reduction you are looking for. Please plan on being at our practice for up to 2.5 hours for your initial visit- your monthly follow up visits will take no more than 15 minutes.
Paperwork, Vitals, and Body Composition. When you first arrive at the office, we will have some standard “new weight loss patient” paperwork to be completed. Then one of our medical assistants will take you back to record your vital signs, complete your body composition analysis, and determine your BMI* (Body Mass Index).
Our instructional DVD. We want to make sure you have a complete understanding of what the guidelines are for our weight loss program. Once you have completed your initial “new weight loss patient” paperwork, you will be taken to a private room where you will watch a 45 minute DVD, explaining metabolic syndrome, an overview of our program, treatment plans, medications we use, exercise recommendations, and expected outcomes. Once you have watched the DVD, you will then proceed to your appointment with Dr. Hempel. Now that we’ve gathered the information needed to build your weight loss treatment plan and you’ve been educated about our program, it’s time to meet with Dr. Hempel. Together, you will discuss your medical history, review your medications/labs**, talk about your weight issues, and set goals for your next appointment. At this time, the medications we use will also be discussed and you will receive your prescription. Aspen has a prescription medication dispensing license and you may purchase your weight loss meds at our office. The medications we use cost, on average, $10-20 per month.
Checking out. Now that your appointment is complete, it’s time to go to the front desk and check out. At this time, you may choose to purchase some of the protein foods we sell at Aspen. (you are not required to purchase food products from Aspen to participate with our program- we offer these items for our patient’s convenience.) Our staff members are happy to assist you in selecting which foods and supplements may best suit your needs. Payment, in full, for your first visit is expected when you check out which may include your prescription medications, labs, food, and (when indicated) your Lipotropic-B injection. You will also schedule your first 30 day follow-up appointment before you leave.
*we use prescription medications to treat most of our medical weight loss patients. The FDA requires that, in order to treat someone with these medications, certain requirements must be met. 1) you must have a BMI of at least 27 with two “risk factors” or 2) a BMI of greater of 30 with no “risk factors.” You may check your BMI using the BMI calculator.
**we require that all of our patients a current laboratory evaluation prior to receiving treatment in our weight loss program. This would include a BMP (basic metabolic profile), TSH (thyroid testing), and a Lipid Panel. You may request these tests from your health care provider or, if you have had these done in the last three months you may bring the results with you on your first visit. If you are unable to get an order from your personal physician, Aspen has a contract with Quest Diagnostics to provide these labs for $50. Aspen and Quest will not bill insurance for these labs, in order to keep the cost down.
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