Optifast ™ San Diego - Rancho Bernardo: Frequently Asked Questions about our OptiFast Weight Loss Program that feature Quick and Healthy Weight Loss that is monitored by our Physicians. The Most Effective Weight Loss System.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I eat while on this program?
We have several different programs but the typical full-meal replacement program does not include regular food. A key component of the program is a specially formulated full-meal replacement diet, followed by a gradual transition to regular foods at the completion of the active weight loss phase. The OPTIFAST products used in the program provide high quality protein a nd 100% of the Daily Value for 24 vitamins and minerals in the recommended number of servings. So if you choose this meal replacement program, you will be getting all the nutrition you need. Some of our patients feel relief from not having to count calories and have described the OPTIFAST program as a temporary vacation from food.
2. Can I lose weight and keep it off if I don't use an exercise program?
It is possible to lose weight and keep it off without following an exercise program, but it is much harder to do and rarely successful in the long term. We recommend developing and following a routine exercise program not only because it is a key component of successful weight loss and weight management, but because physical activity provides a variety of long-term health benefits such as preventing illness, injury and disease.
3. Why should I attend classes?
Your short and long term weight loss will be greatly enhanced by your attendance in our classes. You will have the opportunity to learn about nutrition, exercise, and how eating and food affect our emotional and psychological being. The classes take a whole person approach and provide you with the tools that will help ensure that you maintain your weight loss.
4. How long are classes?
Classes are one hour in length. You will need to allow for about ½ hour before class to check-in and see the physician.
5. How often should I come into the office?
This depends on your individualized plan, although it is often recommended that you come in once a week.
6. How often do I see the doctor?
All of our plans are individualized and your doctor will make a recommendation that is right for you.
7. Do you accept insurance?
We do not directly process any insurance in our office. Unfortunately, most insurance companies do not cover weight loss services. We, therefore, recommend that you call your specific insurance company for more information.

8. What is your maintenance program?
After you have reached your goal, we have an active maintenance program that incorporates metabolic testing, ongoing education, and continued physician supervised care. Just as weight loss requires a plan, so does maintenance. We will provide a specific plan to keep your weight steady, and to deal with the normal fluctuations in your weight. Your long-term care is of great importance to us and we feel that once you are a patient, you are always a patient.
9. Can I still do the program if I have lost weight elsewhere but need help keeping it off?
We have an active maintenance program that will meet all of your needs and help you be more confident in your ability to maintain your weight loss. Many patients come to us because they have been unsuccessful in keeping off the pounds they have lost elsewhere. We provide the tools to be a successful long-term weight manager. These tools include ongoing support, continued physician follow-up, and an intervention plan to deal with weight fluctuations.
10. I have several health problems, high blood pressure and Type II Diabetes. Is this program safe for me?
Since overweight and obesity are highly related to diseases such as hypertension and type II diabetes, Optifast has helped numerous patients in your same position. In fact, most patients are able to reduce their blood pressure and diabetes.
11. How much does the HealthFirst Medical Center program cost?
Because our programs are custom designed to meet our patients' individual needs, we are unable to supply a weight loss program cost without knowing your specific circumstances. Some of our options require OPTIFAST® products and some of them do not. Your program cost will depend on your specific weight loss goals, health needs and lifestyle demands. Just as every person's struggle with weight is unique to their circumstances so will your weight loss program need to be customized to meet your needs. Supplying a standard program cost would be misleading since it could not represent the variety of options available to our patients. During your free, no obligation consultation with a member of our medical team, we will provide you with a complete summary of the fees associated with achieving your desired weight loss.