Medifast "5 and 1" Weight Loss Progam Patient Orientation

Welcome to the Medifast "5 and 1" Weight Loss Program! Dr. Hester and his staff want you to succeed in your journey to a healthier, happier You.

By choosing the Medifast Program, you can learn how to keep your weight off permanently, take better care of your body, increase your energy levels and lower your risk factors associated with being overweight. We stress permanent behavior changes for permanent results.

Benefits of the Medifast "5 and 1" Program:

• Safe: clinically-backed studies with a 25 year proven track record
• Easy: over 70 pre-measured, pre-portioned tasty food products
• Support: Medifast offers a toll-free nurses and nutritionist help line during regular business hours (East Coast) to answer your questions
• Evening Conference Calls: Listen and participate in nation-wide conference calls offering encouragement, support and advice to help you succeed on the Medifast program.

What do I need to get started?

After meeting with a health care practitioner at Be Medispa and being approved for the Medifast program, we suggest the following:

• The Medifast "Quick Start" Guide (it will arrive with your first order, please read carefully before you begin the program)
• A Multi-Vitamin Supplement and an Omega 3 Fish Oil Vitamin

How many Meal Replacement products do I need to purchase?

On the "5 and 1 Program", you will be taking 5 Medifast Meal Replacements per day and adding 1 healthy Lean and Green meal, usually at night, as outlined in your Quick Start Guide. This meal consists of one serving of a lean meat and a salad or vegetable. All Medifast Meal Replacements must be spaced 2 1/2 to 3 hours apart. This is vital for retraining your metabolism to work for you. Because you are taking 5 Medifast Meal Replacements per day, you will be purchasing 5 boxes of Meal Replacements per week. Each box contains 7 serving packets. Medifast Crackers, Soy Crisps and "Fast Soups" are considered snacks and are extra.

Program Cost - Because the Medifast program is so effective, it is considered one of the most affordable programs in the country today. The regular cost for a one week's supply of Medifast food is approximately $75. Regular follow-up visits with your healthcare provider ensures compliance and may increase your overall success.

Workbook - If you are interested, you may purchase a copy of "Success in a Shaker Jar" from our TSFL website written especially for those on the Medifast Program. It will encourage you and answer many questions and concerns that arise during your weight reduction journey.

Snacks - You can have ALL of the following "freebie" snacks per day in addition to your "5 and 1" Program.

• 4 celery stalks (or 1/2 cucumber), plus -
• 2 servings sugar-free Jell-O, plus -
• 2 Medifast "Fast Soups" (a 20 calorie potassium broth), plus -
• 2 dill pickles, plus -
• 1 package Medifast Crackers or New Soy Crisps

Salt-free seasonings are permitted. Coffee and diet sodas and artificial sweeteners should be used on a very limited basis. We recommend Stevia or Slimsweet natural sweeteners. Alcohol is not permitted on this program.

Water - Drinking an ADDITIONAL 64 ounces of water daily on this program is required. If you are prone to constipation have Sugar-Free Citrucel on hand.

Exercise - Please discuss an activity program with Dr. Hester. Exercise the first three days is prohibited but highly encouraged a few weeks into the program to maintain a higher metabolic rate. Walking for 30 minutes, three times per week is the activity of choice for people trying to reduce their fat and it offers tremendous health benefits. Additionally, exercise is one of the most effective and proven ways to keep your weight off after you have reached your goal-weight. You will need to take Medifast "Fast Soups", daily (a 20 calorie mineral broth) before or after exercising.

Baseline Weight and Measurements - To track your progress, Dr. Hester may want to record your height, weight, measurements and BMI. This is important and may be quite motivating as you watch your weight drop.

Transition Phase - Congratulations! You are now ready to begin the final phase of your journey to a healthier, happier you! You have worked hard and have taken valuable steps in improving your overall health. To maintain your healthy weight you must now make new lifestyle patterns, exercise, nutritional education and improved coping skills a daily way of life. Your "Quick Start Guide" will explain the sixteen day step-by-step process of gradually reintroducing different foods and additional calories back into your diet.