Susie's Medically Supervised Weight-Loss Story

Struggling with her weight since she was a young girl, Susie Swearingin tried every diet out there and nothing worked. On the verge of giving up her weight loss dreams, she went to her doctor to talk about gastric bypass surgery. Her physician knew that gastric bypass surgery was not the right option for her and referred her to Sharp Weight Management and Health Education.

“With this program, patients get to see how their actions, under proper direction, can result in real and significant weight loss,” said Dr. Prachi Karnik, a Sharp-affiliated internal medicine physician with Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers. “I think the process of learning how to lose weight is very valuable. Plus, they don’t have to worry about side effects of medications or complications of surgery.”

Susie before and after being referred to Sharp Weight Management and Education.
Susie has lost 109 pounds and has regained her confidence.

In 2006 after attending a weight management orientation, Swearingin knew something had to change and that this program would make that change happen.

“My cholesterol was 262,” she said. “I was shocked and knew I had to become my number one priority for myself and my family so I went on the medically supervised program. Two months after I started the program, my cholesterol was 150!” 

The medically supervised program is a low-calorie, rapid weight-loss program for those who have a body mass index of 30 or more and takes patients through a series of three phases.

“The first phase of the program is the structured and consistent weight loss phase where patients are medically monitored using only meal replacements,” said Michelle Balogh, Wellness Education Specialist, Sharp Weight Management and Health Education. “We have them focus on practicing behaviors that will help them plan healthy meals, write down everything they eat and their time spent exercising.”

After the first 10-12 weeks, Swearingin moved on to phase two, which continues to provide structure and accountability, while supporting patients in sticking with the plan during life’s many challenging events.

The final phase of this program is focused on consistently making healthy food choices and regular exercise to maintain long-term health. Patients are no longer medically monitored in phase three.

To date, Swearingin has lost 109 pounds and is well on her way to reaching her goal weight of 140 pounds.

“Losing weight and keeping it off has made me realize I can do anything. I feel that if I can lose the weight that plagued me for so long, I can do anything. Next on my list is nursing school.”

For More Information
Sharp Weight Management and Health Education offers a variety of nonsurgical weight loss programs designed to help you lead a healthier life and make better food choices. To learn more, call 858-505-1400.