FAQs

Question: Will I automatically lose weight after weight-loss surgery, or do I have to continue to diet?

Answer: Most patients lose dramatic weight in the 8-12 months immediately following weight-loss surgery without any formal dieting. However, patients are strongly encouraged during this time to make healthy food choices (usually suggested by their surgeon and nutritionist).

This is to ensure they keep their strength with the limited portions they are consuming, and also when their restriction lessens and they can consume a larger quantity of food, they will minimize the risk of weight re-gain if they continue with healthy eating habits.
Weight-loss surgery patients can also ensure long-term success by increasing activity/exercising, attending support groups, and staying involved with their surgeon and other successful weight-loss patients.

Question: Can I do anything before surgery to increase my chance of success after surgery?

Answer: There are many things that patients can do before surgery to improve success after surgery. Patients should stop smoking if they smoke and try to get themselves in better shape for surgery. This could mean increased activity or exercise so their heart and lungs are more fit to withstand the surgery and anesthesia.

They can also begin a more healthy diet to attempt some modest weight loss and also to condition their bodies and minds to the changes that will occur immediately after surgery. Finally, they should attend one or more support groups or educational seminars so that they are aware of the dramatic changes that will occur to their bodies and their lives.

Q&A regarding Focus28 Bariatric Supplement Products

Question: Is there caffeine in the Bariatric Dutch Chocolate Meal shake?

Answer: No stimulants are added, but cocoa naturally contains caffeine so there are 20 mg of caffeine per serving. In contrast, a cup of brewed coffee generally contains 150 mg of caffeine, so the amount of caffeine in the Bariatric Dutch Shake is probably too low to significantly affect most people.

Question: What is unique about the Bariatric Meal Powder Shake?

Answer: It is a nutrient-dense medical food made of specifically selected proteins, carbohydrates, and fats that, as part of a balanced dietary and regular exercise program, has been clinically shown to help reduce fat while preserving lean muscle mass. The soy formula provides non-genetically engineered, identity-preserved soy protein isolate containing a significant amount of soy isoflavones. The carbohydrate sources are a mixture of complex starches from rice, pea, and potato, and simple carbohydrates from low-glycemic-acting fructose (fruit sugar). Olive oil is included as a healthy fat source with its beneficial monounsaturated fatty acids.

In addition, it is fortified with a vitamin and mineral core and provides 35% or more of the RDI (Recommended Daily Intake) levels of all vitamins and minerals (except iron and potassium). It is a particularly rich source of non-dairy calcium for improving bone health. Last but not least, the meal shake powder does not contain any artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, yeast, egg, or gluten. Just mix easily with water. Using a blender gives it a smoothie texture. Yummy!

Question: Should I exercise while on this plan?

Answer: Yes. Exercise is an appetite suppressant, and it also accelerates the burning of calories. Besides acting as an aid in weight stabilization, aerobic exercise will improve cardiovascular and pulmonary fitness. Our fitness expert offers an amazing fitness DVD - ask about our Achieve Your Dream DVD package for more details.

Question: Is the Program appropriate for children?

Answer: No. The products should not be the sole source of nutrition for infants or children under the age of 12. Under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner, however, the program may be appropriate for older children or adolescents.

Question: Can I use this diet if I am pregnant or nursing?

Answer: No. It has not been tested in these situations; therefore, it is not recommended for use at these times.

Question: Can I take supplements during this program?

Answer: Yes, although the Focus28 Meal Shake Powder is designed to provide at least 100% of the RDI for all vitamins. Follow your practitioner's recommendations.

Question: What are some of the benefits of the Focus28 packages?

Answer: The Focus28 products have been clinically tested as part of a balanced dietary and regular exercise program and have shown to reduce body fat while preserving lean muscle mass. The typical over-the-counter product is an extremely sweet drink or bar with generally small amounts of poor quality proteins. Focus28 meal powders are fortified with a complete vitamin and mineral core supplying valuable sources of important nutrients.

It is a particularly rich source of non-dairy calcium for improving bone health. Unlike many other products, Focus28 products are formulated to exclude yeast, eggs, hydrogenated oils, sucrose, and gluten. The Focus28 Meal Bar contains a very similar ratio of vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fat to the soy powdered drink mix.

Question: Do I have to mix the Focus28 Meal shake powder with water?

Answer: Focus28 Meal Shake Powder is delicious mixed with cold water alone. It can also be mixed with various fruits to become a smoothie type of meal. Remember, however, added ingredients will add calories.

Question: I have heard that liquid diets are unsafe.

Answer: The Focus28 Meal Program is not a liquid diet. Even the 1000-calorie dietary program includes vegetables, fruits, grains, and proteins. This calorie intake is well above the very low liquid calorie diets of 800 calories per day that may raise safety concerns. It has been designed to contain a high quality source of complete protein, along with vitamins and trace minerals essential for maintaining health and protecting lean body mass.

Question: What if I need additional fiber?

Answer: On a nutritional program that involves liquid supplementation, some patients may experience a change in bowel habits. Clinical experience has shown that, for some people, an additional fiber supplement may reduce symptoms of diarrhea or constipation.

Question: How long do I need to remain on this program?

Answer: That really depends on your health goals. Staying on the program for a minimum of 6 months is suggested before making any further decisions. Working together, you and your healthcare practitioner may decide to continue the program as is, or in some modified version for a longer period of time.

Question: What should I eat when I've completed the program?

Answer: The dietary portion of the program is a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet and is suggested as a dietary program for long-term use. You may continue to use 1 serving per day of Focus28 Meal Shake Powder as a nutritious, delicious, and convenient quick meal option. In consultation with your healthcare practitioner, you may also decide to increase total calories in a maintenance program. Our prepared packaged meals offer an array of healthy food choices as well as convenience, delivered right to your front door!

Question: Should I discontinue prescription medications while on this program?

Answer: No. Medication should be carefully monitored by your healthcare practitioner.

Question: Is it true that consumption of soy protein has beneficial effects on heart disease?

Answer: Yes. The FDA has determined 25 grams of soy protein a day, when included in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Soy protein has also been shown to have cholesterol lowering effects.

Question: What is unique about Focus28's soy-based Meal Shake Powders vs. other soy powdered beverages?

Answer: Not all powdered soy blends are the same. They can vary widely in soy quality, nutrition, and additives – as well as manufacturing quality and purity. And they may not be suitable for those with blood sugar concerns. Some powders may focus solely on protein or reduced calories, but Focus28 products are formulated for total nutrition with targeted ingredients that have been clinically shown to promote healthy body composition.

Question: Are the capsules kosher?

Answer: No, not at this time.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.