My name is Joe and I used to be 425 pounds. I always tried to not be a “fat person” and stay active but as I got older, my body could only take so much. I slowed down, and became less able to enjoy the things I loved. This exacerbated my weight problem even more as being less active means putting more pounds on. Eating became my entertainment. I lived from work, to eating, to the couch, day after day. I didn’t sleep well which I later found out was sleep apnea. My health began deteriorating, leading to out of control blood pressure that sent me to the emergency room, heart palpitations that sent me to the emergency room and various doctors to try and solve. I had lower leg lymphedema which is a condition that caused my lymphatic system to not be able to move the fluid up into my body. My legs swelled to giant proportions making them harder to move and an eyesore to look at.I kept a smile on my face and tried my best for my family to do the things they loved, even though it meant a lot of the time just sitting and watching. I couldn’t go on the beach. If I did and sand got between my toes I would get a leg infection that would have become life-threatening if I did not go on mega antibiotics to treat.
I couldn’t walk barefoot even in my own house. The dog was even a threat to me. If she scratched my leg, I could get a life or leg-threatening infection. I was living the life of a much older person. I’m younger than that now. Most of my doctors wanted me to get a gastric flap weight reduction surgery. At my weight and age, I was concerned about surgery.I didn’t want the risk and long painful recovery from surgery. Why risk surgery and not being there for my family anymore if I don’t need to? Weight loss surgery is major abdominal surgery. They aren’t operating on your skin and muscle, they operate on your internal organs. I searched until I found a solution. It was Optifast. Optifast is a medical weight loss program. It’s for people with fifty or more pounds to lose and you’re monitored before, during and after. It’s safe and best of all there is no surgery required. I could lose weight right away.Going on Optifast with Dr Briones, I decided it was time to stop thinking and just follow what she said to do. It was a lot easier than I thought.
Going on many diets, it was the number of choices and the ability for wiggle room in those choices that made me not lose weight. People like me are a lot like other addicts but the problem is with food you are always introduced to your demons because you still have to eat to survive. Optifast removed the difficulty that came with all of those dizzying choices. I could just blindly take my “prescription” shakes and bars every day at the appropriate time.It was a vacation from eating, a vacation from doing harm to my body. I had no side effects and was monitored properly by her most excellent staff. Most diets take you a few weeks to adjust and not feel hungry any longer. With Optifast, that time is greatly reduced, maybe down to a couple of days. In two or three days, I was no longer hungry. My vacation from food began. My Optifast was very portable. A small lunch bag contained what I needed for the day and I could work, travel for business, vacation, even go to restaurants with family and co-workers and be sated and happy with my shakes.I know this sounds strange to people whose whole lives revolve around food. I’m of Italian decent and food is our lives. I was still able to cook and make meals for my family. You will be surprised how easy that is without tasting the food. You won’t miss the food once you are over those couple of days.
My advice to everyone who is considering this is to just give it a week and see. The weight will come off. If you follow this plan it will only lead to one conclusion, your ideal weight.In 15 months I went from 425 pounds to 197. It was the best thing I ever did. You wonder if you’re someone like me, in their early 50s, if it’s going to work, I can assure you it does. It was easy and my only regret is not doing it sooner. When you come out of this you won’t feel like you’re in your early 50s anymore. You’ll feel young and vibrant.
” My name is Ellen F. I came to Dr. Briones in Feb 2014. I was 61yrs old, 205lbs, wearing a size 2X, my body ached and I could barely breath. I felt broken. Dr. Briones was so patient and kind. She encouraged me every week to keep going. Because I’m celiac and gluten free, I really appreciated the extra medical attention. The best news: Optifast shakes are gluten free! By the summer of 2014, I lost 40lbs and now, January 2015, I’ve lost a total of 65 pounds!
Thanks, Dr. Briones, for helping me reclaim my health and my life. I’m now turning 62, I’m a size 10 and wearing horizontal stripes!!!!!!”
Ellen F.*
” Dr Briones saved my life, no question. My weight now is 165 lb, after starting out at 230 lb. That’s a total weight loss of 65 lbs.”
– Lynn*
” My name is Marc W. and I lost 40 lbs. at the Dr Briones Medical weight loss center. Her methods and practice have been a help in losing the weight and being able to maintain the ideal size. My health has never been better and I feel 10 years younger.”
– Marc*
” I am writing this letter to you so that you understand how I feel about you and you’re practice, as you well know I came to you because I did not know where else to turn I had exhausted all other roads.When I saw a friend of mine who suggested that I come to you I really believed in my heart that you would never fix me I had been to at least 40 other doctors and they all said the same thing that they did not know what is wrong with me!!Well you did it!! you sat and cared about me my person and understood the pain I had been in for so many years!! you have made me whole again I do not know how to thank you!! I have now lost 58 pounds and I feel terrific with you’re help of course you not only helped me lose all of that weight but did you get to the bottom of all of my medical problems and have fixed them all !!you are a miracle to me! a perfect angel sent from heaven !! I am so thankful that you are my doctor you are the only doctor that I have seen that actually takes the time to listen to what I have had to say , all the other doctors just said it was all in my head!! but you didn’t say that !! you fought to find all of it. so thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul !! you have on of the greatest gifts and that is to heal people and to help them!! people don’t recognize me they’re shocked, they tell me I’m an inspiration. It’s a great compliment to have that experience. I used to go to work in my pajamas!! but now I will not leave the house without my makeup , and a dress with high heels Wow what a feeling!!!my husband tells everyone to look at me!! his wife and says isn’t she gorgeous!!! wow isn’t that great??? and I owe it all to you!! with out you’re counseling and the friendship I would never have done it.. I feel so very comfortable with you!!! You have changed my life forever!!!”
– Maureen*
” Dr Briones is wonderful she has helped me change my life. I feel great. Thank you.”
– Karen*
I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Briones for helping me achieve my weight loss goal. This is the first time I have been able to stick to a plan long term and maintain my weight. I attribute this to the exceptional support and care Dr. Briones provided. The personalized attention, close monitoring and non-judgemental coaching I received kept me motivated and on track. Not only did I lose weight, but I lowered my blood pressure and cholesterol and improved my stamina during exercise. I wholeheartedly recommend this medical weight loss program as a safe, easy way to lose weight gradually and keep it off!”
– Michelle*
” I wish to thank Dr. Briones for all her help with the journey in the healthier lifestyle. She has guided me through all the trial and tribulations of achieving my weight loss goals. Her professionalism and genuine caring is much appreciated.”
– Patrick*
” I have been feeling the best that I have felt in many years. Thanks to Dr. Briones and her wonderful weight loss program. Her encouraging words and support make it simple to follow the program. I would highly recommend Dr. Briones to anyone. I have lost 72 pounds so far and still going…… Thank you Dr. Briones, you are the best.”
– Amy*
” I started with Dr. Briones in November 2009 weighing just shy of 290 pounds. I chose to do the partial meal replacement plan, and in just under 10 months, have now lost 90 pounds and have seen my BMI go from 44 to 30. I attribute this in great part to the wonderful coaching of Dr. Briones. My goal is to lose an 20 additional pounds. The most important thing for success is to have a positive mental outlook. Also, in addition to working within the plan, it is important to exercise regularly. I do 30-40 minutes a day minimum. It is also a good idea from time to time to throw in a second work-out on any day. This will help to jumpstart your metabolism.”
– David C*
Although I was never a “heavy” young woman, while raising my children over the past 18 years, I gained a significant amount of weight. Having tried many weight loss programs, I all but gave up hope when I was referred to Dr. Briones and the Optifast Program. Not only have I been able to lose 45 pounds following a partial food program and moderate exercise, I have the good fortune to meet a wonderful doctor, who understands all about osteoarthritis. Having had a complete foot reconstruction and a back fusion, I was in dire need of losing weight before another joint was affected by arthritis and exacerbated by weight. Since I started, I’ve lost about 45 pounds and intend to continue until I lose 20 more. Dr. Briones’ knowledge, patience and humor have contributed to my persistence. While the loss of pounds has taken some time for me, the fact that I’ve been able to keep the weight off and continue in the right direction, learning to live a healthier lifestyle, attests to Dr. Briones influence. I highly recommend the Optifast Program of Weight Loss and doing this Program with Dr. Briones.”
– Sharon*
” In October 2010 I started partial meal replacement and today I feel great! I’m so appreciative to Dr. Briones for her support and guidance. I have lost a total of 55 pounds and my blood pressure is now under control. My voyage on this weight loss journey has been painless. Dr.Briones has help me through the difficult and tricky times with suggestions and continual support.”
– Susan*
” After completing my Freshman year of college, and gaining the “Freshman 15″, I was determined to do something about my weight. I tried different weight loss programs in the past, but had no lasting results. I found Dr. Briones through her website and was encouraged by the patient success stories I saw there. Since I would only be home for the summer, Dr. Briones and I wanted to take a very aggressive approach and I started on the full meal replacement program at the end of May 2011. I was hopeful, but nervous. No food? All summer? I wasn’t sure if I could do it, but I was determined to lose the weight. After the first couple of days of adjusting, I found it quite easy to stick to the plan. The OPTIFAST shakes and bars are delicious and the chips satisfy my salty cravings. Once I saw the pounds starting to fall off, I didn’t want to stop. By the end of August 2011, I lost a total of 50 pounds! Dr. Briones was extremely supportive during the whole process and gave me advice on how to handle a lot of the mental and social issues that might get in the way of my success. Thank you so much Dr. Briones! ”
– Justin*
I started my weight loss journey with Dr. Briones in October 2011. When I started I weighed 224 pounds. With Dr. Briones’ help, I’ve lost 60 pounds. I have a few more pounds to go. I no longer have high cholesterol and I am no longer borderline diabetic. I would like to thank Dr. Briones, I never could have done it without her.”
– Luis*
” Thanks to Dr. Briones, I have lost over 25 lbs. and have kept it off. I started going to Dr. Briones’ office about 2 years ago…I lost the weight within 6 months and have kept it off due to her encouragement, medical expertise, and support. It also feels great to know that I’m in the good hands of a board certified medical doctor. I would encourage anyone who wants to lose weight to contact Dr. Briones.”
– Brenda*
” On March 14th 2012, I weighed 166 lbs. Today, July 26th 2012, I weigh 138 lbs. thanks to Dr. Briones. Dr. Briones has truly been the only doctor who has ever helped me lose weight. Her unending compassion, her devotion to me and her exceptional knowledge have made me the happiest I have been in 7 years of trying to lose weight. I only wore black, so I could hide my body. Now, I wear only bright colors so people can see my new figure. Anyone who feels helpless and hopeless, needs to see Dr. Briones. She will help you to be as happy as I am today!”
– Elysa*
” I started with Dr. Briones a year ago after being denied for Weight Loss Surgery by my insurance company. I weighed in at my highest at 308 lbs. before I went for surgery. I lost some weight on my own before I began to work with Dr. Briones, I weighed in at 287 lbs. on that first appointment. It was August 31, 2011 when I started this journey, feeling motivated and wanting to get my health in order. I began with her in August and it was easy sailing from there, I did the full fast program because I wanted the weight to come off. Despite some medical setbacks I have been able to lose a total of 81 lbs. to date. I am only 30-50lbs away from my goal weight of 160lbs. I cannot believe I am here. The staff and Dr. Briones were so helpful to me; they have made this journey possible. Without them and their support this would have been very difficult. I am continuing to lose weight and look forward to every day and most importantly I have gotten my health back.”
– Katie*
” In October 2011, I stood 4′ 11″ and weighed 162 lbs. Today, December 2012, I haven’t grown but now weigh in at a proud 114.6 lbs. Through Dr. Briones’ guidance and support I can fit into a size 6 again. Prior to Dr. Briones, I tried everything on the market and multiple physicians; no one could help. I found Dr. Briones through one of my clients and decided to give her a try. I started the program with skepticism. I was amazed that her counseling, personalized nutritional program, and weight monitoring was working. I slowly began to lose inches as my weight decreased. Dr. Briones’ plan is not an easy one. As she is committed to her field of medicine, you must be committed to yourself. It’s hard to keep bi-weekly office visits, watch your food intake and most of all get to the gym. However, to succeed it will take all of this to accomplish your desired goal of weight loss. Dr. Briones can help you become what you want to be, slimmer. See Dr. Briones for the first step in the right direction for success. Don’t miss the opportunity to see how stunning you can be. Make the commitment. It starts with Dr. Briones and her Weight Loss Center program. Call her to recover you.”
– Christine*
” I have been a patient of Dr. Briones for over one year and I am so glad I found her! Not only is she professional and has excellent bedside manner, she also helped save my life and I owe her so much gratitude. When I look at my before pictures and see my new pictures, I can’t believe my eyes. I have lost 47 lbs in one year’s time, and I believe I will keep it off this time. I have been to other doctors in the past that couldn’t or wouldn’t figure out why I was gaining weight and had difficulty losing weight. One doctor never did labs to see what my needs were. Because of Dr. Briones, I found out my medical problems and I am now treated for them. I also found out why I gained weight and now know how to lose and how to keep it off. I always feel that Dr. Briones is always ready to listen, to reassure and to help motivate me in my goal to lose weight. I could not do it without her!” – Kelli*
*Disclaimer: Each patient’s experience is unique based on medical conditions and body composition, as each patient’s body is different. The amount of weight loss may vary based on these and other variables such as program adherence and metabolic factors.