FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions. If you've got a question that is not on the list below, please choose the nearest clinic and give us a call.

How much weight will I lose?
Answer: Typically, most patients lose 8 to 10 pounds a month, and we've seen patients lose up to 100 pounds in a year, without surgery! Your personal results will depend on how well you stick to the program.

Do you guarantee I will lose weight?
Answer: We guarantee that if you follow the plan, you will lose weight. However, we can't guarantee exact results because we have no control over what you do once you leave the clinic. We'll give you the tools you need, but it's up to you to do most of the work.

Why does your program work?
Answer: Our medical practitioners evaluate and treat each patient on an individual basis. You will lose weight by following these guidelines: monitor your calories and exercise 3x week. We'll help your body adjust to the reduced caloric intake by prescribing appetite suppression medication.

How much does this cost?
Answer: Doc's Diet is one of the most affordable weight management programs in California. New patients pay $95 a month. This includes an office visit, vitamin B-12 injection and a month's supply of prescription medication. Return patients pay $85 per visit.

Is the medication safe?
Answer: Phentermine is an FDA approved prescription medicine. Doctors have prescribed this medication for more than 50 years. As with all medication, an initial medical consultation is required to determine if you're a good candidate.

Can I take the medication if I have high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol?
Answer: The medication is safe in all three conditions. However, you need to be evaluated by your primary medical practitioner. If you have high blood pressure, you'll be asked to check your blood pressure daily. After losing weight, many patients have been able to reduce the amount of medications that they take for all three conditions.

What is the shot?
Answer: You'll receive 1000ucg injection of Vitamin B-12. This helps your energy and metabolism. Please continue your use of your usual daily vitamins even after receiving the shot.

Can I drink alcohol with this medication?
Answer: Alcohol won't interact against the diet medication. However, even a small amount alcohol can undermine your weight goals. There are 150 calories per beer, 150 calories per little glass of wine, 100 calories per shot of alcohol. See our calorie guides for more information.

How about caffeine? Can I drink coffee while on the medication?
Answer: Most people can enjoy a cup of coffee or up to two caffeinated beverages daily with our medication. However, more than 1-2 caffeinated beverages in a day can cause you to have highs and lows in your energy and may even cause headaches.

Can I take medication for headaches with this medication?
Answer: Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, Aspirin are safe to take with the diet medication. You can use these 'usual' medications for your 'usual' headache if that was your 'usual' thing to do. Please be cautious of any new headache symptoms that seem unusual. These can be a sign of a serious medical problem. Call us or your doctor if you have any questions.

Do I need an appointment to get my medication?
Answer: Yes. These diet pills are a controlled, prescription medication. We are required to keep detailed records of their distribution. Besides, your monthly visits are a crucial part of helping you reach your goals.

Can I drop in for an appointment?
Answer: We encourage you to make an appointment because your wait time will be shorter. We do see patients without an appointment, but we have to attend to our scheduled appointments first.

What are the side effects of the medication?
Answer: When used properly, the medication is tolerated well by most people. Some 'usual' side effects can include trouble sleeping, dry mouth, nervousness, and occasional constipation.

How much medication should I take?
Answer: Take no more than one pill per 24 hours. In fact, we encourage you to only take 1/2 of the pill each day, particularly in the beginning. It's best to use the least amount of medicine that works to suppress your appetite.

Do you provide information on how to eat?
Answer: Absolutely! Teaching you how to make healthy food choices is the most important part of our program. You'll learn how to eat correctly for the rest of your life. You won't have to give up all your favorite foods, but you will have to learn how to stay within your calorie budget.

Remember, we are here to support you along the way. We'll add information and encouragement to your own motivation and hard work. The result is significant behavioral changes that last a lifetime.

Will I be hungry all the time?
Answer: By eating five times a day and taking the medication, most patients report that they don't feel hungry at all. At each office visit we address any problems or questions that you have about eating and the medication. We encourage you to eat often and to make good choices with your food.

Will I gain the weight back if I stop the medication?
Answer: Once you reach your weight loss goals, you'll begin tapering off the medication. Stopping the medication does not cause you to gain weight. Because you've changed your eating and exercise habits for the better, you'll have the tools to manage your weight without medication.

Do I get anything for referring a friend?
Answer: Once a month each clinic raffles a free visit for established patients who referred a new patient.

What days are you open?
Answer: The hours and days our clinics are open vary. Please click here to view the complete schedule.