Hcg Diet at Omaha Med Spa

I am pleased to announce that “Urban Effects Medspa” is now following The OWL Diet weight loss program developed by Dr. Carter Abbott MD.

The OWL Diet has helped over 1800 people in the Omaha area over the last 3 years achieve permanent weight loss.  Now patients in IA will be able to benefit from the huge success of The OWL Diet program!

To contact Urban Effects Medspa please call:  515 987 5188

They are located in central IA:  2480 Berkshire Parkway, Suite B – Clive IA 50325

Their website is www.UrbanEffectsMedSpa.com

We welcome Susan Cross and Janet Calhoun into The OWL Diet family!

The First Month on The OWL Diet costs $499 for One Person.

If 2 People Sign up for the First Month together – you each Save $100! Pay only $399 for the 1st Month of The OWL Diet.

If 3 People Sign up for the First Month together – you each Save $150! Pay only $349 each for the 1st Month of The OWL Diet.

If 4 People Sign up for the First Month together – you each Save $200! Pay only $299 each for the 1st Month of The OWL Diet.

To receive these Savings, you must attend together for your consultation with Dr. Abbott.  Your medical history, medications, current weight & weight loss goal are established privately.

Call 402-614-5556 to book in together.

Email us at:  omahamedspa@gmail.com

Your first month on The OWL Diet includes:

Your initial consultation, Weekly nursing visits, Baseline labwork from Quest Labs in Omaha, Prescription Hcg medication (shots or transdermal cream) from Kubat Compounding Pharmacy in Omaha, Daily Vitamin Packet (The OWL Pak), and a copy of Dr. Abbott’s book “The OWL Diet”.

If a participant needs additional assistance with hunger control, then you may qualify to receive prescription Phentermine – this is an additional cost by averages no more than $20/month.

Thank you!

Carter Abbott MD

OWL Diet Revisions 2012

Click on the above, and open in Word Document.  These changes are the result of enrolling over 1800 people in The OWL Diet over the last 3 years.  The result – more clearly defined options.  I have continued to mention specific food brands to assist you with shopping at your local grocery store.

Enjoy!

Carter O. Abbott, MD

Omaha Med Spa, Omaha NE  Phone 402 614 5556

Let’s talk about what the FDA says about Hcg and it’s use for weight loss.

As I write on page 31 of my book “The OWL Diet” the ways the hormone HCG may help in weight loss are not known.  Any discussion to the contrary is speculation or theory.  As a result, the FDA correctly states that HCG has not been demonstrated to be effective adjunctive therapy in the treatment of obesity, there is no substantial evidence that it increases weight loss beyond that resulting from caloric restriction, that is causes a more attractive or normal distribution of fat, or that it decreases the hunger and discomfort associated with calorie restricted diet.”

“I agree with the FDA statement, since there is no scientific proof regarding the use of HCG and dieting.  The use of HCG for weight loss is anecdotal, meaning it is based on case histories and personal experience rather than scientific research.”

On Dec 6, 2011 the FDA website posted the headline FDA, FTC to remove “homeopathic” HCG weight loss products from the market.

I welcomed this news.  I have always told my patients that any use of hcg, in any form, and any dosage amounted to the use of prescription medication.  The sale of hcg over the internet without a valid prescription from a doctor is wrong.  This news does not change the ability of doctors to use low dose Hcg in an “off label” manner.  The FDA is not supportive of doctors using Hcg, due to the lack of scientific studies to show it affect, benefits or lack of benefit.  If the FDA bans the use of low dose prescription Hcg as an adjunct to dieting, then I will be affected, and will have to modify The OWL Diet to exclude the use of the hormone Hcg.

Why do I continue to use low dose Hcg with The OWL Diet?  The answer is that I have found the low dose of 125iu daily to be very safe, and many patients report anecdotally that it does help them stay on the diet, and get to their weight loss goal.  We also selectively use the FDA approved appetite suppressant known as Phentermine – but it is not free of side effects – and cannot be safely used by all patients.  Phentermine is a controlled substance that must be obtained at the pharmacy with a written prescription, and it’s use requires medical supervision.

I will continue the use of Hcg with The OWL Diet until such time that a better alternative comes along, but I will also strive to stay in compliance with the FDA regulations.

Over the past 2 years I have made many changes and enhancements to our diet program.  I now call my diet – The OWL Diet -to distinguish it from the Original Hcg Diet that is used elsewhere.    OWL stands for Omaha Weight Loss.

Why did I make these changes?  Two overall reasons - Safety (keeping you healthy) and Efficacy (getting to your weight loss goal). I was not comfortable with the 500 calories per day on the Original Hcg Diet.  The risk was too much acidosis from dieting – and side effects of headaches, dizziness, and low potassium levels.  The OWL Diet allows 20-40% more calories per day – at 600-700 calories per day my patients feel better, have better hunger control, and are able to stay on the diet until they reach their weight loss goal.   I also emphasize the need to spread those calories out over the day.

I call my calorie allowance of 600-700 calories per day the Low Calorie Diet (LCD for short).  You will have enough energy to function at home and work, including mild levels of exercise.  And you will still lose weight rapidly – an average of 15-20 pounds per month is shed on the OWL Diet.  Although we do see some people lose 30 pounds in 30 days – this is not typical.  It may occur in individuals who start at a higher weight (such as 300 pounds).

As you read about the changes I have made, you will see there are more food choices, and fewer rules.

Here are the Key Changes that make the OWL Diet better:

Food Choices and Frozen Foods – The original Hcg Diet was based on a very limited selection of food items that were commonly available in Italy in the 1950′s when Dr. Simeons was in practice.  I have added additional food selections in all four categories of meats, vegetables,. fruits and beverages.  We have also seen tremendous advancements in frozen foods, which can be safely incorporated into a modern protocol.

Sugar Substitutes – I permit the use of all sugar substitutes that are calorie free.  Sugar substitutes are commonly used in soft drinks, iced teas and chewing gum.  Use of these sugar-free products represents food behaviors that are often well established by participants before they ever start the OWL Diet.  For the purposes of compliance with the OWL Diet, the use of sugar substitutes is permitted.  I do point out that, in the long run, I feel we should limit our use of these products.

Caffeine – Caffeine is permitted on the OWL Diet and is often consumed in tea, coffee or soft drinks.  My observation is that caffeine can increase, decrease or have no effect on appetite.  It varies by the individual.  Many participants on the OWL Diet were using caffeine beverages before I see them and do not want to give them up.  As a means of helping them succeed on the OWL Diet,  I permit the use of caffeine.  Stopping caffeine and starting a LCD can trigger problems with headaches in the first week of the program.

Low Calorie Diet (LCD) – As mentioned, I allow a range of 600-700 calories per day.  With the LCD modification, patients feel better, and have fewer effects from the acidosis of dieting and are therefore more likely to continue on the diet.

Hcg Immunity – Simeons believed that patients would develop immunity to Hcg.  He advised the use of Hcg for only 6 days per week and required intervals of time to be off Hcg before restarting additional cycles.  I do not believe that immunity exists for the vast majority of participants.  With the OWL Diet, I advise participants to use Hcg daily for steady benefit and consistent results.

Continuous Monthly Cycles – Since we are not concerned about immunity and we now permit a higher intake of calories, I am able to offer monthly cycles of continuous Hcg use.  We see an average monthly weight loss of 15 pounds for women and 20 pounds for men.  Patients are safely permitted to continue monthly cycles “back to back” until they reach their weight loss goal.  The momentum of successful weight loss is continued and patients learn to maintain lifelong behavioral changes towards healthier eating.  This leads to permanent weight loss.

Vitamins and Supplements - The OWL Diet is, by its very nature, low in food sources of calcium and supplementation with calcium is needed for most participants.  We also discuss the importance of B-Complex and Potassium.  Some people also benefit from the addition of fiber, melatonin and B-12.

Creams, Oils and Cosmetics – The use of body creams, oils, lotions and cosmetics do not, in my experience, interfere with weight loss on the OWL Diet.  They are permitted and this change from the Simeons Protocol is greatly appreciated!

Menses – When women are menstruating, their hunger is frequently increased.  I can find no logical explanation to withhold Hcg based on the menstrual cycle of women.  Daily use of Hcg is encouraged, including during the menstrual period.

Fat is Fat - Dr. Simeons talked about “three kinds of fat”, and theorized that during dieting the body chooses certain fats to burn first.  I do not follow that logic and my observation is that all fat stores are used as people are on the OWL program.

No Speculation about how Hcg works – Dr. Simeons had theories about how low dose Hcg works.  Since they remain unproven theories, I do not speculate on the mode of action of Hcg.  What is more important to me is our observation that Hcg does appear to help people lose weight on the OWL Diet.

No more Apple Days or Steak Days – I define a weight loss plateau as “no weight loss for a full two weeks despite complete adherence to the program”.  Dr. Simeons attempted to break plateaus with either an “apple day” or a “steak day”.  I have attempted to use these ideas with patients, and found them to be ineffective, misleading and counterintuitive.  The best advice that I can offer is to “Stay committed and look at the total accumulated weight loss”.  Plateaus cannot continue, due to the sheer arithmetic of following a LCD.

Salt Restriction – Dr. Simeons placed no restriction on the use of salt, but today we know better.  The excessive use of salt carries definite health risks.  In a healthy individual, I permit the use of salt.  If you have hypertension, coronary artery disease or heart failure, salt use should be limited.

Constipation – Constipation is a common challenge that we face with a LCD despite the high fiber content of the vegetables and fruit that you will be consuming.  Dr. Simeons did not intervene if patients only had a bowel movement every 3-4 days.  My experience has been that constipation of 3-4 days duration leads to retained weight, bloating, fatigue and the risk of hemorrhoids.  I prefer to advise the use of fiber to ensure a bowel pattern of once daily to every other day.

Massage – Massage is permitted, as there is no logical reason to withhold use of this very helpful service.

No More Phases – Dr. Simeons referred to “phases” during the original Hcg Diet.  I have found this terminology to be confusing.  The OWL Diet has 3 parts:  fat loading, low-calorie diet and maintenance.

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Carter O. Abbott, MD – October 21, 2010 – Omaha NE – Phone 4025 614 5556

 

Vitamin B-12 is necessary for the production of Red blood cells – deficiency leads to one form of anemia (Pernicious Anemia – the name alone sounds terrifying!).  Chronic deficiency of B-12 can further lead to changes in the Nervous System including damage to the posterior columns in the spinal cord, and peripheral nerve damage (neuropathy).  This can affect sensation in the legs (tingling, numbness or pain) and affect balance when walking.

Vitamin B-12 is readily available in a wide range of healthy foods.  The problem is not availability, but rather absorption.  As we age, one or more steps needed for absorption (stomach pH, release of Intrinsic Factor, reabsorption in the terminal ileum) may be impaired.  When that happens, even oral supplements of B-12 may not be enough to correct the deficiency.

The solution is Vitamin B-12 injections, that are FDA approved, safe, affordable and easily administered.  Another beauty of B-12 is that it is a non-toxic vitamin.  One might think that all vitamins are safe, at any dose – but the truth is much different.  Too much of some vitamins can cause harm.  That is not the case with Vitamin B-12 – you can not harm yourself with higher doses.

With the Hcg Diet, I have observed that many participants feel a surge of energy after a B-12 shot – energy that lasts for several days.  The dose is 1,000mcg (micrograms) given in a dose of 1mL (same as 1cc) into the muscle of the upper arm.

All OWL Diet participants are now given the option of receiving a Vitamin B-12 injection of 1,000 mcg into their arm, given by one of my staff RN’s during your weekly med spa visits.  There is no additional charge for this service.

If you chose to use “Hcg Shots” – these are provided by Kubat Pharmacy in Omaha – and the latest enhancement to my OWL Diet program is the addition of B-12 to the vial of Hcg.  This way, you learn to self inject 0.5cc once daily, in the morning, into your thigh muscle.  That dose of 0.5cc contains 125iu of Hcg hormone, and 250mcg of Vitamin B-12.

The other option is to use Vitamin B-12 drops – 1,000mcg daily.

Vitamin B-12 should be stored at Room Temperature, and away from light.

Call us to set up your appointment – Phone 402 614 5556

Learn more about the benefits of The OWL Diet by ordering the entire book from www.Amazon.com  – enter “The OWL Diet” and have the book shipped to your home.  New lower Price only at Amazon.com of $19.95 !!

I have my patients administer Hcg 125iu every morning by intramuscular injection, or by transdermal cream.  In the past, this dose did not trigger a positive pregnancy test.  With new urine and blood tests that use higher sensitivities, I must now report that this dose of Hcg may trigger a positive pregnancy test.

Here are the key points to remember:

Hcg at a dose of 125iu will not increase your fertility, but losing weight will!

Use birth control, and rest assured that the Hcg Diet will not interfere with the effectiveness of your contraception.

If you think you are pregnant (have had a positive home test, and symptoms of pregnancy), then ask your doctor to draw blood for a “Quantitative Hcg”.  Stop Hcg shots at this point, and resume a normal diet of 2000 calories per day.   Repeat a 2nd Quantitative Hcg blood test in several days – if you are pregnant this number will double very quickly.

When in doubt, consult with a medical doctor.

Carter Abbott, MD  -  Omaha Med Spa – Phone 402.614.5556

I have found pictures to be very helpful when educating people who follow the OWL (Omaha Weight Loss) Hcg Diet.   My version is unique from most Hcg Protocols (that typically follow the Simeon Protocol from the 1940′s).  The OWL Diet diet allows for 600-700 calories per day.  The result is that you will lose an average of 15-20 pounds per month.  Whereas Simeon referred to his 500 calorie per day diet as Very Low Calorie (VLCD),  I use the term Low Calorie Diet (LCD) to describe my safe and highly effective method to lose weight .

Why is the LCD safer?  When we consume 700 calories per day, our body is then looking for a an additional 1500 to 2000 calories that is needed for basic body metabolism.  The Hcg directs your body to utilize fat stores, and in so doing, you lose unwanted fat.  As the body burns off that fat for energy, ketoacids are produced as a byproduct.  The resulting acidosis needs to be at a safe level to avoid unwanted side effects such as fatigue, headaches and troubles with concentration.   There are rare reports that excessive levels of acidosis can lead to cardiac irregularities.   With my LCD protocol, that has never happened.  It is also a reason that candidates for the Hcg OWL Diet must be carefully selected by a physician who is entirely familiar with administering a LCD program.

After you read the blog, and are ready to commit to follow the OWL Diet, call us at 402 614 5556 to schedule your appointment.  Carter O. Abbott, MD

The first 2 days that you use Hcg Shots or Cream are called Day 1 and Day 2.  On these 2 days you may choose to “Fat Load”.  During this time, enjoy limited amounts of fatty foods.  This is a great time to enjoy a treat that you will not be eating again until you reach your Target Weight.  My goal for you is to not gain any additional weight over these 2 days.  During fat loading “Be Prepared for Day 3″, which is when you will start the OWL Diet.  Remove food from the refrigerator and cupboards that might tempt you to “Cheat” (my term for any variations from the following approved list of foods).

Enjoy the following pictures, as I take you step by step through my program.  All of the following foods were purchased in Omaha Nebraska in early January 2010.  Lets first talk about:

Beverages – It is important for you to drink lots of water.  Water is essential for body function and metabolism.  Water also works to control your hunger, and keep your bowels regular.   The minimum is 64ounces per day.  It may be bottled or tap water.

You may continue to enjoy coffee and tea (hot or cold).  You may not use any form of dairy products (even “fat free” is not always “calorie free”).  You may use any form of artificial sweeteners.

I permit the use of caffeine containing beverages, but keep in mind that caffeine has a diuretic effect to increase urine output, so any caffeine containing beverage does not count towards your fluid intake for the day.

Pops and sodas have no positive nutritional value, but their consumption is very habit forming.  I permit you to drink pop, but it must be diet or otherwise zero calorie.  After you reach your target weight, I will encourage you to reassess your use of pop beverages.

For those of you who struggle with water consumption, there are many choices of flavored beverages that use artificial sweeteners.  They may be consumed, but the label must state zero calories.

Meats – You will need a food scale.  A basic spring scale with plastic basket is all you really need (as shown below).  You will be weighing all of your meats before cooking.  Your daily allowance is 7 ounces of meat per day.  Weigh it uncooked – you cook it – then divide it into 2 meals.  By dividing the 7 ounces into 2 meals you will have better energy, hunger control and better fat burn.

Choose from lean beef, white chicken, white fish, shrimp and scallops.

Beef - must be lean.  Choices include beef tenderloin, ground sirloin, and top sirloin steak.

This diet is not conducive to eating out, but if you had to go to a restaurant for a special family or business event, you could choose to not eat meat all day, and then order 7 ounces of lean beef, chicken, fish, scallops or shrimp.

Chicken - You must purchase your chicken fresh (or fresh frozen), and cook it yourself.  Chicken tenders and breast are used.   Remove any visible skin or fat before weighing.  No pre-cooked chickens, canned chicken or cold cuts.

No oil is permitted in the LCD.  You will be cooking your meat using non stick pans, grilling with PAM spray, or baking in the oven (poaching of fish is also acceptable).  All PAM sprays are rated as zero calorie.

There is a butter substitute that is a soy derivative.  Sold in a container shaped as the one in the picture, it is called either “Smart Balance Spray” or “I Can’t Believe it’s not Butter”.  As always, read the label to confirm that your purchase is zero calorie.  Use on vegetables for flavoring.

“Walden Farms” is a label that offers a wide variety of sauces and dressings that are all rated as Calorie Free.

BBQ sauces and marinades are generally high in calorie.  I found this one, shown below.  Use one tablespoon to flavour meat.

Venison and Bison are lean game meats.  They may be used with caution, as fat is often added to ground meat or sausages.

Shrimp - may be used.  Fresh or “fresh frozen”.  Shrimp is often pre-cooked, and this is fine as well.

Scallops – are also an option.  No lobster, crab, or salmon (too high in oil).

White Fish - may be used.  Fresh or “fresh frozen”.  You may not use tuna.  Acceptable choices include tilapia, sole, cod, halibut, orange roughy, flounder, perch.

Let’s now talk about

Fruit.  You are allowed 2 servings per day.  Mix and match from the available choices.  Fruit is often best enjoyed at breakfast, or as a snack between meals.

One serving size includes 1 apple, 1 orange, 1/2 grapefruit, 6 medium strawberries, 1/3 cup of blueberries, or 2 cups of melon.  Try to always buy fresh, but in winter fresh frozen is acceptable.  (Grapefruit interferes with the metabolism of many medications, so check with your doctor to see if it is safe for you).

Vegetables are next.  If you enjoy salads, you will enjoy my diet!  You may eat as much fresh salad greens as you wish.  Choose from lettuce, romaine, baby greens, and spinach.

All vegetables other than lettuce, I call “the hard vegetables”.  I allow a rough guide of 4 cups of fresh hard vegetables per day (before cooking).  Raw vegetables that may be added to salads include tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers of any color, celery, radishes, cucumbers and bean sprouts.

The vegetables that people usually cook with include:  tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, celery, peppers, green beans, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, cabbage, summer squash, winter squash (acorn, butternut, spaghetti)and edamame.

Choose fat free low calorie beef and chicken stock to make your own soups, or use in a slow cooker.  I told you to limit your beef consumption to no more than 2 days per week (because beef is twice the calories of chicken).  When it comes to stock – the opposite is true!  Beef is lower in calories than chicken (?surprised – I was!).  In the example pictured below, 1 cup of chicken stock is 10 calories, but 4 cups of beef stock is only 20 calories!

Ketchup is not permitted, but you may make your own fresh salsa using onions, tomatoes, lemon and cilantro.  Traditional mustard (“French’s” or similar) is zero calorie.  I was pleasantly surprised to find the following German mustard that was rated zero calorie – Rhinegeld.

Roland capers may be added to salads, or used with meats.  1 tsp of Roland green peppercorns was only 5 calories.

Some pickles/preserves are acceptable if used in small portions.  Read the labels and enjoy a serving on salad, or as a snack.

The Hcg OWL Diet allows considerably more “grain carbs” than the VLCD.  I find that these carbs are great snacks between meals, evening treats, or emergency food when you are travelling by air or car.  Try them for breakfast combined with a serving of sugar free jam.

The following Italian breadsticks, made by the grissini method, are very popular.  Choose from one of the options below for your daily allowance.

Learn even more!  Buy the full text of “The OWL Diet” written by Dr. Carter O. Abbott, MD – available now for only $19.95 at www.Amazon.com   Simply enter “The OWL Diet” into the search bar, and place your order.  Amazon will ship directly to your home.

Moods – I have observed that some people on the Hcg OWL Diet do have bouts of increased irritability, and feeling “short fused”.  Fortunately these episodes are typically brief.  The vast majority of people on the feel great, with an increased sense of well being, improved sleep and a sense of empowerment from losing weight.

Menses – Simeon postulated that women on their menses should stop Hcg.  I disagree, and sees no modern day reason for this.  In fact, many women have told me that when they are premenstrual and on their period that their hunger is greater, and therefore the need for continuous use of Hcg is highly recommended.

Men - Hcg is safe for men, despite the fact that it does not naturally occur in males.  Hcg does not interfere with libido (sex drive) or sexual performance.  It will not interfere with the natural production of testosterone, and will not adversely effect fertility.  In fact, in men, I have never seen an adverse side effect from the Hcg.

Menopause - Hcg at a dose of 125iu per day, as recommended by Simeon and followed by me on The OWL Diet, will not hasten or delay the onset of menopause.  It will not interfere with other hormones taken, such as hormonal contraception, or female hormone replacement therapy (HRT).  If a women in menopause (has not had a period of over 1 year) is using Hcg and develops vaginal bleeding, it is not caused by the Hcg.  Bleeding after menopause could have a serious cause (such as cancer) and should always be brought to the attention of a doctor who can evaluate it completely.

Carter Abbott MD – Omaha Med Spa – Phone 402.614.5556

Simeon stated that the use of body creams and lotions would interfere with the success of the Hcg Diet.

What does modern medicine have to say about that 60 years later?  When a moisturizer, cream, lotion or sunscreen is applied to the skin, there is ready absorption into the epidermis (the outer layer of skin).  Most of the absorption is limited to the outer layer we call the stratum corneum (or horny layer).  This layer is in a continuous process of shedding off, as new skin cells form.  Very little “oil” such as mineral oil has the ability to penetrate deeper.  The result is that these oils are not absorbed into the body, and do not add caloric energy for the body to use.  Active ingredients in skin care products such as chemical sun blocks, AHA’s and BHA’s do have the ability to penetrate to the deeper epidermis and outer dermis, but they do not provide nutritional energy or calories to the body.  The bottom line is this…go ahead and use as much lotion, creams and moisturizers as you like!

Is the Simeon ban on using makeup or cosmetics also a myth?  The answer is Yes.  Dr. Abbott and the staff of Omaha Med Spa understand the importance of aesthetics to women, and can confidently reassure you that it will not interfere with weight loss to use cosmetics.  If there are any “Simeonites” who cling to this myth, you should at least feel reassured to safely use high quality mineral cosmetics, such as the Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup – it is free of additives and preservatives, the colors are all natural, and there is no lead in the lip products.

Call Omaha Med Spa at 402.614.5556

Learn about more Abbott updates to the Simeon Protocol by obtaining a copy of “The OWL Diet – The Updated Hcg Diet” written by Dr. Carter O. Abbott, MD and Now Available for Only $19.95 at www.Amazon.com   Simply go to Amazon and enter “The OWL Diet” in the Search bar to make your purchase!