- If you have any of the following conditions we regret that we cannot include you in the program at present:
- Uncontrolled or inadequately controlled mental illness including but not limited to severe depression, uncontrolled bipolar disorder, uncontrolled schizophrenia or other psychosis, eating disorder such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa, or a personality disorder. If you suffer with any of these conditions but they are under control, you are welcome to participate in the program.
- Inadequately controlled alcohol or drug addiction. People who are successfully rehabilitated from alcohol or drug addiction for at least 6 months are welcome to join the program. Cigarette smokers are welcome to join the program.
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Type 1 diabetics are typically (but not always) diagnosed at a younger age, and require insulin from the very beginning. They are typically (but not always) thin in body type. (Type 2 diabetics are typically diagnosed later in life, is typically overweight or obese and usually do not require insulin from the start of their diagnosis. PLEASE NOTE that this program is especially very effective and highly recommended for Type 2 diabetics.)
In the above cases, if you are not sure if your condition is well enough controlled, or you are not sure if you suffer with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes mellitus, please contact us or schedule an appointment and discuss your situation with Dr. Frouws, and a decision will be made then. Dr. Frouws may have to discuss your condition with your current psychiatrist and/or psychologist to get an opinion on if it would be appropriate for you to be part of the program.
- If you suffer with other severe illness such as organ failures or are currently undergoing intense therapy for malignancy (cancer), Dr. Frouws will contact your specialist to ask for their approval before you join the program.
- It is recommended that you do not start with the program if you are planning a vacation in the first 6 weeks. Rather join us after your vacation.
- Most (though not all) people who participate in the program experience sugar withdrawal during the first 2 weeks. Symptoms may include: Increased sweating, headaches or migraines, intense cravings for sweets and carbohydrates muscle aches and pains, feeling weak, decreased energy and decreased concentration. Symptoms typically pass after 2-3 weeks. If you want to participate in the program, you have to be willing to stick with the program during this period of discomfort. It is best not to have to write examinations or meet important work deadlines during this period.
- The program involves a reduced Calorie meal plan to ensure successful weight loss during the Weight loss phase. This implies that there will be some hunger involved, especially in the first 2-3 weeks, though a surprising number of participants report practically no hunger at all. It is important to be willing to stick with the program, even if you experience some hunger before you are due to have your next meal.
- The program involves 3 meals a day, 5 hours apart. It could be adapted for those who prefer to have only 2 meals a day. It is important that the program is followed as it is. You cannot “do your own thing”.
- This is a program for those who are serious about weight loss and serious about becoming healthy. Results with this program is fantastic and sometimes truly astounding, but participants have to be dedicated and willing to commit to the program. Those who only want to diet to lose a few kilograms in the short term, are better off not following this program. If you are serious about losing the weight and keeping it off for life, and also willing to put in the work to get there, this is the program for you.