How lucky are we to be living in a place where the sun shines nearly every day of the year? Outside activities are in abundance. No matter the direction you look, you are likely to see everything from kayaking to cycling to beach volleyball. So many people are out and enjoying life. But, what if you lack energy or feel uncomfortable wearing a bathing suit or shorts? There is a simple solution that will have you feeling and looking great in no time!
The Doctor Is In
Dr. Barbara Pacholec, or “Dr. P.” as she is fondly called by patients, is a board-certified Fellow by the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine and has specialized in bariatric medicine for 29 years. She graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Rutgers Medical School, in 1986 with a double major in nutrition and chemistry. During her early years of practice she was drawn to the complexities surrounding obesity and the diseases which can result from being obese. She felt a strong calling to gear her practice toward preventing and even reversing diseases such as diabetes and heart disease and founded Central Pasco Weight Loss Center in 1999. Now that Dr. Pacholec is a proud resident of St. Petersburg, she is thrilled to have a satellite office in town, called Pacholec Center for Weight Loss. Not only that, her daughter Lauren, who has studied biology, is the office manager. Dr. Pacholec also has two sons, one in medical school and the other a physician in the area.
It’s Like A Hormone Symphony
“There are so many hormones and factors involved when I am determining the root cause of an individual’s lack of energy, appetite and weight,” says Dr. Pacholec. “I want to find out what exactly is contributing to the problem and fix it. It is an in-depth process and very individual to each patient.” The doctor uses a holistic approach involving diet, exercise and pharmaceutical treatment plans. On your first visit, you can expect to spend at least an hour in the office with Dr. Pacholec. She will want to review your medical history, lifestyle and diet, which all contribute to weight management and health,as well as the goals you are looking to achieve. While most people get standard bloodwork once a year, Dr. Pacholec also investigates molecular markers of inflammation, vitamin, nutrient and hormone deficiencies. A multitude of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants can contribute to weight gain, binge eating and certain food cravings. “It’s like a hormone symphony,” says Dr. Pacholec. “We have to bring balance to each body system.” The clinic offers multiple therapy options, including bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), which works at the cellular level and is used to help restore the vitality that diminishes with age. There is testosterone therapy for men, bio-identical hormone therapy for women, fat-burning injections (such as B-12 shots) and customized diets, such as the HCG diet. Dr. Pacholec also prescribes FDA-approved medications for weight loss including Contrave, Phentermine, Qsymia and Belviq and HCG diets. She carefully reviews all benefits as well as any risks involved in your specific treatment plan. Once hormones are balanced and pounds start disappearing, so do a lot of disease processes.
Metabolic Madness
You may be asking, how do I fit this in to my crazy busy life? What will I be able to eat? How much will it cost me? Is there anything I can do right now to improve my health? The initial consultation takes 45 minutes and includes an EKG, bloodwork and a review of your medical history, lifestyle and diet factors with the doctor. There are no weekly weigh-ins, unless you just want to pop in and show off your progress. The second visit happens a month after you’ve started working on your plan. For most of her patients, Dr. Pacholec recommends a Mediterranean diet, and she works with other dietary approaches, from vegan to gluten free. Most patients who reach their goal weights visit the clinic two or three times a year. And Dr. Pacholec suggests that all of her patients consider taking a Vitamin D3 supplement to reduce the occurrence of chronic illnesses, lower cancer risk and improve brain function. An acceptable dose for a healthy adult is 2,000 units a day, she says. So what are you waiting for! Recapture your energy, lose those extra pounds and start feeling amazing! The outdoors are waiting. Not to mention those cute shorts!
Pacholec Center for Weight Loss www.DrPacholec.com; 1621 22nd Ave N, St. Petersburg; (727) 502-2000.
