USC Lifestyle Redesign Weight Management Program

Had my first visit here on Monday to try and get off the thirty pounds that somehow appeared in my mid section and hips. I love the small intimate group size and the leaders were cool and down to earth.

I probably have one of the biggest charts over there, since I have been using the services for different things for 2+ years now.

For 4 months last year, I took wellness classes from the USC Lifestyle Redesign group. Headed by Occupational Therapy faculty at USC, the group sessions are led by OT masters and doctorate students. They have various programs including stress management, pain management, programs for the elderly, people living with MS, etc. I took the weight loss one.
I had nothing to lose really because my insurance paid for most of it (check to see if yours does or will cover part of the cost with them). And the bonus incentive was if I kept the weight off after a 90-​day weigh-​in after the program ended, my insurance company will reimburse me my money. At first, that sounded like bad odds. Don’t insurance companies need to make money?
Yes, but they pay out more if you end up obese with chronic medical conditions such as high cholesterol and heart disease. So, it is to both your benefit and theirs if you became healthier.
I had never been on a diet before and they stressed to me this was not a diet program. It was a «lifestyle redesign.» I had to change my habits. I went from two large meals a day to three smaller ones and two snacks. I started exercising (yes, I know you’ve seen my gym list) and when the program ended, I lost 20 pounds (averaging out to 1.25 pounds a week).
I’ve kept it off and lost more since. I think what makes me feel this is a good program is it is run by USC faculty and students. It’s not some crazy diet fad. I was able to ask the occupational therapist any questions I had. And still feel I can email them at any time if I need support right now. When my group sessions ended, they encouraged me to drop by other sessions at any time I ever needed a boost.
I was a bit frustrated in the beginning over what I should eat in terms of specific meals. They don’t plan meals for you. They give you the tools (information) to make your own decisions. After all, they’re not going to be with you at every meal. Eventually, I came to appreciate that.
At each session, they weighed you and asked what your weekly goal was (which could be anything from going to the gym, drinking more water, etc). They also took your heart rate. Then we would have a lesson on nutrition. We covered things like what is fat (including «good» and «bad» fats) and why you need to drink water. I never felt any pressure that I must do things like drink at least 8 glasses of water a day (or more like 12) but felt compelled to after the information was presented.
I have people asking me all the time how did I lose the weight. Before I started the program, I always knew it was through diet and exercise. After the program ended, I realized it was that but it didn’t hurt to have a little guidance and the support of friends and family.
I’m still a foodie but I’m a healthier one now.