The Weigh Station

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are your hours of operation?
A: Christiansburg: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays we are open from 8 am – 5 pm; Thursdays we are open from 8 am – 7 pm.

Roanoke: Currently Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays we are open from 7:30 am – 5pm; and Tuesdays we are open from 7:30 am – 6pm.  *Starting February 6th, 2012 Tuesday nights will be extended to 7pm and we will be open on Friday’s from 7:30 am until 5pm (beginning 2/10/12)

Q: Are dill pickles okay to eat?
A: Dill pickles are okay to eat. You need to check the ingredients in the pickles to make sure they are not made with sugar. The cold-packed pickles are better as they have more fiber. It is important to check ketosis the next day to make sure that the sugars in these do not kick you out of ketosis. If you are out of ketosis after eating them, unfortunately you will have to discontinue eating them. Please note that too many pickles will slow down weight loss.

Q: Can I have any type of nuts?
A: Almonds and macadamia nuts are only allowed on a case by case basis.  Only the Doctor can determine whether or not these are right for you.  We recommend that you NOT use these prior to the 3rd month of the program as you need to lose weight and be adapted to the diet prior to their use. Please note that nuts are very easy to overeat. They should not be used for more than 1 protein serving each day. The other important procedure is to check ketosis the next day to make sure that the sugars in these nuts do not kick you out of ketosis. If you are out of ketosis after eating them, unfortunately you will have to discontinue eating them. Please note that too many nuts will slow down or even stop weight loss.

Q: Is squash on the diet?
A: It depends on the kind of Squash; some have more starch than others.  The two approved squashes are summer squash and spaghetti squash.   The serving size is 1 cup uncooked and 1/2 cup cooked. The maximum you can use per day is 1 serving.  It is important to check ketosis the next day to make sure that the sugars in these do not kick you out of ketosis. If you are out of ketosis after eating them, unfortunately you will have to discontinue eating them. Please note that too much squash could slow down weight loss.

 Winter squash such as butter nut and acorn squash are not permitted during this time.

Q: Why are tomatoes not on the list?
A: While tomatoes are low in glycemic index and somewhat low in glycemic load, they are not allowed in this program. This is because several phytochemicals found in tomatoes interfere with the calcium pyruvate acting in the cells. Thus, they are not allowed.

Q: Can I use peanut butter?
A: Peanut butter is only allowed on a case by case basis.  Only the Doctor can determine whether or not peanut butter is right for you.  If it is approved, it must be all-natural with no sugar added. This is the type that the oil rises to the top and must be mixed in. The serving size is 1 tablespoon. This counts as one protein serving and only 1 protein serving should come from this each day. It is best absorbed when used in combination with an apple or a serving of celery to properly balance the combinations of sugars and proteins. Please note that too much peanut butter will slow down weight loss.

Q: Can I eat sugar-free jello or sugar-free pudding?
A: No. These both have aspartame and are not allowed on the diet. They also increase cravings for sweets and increase the risk of deviating from the diet. Please note that these will stop weight loss if eaten.

Q: Can almond flour be used?
A: Almond flour is only allowed on a case by case basis.  Only the Doctor can determine if almond flour is right for you.  If it is approved for you it can be used to coat meats prior to cooking. It has no known carbohydrates but you cannot combine this with other flour as many recipes recommend. A light coating can add flavor to some of your recipes. Please note that too much may slow down weight loss.

Q: What type of gum can I chew?
A: This changes frequently due to new flavors replacing old flavors, etc.  The brands and flavors that we know of that are the safest are: Stride Sweet Cinnamon, Orbit Fabulous Frutini and Dyntyne Fire.  Spry brand gums and mints available at health food stores are also approved in moderation.  The above list of gums (and mints) are all aspartame free, thus the safest available.  Please limit your consumption to 3 pieces per day.

Q: What other types of water/drinks can I have?
A: There are several that are available.  Sparkling water such as; So Clear and LaCroix are available in many flavors. There is also a line of DaSani “Essence” flavors that are not sweetened and have only flavoring added.  Sobe Life Water and Metro Mint are approved waters with several flavors available.  Please limit the Sobe life water to 1/2 bottle/day. 

Other approved beverages include:  Virgils Zero Root beer and Cream soda as well as Steaz iced tea  ( both are available on the organic section at kroger).  Naturally Clear American “soda” is available at some Walmarts, this beverage is simular to Zevia which is also approved.  Mia drops may also be added to water (limit 1 squirt twice/week).  Please consume all of these in moderation limit 2x/week.

Q: Why is water important? Why do I have to drink so much?
A: Chronic dehydration is a significant problem. The water helps prevent this and also helps to maintain hydration once the ketosis develops. Ketosis typically causes increased urination and the water helps prevent any dehydration this might cause. The water is also needed to help metabolize sugars.

Q: Are sour cream and whipped cream allowed?
A: We do not use these foods as they increase the cravings for sweets and thus we try to avoid them all together. Please not that if eaten they will stop weight loss.

Q: Why do I have to take Calcium Pyruvate at 10 AM and 2 PM?
A: The calcium is used to allow absorption in the human body and it is a minimal amount. It contributes very little to the need for calcium to help build bones. The pyruvate is a naturally occurring carbohydrate compound that increases the activity of each cell. It enters the liver after digestion and then enters the bloodstream and gets into each cell. The timing is based on eating breakfast between 6 and 8 AM and eating lunch around noon. Thus, it is taken 2-4 hours after eating breakfast or lunch and 2-4 hours before eating the next meal. This can be changed if your work a different schedule than the one above – such as shift work and you work the second or the third shift. However, this needs to be discussed with the staff at the Weigh Station.Note: If you are using Phentermine, this should always be taken one hour or more before or after the calcium pyruvate.

Q: Do you accept insurance?
A: The Weigh Station does not accept any insurance plans – all payments are expected in full at time of service. We do however supply the patient with an insurance form for each visit that the patient can submit along with their claim forms to the insurance provider. Some insurance companies do cover our services – each patient needs to review their individual insurance plan (or talk to their insurance provider) to see if Morbid Obesity is covered under their medical plan. In addition, some insurance benefit cards/flexible spending cards are allowed to be used as payment – again, this needs to be discussed with your employer before you begin our program if this is a financial requirement for you.

If you have any other questions that haven’t been answered please feel free to contact us!
Phone: 540.381.2670
Fax: 540.381.2672