Testimonials from Our Patients

The following testimonials have been written by our patients. To match a face with a before and after photo or to view their video testimonial, please see success stories and video testimonials.

I started this program back in August 2009. I was sent here by my Heart Specialist Dr. Niazi from Emory Clinic. I was 244 lbs. and was probably on the verge of a heart attack.  My diabetes was out of control and I was taking massive doses of insulin every day and the numbers kept increasing. My A1C test was in the 8+ range and I have already lost sight in my left eye from my diabetes being out of control for too long. I also had a problem walking when I started. I could barely walk my 10 year old daughter to the bus stop half a block from my house.  When you are overweight it is really difficult. I started out slowly with 10-15 minutes a day. I built it up to 60 minutes of speed walking that I do almost every day.
I have lost 67 lbs and my goal is 80 lbs so I have a little more to go. I am taking significantly less insulin and my latest A1C was 6.0 (goal of under 7.0), my Triglyceride level was at 111 (goal of less than 150) it used to be in the 200+ range and my Cholesterol level is below 100 (a goal 0f 200). I have also been taken off some of my blood pressure pills and had my dosages significantly reduced.
The key thing is I feel great about myself and I have thrown out my old clothing size XX Large. I now get into medium slacks and shorts. I plan to go swimming this summer and I can find a bathing suit that fits. I can now go to the amusement park with my daughters and enjoy going on the rides. One more important subject is Phase 2. Unlike the commercialized programs, this program teaches you to eat right and keep the weight off. Some of the other quick weight loss programs do not discuss with you what needs to be done to keep the pounds off after the program is completed. Well I am feeling 1000% better and I have a new lease on life. I feel good about myself and I thank everyone at the Atlanta Endocrine Associates for their support. You have put together a great program and provide the necessary support to get the job done. Don’t think about it, do it…it will help you have a healthier life!!
Thank you for your invaluable support.

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After years of struggling with other weight-loss diets, I finally discovered HMR through a work colleague.  My weight loss goal is 35 pounds and after 9 months on the program I am within 5 pounds of attaining it.  While other diets failed me in the past, HMR worked for me because it was very easy to follow, delicious, and it offered the support and coaching of a nutritionist on a weekly basis.  What I like most about the HMR weight loss program is how it helped me gain control over my weight and long term health.  Because exercise is a vital part of the HMR program, I am now physically in shape for the first time in a long time and it has given me a sense of well-being that I can only describe as “optimal.”  The HMR program has helped me build eating and exercise habits that will last me a lifetime. 

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I wish I had a unique story to tell, but I don’t. My weight was not a problem until my early twenties. The first time I went on a diet was because I wanted to look my best for my wedding. The solution was the grapefruit diet; lose 10 pounds in 10 days.   The grapefruit diet was the beginning of my search for the magic formula. It started me down a road of countless failed attempts at weight loss through fad diets, exercise programs and even weight loss medication. Sure I lost weight but I always gained back what I lost and more. I look back now and know I failed every time because I never changed my behavior.  The extra weight contributed to elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels. All the indicators suggested that I was a prime candidate for a heart attack. My doctor wanted me to lose weight and I wanted the same thing but just could not make it happen.  Finally my doctor presented two options: lap band surgery or a medically supervised, low calorie diet. Given those choices, I went with the medically supervised low calorie diet.  After all, if it didn’t work I could always have the surgery.    I made an appointment with Dr. Isaacs and his team. My first HMR session was just before Thanksgiving 2008. I wasn’t optimistic about success but during the first session I made a decision to do what was suggested. It definitely was one of my better decisions.   The HMR program has three phases: Core, Transition, and Maintenance.  Core was a medically supervised, low calorie diet of HMR Shakes. The weight immediately started to come off. It was not long before I added HMR Entrees, HMR Benefit Bars and HMR Cereal to the diet. Even with the extra calories the weight still continued to come off.   Transition was the switch from the medically supervised, low calorie Core diet to Maintenance. During Transition vegetables, fruits and finally lean protein were added to my diet.  I am now in Maintenance and I am learning how to eat a healthy, well balanced diet. The HMR program was a complete success for me. I shed pounds and inches off my waist. I weigh what I weighed in high school. Also my health is improved. I exercise regularly and feel like I am in better physical shape than I have been in decades.  I did not do this alone. It truly was a team effort. The HMR program was the foundation but Dr. Isaacs and his staff provided the support, education and motivation needed to make it a success.

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Over the years, I've started many weight loss programs and been moderately successful every time. But, my mindset was never right. I always thought that once I lost the weight I could go back to my “normal” way of eating. I didn't consciously understand that my idea of normal really wasn't normal. Consequently, the weight came back. As a result of the HMR classes, I've come to clarify my definition of normal eating – a meal plan that includes tons of fruits & vegetables and allows me to sustain my weight loss. Coming to Dr. Isaac's office was the best decision I had made for myself in a long time. I was ready to make a change and surrender to the experts. With this positive outlook, losing weight on this program was actually quite easy. Not to say it wasn't challenging! But, committing to the entire program (attending class, keeping records, exercising, adhering to the eating plan, regular exercise) meant that I knew everyday I was getting more and more healthy and losing weight. Every member of Dr. Isaac's staff is supportive and encouraging and that has made all the difference. They care about the success of each individual patient and work with you to meet your goals. I lost 80+ pounds during the weight loss phase and am continuing toward my goal in maintenance. I know that maintenance will be the most challenging part of my journey. That's why I'm so pleased that with the HMR program at Dr. Isaac's office I found the right program, at the right time and with the right people. I'm well on my way to my goal!
Melissa

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I just felt ugly. I had just finished looking at our summer beach pictures which were to be shared with all our family as our annual Christmas card--then it struck me that the size I was, was not what I wanted for myself. The copies of the pictures were never made BUT my journey had begun to find a healthy, thinner me. My primary care physician recommended the HMR program at Dr. Scott Isaacs' clinic. There were some other issues in my life that were pressing in and I knew I needed a plan for a healthy lifestyle that would be well suited to me. I found that healthy lifestyle I was looking for with HMR and Atlanta Endocrine Associates . I decided to go with the "no decision" plan. Being a list maker at heart, the "no decision" plan gave me the "list" and I happily checked it off daily when I had my meal replacements and physical activity completed. After going through the Core class, I learned the skills I needed to know to become healthy and to loose the unnecessary weight and I have now changed to the Maintenance program which allows more food choices. Each class gives me time to plan for the weekly food and/or physical activity assignments and how they will be accomplished during the next week. Our Health Educators assist when we need help in figuring out how to get all the food we need to eat in, as well as the physical activity. The classes are interesting since they teach about what we need to know about the food we eat as well as what the culture entices us to eat. The Health Educators are extremely helpful and encouraging. They welcome phone calls and emails when temptation arises. They also expect a midweek phone call, so they are ever present along this journey of a new healthy life style. Health Management Resources has made me a different me and I love it and I love all the compliments!!! People who haven't seen me in a while can't believe the new me. I tell them about HMR and how it has changed my life. --Brenda

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I had a baby in February 2003 and never really took any of the weight off.  I am a real estate agent and walk up and down stairs a lot while I show homes and was always winded at work.  It made me feel old and out of shape so I drew a line in the sand and decided to do something about it. In February 2005, I called a client who had a tremendous success with weight loss and maintaining her loss so I asked her if she would tell me how she did it.  She told me about Dr. Isaacs and all the great people at the Atlanta Endocrine Associates.  I signed up right away and in what seemed like no time I had dropped 50 pounds.  The program was easy to follow, and the support and one on one accountability really helped me stay on track.  My first week on the diet I couldn't walk on the treadmill more than 5 minutes at a time because I was so out of shape.  Now I could walk on the treadmill for hours and I can climb stairs all day long without feeling winded. I am healthier, fit and have a much better self image.  You really learn how to eat so that you will be healthy and satisfied.  The education that you receive while on this diet is invaluable.  I have tried a lot of different diets and pills and never really experienced any success. This program definitely worked for me and it can work for you too.  It has changed my life.

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The best decision I made in 2005 was to attend the orientation class at Atlanta Endocrine Associates and start Healthy Solutions! Since May 18, 2005 I have lost 77 pounds. It has been the best thing I have done for myself, health-wise in my entire life. My blood pressure was elevated and I weighed 242 ½ pounds, the most I had ever weighed in 54 years! At the beginning I went on blood pressure medicine but because of my weight loss and exercise regimen, my Primary Care doctor has taken me off the medicine completely. She said I was a walking testimony that eating right and exercise can make a big difference in your blood pressure.   Dr. Isaacs and the staff at AEA have been so supportive and informative in this process. I am changing my lifestyle and with their help each week, I understand why it is necessary to make those changes. I like the disciplined approach in Healthy Solutions. Keeping a food journal and keeping up with calories earned in physical activity will be a part of my life from now on. The accountability of the program, the support of family, fellow classmates and staff and the knowledge that I am doing the best thing I can do for myself makes this an exciting new year to look forward to!

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In April of 2005, I made the rounds for my annual checkups. Each visit began about the same "Hi! How are you? Have you considered gastric-by-pass?" Each doctor waxed on about the many benefits, blah, blah, blah! I wasn't hearing any of it. My cardiologist tried the scared straight method. He told me he did not know too many 60-year-old women my size. That registered but did not cause me to consider my alternatives. Finally, after a few visits and some blood work, I had moved from "Borderline Diabetic" to "could be Diabetic". My Doctor suggested I go to see Dr. Isaacs. " And by the way, they have a great weight loss program you might want to consider", my doctor had added in, just as a suggestion. So, in I came for an orientation for this great weight loss program, bringing my, "it can't hurt" attitude. Before I knew it, and certainly not by any design of my own, I signed on, still saying "it can't hurt". I made this decision with feelings of resignation and with a bit of a point to prove. Gastric-by-pass, I'll show you!! That was the end of May 2005, and now it is January 2006, and I have lost 97 pounds (that's 3 pounds from 100 pounds, in case you could not do the math!) And show them, I sure did! But more importantly, I showed me. I have followed the program, stayed "in the box", which means I don't cheat. Let me clarify, I do not cheat myself, I do not sabotage myself, and I do not let myself give up or give in. It has taken every ounce (or pound) of my will power, it has taken the tremendous support of my family and friends, and it has taken an awesome group of people at Atlanta Endocrine Associates and my classmates, to make it to this point. And I am not there yet, I have a much smaller way to go but I am confident I will get there. There is no other choice, because I went from " it can't hurt", to - "it will hurt if I can't ". Lastly, I want to tell you what a difference it has made in my life. I am a 42-year-old mother of three children and have been married for almost 18 years. I have three part time jobs and lots of part-time volunteer jobs. My life is very full but now, I can actually keep up with it. I am always going and I can move like the wind. I feel light as a feather and everything feels better. By the way, I have gone done 12+ sizes, and I actually have jeans that fit me and look good. It is amazing! As for my health, I hope to leave Diabetes behind and I draw closer to that goal. There are so many wonderful benefits to this program that I can only say that seeing me will make you believe that it is possible. And hopefully give you the push to join me and all of my classmates toward a slimmer, healthier life.
-BS
January 18, 2006

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When I came to Dr. Isaacs, I was feeling terrible. I knew I needed help to lose the weight I had gained.
I also knew I needed something "brainless and fast" so I would not have to do a lot of thinking, counting,
measuring, etc. and I would have enough results to keep me on track. I did exactly what they told me to do
when they told me to do it, and the weight just melted off of me! I reached my goal weight in 17 weeks.
That's the first best part of the program - very quick results.

The second best part is the long aftercare program available to us. The maintenance classes will
carry us through for more than a year after we reach our goal weight. They teach us all the skills we really
need to know to stay on track and to maintain the healthy lifestyle we have begun here. We learn about
nutrition, exercise, portion control, monitoring our weight, etc. etc. All of this has helped me to feel much
more confident about my ability to keep this weight off for the rest of my life. The staff at AEA is dedicated
to what they do, and it shows. Thank you AEA!
-MR

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Over the past eight months, I have been successful in my weight loss mainly because I have been reintroduced to a healthy lifestyle. The staff at the Atlanta Endocrine Associates has supported me and my crazy work schedule, helping me balance meal replacements and replacing unhealthy snack foods with fruits and veggies. I am now able to maintain my normal social life including eating at restaurants and going out with friends by having them support me in my weight loss. Overall, I have really enjoyed my experience at the Atlanta Endocrine Associates and feel that the skills and strategies I have learned will enable me to continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep the weight off!
-LM

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I started this program just like I had started every other diet with skepticism. However, I quickly learned that HMR was different. I didn't have to deprive myself to lose weight. I simply ate all of the meal replacements, shakes, vegetables, and fruits that I wanted. That's it. The weekly meetings quickly started teaching me the importance of good nutrition and exercise, and the support from the AEA staff was invaluable. For the first time in years, I've lost my weight and have the tools to keep it off.
-LC (lost 76 pounds in 32 weeks on the healthy solutions program)

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"I found this program when I had two ruptured discs in my back and I could hardly move. I weighed 396 lbs and was considering having bariatric surgery. My doctor wouldn't even do the surgery until I lost 100 lbs, but I feel so much better now that I don't even need it. Initially, in the first 13 weeks of the program, I lost about 70 lbs and then joined the maintenance program and have lost a total of 116 lbs. This is the best program out there."
JH -maintaining 100% of weight loss and still losing

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"I am ending my 19th week on the program and have lost 104 lbs. Needless to say, I have been thrilled with the results and would give anyone who is thinking about joining my highest recommendation. The program has provided me with the information I need to not only stay on the diet, but to keep the weight off permanently."
JL - maintaining 154 lb loss

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"I had already tried Atkins, Sugar Busters, Weight Watchers, and the infamous cabbage soup diet. I was skeptical about my success in a program that allowed shakes and entrees, fruits and vegetables full of carbs and sugars. To my total amazement, I lost 6 lbs the first week, and averaged 4 lbs per week during the first 13 weeks, continued the weight loss in maintenance, and have lost 54 lbs. At 143 lbs, I feel fantastic, and HMR has helped me to rethink my approach to eating and exercising."
CB - maintaining 51 lb loss

"For two years, I denied that my erratic blood sugar tests meant I had Type 2 Diabetes. My health was no longer great and liver enzymes were elevated, and by my 65th birthday, I finally got it. I have just finished four weeks on the VLCD program and I feel wonderful. I am totally off oral medication. My blood pressure is much better and I will soon be off medication for hypertension. I can't imagine any food more appealing than my health. I am so grateful for the support of the staff and Dr. Isaacs and the HMR program."
PL - lost 46 lbs and still losing

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"I have had a battle with weight for most of my life. I am a compulsive eater; therefore, food is my 'drug of choice'. Four years ago, I was told I have Type 2 Diabetes. I was always confused about whether or not the latest 'fad' diet was good for me. I knew I needed to find a place where all of the issues of my weight problem could be addressed. I went to my computer and found the Atlanta Endocrine Associates. I truly felt that I found the right place. I made an appointment with Dr. Isaacs and then went the bookstore and bought his book and read it before I saw him. At this point, I have lost 43 lbs, my blood pressure is under control, and I have significantly decreased my diabetes medication. I am living again instead of committing a slow suicide. I am even beginning to run…something I never imagined my 50+ body could ever do. The program works better than any other program that I have ever tried not only because of the nutrition but also because of the support from the staff and my fellow classmates."
RP - lost 50 lbs and still losing

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"As of today's date, I am ending my 19th week on the HMR program and have lost 104 pounds. Needless to say, I have been thrilled with the results that I have gotten by participating in the program, and would give anyone who is thinking about joining my highest recommendation.

All of the staff has been extremely supportive and have made the program an over pleasant experience. The program has provided me with the information I need to not only stay on the diet, but to keep the weight off permanently. I feel like I am being equipped to truly make a lifestyle change.

My health educator, Jennifer Watson, does an outstanding job. Jennifer cares about her patients and is always offering encouragement. The results of our groups are due in large part to Jennifer's support.
The HMR program works and I would greatly encourage anyone who needs to lose weight to join. "

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"By the time I started HMR in February 2003 (at 5'4", 197 pounds), I had already tried Atkins, Sugar Busters, Weight Watchers, and the infamous cabbage soup diet. These diets had me convinced that my obesity was a direct result of my carbohydrate and sugar intake, so my first day of the HMR core course, I was skeptical about my success in a program that allowed shakes, entrees, fruits, and vegetables full of carbohydrates and sugars. I distinctly remember voicing my reservations to my Healthy Solutions instructor ("Jennifer, there are way too many sugars in these shakes! I know I won't lose any weight!"), who wisely told me that there was no way I wouldn't lose weight if I stayed in the box and followed the Triple Imperative.

To my total amazement, I lost 6 pounds in the first week, averaged 4 pounds per week in my 13 weeks in core, continued the weight loss in maintenance, and after 10 months, I've lost 54 pounds. At 143 pounds, I'm only 13 pounds away from my goal weight, I feel fantastic. Best of all HMR has helped me rethink my approach to eating and exercising.

Before HMR, I viewed food as entertainment, and was emotionally involved with each meal. I never considered how many calories I was consuming, and I certainly never equated weight gain or loss with calorie intake. HMR changed that. I have spent the past year making fruits and vegetables and physical activity a part of my daily routine. Thanks to the support of the HMR team of instructors, I feel confident about my ability to make the HMR philosophy a truly integrated part of my life."

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"My Experience has been very positive. As a result of being diagnosed with diabetes, I came to see Dr. Isaacs who told me about the program. The core program went very well and all the health numbers including cholesterol, blood sugar, etc. became more normal. There is enough variety that I never feel deprived. Jennifer is very inspiring and always provides great information about health, nutrition, and exercise. I am looking forward to the Blitz when I can go further in my weight loss. The staff is always courteous and caring and the groups are very supportive."

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"I was referred to HMR and the Atlanta Endocrine Associates by my doctor. I was emotional about learning that I had insulin resistance and polycystic ovarian syndrome. After participating in the VLCD program and losing 35 pounds, I now have regular menstrual cycles where prior to HMR I has a cycle that lasted 4 months. My health has improved, my mental health has improved dramatically and I now have hope that as I continue to lose weight I will begin to regularly ovulate which has given me hope in overcoming infertility and also preventing uterine cancer. I have this hope and improvement just by losing 10% of my body weight. I was told 10% loss would improve my health, it took HMR for me to actually believe through the HMR experience that I can improve my health when for many years I did not succeed in losing anything even close to 10% of my body weight."

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"No program has ever helped me lose weight and maintain that loss. Healthy Solutions has helped me do that and begin the process of how I think about food and how I eat. Every aspect of the program- phone calls, attendance, TI, etc., help us learn, plan and prepare, then experience success. Thanks!"

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"Like many others, I have tried numerous diets over the years and have lost weight. Like many others I have gained it back. I have been successful losing weight on Healthy Solutions. In this case, both my husband (who has been on VLCD) and I have dieted together and I truly believe that not only have wee been successful at losing weight, I feel confident the weight will stay off!

I believe that we have been successful for the following reasons:

• As suspicious as I was of the mantra, "More is Better" it has turned out to be true. Further it assures that you are never hungry as you are on many diets; therefore, that mental feeling of feeling food deprived is eliminated.
• The Health Educators teach, reinforce information and share research to support our weight loss.\
• The emphasis on the importance of the Triple Imperative keeps participants keeping records daily, exercising regularly, and staying in the box.
• The foods are palatable and creative recipes to add even more variety to the flavor are encouraged. Those recipe ideas are regularly shared.
• The support one gets from the weekly meeting is invaluable. Participants encourage one another, root for one another, and are genuinely pleased with the successes of others as well as their own.
• The Health Educators actually call if they feel that you were "down" or discouraged to help you get over the long haul in order to keep the weight off.
• If husband and wife diet together, meals are much easier. Physical Activity becomes a regular part of their lifestyle. They can support each other over the course of the diet program and help each other maintain once goal weight has been reached.

So many of our acquaintances have asked us about our weight loss and how we did it. I am always glad to share the tenets of HMR because they have been effective for my husband and me and also because I believe I'm doing this for the last time. This time the weight is off for good!"

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"Since beginning the HMR program 24 weeks ago I have lost 75 pounds. During this time my need for insulin (I'm have type 2 diabetes) has decreased from approximately 60 plus units daily to 24 units a day. My most recent HbA1c was 5.3. I'm told this equates to an average blood sugar of approximately 114 over the past 3 months. My overall goals are to lose 80 pounds and to get off insulin. As I near these goals I believe that they are both attainable thanks to the folks at Atlanta Endocrine Associates and HMR.

With the positive well-informed support I receive from my health educator, Jennifer Watson, and with the careful medical supervision of Dr. Scott Isaacs, I know that when I begin the maintenance phase of the program I will continue to be successful. Other benefits of the program include the support of others in my group, an increased energy level, decrease in knee joint pain due to arthritis and better self-esteem.
Thanks!

P.S. I tried to lose weight many times before but continually ran into blood sugar lows (hypoglycemia). After the first week of the program the "lows" were a thing of the past and I was able to really begin to lose weight

P.P.S. Statistical Improvement: 1) Neck size reduced from 19 to 16, 2) chest size went from 52 to 44, 3) waist size went from 48 to 37."

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"I feel great! How much more can I say? My clothes fit. I can shop in a lot more stores than ever before. I can walk a mile without getting winded. I can get through a high-intensity aerobics class and feel invigorated afterward. I am more confident, more relaxed and I sleep better. My blood pressure has dropped from "ready to check into a hospital" to totally normal- and even better than average 120/80! I am more confident at work and I have more energy to be the best mom I can be. When I'm through maintenance, I'll feel lucky to be around to watch my son grow up, knowing I'll be with him through it all."

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"Even though both my mother and sister were obese and became type 2 diabetics and both suffered from strokes it didn't concern me because I was always active and healthy and on some sort of diet. After I had an injury several years ago my exercise program diminished and my weight accelerated. For two years I denied that my erratic blood sugar tests meant that I had type 2 diabetes. My health was no longer great and liver enzymes were elevated and by my 65th birthday I finally got it. I was setting myself up for all of the problems my mom had health wise. A friend told me about her husband's success with HMR and I called and set up an appointment that day. I have just finished four weeks of the VLCD and feel wonderful. I am totally off of the oral medication that I was taking for blood sugar. My liver enzyme count was almost normal at the last blood test. My blood pressure is better and I believe Dr. Isaacs when he says that I can get off of the medication for hypertension. I haven't missed any of the holiday activities because I plan ahead and take whatever I need to keep me from being hungry. I plan to stay the course through maintenance and I'm sure there will be temptations at some point but I just can't imagine any food more appealing to me than good health. I am so grateful for the support of the staff and Dr. Isaacs and the HMR program."

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"How has HMR affected me? Only in every aspect of my life. My health is improving daily with each shake I drink and each step I take. To finally find a program I can virtually lose weight on without thinking, not having to focus on what I can't have and being totally able to focus on reorganizing my life around activities and not around food is a Godsend. For the first time in memory, I'm not having a constant allergic reaction to something. I feel great, I'm told I look great (so many times a day it is embarrassing) and I'm just having a great time. I'm looking forward to the reefed process so I can determine exactly what foods don't agree with me so I can avoid them and what foods will agree with me. There isn't an area of my life that HMR hasn't affected. I thank my primary care physician every day for sending me to Dr. Isaacs and HMR."