Weight Loss Success Stories

One of the most important aspects to any natural weight loss "success story" is that it's still a success story two, three, five years down the road. The medically monitored safe weight loss approach to obesity taken by The Center for Medical Weight Loss was established to treat obesity as the medical condition it is, which we believe is the key to creating the best weight loss program for you. This means it's not simply a " quick weight loss fix," but a diet program designed by your physician to help you lose weight by "breaking down" the effects of obesity and "building up" the habits required for long-term health and fitness. The good news for a majority of our weight loss patients is that their success is an on-going story!

We invite you to read a few healthy weight loss success stories from The Center for Medical Weight Loss and invite you to come in and start creating one of your own.
A message from Dr. Kaplan, founder and president

A Husband and Wife Success Story
Howard F. (lost 285 lbs)

I knew that if I had a serious attack, I might need surgery. But what doctor would risk operating on someone as obese as I was? I was newly married and my wife was full of energy. All I wanted to do was stay home and watch TV, eat and sleep.

At 505 pounds, I was in constant pain. My knees started making strange noises and started to give out when I stood up. I was living on anti-inflammatory medication. I couldn't do basic work around the house. There were weeks my pain was so severe, I missed work. My wife wanted to hug me but I would scream out in pain. I wanted to take my wife away on vacations, but my back pain left me confined to hotel beds.

I was miserable because of chronic pain. I was depressed because my life revolved around eating. Life was passing me by. Finally, last January, something inside me clicked. I could no longer take the pain or depression. Over the previous 10-year period I had made several half-hearted attempts to get healthy. Like most obese people, I was an expert on diets. I knew just about every diet but couldn't stick with anything.

Nothing people said to me had any impact or motivated me. The more depressed I got the more I ate. I made an appointment with Dr. Kaplan because I was familiar with some of the nutritional products he was prescribing. They had helped me lose 100 pounds many years ago. I kept the weight off all through college by maintaining a strict fitness program. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that these products are now easier to use and offered lots of tasty soups and bars in addition to shakes. Over the last nine months I have lost 250 pounds! I'll continue on the plan until I reach my goal of weighing 205 pounds.

Dr. Kaplan saved my life. I no longer suffer with back or knee pain. I am no longer tired. I am able to engage in exercise and I have even been able to ride a roller coaster! I am no longer a prisoner trapped inside my body. I no longer worry whether I can fit into a car or whether a seat can hold me. I feel very fortunate that Dr. Kaplan's office exists. The Center for Medical Weight Loss got me the results I was looking for without surgery. Dr. Kaplan has given me an appreciation for my health. I never thought it would be possible for me to feel this good again




Colleen L. F.  (Lost 90 lbs)

I have an addictive personality. I've been using food as my drug of choice since I was about 5 or 6 years old, only I didn't know it until about 2 years ago...

I remember being made fun of for being fat all throughout my childhood years by my peers, which of course made me eat more. I tried almost every diet out there, at least twice! I know everything there is to know about dieting, exercise, and how to get and stay healthy..yet, I was morbidly obese.

The most I lost at any time was about 89 pounds, and since I was 12 or 13, I have never seen the scale go lower than 203 pounds. I have never in my teenage and adult life seen a number "1" as the first number in my weight. And each time I lost, I regained. My highest weight ever was about 310 pounds. Not only did I wear my addiction so everyone could see, but I was so unhealthy and even more unhappy on the inside.

My knees began to crackle and pop when I bent down, my back was always hurting me. I couldn't stand at the kitchen sink to wash dishes without being in so much pain that I had to stop and lean over just to take the pressure off. My ankles were always swollen and they actually hurt :-( I couldn't walk a flight of stairs without being out of breath by time I got to the top. My boss once noticed my breathing heavy just from me crossing the office! How out of shape must I have been to be out of breath just from crossing a room?! One of the worst, more embarrassing experiences happened this past summer when my husband and I went to an amusement park and I attempted to get on a roller coaster, only I didn't fit. Not only was I mortified, but I felt so bad for my husband. He's my best friend and I want nothing more than to make him smile. He's my buddy, my partner, and I'm his, so when his "buddy" couldn't fit on the ride, she felt like a total let down. It broke my heart. My addiction to food was hurting more than just me..

I was very reluctant to try a medical diet because I thought to myself "how can this possibly help me with my addiction?!" But, my husband had successfully lost 321 pounds on it, and kept if off, so I decided to at least hear-out Dr. Kaplan. Much to my amazement, one of the very first things he mentioned was a liquid diet as a tool for my "addiction." Wow! If ever someone used a keyword to get my ears to perk up and listen! Like I mentioned before, I'd known for about 2 years that food was an addiction to me so when Dr. Kaplan mentioned it, I knew I was in the right place.

Dr. Kaplan was great! He was soft spoken and very caring. He didn't treat me like a dollar amount or make me feel like I'm some lazy woman who sits around all day eating and just getting fat. He addressed my addiction in a very professional, empathetic manner. I weighed 279 pounds at that visit...

My medical weight loss journey hasn't been easy for me. In fact, it's had as many ups as it has downs. The beginning was a struggle. Taking away my "drug" was mentally torturous. I was an emotional mess. But I decided to stick it out. After all, this was my addiction withdrawal period and I knew it. So as difficult as it was, I hung on for dear life.

There was one week in the beginning when I managed to GAIN a pound of fat. I was devastated and so discouraged. How could this have happened?! I had been completely on-plan and I gained?! I was scared to death that everyone was going to look at me, point and say "well, you MUST have eaten regular food." Much to my surprise, Dr. Kaplan never thought any of this was my doing and he was very supportive. He told me he in fact has seen this type of thing before, and it is usually with women and almost always a hormone imbalance. I was sent for blood-work and low and behold, I was diagnosed with PCOS and as being glucose intolerant; on a cellular level, the glucose was not being absorbed, therefore turning into fat. Believe me, this was GOOD news! Dr. Kaplan prescribed me with the proper medication and I haven't had a problem since! I am so grateful for the extra special care I received..so grateful.

Each week I see Carol, the Nurse Practitioner for my visit. She is upbeat, perky, very nice and also caring. Oh, and she calls me "Lovie," which I like because it shows she really does care :-) I go for my weekly visit and I don't feel rushed at all! She sits with me, talks to me and listens to how I'm feeling, any troubles I have, etc. She's been on my side throughout my journey and for her I am also grateful. As for the rest of the staff at the Smithtown office..AWESOME! They're all so nice..Michelle, Sarah, Dawn.

You might ask yourself how medical weight loss helped, or has been helping me with my addiction. Here is my answer: Food is my "drug." I took my drug out of the picture for a while so I can concentrate on what my real issues are. You see, food is what I needed to help me build my cast of fat around the real problems that were affecting me. Being fat was my "cover-up." My real issues were much deeper than that. If I put all my effort into dieting my whole life I could ignore my real problems. So, I decided that not only taking my drug away from me, but also going to therapy to work on WHY I EAT, would offer me some permanent success.

I began my care on October 27th, 2005, weighing 279 pounds and feeling simply awful. As of last night (after 5 months) I weigh 197.5 pounds and feel amazing! That's right, I am in ONEderland!! WOOHOO! I am in AWE! I am SO excited! I have a brand new life! My Goodness, I have a "1" as the first number in my weight....

With the help of Dr. Kaplan, Nurse Carol, & the rest of the wonderful office staff, I AM succeeding! As my husband and I say, "I'm kicking Fat's butt!"

Essie B. (Lost 110lbs)

Losing 110 pounds in five months… it changed my life!

In the last 5 months my life has changed so much for the better. My self esteem is on the rise and I feel so good!. At my all time highest, I weighed 343 lbs!! After trying so many diets unsuccessfully in the past, I was desperate. I was praying that God would help me.

One day while reading the NY Post, I saw this advertisement for The Center for Medical Weight Loss so I called. Five months later, this is the new me!

The staff was so considerate and courteous that my experience was great. And the doctors were very patient as well. They never hesitated to address any questions or concerns that I had. They even worked closely with my family physician.

If you are really serious about changing your life, I totally recommend The Center for Medical Weight Loss. It made a permanent difference in my life and I'm most confident that it will make a difference in yours too!








Paul M. (lost 119 lbs)

Meeting Dr. Kaplan for the first time, you realize he's a man on a mission. His passion for his patients is very apparent. He wants to tackle the obesity epidemic one person at a time. His examinations are very thorough.

Claudia R. (lost 28 lbs)

I wish I could tell everyone who is struggling with their weight to drop everything and run to Dr. Kaplan's and get on this program as soon as possible. This has been the best thing that I have ever done for myself! And, I must say, the easiest to stick to.

Andrew L.  (Lost 162 lbs)

You can tell the doctor is here to help and really cares. After I started losing weight, I was able to stop taking my blood pressure medication, and my low back started feeling better. I don’t have pain anymore! It’s not a miracle… it just makes sense. My advice is this: Call The Center for Medical Weight Loss and listen to the doctor. You’ll add ten years to your life. It’s not that hard!

Lawrence S.  (Lost 108 lbs)

This is the first program that I’ve been in where the stress is on real “life change” and not just short term weight loss. That is so important to me. I’ve tried many other programs, but at The Center for Medical Weight Loss, I finally feel like I am going to be able to maintain the progress I’ve achieved.

Catherine L.  (Lost 39 lbs)

My doctor has given me a new lease on life! Although I think weight loss is different for different people, I think The Center for Medical Weight Loss program is something you can depend on. It is easy to follow and the results are pretty immediate. The doctor and his staff were so nice… the process is not difficult. If you want to lose weight, my advice is to call soon. Help is near!

Janice H.  (Lost 32 lbs)

I am very happy. This diet seems to give me energy and make me feel great. On many diets I have felt tired and sick. The doctor is very caring and his staff is great. I feel so good!

Rebecca B.  (Lost 24 lbs)

I have tried Weight Watchers, Atkins, Lean Line and many others over the years. I have to say, The Center for Medical Weight Loss has been the most effective program for me. It has definitely been the easiest program I have ever tried, and I would recommend it to anyone who has tried to lose weight unsuccessfully in the past, or if this is the first time you’re trying to lose weight, you’re in the right place.

Kathryne R.  (Lost 24 lbs

Out of all the diets, Scarsdale, Cabbage, Weight Watchers that I have tried, this program is the quickest I’ve ever been able to lose weight on. I have told many people about The Center for Medical Weight Loss and they always thank me later.

Jaime D.  (Lost 28 lbs)

I think many programs work if you’re dedicated to them. The problem is they work much slower! I love this program!

Astra P.  (Lost 22 lbs)

This is the best I’ve felt physically in years. Thank you! I love staff at The Center for Medical Weight Loss!

Kelly G.  (Lost 22 lbs)

This is the first program I have been on real maintenance with and I am keeping the weight off. I have already sent people to see my doctor. He makes you feel so comfortable and the staff is so dedicated to helping you. I have found this to be very easy and I am extremely happy. I’ve done Fen-Fen, Nutri-System, LA Weight Loss, Atkins, Dr. Phil, Herbal Life and so many others, so I know what I’m talking about! I would recommend The Center for Medical Weight Loss to everyone.

Gail Q.  (Lost 21 lbs)

This diet is faster and more convenient than any that I have tried in the past… and there have been a lot of them! I have been on the South Beach Diet, Atkins, Jenny Craig, LA Weight Loss, Cabbage diet, Weight Watchers and the 2-Day diet. The Center for Medical Weight Loss is better. It’s reliable and you know you’re in good hands.

Constance V.  (Lost 11 lbs)

I like this program because there’s no guessing. It’s all laid out for you and you don’t have to think about what to do. And there are no cravings. I have been on Zone diet, Weight Watchers, OA and many others. I would recommend The Center for Medical Weight Loss to anyone serious about losing weight and feeling better about themselves.

Eleanor H.  (Lost 15 lbs)

In the distant past, I have tried many programs that have proven to be ineffective, however; this program has actually shown good results. I am very happy about that. I would recommend The Center for Medical Weight Loss to anyone having trouble losing weight.

Louise K.   (Lost 13 lbs)

This is the best I’ve done in the shortest period of time. My husband is very happy with the results… because I’m happy! I would definitely recommend this to my friends… in fact, I already have.

Grace I.  (Lost 19 lbs)

I have already recommended several people to The Center for Medical Weight Loss because it works so quickly. This is more effective than any program I have ever tried.

Eva S.  (Lost 9 lbs)

The doctor is compassionate but firm and his insights into psychology are keen. I feel very confident when I discuss my weight loss issues with the doctor that he knows what to do to help me. That is really important to me. I have tried many other programs, including Jenny Craig, LA Weight Loss and Weight Watchers; I have never felt like I was in such good hands as I feel I am now. Thank you!