Fountain of Youth
For The 21st Century
Authors: James E. Pickens, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Private Practice of Plastic Surgery
Extreme Wellness Clinic
In Partnership with Sylvia R. Pickens, M.B.A.
Wife and Companion
425 Medical Drive, Suite 110
Bountiful, Utah 84010
phone: 801.335.0529
fax: 801.335.0535
toll-free: 888.289.1697
www.extremewellnessclinic.com
Model: Gina M. Gregg
Salt lake City, Utah
Model: Julie Bussell
Salt Lake City, Utah
PREFACE: | TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Preface:
The authors have written this book from the perspective of extensive education and experience in the fields of cosmetic surgery, skin care and age management. This is not a literary effort but our attempt to set up a program that will work for readers to lose weight, become healthier, find the personal image desired, and increase the quality of life. Building self-esteem through good health is a major objective of this book. Education and advice on how to look your best is a product of our education as health care providers and our extensive experience in cosmetic improvement. Feeling healthy and looking your best make life a joy for yourself and those you love as we are intended by Nature to enjoy. Read this book and if you feel it includes a plan that fits your needs, go over it with your family physician or if you don’t have one, ask your friends for references and find a physician to guide you with the program outlined in this book. You will be unable to embark on this program without a physician since it includes prescription medications and a vigorous exercise program. You will need medical advice for the exercise which will be dependent on your individual health and physical condition.
Our practice of cosmetic surgery has brought many people who desire to improve their individual appearance. But, before surgery can be performed, many need to lose weight. For many years, I have had to turn down these patients since their obesity would jeopardize the safety of surgery. In order to help these people, I have studied bariatric medicine and specialized in the treatment of obesity. This is a vital issue because more than half of adult Americans – about 97 million are estimated to be over weight. Of those, 39 million are considered obese or more than 30 pounds overweight. More than 20 percent of children are overweight, a number that has doubled in recent decades.
Extra pounds are more than unsightly: It has been estimated that they contribute to 300,000 deaths each year. The annual cost of treating health problems related to obesity has been estimated at $100 billion.
Past Surgeon General David Satcher states: “Obesity is a major public health problem in this country and one that deserves much more attention than it receives.” As a Plastic Surgeon and Age Management Physician, obesity receives a major emphasis in my practice. When one of my patients begins my program, they benefit not only themselves but their families. I stress this emphatically to my patients.
In my extensive experience in working with overweight patients, I have established three components of successful weight loss: exercise, nutrition and medication. When a patient has thirty or more pounds to lose, all three components are required for success. When the patient reaches the goal weight, then two of these components together can be combined to keep the weight consistently in control. My program is easy to follow and will achieve results if the patient puts effort into it as well as the physician. Prescription medication can help to lose weight and when used properly, is safe. Some patients feel guilty because they have to use medication but thaqt is unfair. If you have hypertension, medication is required to regulate that: if you are diabetic, you need insulin and so on. Appetite suppressants and fat blockers help to lose weight and to regulate. If you stop your hypertensive drug or insulin, the problem recurs. The same will happen with weight loss medications. The threats to your overall health if you are overweight are much greater if you don’t keep your weight at a healthy level.
