A newsletter from the Center for Weight and Wellness Strategy, Support, Success, Weight Loss
Our Mission:
To teach patients the skills necessary to make lifestyle changes and to empower patients to implement these changes in their everyday lives. Each patient’s program is personalized based on his/ her current weight, medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and personal goals.
Te Center for Weight and Wellness provides comprehensive treatment programs designed specifcally to treat various levels of overweight and obesity. Treatment staf include physicians, psychologists, licensed mental health clinicians, social workers, physician assistants, nurses, nutritionists, health educators, and exercise physiologists. Patients can enroll in a free orientation session by calling 401-793-8790. Two locations: 146 West River Street Suite 11A, First Floor Providence, RI 02904
1377 South County Trail, Unit 1A East Greenwich, RI 02818 www.lifespan.org/centers-services/ center-weight-wellness www.facebook.com/Miriamhospital twitter.com/Miriamhospital or @MiriamHospital Instagram.com/lifespanhealth Vincent Pera, MD Medical Director
Volume 6, Issue 3
Fall 2019
Hypnosis and Weight Management by Norma Faraone-Ledgard, PhD
What is Hypnosis and how can it help you with your weight loss journey?
Hypnosis works subconsciously and can help you explore and overcome your weight management challenges. We are not referring to the entertainment variety of hypnosis where a “hypnotist” suggests an audience member act like a chicken. Under hypnosis, your attention is highly focused, and you become open to suggestions, including behavior changes that can help you lose weight. “Because of the Hypnosis Academy I am getting better and better. I have new strategies to keep me successful.” Pat M. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis - you are in complete control of the entire process. Terefore, the process is safe and reliable. Once you learn how to perform hypnosis correctly from a professional, you can then perform it daily in the comfort of your own home.
Te Center for Weight and Wellness (CWW) has started to ofer a Hypnosis Academy. Te four-session academy was frst held in May 2019 and was well received by participants. Te sessions covered a variety of topics including the fundamentals of hypnosis and suggestibility, relaxation and stress reduction, motivation, program adherence, and general good health. Patients can add this technique to their weight management tool box, along with nutrition, exercise, and cognitive and behavioral strategies for lifestyle change.
“… the Hypnosis Academy helped me learn important tools for weight loss. By the end of the academy I learned that it is ultimately up to me to use the skills I’ve learned and to grow from them.” Teresa D. Exclusive provider of
in Rhode Island
Learning how to control stress responses was a focus of the sessions. Patients reported that with their hypnosis skills, they were better able to resist eating fattening foods. It was easier to stay on course even when under stress. Tey were also seeing positive results at the scale. “… the Hypnosis Academy has been the most useful class I’ve participated in since I’ve started the Weight and Wellness program. I’ve called upon what I’ve learned several times since I tend to use food as an emotional crutch.” Angela L. Clinical hypnosis/hypnotherapy has many applications and can be used in just about any situation that depends on your own level of determination. Te Hypnosis Academy is ofered every three months, at both the East Greenwich and Providence CWW locations. Due to its popularity, a followup course, Hypnosis II is being developed and planned for a fall ofering. Te foursession course will allow participants an opportunity to strengthen their skills and dive a little deeper into this strategy. So if you have been struggling to lose weight or staying on course with your program, or if you would just like to fnd out more about the Hypnosis Academy and how it may help you, please call the Center for Weight and Wellness at 401-793-8790. Norma Ann Faraone -Ledgard, PhD has practiced in the felds of mental health and education for over 30 years. She comes to CWW with several advanced degrees in Clinical Hypnotherapy. She has specialty certifcations in Neurofeedback and Biofeedback. She is a published author and an international lecturer.
A newsletter from the Center for Weight and Wellness
What participants are saying about Fitness for All. exercise class. I highly recommend that everyone takes advantage of this resource.” Ann D
“Te exercise classes (along with the nutrition counseling and medical supervision) are an integral piece to insure success of the Optifast® program. Arianna customizes the workouts to the specifc needs of the individual - you will be amazed at how good you feel after an
“I’ve always been intimidated by formal exercise classes of all kinds. As someone who has struggled with weight, I’ve rarely felt comfortable in my body and my fexibility, strength, and balance have been poor most of my life. Yoga seemed to be a kind of practice I would never be able to participate in, let along enjoy and embrace. After success with weight loss at the CWW, however, as I entered Masters/maintenance group and began to broaden my search for ways to enhance my ftness, I thought
the supportive, sensitive environment of the Center might be a good setting for me. My yoga experiences with Joanne DeCataldo have been life-changing. Paced to gently challenge my current capabilities, I fnd that every session afrms skills I’ve mastered, and leads me into new places I never thought possible. Joanne creates a peaceful, calming atmosphere for every class, and welcomes every student. We couldn’t be more fortunate at CWW to have the opportunity to learn yoga in this way!” Sharon S.
For more information and to view class schedule, go to www.lifespan.org/centersservices/center-weight-wellness/ftness-allcenter-weight-and-wellness.
Patient Success Story: Ernie
When he does eat out he chooses healthy restaurants which display the calorie content and nutritional information about his food choices. He devotes more time to meal planning and preparation. He maintains a shopping and eating schedule. More exercise, more mobility, longer walks, lunges, lifting and balance training are now part of his exercise routine. Ernie continues to be a role model for the many patients who know him in the program. His warmth and friendliness are infectious. One of the benefts of being part of the Center for Weight & Wellness is being given the chance to support and encourage others. Tis support leads to greater success and enjoyment. Ernie’s main message is, “As you get older, remind yourself to work toward your weight loss goals because the better that portion control was a big eye-opener shape you are in may increase your health Ernie joined the modifed fast program - cutting out ice cream, candy, pasta and in August of 2017 and stuck with it for and quality of life. You can’t put a price bread was something he thought he 9 months. During this time his friends on health, happiness, and feeling good in would not be able to do and admits to and family began to marvel over his your own body. It’s worth the hard work, not even missing it now. Ernie used to determination and success. He worked you just have to do it!” hard to lose 86 pounds and has kept it of. eat out 3-4 times a week, he now only Ernie feels healthier, stronger and happier eats out once or twice per week and most of the time brings home a doggie bag. since losing weight. Below is a list of other victories he is now noticing and enjoying. • Increased breathing capacity, stamina and energy. • Down three shirt sizes. • Takes the stairs instead of the elevator. • Is satisfed with smaller amounts of food and very rarely overeats. • Body fat went from 50% down to 31%. Ernie after Ernie before • Sleeping better and feeling more rested. Ernie was informed by his primary care • Initial blood pressure ranged from 135physician that his A1C and lab work were 150/80-85 to a consistent 110/76. not optimal. Learning that his future Ernie’s commitment to attend his weekly could lead to more prescription drugs, meetings, apply what he is learning and Ernie was determined to make changes to stay on course has led to his success. He his diet. After losing 5-10 pounds on his continues in the Masters group today, own, Ernie realized he needed assistance which makes him accountable for weekly to reach a weight loss goal of 75 or more weigh-ins. He plans his meals and pounds. His PCP recommended the routinely checks-in with the dietitian and Center for Weight and Wellness. the exercise physiologist. Ernie admits
Please visit us at www.lifespan.org/centers-services/center-weight-wellness for schedule changes and new program information.