Dr. Johnson had over 40 years experience in treating overweight patients. He was one of less than 200 physicians in the world Board Certified in Bariatric Medicine; and was past president of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians (the national society of physicians who treat obesity and related conditions). He also assisted in instructing hundreds of physicians across the nation in the “how-to” of treating people with this multifaceted disease complex. There have been numerous physicians from all over the United States who have visited his office in Charleston in order to pattern their practices after it.

The American Society of Bariatric Physicians has recently honored Dr. Johnson by naming the “Ambassador of the Year” award after him. This award recognizes physicians who have been outstanding mentors to ASBP members.

Dr. Johnson first began working with the problem of obesity in 1958 – planning a program to help patients lose weight quickly and safely. He took much pride in pioneering the successful PSMF program (Protein Sparing Modified Fast) in South Carolina. He was using this program 10 years before Trident Hospital, the Medical University, Oprah, or anyone else in South Carolina. There are many now which strive to be “clones”, but, unfortunately, they miss several highly desirable and necessary components of the program. Over the years, there have been many improvements and innovations in the programs designed to help patients lose weight quickly and safely. We have been helped and guided by these improvements, but more importantly, by the feedback from the thousands of overweight patients we’ve dealt with. This extensive experience has led us to the conclusion that permanent success can only be achieved through a COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM.

There are a few steps that are necessary in order for you to safely be on a weight-loss regime. You will be required to have an initial lab work-up, an EKG, and a brief examination by our physician. The lab work and EKG are done on your initial visit and you will return when these results are back (usually 24-48 hrs) for your exam. You will leave our office that day with everything you will need to start your journey to the “new you”.

Permanent success can only be achieved through a Comprehensive Program.

What is a comprehensive program? Without a doubt, the keystone to your success is education – nutritional, psychological and exercise education. This is followed closely by good self-esteem. This is absolutely necessary – otherwise failure will occur and you will regain your lost weight!

The decision you make to achieve and maintain your proper, healthful body weight will mark a milestone in your life! This is one of the most important decisions you will ever make.

So, you may ask, which program is for me?? Choosing the proper weight loss program is a most important decision. The very success or failure of your efforts may well depend on the right choice.

We have two basic programs that we normally start new patients on:

The Protein Sparing Modified Fast Program (PSMF). A fasting-type program, this is the most rapid method of weight loss because no solid food is permitted at all. All of your nutritional needs are met through the use of protein supplements, vitamins, minerals and trace elements. This program is difficult and probably should not be attempted by those people who feel that they have to eat. Normally for someone who needs to lose 50 pounds or more.

The Modified Program. This program allows for a bit of variety and choice-making. Your nutritional needs are met by protein supplements, vitamins, minerals, trace elements and 1 or 2 high protein meals per day. This program allows for some choosing of foods and should only be attempted by those with at least a bit of discipline.

Once your goal weight is achieved, you will be on our maintenance program. This will ensure that the goal weight that you have worked so hard to achieve is maintained.

As we mentioned, these are just 2 of our most popular weight-loss programs. We do, however, have other options if these are not suitable to your needs.