Why Optifit?

 

Nearly 70% of the industrialized world is overweight, and 40% of this population is suffering from the ravaging effects of obesity. This is a tenacious disease causal in the escalating rates of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, sleep apnea, arthritis, depression and a variety of other health conditions. Obesity is linked to genetics, gender, activity patterns, social environment, and behavior. To effectively treat this complex disease, comprehensive, individualized treatment programs are required which address these factors.

Optifit combines these five essential components of weight-loss science to ensure your success:

Step one: Consultation with board-certified metabolic physicians
Step two: Accurate, precise metabolic testing
Step three: Dietitian-directed, custom formula diets
Step four: Private, efficient exercise sessions
Step five: Optifit support

For weight loss to be effective and lasting, one must eat fewer calories and exercise routinely and efficiently. In Optifit, you will make use of nutritionally complete custom formula products for convenient low-calorie, high-protein meals.  Your nutritional program will be tailored to meet your pre-measured metabolic demands.  At the same time, you will participate in brief (but maximally effective) physical training sessions with your own personal Optifit trainer. Training sessions utilize resistance training to build and recruit lean body mass and positively alter body composition during rapid weight loss. All workout sessions are customized, personal, and conducted in a private setting. This requires a 15-minute commitment twice per week. Metabolic testing is performed throughout your program to mark your progress and ensure your safety.

Behavioral support is an important element for weight loss success and is provided through weekly educational meetings directed by licensed counselors. Optifit trainers also provide valuable support and education to ensure successful lifestyle changes. Learning to implement a habit of regular exercise and smart dietary choices is the key to long term weight loss, metabolic balance, and a lifetime of health benefits.

During your entire Optifit program you will be under the supportive care and watchful eyes of a board certified metabolic physician and registered dietitian.

Our Team

John L. Pennings, M.D., FACS, FASMBS
Dr. Pennings graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Medicine and completed his surgical residency and advanced laparoscopic surgery fellowship in Portland, Oregon. He is the founder and director of Minimally Invasive Surgery Northwest, Surgical Bariatrics Northwest, and Optifit. He is a Board Certified Surgeon, a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a fellow of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. Committed in his fight against obesity, Dr. Pennings is dedicated to compassionate patient care, and to surgical excellence.

 

Cher Jacobsen, M.D.
Dr. Jacobsen graduated from the Creighton University School of Medicine and completed her family practice residency in Omaha, NE. She joins Optifit as Medical Director. Dr. Jacobsen is a member of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP) and the North American Association for the Study of Obesity (NAASO).

Kristi Flicker, Dietitian
Kristi Flicker, RD graduated from the University of Idaho with a B.S. degree in Food and Nutrition. She previously worked as a dietitian at Holy Family Hospital in Spokane, Washington.  Kristi has a passion for educating and motivating lifestyle change through nutrition and exercise. She will provide nutritional counseling and education for Optifit patients.

Sue Brangham, Optifit Support Group Coordinator
Sue Brangham, RN, LMSW has extensive experience with weight loss treatment strategies and a strong background in behavioral health. She will provide the necessary education to help you achieve dramatic behavioral changes, a critical component for a successful experience both during and long after completion of the Optifit program.

Mike Teater, Optifit Training Coordinator
Michael Teater has a B.S. degree in Sports Science and Athletic Training from the University of Idaho. He has 3 different Personal Training certifications and 16 years of experience in exercise. He founded the Exercise Institute, Inc. in 1995 and currently has 3 locations. His qualified team of Personal Trainers will provide safe, productive, exercise in a professional and private exercise facility.

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