University Wellness and Weight Loss Centers, LLC

Total weight lost since opening:
17134 lbs

Total weight lost last week:
893 lbs

University Heart Institute
Local Cardiology and Internal Medicine Practice.

Our Success Stories

Brian A.

Brian A. (January 2010) Brian A. (May 2010)
Where do I start? I am 42 years old. I owe Dr. Schiff and his staff more than just a note of gratitude, but heartfelt thanks for a new chance for a healthier, and hopefully longer, life.

I had always been active and involved with physical exercise in one way or another. I played sports in high school and college, I was a U.S. Navy Diver, I was a police officer and I am currently a federal agent. I had been able to eat whatever I wanted and I worried little about gaining weight. This all changed.

While training with the Special Response Team (SRT), I had a total rotator cuff tear in my left shoulder. After having surgery, it took me 2 years to begin to be physically active again, and during that time I continued to eat like I did when I was more active, and I eventually became a different person, not just physically, but mentally. I was more temperamental, easily agitated and not the happy-go-lucky person I had been previously. It was beginning to stress my marriage, my job, and I was becoming depressed.

Then I had to purchase a pair of size 42” waist pants. Being 5’9”, I nearly cried when my wife brought them to the dressing room. I decided then that I was going to make a life style change.

I went to my personal doctor and he told me that I was a heart attack waiting to happen. My cholesterol was over 300, and my liver was only functioning at about 83% of normal. I was devastated.

A friend from work recommended University Wellness and Weight Loss Center, and told me how his life had been changed by Dr. Schiff. I made an appointment for the following day.

When I went to Dr. Schiff in January I was 238 lbs, had a 40” waist, and was unhappy with my life, both personal and professional. After starting the program, my wife and I noticed the results almost immediately. By the end of May I had reached my set goal of 180 lbs and went from a 40” waist to a 30”-32” waist. I feel 100% better, and my lab results were that of someone healthy and half my age. I have been able to begin to run again and recently I came in 6^th place in my age group in a Miami 5k.

The best lesson I learned during this experience has been portion control, and how to eat nutritiously and healthy. It has also improved my relationship with my wife and family, so much so that now I am a first-time expecting father.

Dr. Schiff and his staff have helped me re-become the person I was, and have given me the tools to continue down this path. It is also comforting to know that they will be there to support me and guide me if I need it in the future. Again, Dr. Schiff and staff, you have my unwavering gratitude and thanks for giving me a new hold on life.

Orlando

I am 31 years old and this is my story. Dr. Barry Schiff is my primary physician and cardiologist. After one of my visits, he informed me that my cholesterol was a mess (275, Trig: 846, HDL: 43), my blood pressure was still high (even on medication it was averaging 140-90s). Dr. Schiff told me that I was living a reckless life, and asked me, with a wife and a baby daughter, do I really want to continue living this way? He then said, "I can put you on more medication, or you can change your life," and of course I said NO to medication and YES to a Lifestyle Change.

So that next week I went to see Dr Schiff at University Wellness & Weight Loss Center. Starting the process I weighed in at 251 and was wearing size 42 slacks. The first week on the program I lost 17 lbs. At that point, I said "WOW, I can do this". At Week 10, I was down over 50 lbs, and was feeling great. My Blood Pressure was averaging 112/68 weekly, and my blood test showed my Cholesterol PERFECT (176, Trig: 53, HDL: 94.4). At this point Dr. Schiff pulled me off my blood pressure pills!!! As of today, 3 months in (13 weeks), I am about to hit 60 lbs. off, I am wearing size 34 pants, 42 suit, and I am off all medication! My weight is about to be in the 180's, which I haven't seen in over 12 years.

Every time I talk to Dr. Schiff I thank him, because he made this lifestyle change an easy one; he made it possible! With your want, and the right guidance (Dr. Schiff & the Wellness staff) you will definitely achieve healthy living. Weekly I am surrounded by others in the same shoes at the Wellness office. Dr. Schiff & the Wellness Program aren't just helping people lose weight, they are educating us on healthy living, assisting us in our lifestyle changes, and most importantly, extending our lives! I could never put a dollar amount on Health and Life ... this experience has been worth every penny, and once you start its really easy!

"As he writes in his testimonial found below, Bob was an insulin-dependent diabetic for nearly a decade before coming to the Wellness Center. In a matter of days with us, Bob discontinued his insulin, and he now has "more energy than... in 20 years. Bob is extremely appreciative of the encouragement and support provided by Dr. Schiff and our staff, as shown in the Ode he wrote for our team."

Today is my 58th day on the Wellness Program, recommended to me by my cardiologist, Dr. Denis McMillan. It is also the 45th day without any insulin injections! I was able to go off my insulin after about a week on the program, after about 9 years of insulin use of about 200 units per day. My previous Doctor, an Endocrinologist, had told me that my pancreas had stopped working and I needed insulin supplements. That was obviously not the case.

I used to feel tired, lethargic, bloated and could not breathe or sleep properly. Now I had discontinued the use of my CPAP machine and sleep very well. I have more energy than I have had in 20 years. I am now able to walk over a mile a day, and enjoy my "Man Cave" in my garage ( my workshop).

My blood chemistry is changing for the better and I am more mentally alert. I am not so irritable as I used to be and have more patience to accomplish things I want to do.

Dr. Schiff has the tremendous capacity to give every patient personal care and attention, being accessible whenever I need him. This is truly exceptional in today's medical arena. The staff is attentive, encouraging, and makes you feel good during the weekly checkups. They help with dietary choices and instructions and function as a real support group. Their smiles are energy producing as they are heartfelt. I feel like a "Club Member" and enjoy every visit.

My relatives , who are out of state want to know what my diet is to lose so much weight. I try to tell them it's not just a diet, but a carefully monitored wellness program that has weight loss as one of the benefits.

Is summary, I recommend the Dr. Schiff Wellness Program to anyone that wants to improve their life.

ODE TO THE UNIVERSITY WELLNESS & WEIGHT LOSS CENTER
( Formerly known as the 23^rd Qualm )
The University Wellness and Weight Loss Center is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
Cynthia makes me lie down in patches of lettuce.
Ashley and Jose lead me beside their financial plans.
Dr. Schiff guides me in the paths of professional advice for my health related issues.
Even though I walk through the dark shadows of taste temptations,
I will fear no menu, for Lucy tells me about dietary consequences.
Cynthia’s speeches on how to achieve my weight loss goals comforts me.
Kat prepares a metabolism injection for me in the presence of no one.
Lucy anoints my head with daily water consumption requirements, my cup overflows.
Surely Dr. Schiff and Sally will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the University Wellness & Weight Loss Center forever.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert W. Brindley
January 27, 2010

Click here to see a personal letter Bob wrote to Dr. Schiff.

Julia A.

Many people say this program changed their life; for me, Dr. Schiff and his team SAVED my life. This program snatched me off the cliff’s edge of diabetes, heart disease, liver disease and who knows what else. I was on a self-destructive path to poor health and an early death; now, fifteen years of steady weight gain, poor nutrition and depression have been reversed due to this amazing program and these extraordinary people.

In 26 weeks, I have lost 83 pounds and reduced my body fat by over 12%. More importantly, my health has improved dramatically --- no more dangerously high blood pressure, no more elevated liver enzymes, no more 300+ cholesterol, no more pre-diabetes, no more GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease), no more severe mitral valve regurgitation! No more emotional eating, stress eating, bored eating, angry eating! I don’t crave anything and I don’t really feel hungry --- what I do feel is more energetic, more able to cope with stress, more competent.

I have a ways to go before I reach my goal weight, but I am going to make it there and then keep living the healthy balanced lifestyle that Dr. Schiff has mapped out for me.

Maxine T.

So far I have lost 35 lbs in 14 weeks, and I'm not done. I feel fantastic, no more back pain. I feel like a butterfly floating around this big world. Thanks to Dr. Barry Schiff and his wonderful staff, especially to Lucy, Kat and Cynthia. I recommend this program 100%. I have learned how to eat healthy and stay fit.

Percival

Tony P.