New Direction® meal replacements are low-calorie, high-protein, lower-carbohydrate products that may include shakes, soups, puddings, bars, and other structured options depending on availability.

They are designed to provide consistent nutrition in convenient, single-serving portions. For many patients, this reduces daily decision fatigue, simplifies portion control, and makes it easier to stay consistent at the beginning of a program.

A full meal replacement plan replaces all meals with medically formulated New Direction® products during the active weight loss phase. This gives the highest level of structure and can be helpful for patients who want a more intensive, reset-style approach.

A partial meal replacement plan combines New Direction® products with a healthy, balanced whole-food meal. This option offers more flexibility and can help patients practice real-world eating habits while still getting structure.

• Full meal replacement provides maximum structure and removes most daily food decisions.
• Partial meal replacement provides structure with more whole-food flexibility.
• The best choice depends on your goals, medical history, lifestyle, and Dr. Conley’s recommendation.

New Direction® is a structured, portion-controlled meal replacement program used within medically guided weight management. It simplifies choices by replacing some or all meals with consistent, pre-portioned options.

Some patients appreciate how much easier the day feels when they do not have to shop, prep, track, or constantly decide what to eat. Others may prefer a partial approach that still includes a whole-food meal.

New Direction® has been used in medically guided weight loss for many years, so this is not a fad-style diet.

Yes, when used as directed within a structured medical weight loss program, New Direction® products are designed to provide balanced nutrition, including protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Unlike many over-the-counter shakes, these products are selected for use in a medically guided program and paired with ongoing monitoring. That matters because your health history, goals, lab work, and response to the plan all help guide what is appropriate for you.

Hunger varies from person to person, but many patients find that the structure of the program and the protein content in the meal replacements help them feel more satisfied than they expected.

The consistent balance of nutrition can also help reduce the ups and downs that often lead to snacking. If hunger, energy changes, or cravings come up, your plan can be reviewed and adjusted during follow-up visits.

Regain is less likely when active weight loss includes a thoughtful transition and maintenance strategy. The goal is not to keep you on meal replacements forever.

As you reach your goals, we help you move toward whole-food routines, education, accountability, and realistic habits that support long-term maintenance.

Prefer whole food? View the physician-directed whole-food meal plan →

We will talk through realistic options for social events, restaurants, and special situations. Many patients find that once they adjust, the structure of New Direction® actually makes busy days easier.

Yes. Eating for comfort, stress relief, or emotional regulation is common. The program includes support for behavior change so you can better understand your patterns and build healthier, more sustainable strategies.

The program includes physician-guided care, specialized staff support, medical monitoring, and structured products or tools. There are no hidden costs, and the goal is to give you a supported plan rather than a self-directed diet.

Rochester Medical Weight Loss does not bill insurance directly, but some plans may reimburse part of the program if you submit for reimbursement. HSA and many FSA accounts may be used for eligible expenses, though restrictions can apply.

Learn more about financial and insurance information →