Medi Questions

[ac7179]

Okay, I'm on week 2 and happy with the results so far. I'm worried about the lasting effects of Medi, though.

First of all, I really don't want to low-carb for life. Once I get to goal, I'd like to move back over to the Weight Watchers way of eating. I can handle low car to get where I want to be...but I don't think it's realistic for me to do it the rest of my life. Once I reach goal and start to add back the carbs (but am still eating a reasonable amount for height and weight) will I balloon up because my body isn't used to carbs?

Also, with this very low, 500 calorie a day diet......will it screw up my metabolism and put it in starvation mode? So that when I increase my intake I will gain because I'm storing everything I have?

[Jonpryor99]

Originally Posted by ac7179

Okay, I'm on week 2 and happy with the results so far. I'm worried about the lasting effects of Medi, though.

First of all, I really don't want to low-carb for life. Once I get to goal, I'd like to move back over to the Weight Watchers way of eating. I can handle low car to get where I want to be...but I don't think it's realistic for me to do it the rest of my life. Once I reach goal and start to add back the carbs (but am still eating a reasonable amount for height and weight) will I balloon up because my body isn't used to carbs?

Also, with this very low, 500 calorie a day diet......will it screw up my metabolism and put it in starvation mode? So that when I increase my intake I will gain because I'm storing everything I have?

The number one reason diets fail is because once people reach their goal weight they go back to the way of eating they had before losing the weight. It won't be necessary to eat as low carb as you do while losing weight on the Medi plan but adding back in processed / unhealthy carbs like sugar, High Fructose corn syrup, bleached flour, etc... on a regular basis would (in my opinion) definetly cause the weight to creep back on and be unhealthy.

The number one thing I have learned from being on the Medi plan since 9/24/2008 is that it is a way of life and not a diet. That's not to say that I don't occasionally indulge in some high carb/bad carb fare. I do realize though that it can't be a daily thing to consume these kinds of foods or even a weekly thing.

To answer the 2nd part about Metabolism, I have read and researched alot about "Starvation mode" and eating 500-600 calories a day. Most things I have read and been told by others who have not been on Medi is that I am starving myself and ruining my metabolism. I firmly don't believe this is happening though. Sure, my metabolism has probably slowed down some. Heck, not lugging around the 45lbs I have lost has slowed it some. I am very close to maintenance phase though and am looking forward to gradually adding back some good carbs (whole wheat, more fruits and veggies, etc...) and slowing increasing my calorie intake until I find the set amount that works for me. I believe as you do this and slowly add back in good carbs and calories, your metabolism is going to increase and stabilize at a normal level. (this is all assuming you don't have any thyroid issues that may be effecting your metabolism)

Am I ever going to go back to eating half a large pizza in one meal and drinking 6 to 12 beers a few nights a week? I sure hope not. I feel so much more alive eating low carb and healthy and exercising regularly. I have lots of energy and mentally I am much happier than I was when I was eating all that garbage and not exercising. I spend more time doing activities with my wife and kids and just enjoy life more. Why would I ever want to stray to far from the Medi plan?

I realize you are only on week 2 so it has not become a "Way of Life" for you yet but I do believe that if you stick with the Medi plan to lose the weight you want, a "light bulb" will come on in your head and you will realize how great it is. I always refer to this light bulb or to "getting it" when I talk to people who ask me how I have finally managed to lose the weight and how I plan to maintain the loss. I truly believe that it takes this "light bulb" coming on for a person before they will finally be successful at maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle.

Anyways, sorry for such a long response.

[McBoo]

Originally Posted by Jonpryor99

The number one reason diets fail is because once people reach their goal weight they go back to the way of eating they had before losing the weight. It won't be necessary to eat as low carb as you do while losing weight on the Medi plan but adding back in processed / unhealthy carbs like sugar, High Fructose corn syrup, bleached flour, etc... on a regular basis would (in my opinion) definetly cause the weight to creep back on and be unhealthy.

The number one thing I have learned from being on the Medi plan since 9/24/2008 is that it is a way of life and not a diet. That's not to say that I don't occasionally indulge in some high carb/bad carb fare. I do realize though that it can't be a daily thing to consume these kinds of foods or even a weekly thing.

To answer the 2nd part about Metabolism, I have read and researched alot about "Starvation mode" and eating 500-600 calories a day. Most things I have read and been told by others who have not been on Medi is that I am starving myself and ruining my metabolism. I firmly don't believe this is happening though. Sure, my metabolism has probably slowed down some. Heck, not lugging around the 45lbs I have lost has slowed it some. I am very close to maintenance phase though and am looking forward to gradually adding back some good carbs (whole wheat, more fruits and veggies, etc...) and slowing increasing my calorie intake until I find the set amount that works for me. I believe as you do this and slowly add back in good carbs and calories, your metabolism is going to increase and stabilize at a normal level. (this is all assuming you don't have any thyroid issues that may be effecting your metabolism)

Am I ever going to go back to eating half a large pizza in one meal and drinking 6 to 12 beers a few nights a week? I sure hope not. I feel so much more alive eating low carb and healthy and exercising regularly. I have lots of energy and mentally I am much happier than I was when I was eating all that garbage and not exercising. I spend more time doing activities with my wife and kids and just enjoy life more. Why would I ever want to stray to far from the Medi plan?

I realize you are only on week 2 so it has not become a "Way of Life" for you yet but I do believe that if you stick with the Medi plan to lose the weight you want, a "light bulb" will come on in your head and you will realize how great it is. I always refer to this light bulb or to "getting it" when I talk to people who ask me how I have finally managed to lose the weight and how I plan to maintain the loss. I truly believe that it takes this "light bulb" coming on for a person before they will finally be successful at maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle.

Anyways, sorry for such a long response.

Very well said Jon.

AC7179 you should discuss your concerns with your clinic and your physican. The plan may not be right for you.

Good Luck.

McBoo

[ac7179]

Thanks for the input guys.

I wasn't talking about going back to eating the way I was when I got myself into this situation----but as a long term maintenance plan I do prefer the Weight Watchers system to the low-carb one, so I was just wondering if it's possible to lose it by going low carb, and to maintain it by diet (eating fewer calories than you burn) and exercise.

[NIKKI21]

Really, in my opionion, that is the beauty of the Medi system.
Once you reach your goal you are not cut lose into the world. The Medi team works with you through phase 2 (maintance) to figure out what YOUR bodies needs, calorie wise. They help you re-learn the way you eat; good carbs vs bad carbs.
Like McBoo has in his signature; eat to live not live to eat.

[Jonpryor99]

Originally Posted by ac7179

Thanks for the input guys.

I wasn't talking about going back to eating the way I was when I got myself into this situation----but as a long term maintenance plan I do prefer the Weight Watchers system to the low-carb one, so I was just wondering if it's possible to lose it by going low carb, and to maintain it by diet (eating fewer calories than you burn) and exercise.

Sure, I think it is possible to do that. I think it will be much harder to do it that way though than to just stay on a limited carb lifestyle. I know myself and I know the chemical processes, changes and reactions that take place in my body and brain when I eat bad carbs. I start craving them and continue to eat even when I am not really hungry. I have never really done Weight Watchers so I have no idea how many points a chocolate chip cookie is worth. I know if I ate one cookie though, a few minutes later I would want and probably eat another and then another...

Eating mainly protein and healthy veggie carbs I have found I am rarely hungry and don't get those kinds of cravings. The insulin spikes that result from eating bad carbs aren't happening and I feel so much better about myself and satisfied.

Eating the same number of calories per day that you burn up with just living and exercising will let you maintain your weight. It's all a matter of what foods you can comsume that will allow you to maintain that daily calorie intake.

[ironstriker]

Originally Posted by ac7179

Okay, I'm on week 2 and happy with the results so far. I'm worried about the lasting effects of Medi, though.

First of all, I really don't want to low-carb for life. Once I get to goal, I'd like to move back over to the Weight Watchers way of eating. I can handle low car to get where I want to be...but I don't think it's realistic for me to do it the rest of my life. Once I reach goal and start to add back the carbs (but am still eating a reasonable amount for height and weight) will I balloon up because my body isn't used to carbs?

Also, with this very low, 500 calorie a day diet......will it screw up my metabolism and put it in starvation mode? So that when I increase my intake I will gain because I'm storing everything I have?

I had the same concerns...not anymore...once you see how great the results are you just can't go back to your old habits...you learn there are plenty of great foods out there low in calorie and full of taste!...you can have one of your old favorites once in a while...hey were only human, but you know that you can't do it on a regular basis...I think, no I know that I have become a "smarter" eater if that makes sense...I am a new person...how many can say they have lost 10lbs, 20lbs, heck 30lbs...well I never thought that and I have now lost 70lbs!!!...there is no way in hell that I am going to go back to my old habits...no way...I am healthier, more active....heck, I'm better looking now!...stick with it...don't give up!!!!

[MamaBear22]

Hi -- I am now on my 4 week with fantastic results so far. I believe that the secret to my success is largely due to the appetite suppressents. Without them, I think I would always be hungry! They really help me stay on the plan. That said, I am looking ahead to when I am close to my goal weight but slightly nervous about being taken off these little miracle pills.

For those who are in maintainence and who have taken the suppressants, how did you deal with eliminating them? Hunger issues? Any psychological or physical discomforts. When do they start weaning you off of them? I know I sound like a druggie! But in my current state of mind (after wks on Medi), I would take them for the rest of my life if I could!

I am hoping that everything I'm learning while on Medi AND my determination will be enough to keep from gaining the weight back. I've yo-yo'd a good part of my adult life from thin to fat and back again. I really don't want to keep going down that road.

Comments? Opinions? Suggestions? Thank you!

[McBoo]

Originally Posted by MamaBear22

Hi -- I am now on my 4 week with fantastic results so far. I believe that the secret to my success is largely due to the appetite suppressents. Without them, I think I would always be hungry! They really help me stay on the plan. That said, I am looking ahead to when I am close to my goal weight but slightly nervous about being taken off these little miracle pills.

For those who are in maintainence and who have taken the suppressants, how did you deal with eliminating them? Hunger issues? Any psychological or physical discomforts. When do they start weaning you off of them? I know I sound like a druggie! But in my current state of mind (after wks on Medi), I would take them for the rest of my life if I could!

I am hoping that everything I'm learning while on Medi AND my determination will be enough to keep from gaining the weight back. I've yo-yo'd a good part of my adult life from thin to fat and back again. I really don't want to keep going down that road.

Comments? Opinions? Suggestions? Thank you!

Mammabear,

Once you get to the point where you are at or close to your goal and they start weaning you off the meds you will really understand portion control and what you need to do to sustain your success. You will have a lot more options as far as food choices are concerned which makes it easier so you don't get bored. I had no side effects from stopping the medication.

McBoo

[teacherdli]

Originally Posted by MamaBear22

Hi -- I am now on my 4 week with fantastic results so far. I believe that the secret to my success is largely due to the appetite suppressents. Without them, I think I would always be hungry! They really help me stay on the plan. That said, I am looking ahead to when I am close to my goal weight but slightly nervous about being taken off these little miracle pills.

For those who are in maintainence and who have taken the suppressants, how did you deal with eliminating them? Hunger issues? Any psychological or physical discomforts. When do they start weaning you off of them? I know I sound like a druggie! But in my current state of mind (after wks on Medi), I would take them for the rest of my life if I could!

I am hoping that everything I'm learning while on Medi AND my determination will be enough to keep from gaining the weight back. I've yo-yo'd a good part of my adult life from thin to fat and back again. I really don't want to keep going down that road.

Comments? Opinions? Suggestions? Thank you!

I have actually already started cutting back and I am in week 6 right now. I have goten used to doing only 1 to 2 (until they put me on prednisone this week for laryngitis - feel like I could take 4). However, I think this is different for each person. I don't want to take so many now though because I figure it will be easier to wean off if I don't need them, and they make my heart race/ BP go up a little...so it's good if I don't have to take as many and I'm still not hungry.

[MamaBear22]

MCBoo & Danielle -- Thanks for your input on the meds. They really do make staying on the program so much easier for me. I'm just afraid of becoming too dependent on them just to keep me on track. Well, in the end, the motivation to stay in shape and slim will be enough to keep me in control!

[Medi_NJ]

You don't have to worry about this. You will not be low-carb for life. You are only low-carb during Phase I of the medi program, or your weight loss phase.

Once you are in Phase II and Phase III, you will see how carbs are added back.

No...you will not "balloon up" once you add carbs back. Carbs do not cause weight gain; ingesting more calories than you burn off is what causes weight gain.

Starvation mode is not a concern either, since a 500 calorie diet is not a fasting diet.

Do not worry about gaining weight. Phase III of the medi program is designed for everyone to MAINTAIN their weight loss! This is what makes medi such a wonderful program!

Originally Posted by ac7179

Okay, I'm on week 2 and happy with the results so far. I'm worried about the lasting effects of Medi, though.

First of all, I really don't want to low-carb for life. Once I get to goal, I'd like to move back over to the Weight Watchers way of eating. I can handle low car to get where I want to be...but I don't think it's realistic for me to do it the rest of my life. Once I reach goal and start to add back the carbs (but am still eating a reasonable amount for height and weight) will I balloon up because my body isn't used to carbs?

Also, with this very low, 500 calorie a day diet......will it screw up my metabolism and put it in starvation mode? So that when I increase my intake I will gain because I'm storing everything I have?

[DOCProv]

The thing to remember about the medication is that is only acts to suggest to your brain that your belly is full. Most of us have ignored this signal at least once in our lives. I respect your concerns regarding use of a prescription medication to suppress appetite but keep in mind that part of the appetite supression is generated by you... being in ketosis itself can supress your appetite and eating protein actually stimulates epinephrine production which will help control appetite. (think of it this way, both the medication and protein consumption work to stimulate your sympathetic nervous system "SNS"...basically it engages the 'flight or fight' response i.e. if you are being chased by a wolf you are not thinking about being hungry). Although safety and efficacy of the meds vary from patient to patient...if you are doing well you can continue to take the meds until your clinic provider deems them no longer necessary. Don't forget that in Maintenance and Wellness you can use Stay Slim to help supress your appetite...Medi's new supplement. Good luck

[Medi_NJ]

Hi MamaBear22,

Congratulations on your fantastic success!!!

I have seen many patients still have fantastic success who take Stay Slim instead of the appetite suppressants. The appetite suppressants are not magic pills. They are not causing you to lose weight. You are losing weight because you are eating less, your body is burning fat for energy, and because you are exercising.

The appetite suppressant's only function is to make you feel comfortable while eating a very low calorie diet. The shots, however, help with cravings. Feeling hungry, however, is physiologically normal to feel every 3 hours or so.

Since you are only eating protein, that is also helping you to stay satisfied, since protein has a satiating effect.

We wean you off of the appetite suppressants when you are very close to your goal. Once off of them, you can switch to our non prescription product, "Stay Slim", which takes place of the appetite suppressant.

Medi's program is designed to help you not only lose the weight, but keep it off! When you are in Phase III, the Wellness Phase, make sure you sit down with a staff member to discuss lifestyle changes and habits, as well as eating for weight loss maintenance.

Good luck to you and keep up the great job! :cool

Originally Posted by MamaBear22

Hi -- I am now on my 4 week with fantastic results so far. I believe that the secret to my success is largely due to the appetite suppressents. Without them, I think I would always be hungry! They really help me stay on the plan. That said, I am looking ahead to when I am close to my goal weight but slightly nervous about being taken off these little miracle pills.

For those who are in maintainence and who have taken the suppressants, how did you deal with eliminating them? Hunger issues? Any psychological or physical discomforts. When do they start weaning you off of them? I know I sound like a druggie! But in my current state of mind (after wks on Medi), I would take them for the rest of my life if I could!

I am hoping that everything I'm learning while on Medi AND my determination will be enough to keep from gaining the weight back. I've yo-yo'd a good part of my adult life from thin to fat and back again. I really don't want to keep going down that road.

Comments? Opinions? Suggestions? Thank you!