Medi Weightloss July 2009 a Journey to Success

[Mommy-2-girls]

Jo, the recipe you posted for cucumber salsa sounds sooooo good. I'm a big fan of cilantro and I think I'd have to stop myself from eating that whole thing! Sounds yummy as a topping for grilled seafood to me Can't wait to try it!

[Desert-Rose7]

Originally Posted by Mommy-2-girls

Jo, the recipe you posted for cucumber salsa sounds sooooo good. I'm a big fan of cilantro and I think I'd have to stop myself from eating that whole thing! Sounds yummy as a topping for grilled seafood to me Can't wait to try it!

~Jessica~That is too funny, because I was hoping you would see the recipe. I thought about you when I first saw it. And it would be good on seafood!

Jo

[Layna]

Good evening, All: It is late, this will be a short note. I have my WI tomorrow. Worried because it is late, I am still up and my WI is first thing in the morning. I notice that my weight fluctuates based on how much sleep I get. Whenever I have a chance for a good long sleep, my weight is noticeably lower afterwards.

"See" you all tomorrow, sweet dreams.

[tracy_d]

I have the Wii Active and I love it!! They have a 30 day challenge that selects the workout for you and it focuses on upper or lower body alternately. I love the way it keeps it fresh by introducing new exercises along the way. I'm about to start another 30 day challenge and increase the intensity level!!

[msdee54]

I have the Wii too. I have the active and cardio boxing and I'm going to start back with it today .

thanks for the reminder.

[katew1129]

Had my weigh in today. Lost 2.9 for a total of 30.8 in 7 weeks. I can most definitely notice a different in my clothes and have a nice big stack of 22s and above in a pile to be donated! No one that does not know I am on this has said anything yet when they have seen me...I am impatiently waiting for that to happen....Sounds selfish in a way I guess but I just want someone to say, "Hey you look good...have you lost weight?"...ha!

Macauley - Welcome back! I am sure you will get back on track fast!

Jessica - Awesome job on your weigh in! I know you must be excited!

Grace - Congrats on your weigh in also! You are doing great! Hope the cast comes off this week!

Cindy - You are getting closer to goal! How exciting!!!

Heidi - I hear you on the "One-derland"...I cannot wait! I too plan to reward myself for that too (not with food of course!). I got a pedicure after I lost my first 20. I will hit the ones when I hit 50 pounds gone...so I will plan some fun reward...maybe a Wii Active!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

[jbiggars63]

I jinxed myself! Weighed in this morning and guess what! A 2 pound loss! I think I am going to join a spin class!

[hudiman]

Originally Posted by jbiggars63

I jinxed myself! Weighed in this morning and guess what! A 2 pound loss! I think I am going to join a spin class!

No Jinx, you are doing absolutely GREAT. Ginny

[Mommy-2-girls]

Hey guys,
Finally showed moderate ketosis this morning! Glad to be "back" into the routine for real now. It took 4 days to reach trace, today is day 5. I didn't do week 1 100% because I really felt like I needed the veggies since I had such poor nutrition last week. But ketosis has kicked in and I did work out on my Wii last night.. very glad to get back into my routine!

[twinsplusone]

Originally Posted by jbiggars63

I jinxed myself! Weighed in this morning and guess what! A 2 pound loss! I think I am going to join a spin class!

Whether you lose 2 pounds or 10 pounds at a weigh-in, you are such an inspiration!!!!!! Congrats on your progress!!

[Desert-Rose7]

Originally Posted by jbiggars63

I jinxed myself! Weighed in this morning and guess what! A 2 pound loss! I think I am going to join a spin class!

~Jerry~A loss is a loss, no matter how small or large. Congrats!

I will have to look into the game dealio. Somehow, I just feel that I have to get outside or go to the pool or the fitness center. The only workout I do inside the house is my "Original Buns of Steel" dvd or my rowing machine.

I do not have an appointment today as our NP is on vacation, so I will have a double week weigh in next week. I did weigh myself this morning and looks like I am down about 2.5 from last week, but I will wait till next week before I change the stats. I like it to be "official".

~Kate~It wasn't until I was down about 35 pounds that people began to notice. So just wait, the compliments will come and keep on coming as you continue to lose, and be prepared to explain the program as you will probably get a whole lot of questions. Like Susie, I keep a few referral cards in my pocket for that purpose.

~Macauley~Welcome home! We missed you!

~Cindy~Woohoo! You go girl!

~Grace and Heidi~Congrats gals! Keep up the good work!

~Jessica~You have what it takes, so you are doing exactly what is needed!

~Robyn~I love your posts. Keep them coming.

Okay, time for me to walk while it is still overcast and in the high 80s.

Jo

[Mommy-2-girls]

Help! I need a restaurant suggestion for tomorrow night. DH and I are going on a date and we have a babysitter lined up, as well as free movie passes! Trouble is, I cannot seem to find anywhere to eat out. I have the Medi dining guide but honestly, if I eat Ruby Tuesday, Chilis, or Red Lobster again I'm going to choke Restaurants in the area where we'll be are PF Changs, Too Jays, Cheesecake Factory, Champps, Selmons, Maggianos and then a bunch of smaller ethnic places that are definitely minefields.

Any ideas?? I'm open to any of the above but looking at their nutritional info, I highly doubt I'll get a meal that's within the Medi guidelines at any of them. Suggestions?? We've had a stressful month and I'm looking forward to a nice night out with my husband. I like to plan ahead with nutrition info so that I'm not caught unprepared.

[Desert-Rose7]

~Jessica~You live in Land o Lakes? Let me take a look around. No guarantees, but I will try.

Jo

[Desert-Rose7]

PF Chang's (China Bistro)
There are some decent choices here...you just have to watch the sodium. This is a chain out of AZ so at least I know this one.
http://www.pfchangs.com/pdfs/Nutritionals_July09.pdf

Ruby Tuesday
Again, just read carefully through the listings, there are some things on there that will
work. (Even if you choke!)
http://www.rubytuesday.com/files/allergen.pdf

Cheesecake Factory? Seriously? They provide no nutritional data whatsoever and even on their so called Weight Management choices, remember how ginormous their portions are.

Outback
I have had good meals that are medi-friendly at Outback. You just need to be specific.
There are quite a few locations in Tampa-St Petersburg area:
Outback Steakhouse

You do not have a Charleston's or I could recommend some great items there. Or a Chart House, another good choice.

Good luck!

Jo

[twinsplusone]

Originally Posted by Mommy-2-girls

Help! I need a restaurant suggestion for tomorrow night. DH and I are going on a date and we have a babysitter lined up, as well as free movie passes! Trouble is, I cannot seem to find anywhere to eat out. I have the Medi dining guide but honestly, if I eat Ruby Tuesday, Chilis, or Red Lobster again I'm going to choke Restaurants in the area where we'll be are PF Changs, Too Jays, Cheesecake Factory, Champps, Selmons, Maggianos and then a bunch of smaller ethnic places that are definitely minefields.

Any ideas?? I'm open to any of the above but looking at their nutritional info, I highly doubt I'll get a meal that's within the Medi guidelines at any of them. Suggestions?? We've had a stressful month and I'm looking forward to a nice night out with my husband. I like to plan ahead with nutrition info so that I'm not caught unprepared.

One of the things I do when going out is slip my own salad dressing in my purse. That way I know I can always get a garden salad. I have been known to ask for things not even on the menu. Like asking "Can I just have a grilled chicken breast plain, over a house salad."

With the AS I find I really don't care what I eat, or even if I eat. I am just as fine with turkey deli meat as I am with filet mignon.

I find restuarant eating easier than going to a movie and hearing everyone crunching on popcorn. I always have gum in my mouth and a huge soda.

Have a nice date!

[grettagirl]

Originally Posted by orlando2002

I have lost 40 pounds total since I started MEDI on March 2009. I have lost 48 pounds since January!

I want to share with you guys! I am very excited!

Since I did not see a lot of diference in my body, my husband took me a picture to show me how different I look now. When I told him ... I DONT really see that my body has changed a lot ... he told me .. are you crazy??? let me take you a picture and you will see the difference .... He looked for a before picture and yes, when I saw both pictures together I can see a difference

Thanks you all for the support ... I am 17 pounds away from my goal!

OMG! What a difference! You look awesome! My husband showed me a picture that was taken right before I statrted Medi-I could not believe what I looked like! I need to put that pix on my refrigerator!Good luck on the last 17 lbs. YOU WILL DO IT!

[Mommy-2-girls]

Jo- I looked at the nutritional info for them all but they just still seem outrageous. On PFChangs, it's very deceptive.. the nutrition info looks like there are some healthy choices, like the lettuce wraps, until you see that the plate will come with 4 servings on it, so you have to quadruple the numbers or be super sure to take a whole lot off the plate before you start eating. Cheesecake Factory bothers me.. why can't they just put something healthy on their menu?? Livestrong.com does have some nutrition for them but it irritates me. Ruby Tuesday has been our default dinner date since starting Medi but we're both kind of tired of it..

twins+1- My DH loves to douse his popcorn in salt, which is nasty to me, so I'm good there! LOL I'll just get a diet coke and chew some sugarless gum!

[Desert-Rose7]

Originally Posted by Mommy-2-girls

Jo- I looked at the nutritional info for them all but they just still seem outrageous. On PFChangs, it's very deceptive.. the nutrition info looks like there are some healthy choices, like the lettuce wraps, until you see that the plate will come with 4 servings on it, so you have to quadruple the numbers or be super sure to take a whole lot off the plate before you start eating. Cheesecake Factory bothers me.. why can't they just put something healthy on their menu?? Livestrong.com does have some nutrition for them but it irritates me. Ruby Tuesday has been our default dinner date since starting Medi but we're both kind of tired of it..

twins+1- My DH loves to douse his popcorn in salt, which is nasty to me, so I'm good there! LOL I'll just get a diet coke and chew some sugarless gum!

At PF Chang's I always ask about the serving size and go from there.I have their nutritional data printed out and take it with me when I go...and I ask a lot of questions. I usually look at sides there like the spicy green beans. I ask for half a serving and take half of THAT home. Sides and starters will work. You just really have to be specific. I also take my own PAM with me too.

Jo

[MEDIMIMI]

Hi everyone! Thanks for all the support and listening!

I have an appointment with my new PCP on Monday, I spoke with her briefly today, and she said her concern was my fatigue and all the bruising. She did not seem overly concerned with the diet, but she was sort of rushing me off the phone ( I know she is busy). they took some blood yesterday and then some more today, so I am hoping they get results back by Monday but we shall see. So pushing on! Can somoene please tell me the brand or name of the protein shakes you drink? I amg etting bored with the EAS shakes, looking for some alternatives!

Mommyof2girls-do you have a beauty school near you? They do manicures & pedicures, facials etc at a fraction of the cost! And they usually do a very good job! For a resteraunt suggestion do you have Carrabas near you? I imagine anywhere you go could make you chicken breast with some veggies, or you could ask them to make you a salad with some protein and greens. Most resteraunts are happy to oblige!


kate-congrats! 30 lbs is awesome in 7 weeks!! Keep it up!

Desert Rose & Ginny- I also do not see a lot of advertising from my local clinic, I do think they do a lot of their business based on word of mouth, they have a big referral program and do very little adds.

dogern- I do not take the calcium, they made me really sick, I told the NP at my clinic about it, she said try taking them at bed which still made me sick so I dont take them. She knows about it, and didnt seem concerned but to be honest I have not been impressed with the staff at my clinic. I do take the multivitamins every day and I take 2 Omega-3's a day. I also take sublingual b-12. I am stressed like everyone else, but as far as I know stress doesn't cause bruising. I see my PCP on monday, so I guess I will find out. Before I began this diet, I was not much of a meat eater, so this has been a big change for me. I have been drinking a lot of protein shakes. I am actually a nursing student (RN program), and my nursing instructor read me the riot act about the AS. Do you take them? She was horrified by the idea and scolded me.

[Mommy-2-girls]

Mimi- I'm so sorry you're struggling so much with this I do not take the calcium and was never offered it! I asked at my clinic and the Dr said that it's "age dependent" for women.. that women my age (30) do not need it. I thought that was a bit odd, but my multivitamin has was more than the daily amn't of calcium (I am not able to use theirs because it upset my stomach badly). As for the AS, it's just a "tool" to get you through the process. If you could have done this all on your own, you would have. Hang in there... hope you get some answers soon.


Jo- Good idea about asking for a 1/2 portion. I hadn't thought about that. I was leaning towards the lettuce wraps starter as an entree w/o the noodles but asking for 1/2 (even if they charge me for the full) is an awesome idea. We may try that restaurant to spice things up Thanks!!


Just a comment for those struggling with "cheating"... last week I had no choice but to eat lots of carbs while I was in Eastern Europe. I was in a camp setting where the food that was put before me was my only option other than the small snacks that I had brought and culturally, it was important that I make an effort. I have gotten right back on the plan since returning home but it is SO much harder than it was before last week! I had gotten to the point in the program where I wasn't having cravings and felt very satisfied. This week, I have craved carbs SO much and last night even had dreams about eating desserts and chocoloate! LOL

Carbs are truly an addiction for many of us! Do NOT cheat... it makes the cravings so much worse. Go for a walk, call a friend, take a bath, brush your teeth... something. Avoid re-introducing starchy carbs to your body until you are much stronger and reach maintenance AND have the guidance of the Medi clinic. You will thank yourself for it later

OK, just my 2 cents for the morning!

[twinsplusone]

Originally Posted by MEDIMIMI

Hi everyone! Thanks for all the support and listening!

I have an appointment with my new PCP on Monday, I spoke with her briefly today, and she said her concern was my fatigue and all the bruising. She did not seem overly concerned with the diet, but she was sort of rushing me off the phone ( I know she is busy). they took some blood yesterday and then some more today, so I am hoping they get results back by Monday but we shall see. So pushing on! Can somoene please tell me the brand or name of the protein shakes you drink? I amg etting bored with the EAS shakes, looking for some alternatives!

Mommyof2girls-do you have a beauty school near you? They do manicures & pedicures, facials etc at a fraction of the cost! And they usually do a very good job! For a resteraunt suggestion do you have Carrabas near you? I imagine anywhere you go could make you chicken breast with some veggies, or you could ask them to make you a salad with some protein and greens. Most resteraunts are happy to oblige!


kate-congrats! 30 lbs is awesome in 7 weeks!! Keep it up!

Desert Rose & Ginny- I also do not see a lot of advertising from my local clinic, I do think they do a lot of their business based on word of mouth, they have a big referral program and do very little adds.

dogern- I do not take the calcium, they made me really sick, I told the NP at my clinic about it, she said try taking them at bed which still made me sick so I dont take them. She knows about it, and didnt seem concerned but to be honest I have not been impressed with the staff at my clinic. I do take the multivitamins every day and I take 2 Omega-3's a day. I also take sublingual b-12. I am stressed like everyone else, but as far as I know stress doesn't cause bruising. I see my PCP on monday, so I guess I will find out. Before I began this diet, I was not much of a meat eater, so this has been a big change for me. I have been drinking a lot of protein shakes. I am actually a nursing student (RN program), and my nursing instructor read me the riot act about the AS. Do you take them? She was horrified by the idea and scolded me.

Hi MiMi,

Glad to hear you have another appt. Did you ever get in to see your endocrinologist? Could the fatigue be related to what ever endocrine-issue you have? Before I was diagnosed with hypothyroid, I was always tired. But I was also extremely tired during Nursing School. Are you doing clinicals?

I am not a big meat eater either. I use protein shakes at least twice a day. My favorite are called Premier Protein Shakes. I get them from Costco. They have a little more calories and protein than the EAS brand but still low carb. I know when I was doing just locarb (not medi) I read the Atkins board on this forum and lots of people were making "egg creams". There are all kinds of recipes for them. I don't know the calories/fat counts as I wasn't counting calories back them. People said they were very filling. You may want to search for them.

I usually only eat meat once a day. The other times I have protein shakes, eggs or egg beaters, cottage cheese, cheese sticks, and deli meat (which is easier for me than real meat). Since we seem to eat only 500 protein calories, it really isnt much meat at all.

And I totally agree with Mommy-2-girls when she said:
"As for the AS, it's just a "tool" to get you through the process. If you could have done this all on your own, you would have."
You haven't mentioned your diet history, but many of us have tried all kinds of things before Medi. Mommy-2-girls said it perfectly.
It is not like you are abusing them or ordered them illegally from the internet. You are using them as a "tool" to achieve your health goals. Would your teacher think using a dramamine for motion sickness is wrong, or using a sleeping pill for insomnia is wrong? These are also temporary tools to help you feel better. Don't let other peoples judgement make you feel bad. And you are an adult.... why is another adult "scolding" you? As you lose weight people will have all kinds of opinions like: You are losing weight too fast, You are getting too thin, You looked fine the way you were, etc.
They always don't have your best interest in mind. Keep strong in your goals and your decisions.

Keep us posted on what your new doctor and your endocrinologist says about your fatigue and bruising.

[twinsplusone]

Originally Posted by MEDIMIMI

Hi everyone! Thanks for all the support and listening!

I have an appointment with my new PCP on Monday, I spoke with her briefly today, and she said her concern was my fatigue and all the bruising.

I do take the multivitamins every day and I take 2 Omega-3's a day.

Just one more thought..... Taking fish oils can cause bruising. It is a common side effect. Google it...

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutritional components that play an important role in normal growth and development. They are primarily found in fish, but are now available as supplements for those who cannot obtain enough through food. Omega-3 fatty acids may lower triglycerides, prevent blood clots, and reduce blood pressure. Potential side effects include easy bruising or bleeding, nausea, and diarrhea.

[fit2b50]

I'm in the middle of 10 days on the road. I do get to have dinner at home tomorrow night and breakfast on Monday.

So far, I've stuck with ordering the house salad, no croutons or carrots, and either chicken or salmon on top of it. Bonus, last night's restaurant actually listed the weight of the protein! Since this is all business related, I don't want the extra attention of pulling out my own salad dressing so I order on the side. Oddly, the last two nights, neither restaurant had any low cal dressing...that's a first.

You'll find a great choice! Enjoy your date night!!!

Originally Posted by Mommy-2-girls

Help! I need a restaurant suggestion for tomorrow night. DH and I are going on a date and we have a babysitter lined up, as well as free movie passes! Trouble is, I cannot seem to find anywhere to eat out. I have the Medi dining guide but honestly, if I eat Ruby Tuesday, Chilis, or Red Lobster again I'm going to choke Restaurants in the area where we'll be are PF Changs, Too Jays, Cheesecake Factory, Champps, Selmons, Maggianos and then a bunch of smaller ethnic places that are definitely minefields.

Any ideas?? I'm open to any of the above but looking at their nutritional info, I highly doubt I'll get a meal that's within the Medi guidelines at any of them. Suggestions?? We've had a stressful month and I'm looking forward to a nice night out with my husband. I like to plan ahead with nutrition info so that I'm not caught unprepared.

[hudiman]

Some restaurants don't have low cal dressings, in that case I will have them bring oil and vinegar. I have actually come to like that as a dressing.

[twinsplusone]

Originally Posted by hudiman

Some restaurants don't have low cal dressings, in that case I will have them bring oil and vinegar. I have actually come to like that as a dressing.

I have also used salsa as a salad dressing.

According to the gallbladder health info from medi, regular salad dressing is encouraged on occasion...but only one and one half teaspoons.

[hudiman]

That salsa, it keeps cropping up everywhere. Amazing how many things it is good with. I love it in eggs, hamburg and that mozzorella pizza/quesadilla thing listed on recipe page. Never thought of using it for a salad dressing. Thanks

[Going2Lose]

I want to chime in and comment about support received from our clinics. I guess I am the lucky one who has fabulous customer service at clinic. Every week I have lost something, some big numbers, and some small numbers. And every week, my clinic staff has been very celebratory and encouraging. The week after I reached my 10% goal, at my next weigh in, there was a card in my file. It was a handmade, congratulations card signed by most everyone at the clinic to celebrate my success. Then after that visit, I received a handwritten note from the clinic doctor, which was sent through the mail. It also congratulated me on my success and mentioned that she has several appointments available during the week. If I ever wanted to meet specifically with her, then that is an option!

I cannot even begin to tell you the boost that these two gestures has given me! I have lost another 3 pounds just since that weigh in on Monday! I wish all of you had this type of encouragement and support and sad to hear that some people don't. We are all lucky to have found this board and the support that lies here! I am finally realizing that my weight loss goal could become a reality, even though I have to lose half of my original body weight. The support from clinic and the support on this board has made it real for me. Thanks to all!!!

[NIKKI21]

AWOL - please forgive
Things have been CRAZY with me the last month but I am very proud that I haven't given in to temptations and although it has been almost 1 month since WI at my clinic I can tell from my clothes that maintenance is fine

To all the newbies this really is THE ONE THAT WORKS!

To all the wonderful losers Big Thumbs UP!

[Desert-Rose7]

Originally Posted by Going2Lose

I want to chime in and comment about support received from our clinics. I guess I am the lucky one who has fabulous customer service at clinic. Every week I have lost something, some big numbers, and some small numbers. And every week, my clinic staff has been very celebratory and encouraging. The week after I reached my 10% goal, at my next weigh in, there was a card in my file. It was a handmade, congratulations card signed by most everyone at the clinic to celebrate my success. Then after that visit, I received a handwritten note from the clinic doctor, which was sent through the mail. It also congratulated me on my success and mentioned that she has several appointments available during the week. If I ever wanted to meet specifically with her, then that is an option!

I cannot even begin to tell you the boost that these two gestures has given me! I have lost another 3 pounds just since that weigh in on Monday! I wish all of you had this type of encouragement and support and sad to hear that some people don't. We are all lucky to have found this board and the support that lies here! I am finally realizing that my weight loss goal could become a reality, even though I have to lose half of my original body weight. The support from clinic and the support on this board has made it real for me. Thanks to all!!!

~Amy~ Thank you, Amy! I, too, have wonderful support from my clinic. Everyone is friendly, helpful and supportive, and knowledgeable. They take the time to care. I have never once felt rushed or overlooked. I am so thankful for all of them. They are all there for me. And that has made my journey just that much easier, happier and beneficial.

Jo

[Layna]

Hey All:

Hope everyone is doing well. I have been out car shopping most of today and it just gave me a great big headache. I buy a car once every 10 yrs, and even at that I do it reluctantly. They are ALL too bloody expensive!!! I was lucky to deal with 2 very nice sales guys who did not have the legendary car salesman slick around them. Wish me luck. I will probably purchase tomorrow. Car payments... yeuch!

Enough of that crap... on to the good stuff. I have to say, I like this MWL thing. 5 weeks, 22 lbs total to date. Very encouraging. Was down 3.4 this morning and I was thrilled. It works, it works, it works. Thanks to all the vitamins, I am not having any lousy side effects. Once before on low carb I stopped due to hair loss. Scary.

As I have read several of you write, people are starting to notice a positive change in me. Just a little here and there. But MAN, does it feel good!!! I am getting the odd second look at work, and people saying "I like your outfit" or "you look good today". Of course, no one wants to say "did you lose weight?" My clothes are the same as a few weeks ago, but they are just starting to fit that little bit better. Fewer strained buttons and zips, normal bust line instead of that squished uni-boob thing that happens when a top or dress it too tight. Little by little. And this is the way of a MWL journey.

Thank you all SOOO much. I can gaurantee this would be NOT be going so well for me if it were not for every one of you on here and this great community. Regardless of if or how I comment, I come in and read everything every one of you writes and it gives me much needed sense of belonging, refreshed and renewed commitment when I am feeling weak and a great desire to contribute and support where and when I can. So, thank you team, you are key to my success to date. I hope I am holding up my part in this great community. XXX Thank you.