Outstanding October with Medi Weight Loss

[Medi-Annie]

Hey Jennifer,

Why is it that I am always responding to your posts? Clearly, you remind me of me! We need to meet up one day.

I'm glad that my goofy box analogy helped you! Just remember that in my original message, I miscommunicated the amount of fruit that can be eaten in one day. It's 2 veggies or 1 veggie & 1 fruit. (Actually, I know you're aware of that, but I never edited my mistake and don't want anyone new to be confused if they go back and look at it.)

As to goals, I agree with Jane that commitment to this program as a life change is the key; however, lovely little gifts to yourself every so often are quite nice. One of the reasons (at least for me personally) for my obesity seems to be that the only way I've been nurturing myself is with food. So, I'm trying to replace some of those behaviors with other better behaviors. In order to do that, I gift myself something every 10 pounds or so. I ordered an exercise program DVD, and I look at it as a gift (not as something I'm making myself do to lose weight.) This week-end, I am going to see two childhood friends in Atlanta. As a single mother, this is something I haven't allowed myself in years and years. I was upfront with my friends about my new way of eating, and I'm taking a cooler of my Medi-friendly foods with me.

And to the carb count for the day...you really do remind me of me! I was wigging out over this and really struggled over the clinic's advice to stop stressing over it. I've finally realized that (without counting) I rarely go over 30 carbs per day. That's total carbs, not net carbs. My choice is not to eat fruit on a day I eat a protein bar, but that's a personal choice. I'm still losing, so for me, it's working. Why don't you consistently log your food into Daily Plate? Over time, you'll begin to see a pattern to your carb counts; and you'll be able to note what days you felt better and which weeks you lost more. This seems a more personalized way of determining a number and still puts you in line with what our clinic states.

[QueenCityDiva]

Originally Posted by AtTheBeach

Was it what you weighed at a specific time in your life?
Was it from a chart based on your height?
Was it a number that just sounds "right"?

Excellent questions! I never, ever cared about how much I weighed, so I honestly don't know what my goal weight is. I want to be a size 10/12 - the size I was in college. I think I weighed around 165-170 pounds (I'm 5'9"), but I really don't know. I figured I'd shoot to lose 100 pounds and that would put me in the right range. Plus if I'm working out a lot and running, I might get even more lean but still weigh around that.

I will say that no chart ever lists me where I think I should be. I'm a tall girl and I like to be thick, not thin. I don't want to weigh the 136 pounds those charts say I should and my husband would HATE it!

So for me, imy number just sounded right!

[SDC2]

Carolina Girl, Bre, Justin and jdmerk,

Congrats on the losses!

Jennifer,

Jane said it beautifully... it is all about the behavior. Setting goals should be over what you can control. The weightloss is a result of the behavior. So, IMHO, instead of setting goals like I want to lose 5 pounds this week, set a goal like I want to journal every day and drink all my water this week. In the weightloss goal, if you did't make it because you got your TOM or your body just didn't cooperate, you end up disappointed and feel like you failed. But whether or not you stuck to your behavior goals is up to you.

Jessica,

Your before/after pics are awesome. You must be so proud. You already look amazing. Just wait until you get to goal!!!

DW,



AtTheBeach,

For me my goal weight was more determined by clothing sizes and fat %. I wanted to be an 8/10 and have a normal body fat %. I didn't care as much about the number on the scale.

[Medi-Annie]

Do we have a thread regarding restaurants that have Medi-friendly meals? If not, I'd love to see one. I realize some of us are from different parts of the country, so it isn't going to always be applicable, but I still think it would be useful.

Charlotteans, today I went to Newk's Cafe in Blakeney. Wow! First off, they have fresh brewed iced tea sweetened with Splenda right next to the the unsweet tea and the sweet tea dispensers. As a southerner, this thrilled me more than I can express! The only thing that could have made me happier was if the tea had been decaf too. I purchased a salad called the Newk's Favorite and asked for it without the grapes, cranberries, nuts, and dressing. It was HUGE. There were at least 6 oz. of the most delicious chicken and 2 tbsps of blue cheese, so it can easily make two meals. It wasn't too pricey, and it was really fresh. There were numerous other salad choices that could easily be customized to make them appropriate for us. Five Stars!

[TriMom]

Jessica- you have always been my inspiration as we have had the same amount to lose. I am really so inspired by you! Congrats on coming so far!

To DreamWarrior, welcome! I know you will do great!

Candy....you are really rockin' this program. I remember when you first started! I am so happy for you. You will ABSOLUTELY reach your goals.

Susie-if they don't take you for the manager position they will be making a HUGE mistake. You have the testimonial. You are an inspiration. I wish you a peaceful interviewing process!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

[dodgern]

Jennifer-You went to MWL to get help in losing weight. They gave you all the info to start and you've lost weight. I've got a question for you-Why do you question their methods and worry about carbs? The diet plan they've outlined for you is probably the lowest amount of carbs you'll get with any diet you try!
They've done the math.They've done all the work. They know what it takes to lose the weight quickly! Soooooooo, let the professionals help you!!
We require a certain amount of carbs per day to have proper brain function and heart function. Carbs, like fat, are a required part of a healthy diet. You drop too much fat from your diet and you'll end up with a bad gallbladder!
I love the fact that care so much about this WOE that you're willing to change your eating habits BUT don't go overboard and end up in a health crisis that doesn't need to happen!
PS- I'm also an RN and work with many different types of doctors-they'll tell you the same thing.

This diet takes you down to the bare necessity of calories per day to allow you to lose weight quickly without stressing your body to the point of collapse! So please listen to your NP-they'll take you there safely!!!

cindy

[QueenCityDiva]

Originally Posted by Medi-Annie

Hey Jennifer,

Why is it that I am always responding to your posts? Clearly, you remind me of me! We need to meet up one day.

I'm glad that my goofy box analogy helped you! Just remember that in my original message, I miscommunicated the amount of fruit that can be eaten in one day. It's 2 veggies or 1 veggie & 1 fruit. (Actually, I know you're aware of that, but I never edited my mistake and don't want anyone new to be confused if they go back and look at it.)

As to goals, I agree with Jane that commitment to this program as a life change is the key; however, lovely little gifts to yourself every so often are quite nice. One of the reasons (at least for me personally) for my obesity seems to be that the only way I've been nurturing myself is with food. So, I'm trying to replace some of those behaviors with other better behaviors. In order to do that, I gift myself something every 10 pounds or so. I ordered an exercise program DVD, and I look at it as a gift (not as something I'm making myself do to lose weight.) This week-end, I am going to see two childhood friends in Atlanta. As a single mother, this is something I haven't allowed myself in years and years. I was upfront with my friends about my new way of eating, and I'm taking a cooler of my Medi-friendly foods with me.

And to the carb count for the day...you really do remind me of me! I was wigging out over this and really struggled over the clinic's advice to stop stressing over it. I've finally realized that (without counting) I rarely go over 30 carbs per day. That's total carbs, not net carbs. My choice is not to eat fruit on a day I eat a protein bar, but that's a personal choice. I'm still losing, so for me, it's working. Why don't you consistently log your food into Daily Plate? Over time, you'll begin to see a pattern to your carb counts; and you'll be able to note what days you felt better and which weeks you lost more. This seems a more personalized way of determining a number and still puts you in line with what our clinic states.

So true, so true - you do seem to have all of my answers! Or, I just ask a lot of questions. The truth is that it's BOTH! LOL We should definitely meet up - are you on CM? If so, check out the thread in the Health & Wellness section. We're trying to organize a Medi-potluck!

I do need a little reward here and there, right? LOL I'm going to keep thinking about this and then I'll develop a plan.

About my carbs, I've been entering everything into My Daily Plate and it's awesome. I've really analyzed my carb intake and I've pinpointed the foods that elevate my count. I'm being much more careful now not to eat them all in the same day! I'll keep working this out as time goes on!!! Thanks for the advice, girl! And ENJOY your weekend!

[Medi-Annie]

Originally Posted by AtTheBeach

Was it what you weighed at a specific time in your life?
Was it from a chart based on your height?
Was it a number that just sounds "right"?

I always weighed 116 as a teen/young adult. Then in my late 20's up until my late 30's, I weighed anywhere between 111 to 122. Now, I am 43 years old. I'm 5'4" tall. I think 125 sounds good, but I'm not sure. Three years ago I lost some weight and got down to 124. I ended up gaining it back plus more, but it seemed like a good, comfortable weight. But now I'm second guessing myself.

For me, it's not about the number of pounds I weigh anymore. At nearly 51, I just want to feel healthy and be fit. I'm too young to feel this old, and I know my weight is the main reason I've felt old.

Well, if I'm being totally honest, it would be nice to fit into one of my daughter's tops again though!

[QueenCityDiva]

Cindy, THANK YOU! You are right, they have done the work on this. I need to just STOP obsessing about it. I'll be conscious of it so I don't go too far overboard, but otherwise, I'm going to put myself in the hands of MWLC! ACK the control issues are rearing their ugly little heads. But you are 100% right - well said! THANK YOU!

[QueenCityDiva]

Annie, I'm going to have to try that place one day for lunch - sounds like a great place to meet up to me! And I LOVE the idea about a restaurant thread! That is GREAT info!

I'd love to see a "what I'm eating thread" and something about brands to buy. Those would both be so helpful - one for everyday ideas on what to eat and one for special things to look out for at the grocery store or on Netrition.com. I just spent 2 hours on that site today and ended up overwhelmed and with $136 less than I started with!

[SDC2]

This aired Wednesday morning...
Video

and this one aired Thursday morning...
Video

Some of their statements bothered me... I never felt like I was starving, and it was not a difficult program to follow. As far as the "hitting the gym" comments, I have exercised on a regular basis my whole life. I think this WOE is the key to weightloss, but exercising is the key to toning and building muscle. They are both important components of a healthy life. I am way healthier than I was a year ago and my blood report backs that up. Also, maybe this is petty, but the 700 calories does not include your fruit or vegetables.

[TriMom]

Well, you look beautiful, you really do! I am disappointed at the way no one seemed to be "impressed" nor open to the idea that losing weight this way is better than being morbidly obese. Hmmmm....it was more of a one way sort of documentation in my opinion. The use of flippant words like "chemicals" and "cranky" were insensitive I thought. I wonder if this sort of blatant skeptiscm is why Medi seems to trust in word-of-mouth advertising. I never heard of Medi until I heard about it from a client.

[Mommy-2-girls]

Suzi, I am disgusted. You looked and sounded great but the segment was a joke. I wrote in to the News Director and here's what I said

RE: Segments on Medi Weight Loss Clinics

I recently viewed both segments your reporter did on Medi Weight Loss and was appalled. What I saw was an example of really poor reporting. Medi is not a program that ever advocates "starvation" and in fact requires patients to choose lean, high-quality proteins, fresh and healthy vegetables and fruits, and lots of non-caloric beverages. Your flippant anchorman downplayed the role of exercise but in fact it is a HUGE part of being successful on Medi. The reporter on this story took a sound byte from a physician saying that exercise is not "required" and manipulated that to sound as if "exercise is not important".

I am so disappointed in this shoddy reporting, and especially in the lack of professionalism your (very slim) desk reporters showed in almost laughing at the plan. Americans are suffering from obesity in record numbers and our weight problems are placing a drain on the healthcare system. Why would you treat a physician-monitored diet plan that avocates self-control and healthy choices with so flippant an attiude?

I myself am a Medi patient. I began the program May 1st, 2009 and have lost 79.2 pounds. I eat normal, healthy food from the grocery store. I have a husband and 2 children (ages 2 1/2 and 1) and my goal is to be a healthy role model for my daughters. I was over 100 pounds overweight and now am within 25 pounds of my goal. I exercise 3-4 days per week including walking, running, Wii Aerobics, and yoga.

You also failed to mention that once patients reach their goal, they increase their calories to between 1600 and 1800 per day. This is in NO way associated with the "starvation movement" you mentioned.

Bad, bad job WKMG. You had an opportunity to get a message out that can provide hope to obese people and instead totally dropped the ball.

~Jessica S., proud wife, mother, and Medi patient

If anyone else is inclined, hover over "Seen On 6" on the toolbar of the link Suzi posted, click on "Contact Us" and tell the news director what you think about their "reporting". Ticked me off.

[NOT2fat4fun]

Great response Jessica!

[Medi-Annie]

Originally Posted by QueenCityDiva

So true, so true - you do seem to have all of my answers! Or, I just ask a lot of questions. The truth is that it's BOTH! LOL We should definitely meet up - are you on CM? If so, check out the thread in the Health & Wellness section. We're trying to organize a Medi-potluck!

I do need a little reward here and there, right? LOL I'm going to keep thinking about this and then I'll develop a plan.

About my carbs, I've been entering everything into My Daily Plate and it's awesome. I've really analyzed my carb intake and I've pinpointed the foods that elevate my count. I'm being much more careful now not to eat them all in the same day! I'll keep working this out as time goes on!!! Thanks for the advice, girl! And ENJOY your weekend!

There are never to many questions! I think I just had a lot of the same questions as you when I started Medi. I'll check out the CM site.

[babyboyst]

Originally Posted by katew1129

Jessica - you look amazing!!! You are so beautiful and look so alive and happy in the current pic! Thank you SO much for sharing! Congrats!!!

Jessica, ditto what Kate said!! I'm so glad you posted your pictures here, what an inspiration!!!!

[QueenCityDiva]

Jessica, that was a PERFECT email! I'm disgusted about the way they spun that! Susie, you looked GREAT and if I were you I would let them know how I felt misrepresented by their story. I would also let them know that I would appreciate a follow-up story that truly represents your position and that if they are not interested, you are quite sure that another news station would be.

That burns me up!

[AshleyR]

Susie~ You looked amazing and did a fab job.. I am totally disgusted with the way they did the segment though..

Annie- Have fun with your friends. I am from Atlanta as well!

Jesicca~ love the pics. you look beautiful.

So, its my TOM (too much info I know).. and I am feeling SO swollen almost like I have gained back those 10 pounds.. sigh.. my husband is looking fab and getting skinnier by the day.. I am so proud of him..

To the ladies.. have you noticed that your weigh ins during TOM are not great? please know I will take every single pound off with happiness. I am just curious..

[AZKim]

Had my first weigh in today. Lost 10 lbs. I'm happy to be able to add back salad and veggies.

But on a side note, I was reading about how a huge deficit in calories can do organ damage. Any of the senior members ever worry about this?

[SDC2]

Originally Posted by AZKim

Had my first weigh in today. Lost 10 lbs. I'm happy to be able to add back salad and veggies.

But on a side note, I was reading about how a huge deficit in calories can do organ damage. Any of the senior members ever worry about this?

I am on cholesterol medication, so have to have my blood work done every 3 weeks, especially a liver panel. My numbers only improved throughout this program. But that is me. If you are really concerned have your PCP monitor your blood work. I've been told that some Medi clinics do a blood screening every 30 pounds.

Thank you all for your responses. I was very put off by the resulting video, but was told by friends and family that I was being overly sensitive and that it did not put Medi in a bad light. I feel/felt used by the story they told, because it was not what I portrayed. I was told I was doing an interview for Medi, but instead was part of a starvation segment. I almost didn't post the links because I was so disgusted by it. You gotta love editing. I told them that the 700 protein calories was just during acute phase and when they did a metabolism test at the beginning of maintenance my resting metabolism was 1800 calories, which was a big increase for me. I told them that I was much happier and healthier than before I started Medi. But did any of that make the cut???

I talked to the office manager, Lisa, of our local clinic (the one in the first video that lost 80 pounds) and they got calls despite the way they depicted it.

[luvlonghorns]

Originally Posted by AZKim

Had my first weigh in today. Lost 10 lbs. I'm happy to be able to add back salad and veggies.

But on a side note, I was reading about how a huge deficit in calories can do organ damage. Any of the senior members ever worry about this?

No. I believe that is over an extended period of time. We're not in the acute phase for too extended a period. We're getting the weight off in record time and then re-ramping the calories back up - unless of course, we choose to cheat and drag the process out.....

[CAgirl]

Originally Posted by AshleyR

Susie~ You looked amazing and did a fab job.. I am totally disgusted with the way they did the segment though..

Annie- Have fun with your friends. I am from Atlanta as well!

Jesicca~ love the pics. you look beautiful.

So, its my TOM (too much info I know).. and I am feeling SO swollen almost like I have gained back those 10 pounds.. sigh.. my husband is looking fab and getting skinnier by the day.. I am so proud of him..

To the ladies.. have you noticed that your weigh ins during TOM are not great? please know I will take every single pound off with happiness. I am just curious..

yes. so not fair! LOL. i'm right there with ya! but we'll get back on track next week!

[tracy_d]

Originally Posted by AshleyR

Susie~ You looked amazing and did a fab job.. I am totally disgusted with the way they did the segment though..

Annie- Have fun with your friends. I am from Atlanta as well!

Jesicca~ love the pics. you look beautiful.

So, its my TOM (too much info I know).. and I am feeling SO swollen almost like I have gained back those 10 pounds.. sigh.. my husband is looking fab and getting skinnier by the day.. I am so proud of him..

To the ladies.. have you noticed that your weigh ins during TOM are not great? please know I will take every single pound off with happiness. I am just curious..

Ashley- OH YES!! I notice that those TOM weigh in s are the worst!!

[divine777]

Originally Posted by AshleyR

Susie~ You looked amazing and did a fab job.. I am totally disgusted with the way they did the segment though..

Annie- Have fun with your friends. I am from Atlanta as well!

Jesicca~ love the pics. you look beautiful.

So, its my TOM (too much info I know).. and I am feeling SO swollen almost like I have gained back those 10 pounds.. sigh.. my husband is looking fab and getting skinnier by the day.. I am so proud of him..

To the ladies.. have you noticed that your weigh ins during TOM are not great? please know I will take every single pound off with happiness. I am just curious..

Ashley,
I am right there with ya girl. It is so hard for me to stay focused, because I know I added veggies this week and my scale is not showing much progress at all. With TOM being here this week I keep trying to tell myself that it is TOM's fault I am not progressing much, and not the veggies. Arrggghhh!!!! Can't wait for this TOM to be gone, so I can move forward. I am so dreading Monday weigh in.

Can anyone share their numbers during TOM? What can I expect?

Susie~so proud of you!!! You did an awesome job. Glad that the clinic recieved more new clients regardless of the poor reporting.

[Mommy-2-girls]

Lady T- I can't remember specific numbers but I typically lost 1-2 pounds during the TOM and then next week would have as much as 5 pounds due to dropping the extra water! That WOOSH weigh in was the best Some people are not affected at all, so don't worry too much!

[AZKim]

Originally Posted by SDC2

I am on cholesterol medication, so have to have my blood work done every 3 weeks, especially a liver panel. My numbers only improved throughout this program.

My cholesteral is high too so my doc put me back on a statin. But I've been reading about the long-term side effects of statins and I'm thinking with doing this program, I'm going to switch to a natural remedy. Since I just started with the statin on the 16th, I'll give it a month, get another blood panel and then talk to my doc about switching. Did you know it is recommended to take CoQ10 supplements while taking statin? Because I think the statins deplete it.

[AZKim]

Originally Posted by luvlonghorns

AZKim, the apple probably won't "hurt" you in the traditional sense. However, it won't help either. A medium 3" diameter apple has 95 calories, only 4 grams of fiber, 25 carbohydrate grams and 19 grams of sugar. See nutritiondata.com which shows the USDA's food nutrition values if you don't have the figures.
Your issue may involve more than just fiber. Are you sure that you are getting your water in? No fiber supplement will help if you are not drinking your water. In fact it will further stop you up. If you are getting your water in, you may need to add a mild laxative - you may want to inquire about the MEDI Colon Cleanser when you go in today.
Good luck getting back on track and on "schedule"!
-Jane

Thanks Jane. Issue is cleared up now - TG! I drink lots of water, probably more than the recommended amount. I live in AZ - water is a must because it is so dry here and so easy to become dehydrated! I also bought some Fiber supplements. So I think with the incorporation of salads and veggies and the fiber supplements, I'll be ok going forward. But I sure was concerned for most of the week! I've never had intestinal issues and sure don't want them. The PA said this is a very common problem the first week and said that smooth move tea often works when other remedies won't. She also said that frequency will be less because we are eating less and there will be less waste. I know this subject is not the most pleasant but thought posting may be useful if other newbies are having this issue.

[QueenCityDiva]

Originally Posted by Medi-Annie

Do we have a thread regarding restaurants that have Medi-friendly meals? If not, I'd love to see one. I realize some of us are from different parts of the country, so it isn't going to always be applicable, but I still think it would be useful.

Charlotteans, today I went to Newk's Cafe in Blakeney. Wow! First off, they have fresh brewed iced tea sweetened with Splenda right next to the the unsweet tea and the sweet tea dispensers. As a southerner, this thrilled me more than I can express! The only thing that could have made me happier was if the tea had been decaf too. I purchased a salad called the Newk's Favorite and asked for it without the grapes, cranberries, nuts, and dressing. It was HUGE. There were at least 6 oz. of the most delicious chicken and 2 tbsps of blue cheese, so it can easily make two meals. It wasn't too pricey, and it was really fresh. There were numerous other salad choices that could easily be customized to make them appropriate for us. Five Stars!

Consider it done, girl! I talked to Susie about it and she's fine with us starting new threads. I hope this helps alleviate some of the issues! We certainly are trying to help!!!

Click here for the restaurant thread:
Medi-Friendly Restaurant Suggestions

[Mommy-2-girls]

************Newer folks, please make sure to use the "search" function at the top of the Medi forum before starting a new thread! You will find that tons of your questions have already been asked and answered and in some cases, have entire threads about them ************

[Desert-Rose7]

Originally Posted by Mommy-2-girls

************Newer folks, please make sure to use the "search" function at the top of the Medi forum before starting a new thread! You will find that tons of your questions have already been asked and answered and in some cases, have entire threads about them ************

Totally true, Jessica. I took some time this morning and bumped a few of them up so they could be seen a little more easily, then took off for a walk, and I see that you bumped your dining thread up too! WTG, girl! And I loved the way you took on that station in MCO (Orlando). I am crafting a response as well, but you said everything so very well.

hugs always from Jo