*.*Super Spectacular September with MWL*.*

[Fit2010]

Congratulations Sara on your eating out success! Great job!

Cindy - I'm an RN too and I could so see that you could have thought you let your ring fall off into a glove during patient care! I'm so happy it was found; great story about the chain you where it on!

[jkeep5]

i am so glad to have found this website! i began mwl last monday & have done pretty good. i guess i started just in time, my BP was really high when i weighed in & there were white blood cells in my urine, YIKES! hopefully losing weight will correct those issues. i also have hasimotos & thought i wasn't ever going to be able to lose weight. i'm super excited about my weigh in on monday

[suzanna1]

I just wanted to share that this week I had a physical for my work's wellness program. I scored a 98.1 out of 100 for health! I lost points because I am not eating enough servings of whole grains, but that seems to be working well for me!

Here were the results:
Blood Pressure: 90/69 (<120/80 desirable)
Glucose: 93 mg/dl (65-99 normal fasting result)
BMI: 23 (<25 desirable)
Total Cholesterol: 163 (under 200 desirable)
HDL: 68 mg/dl (over 59 desirable)
LDL: 90 mg/dl (under 100 optimal)
Triglycerides: 50 mg/dl (under 150 normal)

My results last year weren't horrible, but my BMI is much better, total cholesterol down, hdl up, ldl down, blood pressure down, Triglycerides way down! Go Medi!!!

[kelly4me]

Originally Posted by suzanna1

I just wanted to share that this week I had a physical for my work's wellness program. I scored a 98.1 out of 100 for health! I lost points because I am not eating enough servings of whole grains, but that seems to be working well for me!

Here were the results:
Blood Pressure: 90/69 (<120/80 desirable)
Glucose: 93 mg/dl (65-99 normal fasting result)
BMI: 23 (<25 desirable)
Total Cholesterol: 163 (under 200 desirable)
HDL: 68 mg/dl (over 59 desirable)
LDL: 90 mg/dl (under 100 optimal)
Triglycerides: 50 mg/dl (under 150 normal)

My results last year weren't horrible, but my BMI is much better, total cholesterol down, hdl up, ldl down, blood pressure down, Triglycerides way down! Go Medi!!!

Congratulations, those are fabulous results!

[kelly4me]

Originally Posted by jkeep5

i am so glad to have found this website! i began mwl last monday & have done pretty good. i guess i started just in time, my BP was really high when i weighed in & there were white blood cells in my urine, YIKES! hopefully losing weight will correct those issues. i also have hasimotos & thought i wasn't ever going to be able to lose weight. i'm super excited about my weigh in on monday

This is a great place! Medi found my thyroid issue at my original blood draw. I'm beyond thankful that I can now work on correcting that. I've struggled with weight forever and this WOE is working so well for me.

[Mary T8M]

We'll be missing our appointment at the Clinic this week.......probably all together We'll be heading up to Jacksonville tomorrow (EARLY) to stay with our daughter in law(DIL) and 6 mo old grandson. Our DIL just completed her second round of chemo, and it has really knocked her for a loop! We'll stay at least through Wednesday. DH will put up new tile around the tub while we're there, and I'll just play Grandma, gopher, nurse, and cook. I'm so glad we can help, but it just breaks my heart that this wonderful young family has to go through something this horrible!

BTW September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month!

I'll be checking in as I can

[SDC2]

Originally Posted by msawhitt

OK, I'm in need of a little advice, and what better place, right? : )

I'm struggling (of sorts) with a mental dilemma regarding my weight loss right now. I have officially blew past my pre-pregnancy weight, and *barely* passed the weight I was when I met my boyfriend, and am starting to feel a little too comfortable in my skin right now! Not exactly a "problem", but I still have a little ways to go and don't want to see myself settle. I keep having thoughts that I could stop going to the clinic and just eat low-carb on my own, or think more often than I should that a food (or drink) "cheat" wouldn't be so bad for me. I have never been someone who struggled with body image issues, even towards my heaviest weight I was still pretty confident in my skin. I really want to get my body fat down to about 10 pounds below the max. recommended range that is healthy for my body (a more realistic goal, per my Medi doctor), and still need to lose probably about 15-20 more pounds to do so.

Any advice on how to re-motivate myself here at my midway point? I know I can do it, and would love any input I can find. Thanks guys : )

Stacey,

Do not quit Medi before going through maintenance and getting the maintenance materials. So many of our clients do that only to come back 6 months later having gained back 10-20 pounds or more! I would suggest if you are thinking about quiting Medi, start maintenance now. Many clients will still lose after starting maintenance as they are "carbophobic" and not ready to eat the number of calories that their body burns.

Once in maintenance you only need to come in once a month, until you feel like you have it under control. It is so important to learn the final piece of this WOE. How many carbs will you be able to eat, which carbs, when to eat them, and how often can you cheat without making the cravings come back. These are some of the topics covered in the maintenance program. You do not want to go back to your old habits.

As a former patient who has kept the weight off for 15 months now, I speak not only as a counselor, but from experience. Good luck to you!

[AnnK]

Originally Posted by Sara0621

After 10 weeks on Medi, I was finally brave enough to go out for dinner with a friend. I had gone out to lunches, just because I felt like there was less pressure and more ability to get a grilled chicken salad... I don't know, the thought of "going out to dinner" scared me!

Anyway, we went to (of all places) The CheeseCake Factory. I did so well! I got the lettuce wrap appetizer and just at the chicken, lettuce, and cucumber. The bread didn't even appeal to me, even as I was breaking it up into little bits for my daughter to munch on!

The one thing I did *miss* but didn't indulge in, was the Raspberry Lemonade. I'm sure that now it would taste TOO sweet to me, but it's what I always ordered to drink.

Now, the friend I went with is very health conscious and has been very supportive of my transformation, so that helped. She even suggested we go somewhere else, but to me it really was more about spending time with her, and less about the food.

I didn't even think twice about the Cheesecake! Perfectly satisfied with my chicken, lettuce, and diet coke.

Just wanted to share...

YAY, Sara!!!

[Nance7]

I feel really bad for not having posted in well over a week. It's funny how we become attached to this board and feel withdrawal when away from it. Anyway, I have been thinking about all of you and occasionally reading as much as I can. Also, after vacation, I have been working a lot of overtime; my h.s. reunion was last weekend, and I had been on the committee, so we had a lot of work, but it was all great (and I was able to wear a teeny little black dress). Then, I was away this past weekend. Just way too much going on.

I'm still having trouble with transition and have NOT been adding in the carbs, except for a few additional veggies. Basically, I'm still eating like I'm in acute. Someone told me over the weekend that if I don't eat some bread or cereal or a potato, I'll have zero energy. Does anyone know how to refute that idea? I feel that it's not true, but I'm not sure. I still feel that grains were responsible for my legs/feet/ankles swelling, as well as some digestive issues that all went away when I started MEDI (maybe a gluten intolerance?), so I'm reluctant to add any in. Maybe I'll try some oatmeal and see what happens?

[kelly4me]

Originally Posted by Nance7

I feel really bad for not having posted in well over a week. It's funny how we become attached to this board and feel withdrawal when away from it. Anyway, I have been thinking about all of you and occasionally reading as much as I can. Also, after vacation, I have been working a lot of overtime; my h.s. reunion was last weekend, and I had been on the committee, so we had a lot of work, but it was all great (and I was able to wear a teeny little black dress). Then, I was away this past weekend. Just way too much going on.

I'm still having trouble with transition and have NOT been adding in the carbs, except for a few additional veggies. Basically, I'm still eating like I'm in acute. Someone told me over the weekend that if I don't eat some bread or cereal or a potato, I'll have zero energy. Does anyone know how to refute that idea? I feel that it's not true, but I'm not sure. I still feel that grains were responsible for my legs/feet/ankles swelling, as well as some digestive issues that all went away when I started MEDI (maybe a gluten intolerance?), so I'm reluctant to add any in. Maybe I'll try some oatmeal and see what happens?

My son is gluten intolerant so we have lots of gluten free stuff in the house. I also go to the Richmond clinic. What about trying some gluten free bread or pasta? Whole Foods carries it. The Udi's frozen GF bread is very good and the slices are small. Some of the GF pastas are good, too - my son likes the Bionaturae brand.

Another possibility is beans like black beans or lentils or the like? Maybe some brown rice?

As for the energy - I'm still in acute, so I'm only eating veggies and a fruit here or there, but I'm not having energy issues?

[malloryann11]

Going to really stick to plan this week and starting crew workouts (hopefully I make it 5am) if I make it to my workouts (they are intense) I might bump up from 500 cal to 800 cal of protein a day

Wish me luck!

[Nance7]

Originally Posted by kelly4me

My son is gluten intolerant so we have lots of gluten free stuff in the house. I also go to the Richmond clinic. What about trying some gluten free bread or pasta? Whole Foods carries it. The Udi's frozen GF bread is very good and the slices are small. Some of the GF pastas are good, too - my son likes the Bionaturae brand.

Another possibility is beans like black beans or lentils or the like? Maybe some brown rice?

As for the energy - I'm still in acute, so I'm only eating veggies and a fruit here or there, but I'm not having energy issues?

Thanks so much, Kelly. Those are great suggestions. I was planning to go to "our" Whole Foods tomorrow--I finally have a day off. I will check out the gluten-free options and actually have an organic lentil soup from Trader Joe's. Maybe I'll see you at "our" clinic.

[Fit2010]

Youngest DD was home for over 48 hours and my time was spent with her! So happy! Youngest DD jogged in the Race for the Cure with me at my pace, I did jog the entire 5K without stopping!!, and YES some walkers passed me by!!! Also had a great time with my three friends from church who also did the 5K. Got a call from Jerome (Jerry) after the race, he hadn't taken his phone on the run and I didn't connect with him in the other 10,000 folks that were there. Yesterday and today I was eating off plan quite a bit. Oldest DD then called this afternoon and said she did the Race for the Cure in Toledo today....I'm so happy they both support me and this wonderful cause!

I'll be signing up for another 5k Oct 10th...will go to church on a Saturday evening since I'll be missing service at my Sunday AM services only, pastor already knows. I'm going to train jogging faster for 45 seconds followed by 60 seconds of my routine pace jogging....train like I did for the C25K! I know I'll need to eat some nuts to keep my energy up, other than that I plan to do week 1 starting again Monday for at least 4 days to get back into ketosis, then add in veggies, and stay away from fruits and grains for a while. About to have my big plunge of giving up artificial sweeteners except for 1 coffee daily with 1 SunCrystals (1/2 stevia, 1/2 sugar) and unsweeten almond milk; and 1 diet sprite can. It's got to be limited!! I've gone so overboard, which just makes we crave even more carbs.

[loyemarie]

Fit2010 - Wow! You jogged the entire 5K? Kudos! I'm trying to get back into jogging/walking like I did last year. I think I'll start out the Jeff Galloway way again with the walk/run method. He has teamed up with Disney putting short training videos on the runDisney facebook page. His regular website also has his training schedules on it. Good luck in your future races!

My DD will be returning to the States one month from tomorrow! She has been serving a mission for our church in Germany/Austria for the past year and a half! Can't wait for her return! So...I have tons to do before her arrival to get her room ready. She's an independent one, so won't be home for long, I expect. She's 25, and has a degree in cello performance, so I'm sure she'll build up a group of students again. She lived in Tampa before she left for Germany so not sure if she'll go back there, or someplace else! Oh, to be so open to possibilities again!

loyemarie

[malloryann11]

OMG... made it to my first crew practice and did 5 miles today wow I feel good and glad it is over for the day

[kelly4me]

Originally Posted by malloryann11

OMG... made it to my first crew practice and did 5 miles today wow I feel good and glad it is over for the day

Are you talking crew like rowing? Either way, congrats!

[kelly4me]

I'm going to be going out of town and my clinic said that I can pay for two weeks at a time to be able to pick up two weeks of the suppressant. No problem. The NP then said that my other option was to go ahead and wean of them now for while I'm away. NO thanks!!

So.. my question is - how long are people usually on the suppressants for? I've only been on for a month, and I figure that I'll be in acute phase for at least another 5 months. I can't imagine being on 500-650 calories without them.

[malloryann11]

yes crew like rowing but today was a land workout we ran a three mile trail and stopped at all parking garages to run up the ramps and then back down... talk about a workout

[irabeslim]

Originally Posted by Fit2010

Youngest DD was home for over 48 hours and my time was spent with her! So happy! Youngest DD jogged in the Race for the Cure with me at my pace, I did jog the entire 5K without stopping!!, and YES some walkers passed me by!!! Also had a great time with my three friends from church who also did the 5K. Got a call from Jerome (Jerry) after the race, he hadn't taken his phone on the run and I didn't connect with him in the other 10,000 folks that were there. Yesterday and today I was eating off plan quite a bit. Oldest DD then called this afternoon and said she did the Race for the Cure in Toledo today....I'm so happy they both support me and this wonderful cause!

I'll be signing up for another 5k Oct 10th...will go to church on a Saturday evening since I'll be missing service at my Sunday AM services only, pastor already knows. I'm going to train jogging faster for 45 seconds followed by 60 seconds of my routine pace jogging....train like I did for the C25K! I know I'll need to eat some nuts to keep my energy up, other than that I plan to do week 1 starting again Monday for at least 4 days to get back into ketosis, then add in veggies, and stay away from fruits and grains for a while. About to have my big plunge of giving up artificial sweeteners except for 1 coffee daily with 1 SunCrystals (1/2 stevia, 1/2 sugar) and unsweeten almond milk; and 1 diet sprite can. It's got to be limited!! I've gone so overboard, which just makes we crave even more carbs.

What I see in the postings all the time: a lot of people (even successful and knowledgeble MWL dieters) when they overindulge, they go on week 1 plan (cure-all panacia). I did it myself at least 5 times during my 8 months weight loss endeavour. I reached my original goal but decided to lower it another 5 lb. But instead of sticking to the plan to achieve this goal I had the worst weekend and of course, I am putting myself on week one today. I am worried that this is shaping to be a viscuos cycle for years to come. I am sure it is not healthy, but I seem to be doing it all the time and I am not alone. I know we need to train our brains and I am trying to do it but IT DOES WORK YET FOR ME. I fail miserably every time I am out of my routine, etc. I am hoping for a word of wisdom from our veterans. Are you doing thie week one also? Please, help.

[msawhitt]

Originally Posted by SDC2

Stacey,

Do not quit Medi before going through maintenance and getting the maintenance materials. So many of our clients do that only to come back 6 months later having gained back 10-20 pounds or more! I would suggest if you are thinking about quiting Medi, start maintenance now. Many clients will still lose after starting maintenance as they are "carbophobic" and not ready to eat the number of calories that their body burns.

Once in maintenance you only need to come in once a month, until you feel like you have it under control. It is so important to learn the final piece of this WOE. How many carbs will you be able to eat, which carbs, when to eat them, and how often can you cheat without making the cravings come back. These are some of the topics covered in the maintenance program. You do not want to go back to your old habits.

As a former patient who has kept the weight off for 15 months now, I speak not only as a counselor, but from experience. Good luck to you!

Thanks Susie! Your advice is always appreciated- a lot of your posts from past forums are some of my favorites : )

A couple of "thoughts" I am having right now (and not just Susie- ANY input is appreciated here!). First of all, while it is SO worth it, the weekly cost of Medi is pretty high! My boyfriend also needs to start somewhere to get some extra weight off, and putting 2 people through at $70 each per week (he is on a very different schedule than I am, and long story short...he would not be going to Medi, but a similar program in the area through his work wellness program) is nuts. Especially with the holidays coming up, I need to start talking to my clinic about an exit strategy! Now that I am on that last 20 pounds, I am trying to come up with the best plan to help my maintain my weight and get to my goal.

I currently have a 1-year membership to a local Weight Watchers clinic, and my sister-in-law near me who is also maintaining a weight loss on that program. The membership allows me unlimited meetings, whenever I want, and is already paid in full. I was *thinking* that a realistic plan for me might be to start weaning off the Medi medications pretty soon and switch over to WW. I am not overly sensitive to carbs, I have fruit most days now and have not actually been able to get back into ketosis since I fell out of it in week 3. I'm still losing weight at a great rate, so reintroducing healthy carbs is not a concern for me. I am thinking I might talk to my clinic this Wednesday and let them know I only plan to go for about another month (like be done there end of October, mid-November).

The problem is that I know there is brand loyalty, and obviously my clinic is going to want my business, so I'm not sure where to go for an honest and reasonable opinion about this. I am looking for a plan that will be the most realistic for me, and from what I have gathered on here and from other sources (including locals that have been to Medi and info from my clinic), Medi wellness might not be the most realistic maintenance plan for me! The WW points system is so flexible, allowing for calculated treats once in a while. It wasn't the right "weight-loss" plan for me (too slow, I was willing to make sacrifices to get the weight off more quickly), but I think it might be the right maintenance plan for me. Plus, I can go to meetings (right around the corner from my house) unlimited times per week, and drop in anytime to check in and weigh in.

Whew, that's it : ) Honest thoughts are welcome, that's why I am here!

[msawhitt]

Originally Posted by kelly4me

I'm going to be going out of town and my clinic said that I can pay for two weeks at a time to be able to pick up two weeks of the suppressant. No problem. The NP then said that my other option was to go ahead and wean of them now for while I'm away. NO thanks!!

So.. my question is - how long are people usually on the suppressants for? I've only been on for a month, and I figure that I'll be in acute phase for at least another 5 months. I can't imagine being on 500-650 calories without them.

FYI...

My clinic did let me do this, and for the week I wasn't there (just got an extra week of meds) it was only $35. So I paid $105 for a visit, and picked up 2 weeks of meds while I was there. They said I could do this for up to 3 weeks of medications at a time, paying only $35 for the weeks I wouldn't actually be there.

[suzanna1]

Originally Posted by malloryann11

OMG... made it to my first crew practice and did 5 miles today wow I feel good and glad it is over for the day

Mallory ~ I rowed in high school, college and then with local rowing teams. I have also coached high school and college teams. I think it is the best sport in the world! You are going to get in such great shape, especially your legs!

I had to give it up after back surgery a few years ago, but I keep thinking about getting back into it. I miss it terribly.

[sally1]

Hello!
Just checking in. Still here, still working at this WOL. Still happy to read all the advice given.

Sue

[sally1]

Hi Again,

My name is Sue... but my daughters are Allie and Sadie. I often will call one of them Sally (or Aidie).
Again, thanks to all that post. It really helps to have a community.

Sue

[Nance7]

Originally Posted by kelly4me

So.. my question is - how long are people usually on the suppressants for? I've only been on for a month, and I figure that I'll be in acute phase for at least another 5 months. I can't imagine being on 500-650 calories without them.

Kelly--My experience with our clinic here is that you stay on the AS throughout acute. Now that I'm in transition, they tell me to take 1/2 tablet twice a day. It seems to be working OK for now. I assume I will be completely off of them by the Wellness phase.

[Nance7]

Originally Posted by Fit2010

Youngest DD was home for over 48 hours and my time was spent with her! So happy! Youngest DD jogged in the Race for the Cure with me at my pace, I did jog the entire 5K without stopping!!, and YES some walkers passed me by!!! Oldest DD then called this afternoon and said she did the Race for the Cure in Toledo today....I'm so happy they both support me and this wonderful cause!

I'll be signing up for another 5k Oct 10th.

Yay, Debbie!! You are awesome. Congratulations on doing this wonderful race and jogging the entire time! I know that you are so proud that your daughters did the race, too. What an example you are setting for them. Good luck with the eating. I know that your allergies have been really challenging for you, but knowing all of the challenges that you have already faced, I know you can get control of them.

[jkeep5]

my first weigh in was today & i'd lost 8 pounds! i didn't think i'd lost anywhere near that so i'm super excited

theywouldn't give me the prescription appetite suppresant because my blood pressure is still to high. not sure why it's high, i suspect because i'm overweight but who knows. anyway, another week on the herbal AS. i guess if i can make it through the first week with that i can make it another one.

[lins]

Just checking in. I have an ear infection today and it HURTS. Still maintaining, which is the plan.

[tydreamer]

Originally Posted by irabeslim

What I see in the postings all the time: a lot of people (even successful and knowledgeble MWL dieters) when they overindulge, they go on week 1 plan (cure-all panacia). I did it myself at least 5 times during my 8 months weight loss endeavour. I reached my original goal but decided to lower it another 5 lb. But instead of sticking to the plan to achieve this goal I had the worst weekend and of course, I am putting myself on week one today. I am worried that this is shaping to be a viscuos cycle for years to come. I am sure it is not healthy, but I seem to be doing it all the time and I am not alone. I know we need to train our brains and I am trying to do it but IT DOES WORK YET FOR ME. I fail miserably every time I am out of my routine, etc. I am hoping for a word of wisdom from our veterans. Are you doing thie week one also? Please, help.

I'm doing this right now, too. Back to week one. It's only for three or four pounds, but I'm not waiting until it's 10 or 20. And I agree that this will probably be my cycle and probably for the rest of my life. It's true that the real work begins in maintenance. I reached goal about 6 or 7 weeks ago and it's truly been a struggle. I would also like to lose 5 pounds beyond my achieved goal, but since I'm already having trouble maintaining, I'm just not sure it's possible.

Feeling a little overwhelmed again, but glad to be back!

[lins]

Lea I could write your post. I still want to be about 5lbs below, but I am having a hard enough time maintaining that somedays I don't think it's possible. But right now I'm not trying to lose it I'm just trying to maintain and get that all figured out.

On that note. It's a little bit weird. I have been on a diet or pregnant for the past 8 yrs. Now that I am at "goal" it's a little weird to not be on a diet anymore. Yes I will ALWAYS have to watch what I eat, but not "dieting" is strange....kwim? It's all a mental thing, but it's a little surreal. I am not sure I am ever going to get use to being small again. I tried on a size small shirt today that was too big on me. Really??? It's just an odd feeling.