**Frolicking into Fabulous February with MWL**

[Mary T8M]

I've started liking Miracle Noodles.....didn't at first! THIS time I opened the package, dumped the contents into a strainer, and rinsed for a good minute under running cold water, THEN I put them in a bowl of cold water with a big splash of vinegar in it. I let this soak for a few minutes, draine, and then put them in the sauce just to warm through. I read not to over cook them.

There is no way I could eat plain yogurt (Greek or otherwise) I add some DaVinci syrup (blueberry, with a few fresh blueberries is my favorite) or I also use Sugar Free Jell-o powder (not the whole package....maybe 1/4 or /1/3 of the package) I like peach with blueberries, or lemon. DH likes cherry or lime. I also add vanilla SF pudding to Greek yogurt, and put that over berries.....yum

[SonoRoo]

I feel swollen...I'm afraid to get on the scale this morning.

[Swirveegrl]

I lost 1.5 lbs this week. I wasn't very disappointed with that, because I wasn't sure that I had lost ANY this week. The Nurse Practitioner came in to give me my "counsel" session, and she made me feel 200% better. She explained that I acutally lost 4.7lbs of FAT this week, and gained 2.1lbs of water. She said if you are going to "gain" anything water is preferred. She recommended that I increase my water intake, but explained that sometimes body water just fluctuates and it's really not a big deal. She praised me and said I was doing wonderful, because I had lost nearly 13lbs of FAT in 3 weeks She did encourage me to focus on strength training at least 2 times per week, starting this week. So overall, it was a great visit. Hopefully, I can attain 1derland next weigh in

Mary I your idea about using SF jello, and pudding. I hadn't thought about that. Those sound delicious.

BTW I haven't taken the 2nd B shot since week 1, because I am a WHIMP. Yes, it hurts me like the DEVIL. Yes, I am a RN and a HEMOdialysis RN at that, that gives shots and needles all day long. YES, I'm still a whimp BUT I may try to get myself together and try it again on Monday after work:blush:

[Swirveegrl]

Originally Posted by SonoRoo

I feel swollen...I'm afraid to get on the scale this morning.

This may be TMI but here we go. I felt like this yesterday. I took dulcolax last night before bed, and let's say it really WORKED nothing extreme, but I am feeling much better today. Constipation is a problem with this diet, and they tell you that at the clinic. Protein takes a MUCH longer amount of time to digest. I've been using the daily supplement; however, I could tell yesterday that I needed a little something extra. Dulcolax is not harsh, it IS NOT for daily use, but if you feel bloated, besides the possibility of water retention you may be constipated. Drinking MORE water is always the recommendation, even when you are bloated believe it or not!?!?!?!
I plan to cut back on the amount of cheese (string) I've been eating, or to include a yogurt and cottage cheese (possibly the activia brand, haven't checked the nutrition label yet)daily.
Constipation is not good for you (may lead to hemorrhoids), so if you're experiencing it make sure to let your clinic know, so that they may offer a treatment.

[VElite]

Its day 3 and I dont feel so well, or have any energy, its the hardest day so far. I didnt take my AS today, because the last two days they had my heart racing and I couldnt sleep. I am not feeling hungry, just feeling a little quesy from drinking so much water. I took a ketone test and it said I am between large (8) and large (9)(the last one). I have been drinking about 96-112 oz of water or powerade or propel zeros everyday, I am pushing for an extra bottle today, but this is my greatest challenge from previously drinking maybe 1 bottle of water/day to now 6-8. ahh, i just want to lay down..

[SonoRoo]

LOL Swirvegirl! Good job on the weight loss!!! My problem has never been constipation on this diet. HBP runs in my family and if I don't drink enough water and eat any salt at all I tend to swell up really bad. I just hate it when I wake up in the A.M. and feel that way...bloated with sausage fingers. :P

[Swirveegrl]

Originally Posted by SonoRoo

I feel swollen...I'm afraid to get on the scale this morning.

Originally Posted by SonoRoo

LOL Swirvegirl! Good job on the weight loss!!! My problem has never been constipation on this diet. HBP runs in my family and if I don't drink enough water and eat any salt at all I tend to swell up really bad. I just hate it when I wake up in the A.M. and feel that way...bloated with sausage fingers. :P

HaHaHa so sorry that you are having this problem with "sausage fingers", but You mean to tell me I just gave a lecture on my BOWEL habits for no good reason! LOLOLOLOLOL I'm honestly dying laughing, but SERIOUSLY I hope you feel better soon. Are you on lasix?
I hope someone else will benefit from my constipation seminar

[Swirveegrl]

Originally Posted by VElite

Its day 3 and I dont feel so well, or have any energy, its the hardest day so far. I didnt take my AS today, because the last two days they had my heart racing and I couldnt sleep. I am not feeling hungry, just feeling a little quesy from drinking so much water. I took a ketone test and it said I am between large (8) and large (9)(the last one). I have been drinking about 96-112 oz of water or powerade or propel zeros everyday, I am pushing for an extra bottle today, but this is my greatest challenge from previously drinking maybe 1 bottle of water/day to now 6-8. ahh, i just want to lay down..

The first week is the worst! I can't make you believe me, BUT it does get better! I seriously crashed and burned around day 5! DRINK your chicken broth, it really does help tremendously. It DOES get better. I'm now officially starting week 4 today. I have felt wonderful for these last few days! I can tell that my system has adjusted to this LOW carb-LOW cal WOE.

[SonoRoo]

LOL, no, the lecture will help the majority for sure!!!

Not on Lasix, just need to watch my salt intake and drink more water. I had boiled crab last night and of course it has a ton of salt in the seasoning and I just didn't drink enough water after. Tomorrow is my weigh in so of course I am chugging water today and will spend half the day running off to pee!

[Swirveegrl]

I agree. I think MEDI should include a Foley LEG bag in the starter package! When I'm at work, I can NOT run to the bathroom every 15 minutes.

[img]http://tickers.************.com/ticker/show/480/7345/4807345.png[/img]
Created by ************.com - Nutrition Facts For Foods

[Paulyesthers]

Hey all, I've been trying to catch up with everyone since I was away so long. Congrats to everyone on the losses (especially through Valentines!). It's great to see so many newbies since I was here last.

Wishing everyone a great day! It's almost Friday!!

[cheftrish]

Shelley I can totally relate to sausage fingers! as a matter of fact I have always said I have sausage legs! lol! But I have HBP too, and am taking verapamil, it is supposed to not cause water retention. Water retention is a huge problem for me, the NP said I have 80lbs of water!!! She said that was high, but I don't know what normal is.

Congrats Swirveegrl!! 13 lbs of fat in 3 weeks!! That is amazing.

Okay, dulcolax....that stuff is STRONG!!! I took it thinking it might get things moving and lets just say I couldn't leave the house for a day! lol! They have gone back on the shelf. I swiched to COLACE if I need it. I had it after having my kids and I was breastfeeding (are there any men on this thread? they are getting an earful today!) so I know its safe. I have to say the miracle noodles REALLY help and not in a bad way, that was an unlooked for benefit from nearly choking to death trying to get them own!

Foley LEG bag, now that is hardcore!

[cheftrish]

VElite, You really need to get some fluids in you, I agree the chicken broth should help and be sure you get enough electrolytes. I think if your strip is reading high you are not getting enough fluids, does anyone else have an opinion?? I would call your clinic and let them know how you are feeling. The first week is the hardest! But if you feel light headed call the clinic. That is what they are there for.
I don't take the AS because I am very sensitive to it and have HBP, so I take the STAYSLIM, and while not as strong I think it helps. They are going to wean you off the AS anyway, so see if you can get the stay slim - it is included so you don't have to pay for it.
Hang in and I hope you feel better!

[SonoRoo]

Trish, the MWL printout with total body water includes your muscles and stuff...it's not all water! Somewhere in this forum I posted a breakdown of what the printout means from Tanita meters. Lemme see if I can bump it.

[SonoRoo]

Ok, bumped it, but nevermind what I said. Your FFM includes everything but fat and your TBW is your total body water, but that is all water in our bodies. That means everything down to the cellular level and humans are full of water...in every tissue.

[dodgern]

Hi y'all

As a member in maintenance, I also "lurk" in here to see how everyone is doing and see if I can help. As usual, y'all are doing well at helping each other

For those of you who thought that Jo (Desert Rose) might have sounded a little harsh, trust me when I say that all she says has always been on the mark!

Perhaps that's why some of you reacted in a negative way I know most laugh when they say "I resemble that remark" But when someone finds that a comment that's not so positive does make them think that it might be true in them! Anger is an appropriate response when we get embarassed! However, I've also heard "Dont shoot the messenger", perhaps, as the messenger of something negative, you're shooting Jo!

I know I stuffed myself with food that fueled my body BUT was NOT good for me. It's hard to change our taste for fatty, carb-laden foods! I KNOW this from my own experience However, I did read the recipes our previous and continuing members have supplied and I've tried some as well. They are usually very good and very medi-friendly!

I also googled low carb recipes and found a LOT on line. I've tried many of them and even my hubby loves them! He's eating low carb without knowing it!
I've watched him eyeball me as I'm eating the same things and he asks if it's ok for me to eat these things I assure him that the recipes are medi-compliant and that I am, indeed, "allowed" to have it!!

Low carb friends has excellent recipes as well as a grouping of recipes
Linda's Low Carb Menus & Recipes - Ground Beef Recipes called Linda's Low Carb Menus and Recipes has many wonderful low carb recipes. The one addy I supplied is for ground beef recipes. There's also recipes for chicken and pork as well. Spread your wings and look some of these up... a lot of the are just YUMMY!

Please take all comments by us maintenance folks as a grain of salt...we're here to try to help y'all. We're not here to hurt any feelings and if we do, then maybe we've struck a nerve! I've had many struck in here...trust me on that!!! That's the reason I lost my weight in 6 1/2 mos!!!

Enough of my standing on the soapbox....

cindy

[Fit2010]

I see both sides. Some weeks I'm really "on" and every once in a while I'm back to the self-indulgent "oh this won't hurt, I know how to get it off" mindset.

Truth be known....I still struggle with maintaining and wellness. I went back to the clinic today and after a good look at my labs the NP drew blood thinking part of my problem is that my previous thyroid tests were showing I was on the lower side of normal. In discussion with my mom in the past 3 weeks I've learned I'm the only one in the family who isn't taking thyroid medication! My mom has been on it for over 30 years, dad for the past 6 years, my sisters for the past 4 years, and my brother just started in the past couple months. Dad and my brother are not overweight. Mom and my sisters yes, by 40 to 100 lbs. This may help explain why I'm freezing to the bone this winter and allowed myself to regain 15 lbs of "insulation!" I started week one on Monday and was good til last night when I got home from work and DH had made dinner, a casserole that sounded mostly medi-friendly with boiled eggs and sausage. Now I'm writing everything down in a new journal I bought from the clinic today and will go back in 2 wks. I'm going to try to stay OFF my home scales for a week. Guess I'll find out about my lab results tomorrow or Monday.

This venture is a process. We don't just arrive and get there all at once or stay at the endpoint without a lot of trial and error. The difference is that we know how to be healthy, have the support in the clinic, and fortunately for us on this LCF site (!), and we just have to decide we are worth the effort. It's a process my friends. I'm so glad we don't travel this journey alone....and we are not negated in worth, waiting only for the destination, nope....we are traveling this journey hanging out with friends who are also traveling along. Sometimes we might yell out and say "hey, here's the path, join us over here because we miss you!" or whisper out, "hey, I know you're frustrated, keep going, one step at a time, I'll walk with you." Whatever! I'm just so thankful for every single participant in this group!!

[Swirveegrl]

Trish you seriously made me laugh way too hard! Dulcolax did you in huh? Yes, the guys are definitely getting an EAR full today. Colace, maybe I will try that next time?
I made it to the gym this afternoon, YAY! I didn't do anything too exotic. Just the treadmill for about 25mins, and then the strength training since the NP says that should be my focus for now. I really felt good too. Although, I was REALLY nauseated by the time I got home? No idea, what that was about so I Googled it and read that dehydration, or exercising too soon after eating can make you wanna after exercise. I made myself eat my protein, and TaDa Voila I felt much better! Just thought I would share in case anyone else has experienced this.

[Swirveegrl]

Fit2010 what a lovely post. You are absolutley right, life is all about trial and error, falling off the wagon and getting back on, and helping pick up others when it's their turn to fall in the mud. You are an inspiration, because you have come so far, and continue to help others reach their aspirations 15lbs of insulation doesn't define your success, it's just another battle to win! I hope you find out soon if you need to be on medication for your thyroid

[Fit2010]

Swirveegrl - thanks! I'm not on every day, and then some days several times a day , but you new group of gals are learning a lot and doing great! The clinic doesn't want me to be less than 135 (cuz I'm an 'older' 5'4" than you are). I had purposely gone slower in my weight loss last year because of major surgery I'd had in '08...don't use my slower stat progress as a reflection on what you may experience. I'd read you are an RN. I am too!

[Swirveegrl]

I know I'm like a post crazed LowCarber today. I started reading Life Without Bread Today. I'm curious if anyone else has any recommendations for reads regarding this new WOE?
Deb that's soooo neat! I think I saw that Mary is an RN as well, and Shelley is an X-ray tech. I had some interesting thoughts today. About how I would like to do something with my nursing to help people fight obesity. Who knows. maybe I can get on staff at MEDI when I reach my goal?? LoL I know I probably sound silly, but actually being able to help people achieve WELLNESS would be very rewarding I imagine

[Fit2010]

Originally Posted by Swirveegrl

I know I'm like a post crazed LowCarber today. I started reading Life Without Bread Today. I'm curious if anyone else has any recommendations for reads regarding this new WOE?

Look at our LCF MWL main site for a thread called BOOKS and BLOGS. Please post details about Life Without Bread Today there so we can all know where to find resources that have been helpful! Thanks!!

And, yes, it would be awesome to help people in their journeys. That's why I'm so active here! I've primarily been a critical care RN (ICU years ago, ER for over 20 years, PACU past 10 years) and I teach nursing. I love that Johnsons & Johnsons commerical about nurse educators.

[VElite]

Originally Posted by Swirveegrl

I agree. I think MEDI should include a Foley LEG bag in the starter package! When I'm at work, I can NOT run to the bathroom every 15 minutes.

[img]http://tickers.************.com/ticker/show/480/7345/4807345.png[/img]
Created by ************.com - Nutrition Facts For Foods

Funny, I did suggest that to my NP on the first day...

[Charlene4]

Originally Posted by tydreamer

Several things...

I have tried and tried and retried the Miracle Noodles. I just can't do them. I wish I could. I envy all of you who love them!

I got my Jillian Michael's 30 day shred today. My husband is supposed to be going to a basketball game tonite so I think I'm going to try it. I got my walk in earlier just in case I end up mostly watching it and just sorta checking it out. After reading so much about how this one kicked everyone's butt, I'm a little nervous!!

Charlene, thank you for your earlier post. Love the picture of you - you look fabulous! And it's always so good to hear from you!

The 30 day shred is awesome! I just finished it and now I'm doing "shred it with weights." I only lost one pound but I lost an inch and a half on the hips, one inch on the waist and about 3/4 inche on each thigh. I love her workouts!

[SDC2]

Originally Posted by KellyInVenice

I have never had a problem with liking foods or being able to find something to eat. Obviously my eating habits were not ideal or I would not need something like Medi to get me back on track. I am going to talk to the Dr. today, but I am almost 99% sure this is some kind of side effect that the appetite suppressant has on me. Yesterday morning I broke it in half and felt OK at lunch and I did not take it at all the rest of the day and ate dinner just fine. I do know I have been lacking variety. I ate the same exact things every day for 3 weeks and that just sucks for anyone... diet or no diet. Going from an unhealthy diet to eating 500 calories a day plus a whole load of pills you were never putting into your body before has to effect everyone differently. It is just impossible not to. I can't speak for anyone else, but not wanting to eat the same thing every day and taking the appetite suppressant really took a toll on me and I really got some great advice on here that helped and I very much appreciate that!! Thanks!

Hi all. It has been a while since I posted, but can't resist adding my 2 cents. For those of you who don't know me I am a Medi counselor in the Central Florida area. Before I was a Medi counselor I was a patient and lost 62 pounds in 6 months. My husband than did the program and lost 60 pounds. Then I put my son on the program and he lost 75 pounds. I have kept the weight off for 1 year and 8 months.

Do not be offended by Jo because she is speaking from the heart and has been an incredible support to many of us. She has lots of wisdom and has donated much of her time and effort to keep this site a valuable resource. Having done the program myself and now having counseled hundreds of patients, the most successful patients journal, have weekly appointments, exercise, and incorporate variety into their diet. When I was a patient I would think about what I was in the mood for, then figure out how to make it medi friendly. I never felt deprived or like I was on a diet. In fact, as a counselor I bring in samples of my recipes every day and have my patients try them so they are encouraged to get adventurous. I think I have my whole clinic making oopsie pancakes.

For those of you who eat the same thing everyday, here is what I have to say. If you are losing and not getting bored, than kudos, it is working for you. But for most of my patients, eating the same thing every day will cause a sense of deprevation and can cause a plateau. Your body gets used to what you are eating and wants to be stable. You have to keep it guessing by varying the foods and varying the calories from day to day. I usually give my patients a calorie range depending on their starting weight and gender, and tell them to use the range. Some days stick to the lower number and some days go to the top.

To Jo, Cindy, and all of you who have continued to counsel and maintain this site I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I refer patients to this website every day. I love and appreciate all of you.

[VElite]

Originally Posted by Swirveegrl

The first week is the worst! I can't make you believe me, BUT it does get better! I seriously crashed and burned around day 5! DRINK your chicken broth, it really does help tremendously. It DOES get better. I'm now officially starting week 4 today. I have felt wonderful for these last few days! I can tell that my system has adjusted to this LOW carb-LOW cal WOE.

Originally Posted by cheftrish

VElite, You really need to get some fluids in you, I agree the chicken broth should help and be sure you get enough electrolytes. I think if your strip is reading high you are not getting enough fluids, does anyone else have an opinion?? I would call your clinic and let them know how you are feeling. The first week is the hardest! But if you feel light headed call the clinic. That is what they are there for.
I don't take the AS because I am very sensitive to it and have HBP, so I take the STAYSLIM, and while not as strong I think it helps. They are going to wean you off the AS anyway, so see if you can get the stay slim - it is included so you don't have to pay for it.
Hang in and I hope you feel better!

Thank you guys!!, I made it to 128oz of water plus i had a 16 oz powerade as well). I feel a lot better than this morning. I took a small nap, and then took a very short stroll outside to get some fresh air. I will ask the clinic about the stayslim as I too have HBP. I am taking my pillow into the bathroom tonite and sleeping on the toliet. I wont get much sleep either way... jk

[irabeslim]

Thank you, Susie! Your recipe for a successfull patient that you posted is right on. I would recommend this to all new members. This is exacty what I did and managed to lose 113 lb in 9 months. It worked while I was losing and continues to work while in wellness.

[chocolatefan]

Originally Posted by Charlene4

I haven't been posting much lately but had to say something about this...with risk of many people disagreeing...The comment about who will and won't stick with it, I find to be incredibly judgemental. I don't think judging people or bashing on them for sharing their honest feelings is helping anyone. This is one reason I don't post much anymore...because I see other peoples honestly being criticized. It doesn't matter HOW LONG you've been doing a particular program, no one is an expert or NONE of us would be here in the first place. Maybe everyone on here doesn't want to live the way you (or other members) live or eat what you eat or NOT "cheat". I also sense (and I may be wrong) a kind of feeling of being superior from some of the people who have done this program a long time ago...well, not everyone knew about it or maybe, like me, not everyone had weight to lose at that time. Everyones life is different and I thought we were all here to learn from one another.

I'm pretty new to the program too, and when someone responded to me with something like "we all know who will succeed and who won't..." I also felt judged and kind of unwelcome because I dared to ask about if one day we'd be able to enjoy a piece of cake. So, your post struck a nerve with me because I also challenged this forum to be open to those of us who really don't know what the future will look like and are uncertain about this plan. I am looking for support, answers to my "newbie" questions, and a fun place to interact. I don't need anybody telling me that my mere questions are an indication that I will probably fail. So hang in there with me!!! We can be new together!!!!!

[Determined Gemini]

Been MIA for a while but I finally 'officially' hit Onderland!
I've been very busy with work but sticking to my good eating habits and working out. My legs are killing me today, had a killer spin class last night.

~K

[SonoRoo]

So sleepy, weigh in today...not looking forward to it...but at least I am not on call for almost a week after today!!!