Conference rocks::weight_control

    Week 1 of fasting was hard.  My class is every Thursday evening
    which means I started the fast over the weekend.  The first three
    days were murder.  All kinds of thoughts went through my head. 
    "Maybe I'll just be a happy fat person the rest of my life." "Maybe
    I'm pregnant so I can get eat again."  Thoughts that I know were
    really not true.  But I survived week 1 without so much as licking
    my fingers when I made something for my husband and kids.  My husband
    has been great support throughout this whole diet so far.  My first
    week I lost 8 1/2 lbs which is good, but on the lower end of the
    average which was kind of depressing because I know that I was so
    damn faithful.  But I reason with myself and say, "It's better than
    gaining 8 1/2 lbs.
    
    On to week 2.
    
    Donna

    I forgot to mention my goal is 70-80 lbs. although I'll be happy
    with 50.
    
    Week 2.  I was so anxious to get weighed in.  I, again was extremely
    faithful with the whole diet.  I cooked dinner two evenings for
    my family.  The first night I cooked barbequed chicken breasts with
    rice pilaf and scalloped potatoes with cheddar cheese and bacon.
    Yum Yum.  It sure smelled good.  I had no problem with it while
    I was cooking it, but after it was prepared I couldn't get it off
    my mind.  And the aroma wouldn't leave my house.  I, unfortunately
    became very arrogant that evening and decided I made a mistake by
    attempting to cook a whole meal.  Everybody told me I couldn't do
    it, and me being the stubborn Italian that I am, I had to do it
    and by golly they were right.  Maybe next week.  Thursday night
    came and it was my turn.  I hopped up on the scale and to my surprise
    lost 2 3/4 lbs.  Again, this is the lower end of the average (2-4
    lbs weekly).  I was convinced that I just had a slower metabolism
    and sunk into depression.  My total to date - 11 1/4 lbs.
    
    On to week 3.
    
    Donna
    

    Week 2 was a breeze.
    
    Week 3 was harder for me.  My husband decided to take our family
    for a ride to the beach.  We enjoy this no matter what time of year
    it is.  We used to pack a picnic and just take a ride.  I really
    enjoyed this.  Well, I told my husband he could still pack a picnic
    and it wouldn't bother me.  He did and guess what?  My husband and
    my three year old son ate ham salad sandwiches under my nose in
    the car (which normally I could take it or leave it).  That ham
    salad looked and smelled like the best thing in the world.  Well
    that ended our nice little drive.  I was telling my husband that
    I just had to eat a nice warm meal.  I didn't care anymore at this
    diet.  I kept saying just one meal, but I knew deep down inside
    that I really didn't want to because once I did, I thought I wouldn't
    be able to control myself.  He refused to take me.  So I cried and
    became very hateful.  I even used the old, "But, If you really loved
    me, you would realize how good I've been and you would feel bad
    for me and let me eat."  My husbands response to this was, "But
    I do love you, that's why I'm not letting you eat anything.
    I tried cooking again for my family.  This time I cooked spaghetti.
    I love spaghetti.  Why do I torture myself this way.  I told my
    husband to take every last noodle out of the pan whether he wanted
    it or not because I didn't trust myself.
    
    A couple girls from my support group call each other every so often
    and I have become real good friends with one girl named Louise.
    Louise decided that we can get together once every other week at
    alternating houses.  Whose ever turn it is will cook a dinner. 
    What we do is this.  While our husbands and our three year olds
    (all three of us have three year olds and newborns) are eating the
    dinner, the girls with the infants will go in the other room and
    "shake out" together.  This is working out fine because I finally
    realized that I'm not the only one that can't eat.
    
    Well weigh in this week was beneficial.  I lost 4 1/2 lbs.  This
    gave me inspiration once again.  It brings my total up to 15 3/4
    lbs.  I am able to fit into clothes that I couldn't wear before.
    People are starting to comment on good I look.  The drinks are now
    starting to taste repulsive again.  On to week 4 - I'll be getting
    weighed in tonight so I'll log my progress here.
    
    Donna
    

    I made up a poem about Opti-Fast and I'd like to share it with you.
    I'm sure you Opti-Fasters out there can relate to this.
    
                              Ode to Opti-Fast
                              ----------------
    
    Good-bye McDonalds, our relationship must end,
    Losing my Big-Mac seems I'm losing a friend.
    You see - I'm afraid I've gained a little weight,
    Because I insist on cleaning my plate.
    
    My new friend now is Opti-Fast,
    Eating fats is a thing of the past.
    My daily intake is two quarts of fluid
       and I take five,
    I have to do this to stay alive.
    
    The formula has less calories
       and doesn't taste as good as you,
    But it doesn't add inches the way that you do.
    Hooking up with Opti-Fast is the best thing
       I've ever done,
    And I've learned I don't have to eat
       In order to have fun.
    
    Still in the fasting phase my determination is great,
    I'll be skinny by summer at this rate.
    
    No more Big-Macs, no more fries,
    No more cellulite on my thighs.
    Farewell golden arches in the sky,
    Good-bye my beloved, Good-bye.
    
    
    What do you think?
    
    Donna
    

    Magnifique, made me smile.
                    Thanks.
     Lucie

    Try adding a nutrasweet packet and a little flavoring extract to
    the shake. Coconut, almond, chocolate, vanilla, strawberry all add
    the needed flavor to the bland Opti-fast shakes.
    

    Donna,
    
        Keep up the good work.  I haven't replied in this file before
    now.  I have been on Opti-Fast for 18 weeks, and at times, it does
    become boring.  Have you tried mixing your chocloate formula with
    Diet (Canfield's) Double Fudge Soda??  It taste great, a friend
    told me about it, and my entire class has tried it, and they also
    think its great.  
    
        The program really works.  I remember the first night I came
    out of class, this real skinny guy was sitting in the waiting room
    at the hospital, and I was joking with him about being on Opti Fast,
    and he said he had just completed his 25th week.  He weighed 165
    lbs.  He started out a 285lbs.  It really convinced me that the
    program works.  If your not convinced by now that it will, I'm
    sure you will by about the 8th week.  My goal was 85 lbs to loose,
    and I have lost 68lbs.  It is getting to the point where I only
    loose 1 1/2 to 2 lbs per week, I thought this would really bother
    me, but I have really changed my attitute lately.  If this takes
    another 10 to 15 weeks, It will still be ok with me, as it is still
    going in the right direction ().
    
       I look forward to reading more about your successes.  Again,
    keep up the good work, and congratulations on your success to date.
    
                                   Bob S.
      

    Hello everybody.
    
    Well I was down another depressing 1 3/4 lbs this week, but that
    brings my total to 17 1/2 lbs in four weeks.  I start aerobics here
    in Marlboro on March 6th.  I'm sure I'll start seeing more results
    then.  Thank you to all who have written me.  You're all so
    encouraging.  I wish all of you the best of luck in your weightloss
    (although it sounds like you're all doing fine to me).
    
    This weekend was a breeze, unlike the past ones.  On Sunday we took
    my mother-in-law to Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut.  We had a great
    time.  On the way home everyone was hungry, so where did we stop?
    Through the drive through at McDonalds.  My husband got a cheeseburger
    and a large fry, my mother-in-law got a fish filet (yum-yum) and
    my son got a happy meal.  I had to hold my sons happy meal box while
    he was eating.  You don't know how tempted I was to take just one
    of those fries.  I knew if I had though that I would want just another
    one, and then just another one, etc.  It was hard, but I survived.
    I never chewed gum so much in my life.  Well on to week five.
    
    I'll let everyone know how I did this week.
    
    See ya for now.
    Donna (who's-dying-for-pizza-and/or-chinese-food)
    

    Hello everyone!
    
    Well, I am happy to announce my progress this week.  I got on the
    scale last night at my group session and I had lost 4 1/2 lbs this
    week.  That brings my total to 22 lbs in 5 weeks.  This week was
    much easier than the rest for some reason.  After this week is
    completed, I will be half way through the fasting phase.  That is
    the best encouragement I've had yet.  This weekend is my sons 3
    year birthday party.  I'm not making anything (except the cake),
    but we will be purchasing pizza (yum-yum), cold cuts and the typical
    party platters.  The one good thing though is that everybody knows
    I'm on this diet.  So, no matter how much I want to cheat, I know
    there is absolutely way I can.  That is the reason I tell everyone
    I'm on the Opti-Fast diet.  Well I was psyched about this weeks
    weightloss.  This is the first week I can actually feel it.  My
    clothes hang off me.  The clothes that I had stored away in the
    back room because they didn't fit, now fit!  The flavor is still
    terrible though.  They say the next couple of weeks are the hardest
    so I hope I can hang tough.
    
    Bye for now!
    
    Talk to you next week.
    
    Donna who-is-just-dying-for-something-solid-to-eat.

    Donna,

    Remember that there's no rule that says you have to stay at the party
    every minute.  I'm assuming that the rest of the family will be there
    too; in that case, if you need to get away from the food, just excuse
    yourself (let people think you're going to the bathroom if that makes you
    less self conscious).  Let your husband know that you may "run away" for
    a little while, and be within calling distance in case you're needed.

    Getting a breather may be the difference between making it with a smile
    and having a screaming fit...

    Good luck!
    Beverly

    Donna,
    I'm so pleased to read that you are doing so well. Your experiences
    are much the same as mine. Keep in mind that you are now in control
    of your body and that this is something you want to do. It is not
    forever.
    
    Keep it up and what ever you do don't give in - it is easier to
    make it without the slip.

    You are so right Joel.  I feel great!  I lost 3.5 lbs last week.
    After this week (Thursday) I will have finished seven weeks of the
    fast.  So far it went by so fast.  I have lost 25.5 lbs in just
    6 weeks.  I can't believe I'm so close to finishing the fasting
    phase.  I'll be thin before you know it!  Come on size 9!  I start
    my aerobics class Tuesday, March 8.  I can't wait.  I know I'll
    see some real progress then!
    
    Well gotta run.
    
    Until next week!
    
    Donna

    Okay here goes,
    
    down another 3 pounds this week.  That brings my total to 28.5,
    I believe.  I'll pass the thirty pound mark next week.  Can't wait.
    
    I started aerobics Tuesday.  I was walking around like I was 90
    years old on Wednesday and Thursday.  Thursday I had another aerobics
    class.  I didn't know how I would manage, since I was still sore.
    Once we started to loosen up, I felt no pain.  Here it is Friday
    and I'm not even sore anymore.  That's okay!
    
    Well, I'll talk to everyone next week.  Have a nice weekend.
    
    Donna
    

    Hello,
    
    I have some not-so-good news.  I only lost 3/4 lbs this week.  Talk
    about depressing.  I did nibble some and it was "that time".  All
    in all I promised myself I would not cheat what-so-ever this week.
    I have kept my promise so far and I'm going strong.  It was hard
    to pick myself up, brush myself off, and get right back on track,
    but I'm determined.  This week I want at least a 4 pound loss. 
    Last week my husband was on a business meeting which left me home
    alone with the two kids.  Having to cook for them all by myself
    was not easy, hence the cheating.  Don't get me wrong here, I didn't
    cheat BIG just little nibbles, but when I stepped on the scale,
    I was disappointed in myself.  But, like I said, this is a new week.
    I can't believe I'm almost done the fasting stage.  I have
    approximately 3 1/2 more weeks to go before I start refeeding. 
    I'm psyched.  I should lose at least 40 pounds from fasting and
    then another 1-2 pounds per week on refeeding so I'm targeting I'll
    lose about 50 pounds on this diet.  That's great, but it's not my
    goal.  I think I'll have to lose about another 20 pounds to reach
    my size 9 goal.  One thing though, I'm now able to go into regular
    stores like Weathervane, Lerners, etc. and buy clothes there.  I've
    bought a couple of blouses.  They do fit now, but do not have much
    room so I know they'll still fit when I reach my goal.  I find this
    diet is getting easier because I know the end is near.  I was told,
    however, that these are the hardest weeks.  To date, there has been
    noone in my class that has dropped out, which surprises me considering
    I had people in my class cheat since the first week and are constantly
    cheating on a daily basis.  I don't know why anyone would want to
    shell out that kind of money for a diet and cheat-cheat-cheat.
    
    Well I'll let you know how I did this week, remember I'm hoping
    to lose at least 4 lbs this week.
    
    Donna who-has-lost-more-inches-than-weight

    Donna, I'm glad that you believe that whatever you have done is
    done and today starts a new window of opportunity.  I think that
    is the only way to continue and to maintain in the long run.
    
    I just found out that everyone in my group is eating!  I have been
    eating for six weeks and couldn't understand it and felt better
    that others were doing the same.  We also haven't really eaten
    'real' food but 'snack' type items.  What I did find out was that
    if you must eat, eat protein.  I was eating carbos and didn't under-
    stand my temp weight gains (thought it was the salt, but it was
    always too much), well it turns out that it you have been on a low-
    carbo diet (which the fast is) carbos retain weight and you can
    jump up 10 pounds in a couple of days.  
    
    So now I am going to stock some breast of chick in the freezer and
    have nibbles of chicken when the urge is unforgiving.  Good luck
    and I can't wait until I'm that close to goal.  I have 45 more to
    go based on my current goal.
    
    Inez
    
        
    

    Okay everyone!
    
    I had an excellent week.  I was determined to make up for last weeks
    not-so-great weight loss.  I didn't nibble at all and it sure paid
    off.
    
    I lost 5 1/4 pounds this week.  That brings my total to 34 1/4 pounds
    in 9 weeks.  I'm sure I'll lose over forty on the fast since it
    ends in 2 1/2 weeks and I'm guessing I'll lose approximately 55
    pounds on the total diet.  Not too shabby, but it's not my goal.
    Ideally, I'd like to lose a total of about 70-80 pounds so that
    means I'll have another 15-25 pounds to go.  That doesn't sound
    too bad and maybe I'll then resort to something like Weight Watchers.
    Does anybody have any price information on Nutra System if I wanted
    to lose 20 pounds?  If that's not all that expensive, I'm considering
    trying that also.  
    
    Well I'll talk to you later on in the week after I get weighed in
    for week 10.
    
    Hope everybody had a nice Easter.
    
    Donna
    

    Hi Donna
    
    I joined Nutri-System in Chelmsford, MA.  I had approximately 20-25
    pounds to lose.  It cost me $390.00 with a registration fee of $35.00.
    My boyfriend joined at the same time as me and it cost him $700.00
    to lose 40 pounds.  You pay for each meal separately and it runs
    us approximately $60-65 per week each.  Sometimes more, sometimes
    less depending on our choices.
    
    The food is very good and is all proportioned and well-balanced.
    I have no cravings at all when I adhere to the program.  And we are
    never hungry from lack of food.
    
    I think that Nutri-System is a sound, well-balanced diet that I
    would highly recommend to anyone who has a weight problem.  
    
    It might pay you to shop around because all Nutri-System centers
    are run differently (cost wise).  I know that some centers have
    a food package that you pay one price for the week.  That is regardless
    of how much you actually need and the food is all picked out for
    you.  I, myself prefer the freedom of choice of foods.

    

    O.K. Donna!!!!!!
    
    34 1/4 pounds is NOT TOO SHABBY. Don't worry about the extra few
    to go. You have losts of time and are looking great and feeling
    great I am sure. Just take the absolute stance that you will continue
    to go down as opposed to up or staying the same until you do get
    to goal. You will lose significant amounts of weight in the next
    2 1/2 weeks and continue to lose significantly during the refeeding.
    After all, you will only be on 600 - 800 calories per day during
    the refeedign phase.
    
    Keep up the great work. June is closer than we think.
    
    Joel

    Donna:
    
    	Many, Many congrats!!!  It sounds like you were really determined
    to do it and it's really paying off.  I'm sure with the warm weather
    comming it doesn't hurt as an incentive either.  
    
    	I have  question for ya.  If you don't mind me asking, about how
    much does Optifast really run each week.  I heard it was about $700 
    to join then about $100 to $200 each week.  That runs into ALOT of
    money if so!!!  I'm not really too familiar with the program as
    you can tell.  I'm sure when you get to wits end any amount of money
    is not that much if it works.  I'm curious because I've been
    considering it and when I hear from quick progress like yours it's
    quite inspiring.  

In Memphis -

Initial Physical - 350+ (John Hancock paid 80%)
Weekly - 45-60 for meetings and lab (John Hancock pays 80%)
	plus - 45 for powdered "drink" (John Hancock pays NONE of this).


Realize, that you're buying NO grocery store food, so 45 for a whole week
isn't too much of an investment.

Starting week 14, you cut back on the drinks, so by week 20 you'll only
have the costs that JH will pay 80% of.

(I start adding food April 7 - loss to date 41 pounds).

Debbie

    In Massachusetts
    
    Depending on whether you have to have blood work or not, the price
    will be $105 weekly, with blood $129.  You pay this for about 13
    weeks.  As -1 mentioned, after this point the price drops to about
    $85 per week for about 6 weeks and then down to $65 per week for
    5 weeks.  These numbers aren't exact, but by the end the total cost
    will be $2,330.  If you would like more precise information, just
    send me mail.  
    
    Is this your first real attempt at weightloss?  If so, I would
    recommend you to try another means.  This diet is very drastic!
    It requires total commitment.  It affects not just you, but everyone
    around you.  I would recommend this as a last resort.
    
    If you want encouragement, you should also read 380 written by Joel
    Jaffe.  He has logged his progress there and is very inspiring.
    Your weightloss would probably be closer to his seeing males do
    lose faster than females.
    
    If you do attempt this diet or another, keep us informed.
    
    Good luck.
    Donna
    

    Here I am again!
    
    This weeks weight loss was 3 pounds.  That brings my total to
    37 1/4 pounds in 10 weeks.  I have been very depressed about
    everything lately.  This diet is really screwing up my body.
    I now have two "womanly problems" every month.  As if one isn't
    bad enough, now I have two - and I wonder why I'm depressed.
    I told the doctor at the Opti-Fast meeting last night.  All he
    said was that it is sometimes normal and nothing to worry about.
    I have discovered that eating was my vice.  Everytime something
    in my life went wrong, I would eat.  I have to learn to find a new
    vice.  SHOPPING ANYONE?  My husband isn't too thrilled with that
    one.  I'm finding myself at the mall alot lately, buying this for
    my son, or this for my daughter, or myself, or my husband, whether
    we need it or not.  It hasn't cured my blues yet, but I'm still
    trying.  Funny thing, last night I felt fatter than I was 40 pounds
    ago.
    
    Any words of wisdom out there to get me through this depression
    and these last two weeks without eating?
    
    Thanks,
    Donna
    

    Donna,
    
    You really sound down. Your weight loss is notlhing less that
    spactacular, but you have obviously paid, health wise, more than
    I have experienced. DON'T LET YOURSELF GET INTO REBOUND - THIS COULD
    BE VERY DAMAGING BOTH PHYSICALLY AND PSYCHOLOGICALLY!!!!!!
    
    You have two weeks left befor refeeding. Why not talk to the Optifast
    doctor about starting refeeding now. I am not sure what is causing
    your extra period but your doctor should - after all, thats what
    you are paying him for. Refeeding is more difficult than straight
    Optifast but it does give you the needed boost to go on. But remember,
    no matter how depressed you feel, no matter what the reason for
    your current physical and mental health, DON'T USE IT AS AN EXCUSE
    TO ADD EVEN 1 POUND.  Even if you quit today and went on a 1200
    to 1500 cal WW plan, that would be better than giving up what you
    have obviously worked very hard in the last 12 weeks for.
    
    Give me a call if you really need the support. I'll come to Marlboro
    Monday if you need me. 

    Along with Medi-fast, I have also been in therapy with someone
    who specializes in compulsive overeating problems.  I have been
    in therapy for the past ten months, and was only able to start
    losing weight 4 weeks ago when I started Medi-fast.
    
    Something I have learned through this therapy is that as a
    unified human being, we have many subpersonalities milling
    around inside at all times.  These subpersonalities serve
    different purposes.  For myself, to name a few, I have the
    "self-beater," the "guilty one," the "good little girl," the
    "shy" one, the proud one, etc. etc.  As fat people, and as
    compulsive overeaters, many of us have very well developed\
    "good little girls" (my apologies to the men out there -- because
    I am a woman, I deal with this from a woman's point of view).
    I have been a people pleaser all my life.  I have to say yes.
    No is very difficult.  Also, I have to do everything better,
    be stronger, be less needy... than anyone else.  As a result,
    it has been very difficult to say the words "I need..." to
    anyone.
    
    Also, I have another subpersonality that I call my "addict."
    My addict, of course, is the one who has been responsible for
    the fact that when I started Medi-Fast I had 120 pounds to
    lose.  One of the things my therapist has hammered into me
    repeatedly is that I should not detest any of my subpersonalities,
    no matter what.  Even my addict.  The "addict" has gotten most of
    us compulsive overeaters through many many tough times.  Most of
    us are not addicted to drugs, most of us function very well in
    the workplace (despite cultural stereotypes to the contrary), and
    most of us are loving, giving people who tend not to be very happy,
    despite the cultural stereotype of the jolly fat person.  Most of
    us have this problem because we were not able, for some reason or
    other, to be able to feel our bad (or even good) feelings.  Thus,
    we resorted to food as a means of comfort.  This allowed us to
    pick ourselves up, and go on to be the "rocks of Gibraltar" that
    most of us are.
    
    What is my point?  I guess what I'm trying to say is that it is
    very hard to feel your feelings when you are so used to using
    food for anesthesia.  It is hard, it is painful, it requires a
    lot of patience, and it helps if supportive loved ones are around.
    I am very fortunate to have a husband who, even if he doesn't
    quite understand, goes along and gives me his total support in
    this ordeal I am going through.  That really helps.  It was
    even hard to tell him I was needy after 10 years of marriage,
    because even he thought of me as a rock.
    
    Is any of this ringing true at all?  I am only trying to say
    be gentle with yourself.  You have been on the most stringent
    of diets for the past weeks.  You have lost a great deal of
    weight.  You are not feeding your feelings, but I'm sure the
    feelings are coming in strong.  You have a right to be depressed!
    By the same token, what I have found is that when I allow myself
    these "imperfect" feelings, allow myself to cry and sometimes to
    act like a child, and am honest about it all, amazingly enough
    it dissipates and goes away!  You can live through those feelings,
    painful as it is.  And it is okay to be down, to be vulnerable,
    not to be perfect.
    
    You have a lot to be proud of. You have chosen a hard road and
    you are succeeding at it a day at a time.  Try not to project, 
    not to look ahead and feed your depression.  You are depressed,
    you are happy, you are angry, you are scared, you are hurt, you
    are content, and those feelings are what make you a human.
    
    I hope this has made some sense.  I'm sorry if I went on too
    long.  I hope it helps even a little.  Keep up the good work
    and be gentle with all those raw feelings!
    
    Rebecca

    re .24
    
    Rebecca,
    
    Thank you for entering all of that. You are so very right. It is
    something I, too, am dealing with, this business of feelings. 
    Good luck to you in your journey. It sounds like you are well on
    your way.
    
    re: .22
    
    Hang in there! Everything you are doing is so good for you. And
    it's tough, I know. Dealing with depression is never easy. And when
    your usual method of copingis no longer available, it's even tougher.
    Remember, this too shall pass. That is not meant to belittle your
    feelings, just to remind you of something that, for me, anyway,
    is very hard to believe in the depths of a depression.
    
    I wish you all the best.
    
    -Amy.

    I sure wish I had a terminal at home so I could have read all those
    encouraging responses.  I just read them today (Monday) and they
    did chear me up.  Thanks to all who responded.  1 1/2 more weeks
    of hell.  (Joel, I think it's best that I continue the fast.  If
    I went off it at this point, I would really feel like a quitter and 
    therefore, would probably make me more depressed).
    
    Talk to everybody on Friday.
    
    Donna
    

    Hi everyone!
    
    I'm here to report my progress!
    
    Another good week - 4 1/2 pounds.  That brings my total to
    41.75.
    
    Only three days to go! Wish me luck for this week!
    
    Talk to you soon!
    
    Donna
    

    Go Donna!!!!!
    
    When you start refeeding, go slowly - your system need time to ajust.
    Loss the first few weeks can be somewhat discouraging since you
    are use to the dramatic big loss, don't let it bother you. Your
    metabolism will be building up speed, you will learn a lot on how
    to deal with the real thing (I mean food), and there is plenty of
    time to lose the rest of the unwanted little buggers.
    
    Looking foward to our date-  Joel
    

    Hi Joel!
    
    Yes, I too am looking forward to our Chinese Date.  I hope you
    have the restaurant all picked out!
    
    Thanks for the response and the knowledge.  Refeeding!  A word
    that makes me excited and nervous at the same time.  Excited,
    because I can't stand these drinks anymore and can't wait to eat
    and nervous because I'm afraid I won't be able to control myself
    and I'll fall back into my old eating habits.  How did you learn
    to deal with this?  I heard a good saying the other day - "Nothing
    tastes as good as being thin".  I like it, but I sure hope I 
    remember it when I come face to face with a bag of chips.
    
    Thanks again.
    
    Donna
    

    Donna,
    
    The pain and suffering of the fast is still fresh, also, less food,
    even low fat/low calorie food tastes much better and more fulfilling
    after the fast. You are definitely more conscious of what you are
    eating. Don't worry, you will do fine.

    The last week of fasting!
    
    I lost 1 1/2 pounds this week.  That brings my total to 43.25 in
    12 weeks.  Last night the nutritionist came in for the first time.
    I learned alot!  What she had to say was very interesting.  She
    will come in again the next two weeks, then she'll take a week off,
    and then she will return for three more weeks.
    
    Today I start eating again.  I am saving my 4 ounces of protein
    and my 1/2 cup of veggies for tonight.  My husband is taking me
    out to eat in celebration.  Don't worry everyone, I will stick to
    the diet, after all, it beats an Opti-Fast shake.  I sure wish we
    could have bread, I love bread when they serve it nice and warm
    and the butter just melts on it and......       Oh my God - I almost
    lost it there, but I'm back.
    
    I'll log my progress next week along with my problems and feelings
    I had during the first week of eating.
    
    Take care and have a healthy weekend.
    
    Donna
    

    Oh yes,
    
    I forgot to mention, the one meal (4 oz protein, 1/2 cup veggies)
    is in substitution of only 1 Opti-fast shake, which means I will
    still be drinking 4 shakes a day.  Oh well, beggers can't be choosers.
    I can't wait to do a way with these drinks all together.
    
    Donna
    

    Welcome to the world of the eating!! You made it and I'm sure you
    are both happy and proud. This is the tough part but the fasting
    has taught you everything you need to make it through happy and
    healthy.
    
    See you soonfor our chineese food. Enjoy your evening out but remember
    your plan and the fact that you can have a good time without food
    as well.  Joel

    Hi everyone!
    
    Sorry for the delay.  Well, week 13.  Things seem to be going ok.
    Refeeding is not that tough.  I can do this!  I got to my class
    and must admit was a little scared to get on the scale.  Everyone
    in my class either maintained, lost 1/4 lb, or gained.  I got on
    the scale and lo and behold - 2 1/2 pounds DOWN.  I was thrilled.
    
    We can now begin adding a fruit to our diet plan.  It may or may
    not be eaten with our meal.  Our fruit consists of 1 1/4 cup of
    just about any fresh fruit.  If it is canned, it must be in water
    or natural juices - no heavy syrup.  The nutritionist came in again
    and I really got alot out of this class.
    
    Talk to everyone next week.
    
    Donna
    

    Another Week, Another Weight-Loss!
    
    Two people from my class dropped out this week.  That's a shame,
    they must think because they lost some weight, they've got this
    thing licked.  Well, I've got news for them.
    
    I lost another two pounds this week.  That brings my total to a
    47.75 lb weight loss.  Almost at fifty!  I can't wait.
    
    This week I was so frustrated.
    
    Tuesday morning when I woke up I tried to get my daughter out of
    bed and get her bottle.  I was sooo sick.  I couldn't stand up 
    without almost passing out.  In the time it took me to pour some
    milk in my daughters bottle, I had to sit on the floor twice before
    I fell down.  I was feeling weak, nauceous (sp?), dizzy, thirsty,
    swollen glands, sore throat, etc. etc.  Naturally, I couldn't go
    to work.  I tried to call the two doctors involved with Opti-Fast.
    The first doctor took Tuesdays off and was unable to see me to speak
    with me (flame on).  The second doctor didn't get in until 9:30
    am (too late for me, I was real sick).  I decided to call the head
    of Opti-Fast.  She was very nice and thought I should try calling
    the second doctor again at 9:30.  Which I did.  Of course, when
    I called back at 9:30 the second doctor was too busy to talk to
    me so I left a very detailed message with her secretary.  I waited
    until 1:30 in the afternoon and I still hadn't heard from her, so
    I decided to take myself to the emergency room (while I was waiting
    for her to call me back, I had drank enough fluids and I was able
    to at least stand up).  I was diagnosed as being dehydrated with
    a viral infection.  I was hooked up to an IV bottle all afternoon
    (not fun).  I was so pissed, in that I'm paying enough frigin money
    for this diet and I do expect medical treatment as needed.  Another
    thing, it was their fault I was dehydrated in the first place. 
    Since day one my Opti-fast doctor has insisted that I have at least
    2 bowel movements each week.  Each week I explained to him that
    I am normally constipated and I'm lucky if I have one a week.  He
    still insisted I take Correctol (I haven't been able to go by myself
    since I started this diet) twice a week, to which I did this week
    - hence the dehydration.  I drank all my fluids, so I know that's
    not the problem.  I sure gave them a piece of my mind when I went
    to my meeting last night.
    
    Any comments?
    
    Donna

    Get mad at them but don't let it ruin your concentration or ultimate
    goal. I ahve seen this happen. Yes, the program is a money making
    interest first and a medical, people oriented program a distant
    second - so what else is new? You have done great - almost 50 pounds
    - don't let the stupid money hungry whores deprive you of continued
    success.
    
    Only 4 more weeks till our Chineese outing. (I had some last week
    and it was truly wonderful).
    Joel

 .35 - One question.  How much water do you normally drink?  Make that
    2 questions.  How much water is recomended by Opti?
    
    					Curious,
    						Paul S.

    Opti recommends the standard 8X8oz. glasses per day minimum.

    That's right.
    
    In fact, before I started this diet, I never drank water.  I
    drink at least two quarts of water a day, now, not to mention the
    other fluids I consume each day (ie; diet pepsi-caffeine free,
    coffee-decaffinated, crystal lite, low sodium bullion soup).
          
    I also want to mention that I have not received a penny yet from
    my insurance company (John Hancock).  Joel, I remember you mentioned
    that you have received a reimbursement, maybe you can help me. 
    I have been sending my original receipts to my insurance company
    in the proper claim envelope with everything filled out.  The receipts
    had the physicians names, charges were all broken out, and they were
    dated.  I called John Hancock yesterday and they said my claim had
    been declined.  He said he didn't know why and that he'll have somebody
    review the claim again.  What am I doing wrong?  Did I forget
    something?
    
    Donna
    

    It seems something has happened to the reimbursement policy in the
    last two months. I did get a reimbursement from John for December
    and January but although I have submitted them, have not gotten
    February or March back yet. I have also not gotten any relpy, rejection
    included back either. I am going to call John today and look for
    an answer. I'll post the results here.
    
    Joel

    I'm crushed!!
    
    Monday I weighed myself and was down 2 1/2 pounds from the weekend.
    Wednesday, same thing.  Thursday I went for a 2.5 mile walk at lunch,
    came back, weighed in (still 2 1/2 lb loss) and then ate lunch.
    When I got home from work I started cooking supper (fish) and when
    my husband got home he told me I shouldn't eat before going to my
    meeting because it will affect my weight loss.  I said, "how much
    could it affect it by? It's either eat now then get weighed, or
    eat at 10:00 when I come home or not eat at all."  I chose to eat.
    Went to me meeting and proceeding to weigh in.  I only lost 1/2
    pound.  I was so mad.  I got on the scale here this morning and
    sure enough there was a 1 3/4 pound difference from last night.
    
    But..
    
    It's still a loss, right?  That brings my total to 48.25.  I thought
    for sure I'd pass 50 this week, that's why I was so crushed last
    night when the scale only said 1/2 lb loss.
    
    This week we get to have 2 starches (bread, pasta, potatoes, etc)
    
    So our daily intake consists of the following:
    
    1 1/4 cup of fresh fruit
    1 cup skim milk
    6 oz protein
    1 cup raw veggies
    1/2 cup cooked veggies
    2 starches
    
    and, oh yes, don't forget...
    
    3 packets of Opti-fast and 2 quarts of fluid.
    
    I wonder what it will be next week?
    
    Talk to everybody next week.
    
    Donna
    

    Donna,
    
    Don't bow down to the almighty scale (I know this is hard to do).
    You spent an entire week eating right, exercising, and in totality,
    following all that you planned. Why spoil your strength, and success
    by some stupid number on a scale that could very well be off by
    a few pounds anyway?
    
    Keep reading Holly's note in "Help Needed". There is a lot in there
    that seems to have helped me lately.
    
    Joel

    re: .41
    
    Donna,
    
    You should be aware that your body weight changes throughout the
    day. You should only weight yourself once if at all. You'll drive
    yourself crazy. If you're going to get weighed in at night then just
    wait until then, if your loosing eventually it will show up on the 
    scale.  I'm glad you chose to eat first instead of waiting until
    10:00 or not eating at all. Try to be consistant about eating
    regularly, eating late at night is bad.