Conference rocks::weight_control

    I tried it about 8 years ago, so it may have changed a lot by this
    point.  I found it very expensive.  At the time it was about $40
    a week.  The diet itself was more sensitive to the needs of a
    vegetarian than any other diet I had tried.  I was disappointed
    in the "daily counseling".  In my case, at that time, I spoke with
    a "counselor" who seemed to be little more than a sales rep.  She
    ran her very predictable lines at me without appearing to take my
    needs and input into consideration.  She was not skilled in counseling,
    and appeared to be repeating words she had been trained to say.
    I dropped out after 2 weeks.  
    
    I found it hard to go there every day.  If things are going well,
    I don't want to spend time overly focusing on food.  2-3 times/week
    would have been more supportive for me.
    
    I would be interested to hear if it has changed.
    
    Holly

    I think that it has changed from what you described.  The counselor
    I have is very nice and helpful.  If you go up a quarter of a pound,
    she gives you suggestions to help you lose that 1/4 lb., and you
    do lose it.  About going everyday, if you can't make it any days
    there seems to be no problem she gives you the supplement for the
    days you will miss.  It's $45.00 now a week.  This is my second
    week, and I lost 5 lbs.
    
    Kathi
    

    I participated in Diet Center 3 years ago and lost 56 lbs. in 3
    months.  I found the diet inflexible enough that going in daily
    to weigh-in was necessary motivation.  (Knowing I was going to get
    on the scale tommorow, kept me from cheating!)  After my weight
    loss, I found it very difficult to keep the weight off, and after
    the three years away from Diet Center, I have regained it all.
    
    I am now a member of WW.  I find the program much more flexible,
    the weight loss is said to be slower, however, in my first three
    weeks I have lost 16.5 lbs.  I am learning about healthy eating,
    and changing my eating habits, rather than restrictive eating that
    I felt was a part of Diet Center.
     
    
    Best of luck with your weight loss!

    
    I KNEW OF A COUPLE THAT WENT TO THE DIET CENTER
    AND THEY LOST WEIGHT FAST BUT GAINED IT BACK FAST ALSO.
    IT COST ALOT AND THE DIET SOUNDS DIFFERENT.. 
    I HAVE GONE TO BOTH DIET WORKSHOP AND NOW I AM GOING TO
    WEIGHT WATCHERS AT WORK.. I REALLY LOVE THE PROGRAM AT
    WORK.. WE GIVE EACH OTHER ALOT OF SUPPORT..
    I NEED A DIET OR PROGRAM THAT I CAN LEARN HOW TO EAT FOR EVERYDAY.
    AND I HAVE LOST 28 POUNDS SO FAR ..
    
    GOOD LUCK TO WHAT EVER YOU CHOOSE BUT REMEMBER AS I LEARN 
    NOONE CAN LOSE IT FOR YOU , YOU ARE THE ONE..
    
    GOOD LUCK AND FEEL FREE TO WRITE TO ME IF YOU WISH.
    
    ANN ARNO  NODE IS NHL::ARNO...
    
    F10
    

    I am a two timer with Diet Center. Both times it has cost me over
    $500.00 to lose my weight and gain every pound back. The diet works
    only to lose but not to maintain the weight loss. I have since joined
    Weight Watchers at work and also love it. Diet Center's diet is
    very unrealistic, just about every normal food is deprived from
    you. With WW you learn to eat properly and also eat the foods that
    you enjoy.

OVDVAX::WIEGMANN                                      9 lines  14-JUL-1987 13:21
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Does anyone have any experience with the Diet Center?  I was talking
    to a girl over lunch (she-salad, me-baked fish!) and she has been going
    and was really enthused.  She
    said she went before and lost 30+, so she knows it works.  She
    mentioned they give you an appetite suppressant, too, but that she
    didn't notice any side effects from it.  She goes every day to weight
    in with a counselor in private, no group exercise.

    Does anyone have any input??  Thanks!
================================================================================
Note 81.1                          Diet Center                            1 of 3
STAR::YANKOWSKAS                                      8 lines  14-JUL-1987 13:33
                            -< Check out note #22 >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    re .0:
    
    There is some discussion about Diet Center in note #22.  The general
    consensus of those replying seems to be that it's a decent program
    for taking the weight off, and a poor program for keeping weight
    off permanently.
    
    Paul
================================================================================
Note 81.2                          Diet Center                            2 of 3
OVDVAX::WIEGMANN                                       1 line  15-JUL-1987 11:07
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Thanks for the pointer - I must have missed it!
================================================================================
Note 81.3                          Diet Center                            3 of 3
SSDEVO::HILLIGRASS                                   41 lines  10-AUG-1987 19:39
                          -< Diet Center Commercial! >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    I am currently going to Diet Center now.  I am thrilled to death
    with it because I am losing weight fast and am never hungry.  The
    cost was $99 for four weeks of supplements, daily weigh-ins and
    counseling.
    
    The supplements are strictly vitamins, soy protein and invert sugar.
    The vitamin B6 is what turns off the hunger pains, and the soy protein
    makes you stomach feel full.  The invert sugar stops you from craving
    sweets because you think you are getting them.  I have not been
    hungry in the last 2 1/2 weeks eating practically nothing.  Also
    I am not craving any certain foods which is not normal for me!
    Another important factor is that I am not tired or run down at all
    like usual diets make me feel.
    
    The daily weigh-ins are a great idea because it for one makes you
    think twice about cheating and two it's kind of exciting to see
    your loss everyday with someone else working the scale.  
    
    There are two counselors who are both very understanding and symp-
    athetic to people on the diet since they have been on it themselves.
    The give you a boost when you have lost and they go over everything
    you ate the day before if you have gained.  It's not like they chew
    you out, they are only there for support.
    
    Here is the good news!  I have been on the diet for 2 1/2 weeks
    and have lost 13 pounds.  I should mention that I have also been
    working out daily as well.  I am real motivated this time and it
    is absolutely thrilling to have already almost dropped a clothing
    size.  ( Normal weight loss at the Center is 3-4 pounds a week)
    
    As far as gaining the weight back that I have lost, I don't think
    that is a problem because before I went on the diet I had maintained
    my weight for almost three years.  I knew how to stablize it, just
    not lose it!
                         
    Also if you're gonna go on the diet make sure you like Fish, chicken
    shrimp and lots of Veggies....cuz that's all you're gonna get.
    
                              Dreaming of a size 9!
                                         - Sue

    Does anyone know of any Diet Centers close to Nashua? (Even within
    20 miles or so would be okay).      
    
    Thanks in advance,
    
    - Molly -

    re .7:
    
    A quick check of my Nashua phone directory shows the following listing:
    
    	Diet Center of Nashua The
    	    Pennichuck Sq Merrimack      880-1696
    
    
    Paul
    

    Rats... just called the number and it's disconected.  My Nashua
    phone book (86-87) doesn't list any Diet Centers.  So far the closest
    one I've found is in Manchester.
    
    - Molly -

    Hi, I too am with Diet Center.  I find it a good program.  Here
    it is quite a bit more expensive for 6 weeks reducing.  That also
    includes 3 weeks Stabilization, and 1 year Maintenance.  Also there
    are weekly meetings for Image One, which are tapes and then discussion
    of topics such as excersize, vitamins, shopping, etc.  They also
    sell an aerobics tape, a cassette for visualization, and vitamins
    and lots of other little goodies like tofu, crackers, flavourings,
    drink mix, etc.
    	I lost really well the first 3 weeks, I'm down 15 pounds.  But
    I've been on a plateau the last 2 weeks.  I still have 20 to go.
    I don't find it a small amount of food at all.  Sometimes I have
    a hard time to eat all of my daily requirements.  After one month
    it has gotten to me though and I do crave chocolate now.  And some
    processed foods like fresh white bread, pasta, hamburgers, and lots
    more.  
    	I'll be on stabilization for a few weeks as I'm going into 
    hospital.  So we'll see if the weight moves a bit better after that.
    	I really want to lose that 20 for the summer.
    
    	Stick with it, I'm trying to
    	
    	Debra

    I am new to this notes file as of today, and have really found
    everyone's interest and support of one another great!  I am currently
    going to Diet Center after two times at Nutri-System (and not being
    able to maintain the weight loss...)  It is a very restrictive program,
    but definitely is effective.  I have lost 21 lbs in 8 weeks, with
    10 more to go (I am 5'1" and my goal is 110 lbs.)  I am nervous
    about maintaining, given my two unsuccessful attempts, but am hopeful
    that this time, I'll have learned enough to maintain!!!  Bottom
    line is that so far, I would recommend Diet Center!  Good luck to
    all.                                                    
    
    

    I thought I should put in a good word too, it's a wonderful program
    for me, I have a councelor that is absolutly understanding and always
    has good tricks to keep me motivated through it all. I have been
    on the program now for 15 weeks and have lost close to 50 (49.5)
    pounds, and with very few exceptions I haven't craved for much.
    I've tried many times before, and had succeeded many time, but only
    to gain more.  I'm hoping that with the counceling that this time
    will be the ONE.  I'm counting also on the support this note file
    has given me to hang in there.
                                            Lucie

    I also am a new Diet Center participant.  I have been on the diet
    for 11 days and have lost 9 3/4 pounds.  I can't say I'm never hungry
    but haven't had any cravings....still real early, though.  I have
    a total of 31 pounds lose. I think my psyche may be in the right
    place this time and with the help of the counselors I WILL succeed.
    I also have a bet with my family and alot of money invested.
    The daily weigh-ins are added motivation, I don't have a problem
    going in every day.  So far it's been fun experimenting with the
    recipes and enjoying the taste of food in it's "natural" form,
    ie. no oil.  Well good luck to all, I know I need it!
    
    

    Thanks for the input.  What exactly is the program like.  Are there
    specific foods, what is involved with the counseling.  How much
    time is involved with appointments etc.  And how much does it cost??
    
    Thanks,
    
    Nancy

    At my Diet Center up north (Canada) it is a very low Colesterol
    diet.  No red meat during the reducing phase, lots of vegetables
    and 2 fruits a day and some high fiber stuff.  They also supply you
    with some little vitamin pills that somehow help curve your appetite
    you usually take 4 sets of 2 /day.  They have all kind of tasty
    stuff that you may or may not want to purchase.  It is a severe
    enough diet (compared to WW) but it is fast, as I lost 57 pounds
    in less than 18 weeks.  As for the price I guess it varies here
    it cost about $245cnd for 6 weeks.  After the reducing the
    stabilization and the maintenance are free (for 1 year).
    
                             Good luck, Lucie

    The quality of counselors varies, between one center/location and
    another.  And sometimes within a center.  If you are considering
    the program, check out the counselors you'd be working with (at any 
    centers near you) and the center hours, which also differ.  Make sure 
    they seem like people you will feel supported by.

.17>    with some little vitamin pills that somehow help curve your appetite

    	There are no known vitamins which suppress appetite.
    
    	It's either a vitamin and your brain is doing the work, or an
    appetite suppressant masquerading as a vitamin pill.
    
    -mike z

    
    The supplements are just a combination of vitamins
    		Thiamine (B1)
    		Riboflavin (B2)
    		Niacinamide
    		Pyridoxine (B6)
    		Cyanocobalamin (B12)
    		Pantothenic Acid
    		Folic Acid  
    In a base of soy protein and invert sugar. That's it. 
    
    -Amy.
    
    p.s. to echo everyone else's sentiments, the Diet Center Program
    is very restrictive, but it is also effective.
    

    Re: .15
    
    Being your sister and 3,000 miles away....I wish you the best on
    this diet, too............BUT -- I'm going to win the bet!!
    
    Vicki

    
    After being on the diet for another week I've become more use to
    the restrictions.  It almost seems like I'm not being restricted
    at all.  Except for those occasional starch(bread, pasta) attacks.
    
    As for the cost here in California, the 10 week program is about
    $400.00 plus $30.00 a week for the supplements.
    But I'll be getting half that back from my dear sister (re:.21) and
    other family members--heeee haaaa heeheheheeh 
    That includes the Stabilization and Maintenance for a year.
    
    The counselors at my center are different, one seems to much more
    concerned and tries to find out differences in my eating habits
    more than the other one.  The other counselor, however, would like
    to introduce me to her son...........blah dee blah dee blah.
    All in all a very nice "crew" and I enjoy their support!
    
    The day to day visits usually last as long as I want them to. If
    I am in a hurry for work or something, I weigh in and get out, 5
    minutes max.  If I would like to talk then they will stay with
    me as long as I like.  It's really up to you.  Just find a center
    that is convenient and you shouldn't have a problem.
    
    I was wondering if any one has seen the Image One Series?  What
    are they about?
    
    I watched a video tape that was new the other day at the center.
    It was very good, it described how and why the diet works with the
    blood sugar levels and such......It did a much better job than any
    of the counselors there and it answered alot of my questions.  Has
    anyone else seen it? 
    
    
    Well happy dieting and I know we all can do it!
    
    -leslie
                  
    

    After reading this note on the Diet Center I am curious as to what
    types of food you are allowed to eat.  Everyone said it was
    "restrictive" but just how restricted is it?  Can you only eat one
    or two different foods the whole time or what?  Thanks for any
    answers you can give me!!
    
    Beth

Beth,

If I remember correctly, it goes something like this - you can have chicken or 
fish and a few eggs a week for protein (7 oz. per day, either 1 oz at
breakfast and 3 each at lunch and dinner or 3 1/2 at lunch and dinner) 
certain veggies (I remember broccoli was not on the list), You had to eat 
a salad for one meal and a cooked veggie for the other, never cooked and
uncooked veggies at the same meal, two fruits per day, 
one of which had to be an apple, and 2 bread servings, but they weren't
regular bread, you had choices of things like Wasa crisp (but only two 
varieties) or DC crackers. You were also supposed to make this warm lemonade
stuff each morning. Warm water, 2T lemon juice. (I always used a bit of 
sweetener as well...) It was ok for a couple of days. After that, it had 
a tendancy to make me want to gag. Bleah!

There was not a whole lot of room for variety, that's for sure.

	-Amy.

    There is a Diet Center off Exit 4 of Rt3 in Nashua. The number is
    889-7701.  I find the counselors very supportive (even when you gain);
    the diet is very flexible for me and it has been working.