Medifast

[NotSoFunny]

So my fill doc is putting me on medifast. we discussed it long and hard. I want to be as close to goal as possible by the time I reach my bandiversary. And since I drink protein shakes now for some of my meals she wants me to do their 5&1 plan, with protein powder added to each drink I have. And I guess they are not jsut shakes anymore. When I tried it before it was just shakes. now they have chilli, pudding, bars, oatmeals, soups, all sorts of stuff. And I get 1 regular meal each day if i want. a lean protein like chicken or fish, and lots of greens.

So I am gonna give it a shot. :D wish me luck. or chastize me. that is why i am here LOL to get both sides.

[Neal R.]

Good luck, keep us updated on how it works for ya :)

[NotSoFunny]

Thanks neal!! I will. I get my stuff on thursday, so we shall see how it all goes. I have to go out and find a good protein powder that idsolves well in other drinks without changing the flavor. any suggestions anyone??

[Kathy]

I don't know but you'll do great on Medifast. That's the beauty of being banded. Diets work now. You can actually stay on a plan for more than 2 meals. Doh!

The down side to "diets" is weight regain when you stop "the diet", but I'm sure you can get past that part gracefully. Sounds like Medifast is enough structure to give you what you need. You'll do great!

[PhotoNut]

I doubt anyone would chastise you for your decision to add a structured diet to your band journey, but you have raised some questions of concern from me. (You knew this was coming didnt you? lol)

Before I give you a hug and a smile and say "go for it girl!" I have a couple of questions. You said you want to reach your goal weight by your bandiversary, which is in four months. What is your goal weight? Also, how many calories per day will you be getting on the medifast plan? Will you be working out during this time, and if so are you taking into account the amount of protein and calories you'll be needing for the increases in physical activity?

I'm all for cheering someone on when they are fighting to meet their goals, but Im also cautious about encouraging anyone to go to extremes, which might put their health at risk, in order to reach those goals. I worry that our impatience often brings about choices that aren't what's best for us in the long run. And while the short term rewards seem great at the moment, there is the definite risk of being disappointed with the results for a much longer period of time.

Please dont' take my concern as criticism or as doubt in your ability to use good judgement or to achieve your goals. I just want you to be healthy and happy. :)

[NotSoFunny]

I doubt anyone would chastise you for your decision to add a structured diet to your band journey, but you have raised some questions of concern from me. (You knew this was coming didnt you? lol) I would expect nothing less than to have my closest friends question things to make sure it is the right decision.


Before I give you a hug and a smile and say "go for it girl!" I have a couple of questions. You said you want to reach your goal weight by your bandiversary, which is in four months. What is your goal weight? My goal is 150. I may not make it, but setting my goal for that will get me all the more closer.


Also, how many calories per day will you be getting on the medifast plan? approx 1200 cals if i follow it to a T. I will be getting approx 100 g of protein, and 90 g of carbs.


Will you be working out during this time, and if so are you taking into account the amount of protein and calories you'll be needing for the increases in physical activity? I will be following the recommended guidelines for working out which is 45 minute workouts 3 times a week, and weight training 2x a week so as to not throw myself into starvation mode.


I'm all for cheering someone on when they are fighting to meet their goals, but Im also cautious about encouraging anyone to go to extremes, which might put their health at risk, in order to reach those goals. I worry that our impatience often brings about choices that aren't what's best for us in the long run. And while the short term rewards seem great at the moment, there is the definite risk of being disappointed with the results for a much longer period of time.

Please dont' take my concern as criticism or as doubt in your ability to use good judgement or to achieve your goals. I just want you to be healthy and happy. :) I agree with the concerns. As we spoke about in chat, I am doing this to take the guess work out of my diet right now. I will be bringing in foods that i dislike for the family to keep me from cheating. But they will be nutritious for the family.

I want to point out that my fill doctor initially wanted to put me on appetite supressant drugs. This was not something i wanted to do. And like I said before, I already drink protein drinks throughout the day, this is just a more balance drink, along with a plan that has my day thought out for me. I will be adding in the oatmeal, which with splenda, tastes a little better. This will give me a lot of fiber. plus I will be adding fiber to my drinks through benefiber. And some of the drinks I would like to up the protein in through a flavorless protein powder that i want everyone's opinions on.

Any one with other questions please ask away. the best way for me to prepare myself for something is to get all the information. I think i have gotten all the info i can figure out. but if someone asks me something i don't have the answer to, then i do not have all the answers i need.

much luv everyone.

[PhotoNut]

Ok! After chatting with you in depth about this, I feel so much better! Sounds very sensible to me. Soo...

You go girl!!! I'm proud of the efforts you are making to get back in step with your weight loss journey. Rock on sis!! :rockon:

[MoOrLess]

I've got a question - I don't know if it is just "me" or this is a common side effect - every time I try to do "protein" shakes and bars -- either or both -- I end up extremely GASSY -- yes I drink tons of water - yes they definitely keep me 'going' -- but why all the gas? I can't continue to drink/eat these because it is awful and embarrassing - especially sitting in a classroom for an hour or more for classes - so is it just my body?

suggestions anyone?

I really want to put the bars/shakes back into my life because they work very well -esp for portability and speed and convenience -
things I need on a daily basis as a full time student and mom

[PhotoNut]

Mo, are you drinking Whey protein or Soy protein? Soy will cause a lot of gas.

[dynamomini]

Go for it. The goal is in sight. I figure that shooting for the moon is the way to go. You deserve a healthy life. Good luck!!!

[MoOrLess]

good question - I guess I don't know - I'll have to check the ingredients more closely when I go to the store - thanks

I apologize - I didn't mean to divert your thread Funny

just interested in what you are doing - and wondering if I can go that direction again myself - thanks for sharing!

[Alicia521]

Well, I wasn’t sure what Medifast was, but I googled and went to the website so I have an idea. It seems safe and healthy and your band should help you stick with it. When initially reading your post my thoughts were with P’Nut which you addressed.

Here are my concerns. I’m not sure of your weight, but I saw you post somewhere that you were in the mid 200s….I also know you’ve lost a lot. So to get to goal would this be close to 20 lbs a month that you need to lose? That just seems like a lot. I guess my main concern is the rapid weight loss. Is there a specific reason you want be to at goal by your band anniversary? You’ve already come such a long way and done such a great job, I guess my concern is that there is no need to rush the goal. But if your doctor is on board, when then who am I to be concerned? Ok, that’s my concern. If you have your MD’s blessing, then happy Medi-fasting!

[DrewsLou]

Wow Amy! Your a better person than me.. I could never do Medifast!

My only concern is the super fast weight loss. Your talking about 100 pounds (is that right?) in 4 months? Why the rush? Isn't part of the point of the band for us to lose at a slower steadier rate and let our bodies adjust gradually? That was the way my doc explained it to me. I personally had the band so I would never have to diet again, but that's my personal choice just as this is your personal choice. I wish you all the luck in the world and will be here cheering you on from the sidelines!

I was a bit hesitant to post my opinion since the other opinions posted here seem to be a bit different from mine. I hope you can take what I have said in the spirit it was said... with only your best interest in mind.

Peace out.

[NotSoFunny]

I am 231 today. And yes, 20 pounds a month would get me to goal. This is the high end of what Medifast can do. I set my goal be so high because even if I fall short, I will be quite far in my journey. I am realistic about this. But I want to reach goal as soon as possible. Its just the way I drive myself. One of the reasons I got the band was so that if I did do a diet it would be easier to stick to, and when I am at goal it will be easier to stay at goal.

Of course I am not offended or upset by someone questioning my thought process and my plans. It keeps the problems that can arise in mind, and makes sure that I do not do anything I am not prepared for.

Thank you all. :) Keep em coming!

[Glo]

I want to add an AMEN to the Benefiber that you add to your protein shakes. That stuff WORKS!! I used to use Metamucil and it got all gunky and gross at the bottom of the glass if I didn't drink it immediately.

I do just like the lady on the commercial--I sprinkle it in everything--from my decaff coffee to a meal. I started slowly. I'm hypothyroid and constipation is a big side effect. I LOVE Benefiber!!

I wish you luck on the Medifast journey. Keep us posted!

[Natural-1]

Hey Funny,

Difinately keep us posted on the Medifast trail. It's going to be a journey but I am confident that you can do it. Your drive is way up there which is a good thing.

All my concerns have been addressed by you so all I can say is Good Luck girlfriend and keep up the good work. You have already done an awesome job!

[NotSoFunny]

Ok, so I got my medifast pack today. I will update the thread later to keep everyone up to date. :)

[Alicia521]

can't wait to see how you are doing!

[NotSoFunny]

well i have had my shakes for the rest of the day. i got the dutch chocolate and the swiss mocha. they taste pretty good! i have oatmeal tomorrow morning for breakfast. apple cinnamon. i will let y'all know how it goes down. LOL

[NotSoFunny]

Ok the maple cinnamon oatmeal ROCKS! It tastes so good! I have had that, and a swiss mocha shake for my morning and midmorning meals. And for lunch I just finished off 5oz of lean beef and a cup of peas. Thats right, i said a cup. hehehe. I love peas.

[JDru]

Amy how expensive is Medifast? And do you have to get it through your doctor or can you order it online?

[NotSoFunny]

you can order online. their site is www.medifast1.com (http://www.medifast1.com). (I do not work for them in any way! :) ) and for a 4 week plan it is something like $200. I basically broke it down, and it is only slightly higher than what our regular food budget is for me. I comes out to the cost of me going out for lunch at my favorite place everyday :) actually cheaper than that. hehehe

[NotSoFunny]

Still on the medifast, and doing good. The plan calls for you to eat every 2-3 hours, and that is nice. I am also suplementing the plan with my own protein drinks to get a bit more protein in, and a little less carbs. Just making it my own. :D

[Alicia521]

cool, when will you weigh in to see your results? If you aren't pleased, will you continue it?

[Txblue_eyedqt]

That is Awesome Amy....
I actually gave a thought of trying it, but just never did. Trying to save some money for a trip Im planning for this summer.
Im glad the food is good, sometimes I worry about how the different things like that will taste, but then again Im a picky picky eater.
Let us know how things go....

[NotSoFunny]

Ok, to me the food tastes good, but this is all soy based protein, and OMG it gives me really bad gas and really bad stomach cramps. I would get sharp pains in my sternum, and aches in my shoulder which I knew was a build up of gas. I think for people who are not altered in some way this product would work well, but for someone who has had the band, or some other type of surgery, this is not a good plan.

So I am off to other stuff. I know I have lost while on it. When I do my official weigh in i will let everyone know how much. :)

[PhotoNut]

Oh wow. Sorry you had to suffer, Funny.. but thanks for being our guinea pig. *hugs*


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[NotSoFunny]

its what i do. :) try things out to find what works for bandsters. :) I knew soy protein caused gas, but I have never experienced anything like that. not fun at all!

[DebbieChoos]

Ewww you gassy girl..... And I thought that *stink* was the red-tide sneaking in again.......

So now what? I guess I never really gave much thought to soy protein and gas - but with a band that would not be fun. Which program are you leaning towards now stinky girl....

[MoOrLess]

yucko....that's what I was saying before Funny - the gas is enough to kill anyone! I had to stop eating protein bars AND protein shakes for the same reason -- I now do protein shakes and Atkins Breakfast Bars (less filling but definitely not gassy at all)........sorry you had to suffer - there is nothing to compare when smelling everyone out of a room! I know! Imagine being in a classroom and going through that -- and I'm not banded - so I honestly don't think it matters either way - it is painful and smelly to the unbanded as well!

[Momotrips]

Hey, somethin' smells "Funny"...

Oh God, sorry, I couldn't resist.

[NotSoFunny]

bwahahahahaha yeah. rob actually got up one night and opened the window. i knew that was the end lol

[Momotrips]

Not fair - the men can rip a ripe one whenever they want and we're just supposed to suffer silently while they laugh. We "ladies" get some odious relief and they get all "Ewww. You're nasty." We're all human and we all poot.

[housecatgirl]

I did medifast a few years ago. Back then, I got sick of the food real fast BUT I lost 20 lbs in a month. I don't remember having gas....are you getting in enough water?

[NotSoFunny]

i drink a gallon a day. its the way i react to soy protein. its causes massive gas lol

[mrspruett]

My doc's pre-op diet is two weeks on Medifast (but no snack bars, just the liquids). I HATE the stuff. I am on day 3 of my two week pre-op diet and other than the swiss mocha everything else makes me gag. Chalky, Chalky, Chalky! I am surviving on broth and swiss mocha.

[tattooedsuess]

I had a freebie Dutch Chocolate shake come in the mail for me a few days ago and it was DISGUSTING!!!!! It was so sicky sweet and overpowering that I had to thin it out like twice what it called for just so I could palate it. And I'm not one to say that things are too sweet very often!

[NotSoFunny]

i actually gave all my stuff to my mother, who is obese and afraid to get the band. she has been losing weight really well on it! i am proud of her. and it does not give her gas like it did to me. maybe she can do this and lose and not need surgery!