Ready to Start Again

Glad to see you’re back in the game.

Hooray! John’s back!

Never give up, never surrender!

Welcome back to the club John!

Welcome back, John! Yes, a little healthy competition does a lot of good.

My husband lost weight a lot faster than I did, but I finally weigh less than him. Slow and steady wins the race!

Hi John!

I came across your website when I was doing some research on movie popcorn. I’m a big movie fan, and I have always liked popcorn with the movie. I decided to educate myself on the nutritional aspects of my habit.

Your website interested me, and I found myself reading your blog postings. I also looked at your charts and medical information. Dude, I can really relate!

I’m 53 years old. I’m 5’10″. At the beginning of February ’09, I weighed 280 pounds. I was struggling with diabetes and high blood pressure. While I hadn’t suffered a medical “event” like a heart attack or stroke, I was seriously concerned about my future.

I had tried self-dieting and exercise and I experienced the same result you did. I lost for awhile, but then gained it all back. I finally decided that I was kidding myself in thinking I could do this all on my own. I like to think of myself as a tough, self-reliant guy, but I decided I needed help.

I joined the Slim4Life program. They just changed the name to Slimgenics. It’s only located in Colorado and Minnesota. I mention it because you wrote in one of your posts that you used to shop at Dayton’s. I live in the Minneapolis area, and thought you might too.

Anyway, since I started in February, I have lost weight rather steadily. I have plateaued at times, but the counselors have helped me get through the plateaus. As of this morning, I weigh 199 pounds. I have lost 81 pounds, and have 14 more to lose to reach my goal of 185.

I will reach my goal, and I will keep the weight off. I’m confidant of that now. Some of this confidence is the result of my own motivation. Some of it is as the result of things I have learned and resources I now have at my disposal.

It probably seems like I’m hyping the program I’m on. I’m not, although it has worked for me. But I have come to many realizations during this process. If you think it might be helpful to you, I would be pleased to share them with you. You can decide whether you would like to share them with your readers.

I’m not a weight loss blogger, and as I say, I came across your site by accident. But your posts really struck a chord with me. It wasn’t long ago I was right where you are now. If there is anything I can do to lend a hand, I’d be happy to do so.

Gregg

Hi, John. I started a fitness blog this year and am getting into a routine for better health. I certainly have ups and downs, so having support is important. Good luck with your weight loss journey. I’m enjoying your posts here!

John,
Where are you? I was looking for something else and landed at your blog. I was thinking it’d be great to have a little accountability as I travel this journey of losing weight. Have you continued to blog and I don’t see it.
Stick with it. You’ll be so glad you did.

Hey Chris! Thanks for the question. A brief update: I’ve lost 90 pounds since Feb. I’m 5 away from my goal. If it feels right, I may lose another 5. As you might imagine, I’m happy with the Slimgenics (formerly Slim4Life) program. I think it’s a good option for people who need to lose. There is one guy at my location who is down 145 pounds!

There are two cost components to the program: (1) an up front cost; and (2) product costs. The initial fee includes an initial assessment (weigh in, measurements, orientation), an initial supply of products, and a program. The program is geared to your needs. I wanted to lose 95 pounds. My program is 47 weeks weight loss (2 lbs/wk), 6 weeks stabilization, and 20 weeks maintenance. The up front cost for me was $850. I believe the amount depends on how much you have to lose. Less weight, lower cost.

I know that sounds like a chunk of change, but I wasn’t losing any other way. I figured that the cost of being overweight was also huge. Plus, to be honest, I suspect I’ve saved more than that by reducing the number of times I go out to eat.

The program includes visits to the location where you weigh in and talk one-on-one with a consultant. They want you to come in 3x a week, but you can come in every day if you want. I’ve done that on occasion when I’ve been stuck. To me, the counseling part has been very valuable for accountability, motivation, encouragement, information, etc.

The second cost factor is products. They have supplements (pills), vitamin drinks, and snacks. They are healthy and useful, but somewhat expensive. I dropped the supplements early, and replaced the important ones with off-the-shelf substitutes (vitamins, fish oil). I still get the drinks and snacks, however, because they are healthy and taste good. I figure they are worth the cost. Once I reach my goal, I may look for good substitutes, however.

The essence of the program involves eating reasonable portions of grocery store and restaurant foods, however. A balanced diet. I think it’s good in that respect because you build healthy habits. Programs with prepackaged meals don’t really do that.

Anyway, Chris, I could tell you more, but I don’t want to hog John’s blog. If you want to discuss this more, give me a way to contact you and I will. Or, you could go into Slimgenics. If you make an appointment on the web, I think you can get a $50 coupon towards your program. And by the way, I don’t own stock or get a commission. lol I’m just really happy with the results!

Gregg

Hey Redhed! I hope your meeting at Slimgenics goes well. Just a brief update on my weight loss: so far I’ve lost 92.25 pounds. I’m 2.75 away from my goal. My weight loss has slowed recently. While I lost 8.5 pounds in October, I lost just 2 in November and 4 in December. I attribute this to somewhat reduced motivation because I’m close to my goal. The holiday food and drink fests haven’t helped either, although I think I’ve done better than in the past when it comes to eating at family gatherings, parties, etc. Good luck to everyone in the New Year!

That’s a good way to see collective benefit, I will measure as described prior to my Slimgenics appointment. I’ve read some blogs regarding the first three days on the Slimgenics plan – I’m so nervous, I’m not a vegetable eater….
I will rid the house of all things tempting this weekend. I have about 45-55 lbs to lose. I will have to fill my time and mind with things other than food/drink.

You are very encouraging, thank you for sharing your wisdom. I know I won’t succeed with complete deprivation either, so I will have to retain some vice to keep my sanity. All I know is I’m tired of pushing this boulder up hill; keep doin’ what you’re doin’, keep gettin’ what you’re gettin’ – time to make a change!

I have come very close to cancelling this appointment, this site and posts have helped more than I thought they would. I am not an avid blogger nor do I read many, but am pleasantly surprised. Thanks John, Gregg and all the others who provide encouragement and information!

I’ve loved reading the discussion between Gregg and Redhead as I just started Slimgenics in Colorado yesterday! Today has been a hard day just because I keep thinking of all the things I can’t eat instead of all the things that I CAN. Hearing all of the stories and encouragement on here really makes me know that I CAN DO IT and I AM WORTH IT to lose the weight.
Gregg, do you have a website?

I am sad/emabarrassed to say I didn’t go to my initial Slimgenics appointment as planned. Yes the weather (15 below zero) was a factor – but honestly I chickened out. I am anticipating the feeling of depravation and am dreading it. What’s weird is although I’m not munching on celery all day, I’m not eating some off the wall amount of food or binging or anything even close to that. I’ve been working out at the health club and have started with a personal trainer. HELP

Hey Redhed! I think it’s great that you can come out and admit that you didn’t follow through with your plan. When I chicken out on something, my tendency is to slink into a corner and hide, which is much less helpful.

I understand your feeling of embarrassment. Before I got on the program, I was feeling alot of shame. I think it came from a feeling that I wasn’t in control of my own destiny. I didn’t like the feeling that I was lacking in self discipline. Making a commitment to the program made me feel more in control. Sticking with the program (with lapses here and there) gave me a sense of pride.

As to your concern about deprivation, I won’t try to tell you that you can eat whatever you have been eating. If you want to lose weight, you can’t. I will tell you though, that in this program, you eat all the time. Breakfast, an energy drink, fruit, a snack, lunch, another energy drink, fruit, another snack, dinner, ten glasses of water throughout the day. You’re eating and drinking all the time, and still losing weight! Don’t get me wrong. I’m sure there will be things you really like that will have to go. That’s not easy. But that’s where you can get creative and start looking for tasty alternatives. And it may also be the area where you allow yourself an occasional exception to the plan.

As to your exercise, I think that’s great. They are in favor of it on the plan, but it’s not required to lose weight. I haven’t exercised alot since I started, but lately I’ve been trying to build exercise into my daily regimen. I only have one problem with exercise as a weight loss technique. When I get busy or sick, I tend to stop exercising. Then I fail to get stated again. The next thing you know, I’ve gained the weight back. Because you have to eat under any circumstances, I found it much easier to stick to the eating plan than the exercise plan, although stress and illness can affect your eating too.

Anyway, Redhed, whatever route you choose, I would encourage you to dump the shame and take charge to be the person you want to be. You have the power.

Gregg

Katie, four pounds in three days! Way to go!

I’ve tried quite a few of the snacks, but not all of them. Obviously, alot of it comes down to personal taste. My recommendation is to try a box of any snack before committing to multiple boxes of that snack. While I think they have gone out of their way to make the snacks tasty, there may be some that just don’t appeal to you. There’s no sense having ten boxes of something you don’t want to eat.

As far as dessert-type snacks go, my favorites have been the strawberry and berry smoothies. They are easy to make, and taste good. I also think some of the bars are pretty tasty. In terms of the meal-type snacks, I like the pasta items, chili, sloppy joe, and soup snacks. I’m not a big fan of the crunchy-type snacks. But again, it’s a matter of taste.

When you buy snacks and drinks, you want to take advantage of the deals, not just buy them in ones and twos. The best deal you ever get is when you make your initial bulk purchase. I was reluctant to buy alot that early on, but looking back, I probably should have stocked up more then. You eat two snacks a day, so you go through them pretty fast. Pay attention to their in-store deals. Those are great times to stock up. Sometimes they only last a day or two though, so you have to strike while the iron is hot. Also, sign up for the e-skinny newsletter. Those give you weekly deals that are pretty good. I think the “regular” price for snacks is $16/box. You can almost always do better than that if you buy at the right time and can buy in quantity. I’ll look through my purchases and try to give you an idea of what prices you should keep an eye out for.

I don’t know of an online community, but I think it’s an awesome idea! Maybe we should start one. Any ideas as to how we might do it?

Redhed, I hear ya, it’s tough to give up things you love to eat. That’s probably why I have allowed myself an occasional treat, like popcorn at the movies. I’m sure it has slowed my loss a little, but it’s allowed me to stay on track. And bottom line, whatever I do has to work AFTER I reach my goal, as well. Maybe you’d like to go in to your location just to get some info. Commit to yourself that you will NOT sign up on the first visit, but just learn what they have to offer. Then you can go home and decide if you want to make the commitment. That keeps the power where it belongs, in your hands.

Gregg

Okay, I re – upped for a Slimgenics appointment Tuesday 1/12!

Katie, there is a group called Slim4Life Support on Facebook. I joined it, but I don’t know how good it is yet. Can’t hurt to check it out though.

There are 55 members in the group. There are recent posts, but I wouldn’t call the action fast and furious. It looks to me like the group has potential, however.

Thanks for asking Gregg , kind of you to remember. I attended the meeting – didn’t cancel or noshow, so I’m glad about that. I am going to take the time I need to make a decision, but am leaning towards signing up. I just need to be realistic about what this committment means and doesn’t mean. I feel I got a fair price all things considered, I feel fortunate that the additional snack/supplement costs are tolerable for me. It’s not the money for me, it’s the committment, the fear of depravation and determining whether this is just another claim/magic bullet to solve all your weight problems. ‘If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is’ comes to mind. I have 6 days to decide, I will let you know. How is it going for you and others?Keep those communications coming.

Good for you Redhead! I think the most important thing is to think about it. I went in July and thought about it until January when I finally came to the conclusion that I needed to do something to get my life back in control. I’ve been at it for almost 2 weeks and I’ve lost 7 3/4 pounds. So for me, it was one of the best decisions that I could’ve made. I’ve been able to still enjoy the foods I like as long as I’m willing to make some adjustments. Good luck in your decision making process and let us know how it goes!

Katie, I was glad to hear you took 6 months too and am so excited for the success you and Gregg have had. I’m very encouraged.

CONGRATULATIONS!! WooHoo! That’s wondewrful and encouraging. I made the committment to join Slimgenics – but due to being out of town for work, won’t start until January 27. I’ll be anxious to hear how the remianing 5lbs go, the stabilization/blance and maintenance phases go for you. You have so much to be proud of, enjoy your accomplishment.

Thanks Redhed and Katie! I’ll keep you informed. Hope you are having a good year so far!

I signed up today, starting Phase I on Sunday per Slimgenics recommendation. It ain’t cheap that’s for sure, but I’ve blown as much in buying crummy food and bigger clothes. If I don’t get my weight under control, the cost will be far greater. Thank you for your encouraging messages. I hope Gregg, Katie and Paula continue to do well, please keep posting your progress and challenges. I’ve been on the Slimgencis Sparks site, that’s helpful too. There are some good bloggers on there, very motivating.

Interested in sharing your SlimGenics story with the world? Whether you have already had success with the program or are in the middle of working off that weight please consider becoming an author on SlimGenics Reviews. We will set you up with a guest blogger account which would be a great way to start a blog if you never have had one or a great way to promote your existing blog. As long as you write about your exerperience with SlimGenics we would love to have you.

Way to go Redhead! You can definately do it and it will be worth it! I just finished my 4th week and I’m down 17.5 pounds, which to me is unbelievable! I continue to have those moments when I want to cheat, but I try to remember that nothing tastes as good as being skinny feels. And, I try not to change the plan, but to let the plan change me.
Has anyone joined the Slimgenics Review site mentioned above? What are your impressions?

Does anyone know what the deal is with buying the slimgenics snacks from them or from another source? Is it true, if you don’t buy the supplements etc. from them – your contract is void? I see so many people talk about getting their stuff from GNC, online etc. – are all of them operating without the guarantee? I’m on day three of the prep and attending my meeting tonight, which is my last chance to buy at the bulk pricing. Should I buy it all online? I’m not sure what to invest in and what to skip, any advice?

Hi Redhead,
To tell you the truth, I guess I’m not that clear on the guarantee either. I thought you only had to do the snacks directly from Slimgenics to be part of the guarantee. I know you can’t get the snacks any place else and that is the only REQUIRED part of the plan. As far as the supplements go, that’s where you’ll save the most money if you buy in bulk upfront. I didn’t, and I’m still debating if I should switch to the generic brands or not. I would definately buy bulk of the snacks because it does save you in the long run and you will eat 2-3 of them every day, so you’ll need them throughout the program. I do agree with Gregg though, don’t buy a bunch of the same thing unless you know you like it. I’ve only had 2 of the snacks that I don’t like, but it is really a matter of preference.
Let us know how your meeting goes tonight!

Well, I made it through prep – l0st 4.25 lbs! I’m doing okay today, but I’m so busy – I’m a little worried about getting all the food in that I’m supposed to eat starting today.

Good job Redhead! I would agree with Gregg-try your best to get it all in each day. My hardest challenge was eating all the veggies, so I’ve started puttinsg some in with my eggs in the morning and having a huge salad for lunch. I make a goal each day to have a certain amount of water before lunch, and then another amount before I leave work. Making small goals like that throughout the day really helps me get everything in.
It is a learning process and a change, but you can do it!

Hi Redhead,

Going out to eat often is a little tricky. My recommendation is to eat before you go so you aren’t tempted to eat as much there. If you can’t pack a dinner or a thermosnack to eat at the dinner, maybe you could have one in the car waiting for you when you leave. Then, you won’t be starving by the time you get home. Plan ahead, and you’ll do great!

As far as the supplements, the only one you need to take before a meal is the carb blocker, so I wouldn’t worry about those being screwed up. You can take them before you leave, or even when you get back home. I carry a pill case with me in my purse if I know I’m going to be away from home when I need to take them, and then you know you’ll be on schedule.

Keep up the good work!

Gregg – fill us in since you’ve met your goal and gone onto balance and maintence. Katie – what’s shakin’ with you and your progress? Since Sunday 1/30/10 – I’m down only 6.5 lbs, I guess I expected more – but not complaining, yet. I fell off the wagon once, had a root beer and one cookie this past Sunday. I have a few events coming up that are going to be a challenge. For the most part, it’s been okay – it’s hard to get the vegies in because I just don’t care for them, but the rest is doable. The weekends are hard and the winter is long. I’m trying to figure out how long I’ll have to pay if I have a drink with a friend this Friday, or if I just say no and have water.

Thanks for the update Katie. 18.5 lbs in 5 weeks that’s super! I’m not so much 25, so I’m thinking I can’t expect those kind of numbers. So I’m curious, what does the omit and flush consist of and how long do you do it?

Hi Redhead,
Basically, they add more water into my days and omit certain foods. I’ve done it a few times (weekends are always awful for me) and each time it’s been a different amount and combination. Sometimes they’ve recommended drinking 2 Tablespoons of BRAGG Apple Cider Vinegar, Unfiltered/Raw to help “flush” my system. It’s not a hard thing to do, and it usually does the trick and gets me back down. I would avoid it if at all possible…

If you don’t like the vinegar, you can use lemon instead. It helps flush the salt out. There are also other natural diuretics that will help eliminate salt and get rid of excess water weight. Search “natural diuretics” online and you can find lists of them.

KMS, for a discussion of the costs, look at my post of 12/5/09 above.

Great progress, Redhed! That’s 3+ per week! I’ve stalled out a bit. Still 2.25 to go to my goal. I have to buckle down like you have!

Check out Lisa’s Slimgenics Story. We’d love to hear yours to!

On Friday, day 19, I made my first 10lbs! Exciting, yet it makes me anticpate how long it will take and how I will do with the next 10….
I am going out of town this coming Saturday for a week on business primarily – a few days of vacation, home for three weeks then gone for another week to Jamaica. I’m having as much anxiety about being potentially off plan as I am having to stay on it! Will I gain next week? Will I lose it and then gain more when I go to Jamaica? Will I be starting April with a net gain at all? I feel like I can do pretty well next week, but not so sure I WANT to be on plan when in Jamaica…. which results in, you guessed it – more anxiety! ( I must sound like a nut case)

I’m very excited for Katie and Gregg to meet their goals – can’t wait to hear about it – whethere you make it in 1 week, 1 month or 1 year. It’s nice having people ahead of you in the program – it helps me understand and accept some of the things I’m experiencing – an gives me a clue of what might be coming, good and bad! Thanks to all, you make this journey much easier.

Your points are well made Gregg, and I hope I haven’t conveyed a different message than I intended. It IS a temporary plan from the aspect of will I get 4 vegies in, limit myself to only 2 low calorie starches, 2 fruit servings , drink 10 glasses of water and a variety of supplements throughout the day? That is the plan I have chosen and am challenged to stay on in order to meet my intended goal. My point was in regards to my initial success; I get concerned about my reaction should I waiver, not lose and/or gain weight. (and yes, I know it’s going to happen) Not trying to set myself up, just thinking out loud and expressing my feelings about getting through choices and setbacks – I know I won’t give up, even if I give in for one reason or another – just a little anxious about how I’ll handle it when it happens.

I totally agree that overall it isn’t a short term diet, but a lifestyle change for a healthier me. I do appreciate the feedback though, really I do! Certainly you have a year of experience, a year of success and a year of self awareness that has escaped me thus far – maybe I’ll look back at this post and realize you were the wise one all along and kick myself. Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve made a similar realization Thanks Gregg, all comments and suggestions welcome, keep them coming!

Just an update for everyone: At the end of last week (week 7) I was down 23.3 pounds! I still have a long ways to go (75 more pounds) but I made it past eh 20 pound milestone, so that was good. How is everybody else doing?

I just stumbled on this. I graduated college in May and have only ever gained weight since my freshman year (damn ben and jerry’s sold at my dorm). Last year I lived next to Trader Joes and ate very healthy, only stocking good food and maintaining my weight (never losing). This was okay. I was in DC and walked EVERYWHERE. The I graduated, moved to Colorado and in with my boyfriend. I work full time and didn’t work out. My bf is small and can eat ANYTHING and prefers everything terrible for him (slathered in cheese). Thus I began gaining weight again, what caused me to notice and care was that I went up to a size 16 pants, literally slitting my other pants.
This was heart breaking. I joined the gym, went 5 days a week and managed to curb the gain.

I want to lose weight, 30 lbs at least. I found this blog because I was particularly interested in slimgenics. But the cost scares me… like I said, I just graduated, I am paying students loans, a credit card and wanted to save to move out of my bf parents basement, I have nearly no extra money. How can I afford the help I need?

Greg, Katie, and Redhead –

Thanks for maintaining your conversation and progress online. I went for a slimgenics appointment today, signed up, and went to tell my daughter the good news. Her fiance said some things that got me second guessing my decision, and quite frankly made me think I messed up by joining. I came home and started researching online, only to find a mass of bad reviews and complaints. I was nearly in tears when I find a link to John’s blog. Reading through Greg’s progress over a year, and the beginning of Red’s and Katie’s journeys helped me feel better and more positive.

Hey Kit! When I read your comment, I was glad I hadn’t run across any negative reviews before I signed up to Slimgenics. If I had, I might not have joined, and I’d be 98 pounds heavier today.

I don’t know what the criticisms are, but frankly, after a year, I don’t have any. I think the program, products, and counselors have been great. That’s not to say it has been a breeze. Sometimes, I’ve had difficulties controlling my old habits and cravings. Sometimes, I’ve just hit the plateaus you hit on any weight loss program. My advice in those situations is to put aside your pride and get into your center and let the counselors help you get back on track. That’s what they are trained to do. I swear, there were weeks when I was stuck that I went in 5 or 6 times. I told them I was following the program, so now it was THEIR problem. They laughed at me, but then went to work. The next thing you know, I was losing again. Without the help, I would have become frustrated and quit.

I know the up front cost of this program is significant. But where else can you pay one fee and then use as many services as you want? Your doctor’s office? Your auto mechanic? Ha!

Anyway, Kit, you can do it! If you have any issues, feel free to check in here. I’m a veteran, and Katie and Redhed are new to the program but motivated. We’re willing to lend a hand.

Katie, by the way, you’re doing great! Keep it up!

Good job, Redhed! There are definitely times when not gaining is a good result. I have to tell you that I almost never hit 5 pounds a week during my program. As a general matter, 3 pounds was a good week. My average over the year was about 2 pounds a week. At times, I would see people who lost 6+ up on the board at the center. I told one of the counselors that I wanted to do that! She said, “No, you don’t. Those are typically people who gained alot and are just taking it off again.” After that, I was happy with slow and steady.

Hi Redhead,
Keep sticking with it. I know it can get tough some times (I had pizza this weekend, which was NOT good). So far I’ve lost a little over 25 pounds. It’s still a process and I continue to have to make an effort each day, but people at work are starting to notice the difference, so that makes it all worth it.

Hi Redhed, Katie, and Kit. Good to hear from you all! I’ve been lazy of late, and have bounced up as high as 6 pounds over my ultimate goal. Last week I got serious again, and cut that to three pounds. I’m working to hit my goal by Saturday, and then go on maintenance. I’ll keep you apprised.

One thing to keep in mind: Eat all your food and drink all your water. Yesterday, I was running all day, so I missed lunch, snacks, water, etc. You’d think I’d be down today, but I didn’t lose an ounce. As odd as it seems, you lose weight on this plan by eating and drinking.

Kit, I’m not a doctor, and I certainly can’t comment on your situation. But a year ago, at 285 pounds, I had an elevated creatinine level of 2.23. My recent reading was .90. (Redhed and Katie, in case you’ve never had to worry about this stuff, creatinine level is one measure of kidney function. “Normal” is somewhere in the range of .50 to 1.50). The program has also done wonders for my blood sugars and blood pressure.

Having been on the plan for a year, it’s hard for me to see what would be hazardous from a medical standpoint. In essense, you’re being asked to eat balanced meals like we were told to do when we were kids. But I realize each person comes in with a different history and situation.

Sounds like you are making good progress on your own anyway, Kit. Keep up the good work!

I know it seems hard at times. But I have to tell you all this: Now that I’m closer to a lean body mass, I definitely have fewer cravings, which is what the Slimgenics counselors predicted would happen. So I feel that maintaining will be doable.

Kit – I agree with Redhed. If Slimgenics requires your doctor’s approval as a condition of you going forward with the program, and your doctor doesn’t give his approval, and Slimgenics doesn’t let you go forward, then I can’t see how Slimgenics can legitimately keep your money. Let us know what happens on this issue.

I’m doing well. So far I’ve lost 33.5 pounds, which is great. I had set this as my starting point to start a regular work out routine, so come Monday, I’m hitting the gym!
People at work are starting to notice that I’m losing weight (maybe because my clothes are all baggy) and it’s great to hear after all the hard work I’ve been doing. Only 60 more pounds to go…

Hey Redhed, Katie, and Chuck! Nice hearing from you guys. Redhed, not too bad given that you’re returning from vacation. You can lose that little gain pretty fast. Katie, doing awesome! Keep up the good work. Chuck, sounds like your situation is very close to what mine was. Good start. Keep at it.

Gregg

Hi All,
I just found this by accident. I started Slimgenics 11 days ago. I have had a terrible headache, and just don’t feel like myself. I am wondering if it is the supplements, or something else. My counselors have said that they think it is a detox. I am not sure, I have done other detoxes and not felt this way. Any ideas.

Maria, I’m starting maintenance on Wednesday. I will share with you what I learn. Also, have you thought about calling your Colorado facility for a little tutoring? It seems to me that, if you paid for the program and left before you finished your weeks, they might be willing to help. Obviously, they have a stake in your success.

Sonja, I haven’t suffred from any headaches, so it’s hard to say. Are you getting all your water in? If not, perhaps that might help. Another approach might be to omit one supplement at a time and see if it alleviates the headaches. This dietary change is significant for most of us, and I suppose adjustment can vary alot from person to person.

Kit, I have used the thermoboost and snacks throughout, and switched to off-the-shelf vitamins and fish oil after the introductory pack. I dropped the other items because of the cost. My doctor and pharmacist said they weren’t necessary. I lost weight consistently without them.

Sonja, I took all the supplements to my doctor and pharmacist. They said that the herbs did not appear to contain anything with proven medicinal value. My doctor left it up to me as to whether I wanted to take them. I discontinued them because of the cost. I still lost weight steadily.

Kit,
I am a third grade teacher in Jeffco. WOW I can’t believe you lost 25 pounds on your own and you still are doing the program. I lost 80 pounds 4 years ago, and have kept all but 20 off. My clothes were getting tight, and I had given all my fat clothes away, so it was time to finish. I need to lose about 50 pounds now. I am really struggling, I don’t remember it being so hard before. I think that I just need to get my mind around it. Maybe if I can feel better that will help. I did not take the Herbal Slim and I felt better. Maybe I will try to drop the Carb Blocker tomorrow and add the Herbal Slim in and see how that goes. Thanks for the suggestion.

I am so embarassed to do this whole thing that I have not told anyone, with the exception of my husband. I can’t stand the thought that maybe I spent all of this money and I might fail. It helps to hear from people who have gone to the Dr. with the meds. I was too chicken.

I am glad I found this blog. I have never really done anything like this, so I am feeling encouraged already.

Have a great day tomorrow. Not many days left.

Sonja

Hi Everyone,
I have been reading some of your posts for the last few weeks and finally decided to respond as well.

I have lost 20 on slimgenics, and my huband is trying to follow along but getting bored with the limitations I think. I keep telling him to hang in there with me until maintenance. Not sure if he will or not.

I got horrid headaches as well, and after all the testing of combinations, I do not take the herbs or the carb blockers at all. I take my own vitamins, including Potassium instead of the MLS….as per my doctor, and I use my own bars that are much lower in sugar and carbs than their bars and I am doing just fine now. I do occasioanlly drink a thermoboost just because I paid for them, however I wouldn’t say it gives me anymore energy than if I don’t.

The snacks are way cheaper online, but the protein bars (which are awesome) I get at King Sooper of all places…usually on sale!

Checking in at the end of week one. Wow, impressive results Chuck!! I almost posted an update on Thursday, and am I ever glad I waited. I was feeling miserably full, uncomfortable, and didn’t see how I could see it through. They started me on a modified plan 4 (basically one less snack), and said I could sub 1 protein for the egg at breakfast. I’d noticed 1 egg is only half a protein, but the gal who started me said to sub a full protein. Thankfully on Thursday my check in was with the manager and she said it was too much.

Man alive, it’s amazing what one extra half a protein can do! I feel so much better now that I cut it down. I’m down 4 lbs from the beginning of the week, and almost felt sad until they pointed out that the medical plans have a lower predicted weekly weight loss of 2 to 3 pounds, and my week isn’t technically up until Monday. Whew! Of course, just as I figure all that out they decide they want to drop me to plan 2. I’m not going to go there without doctor approval, so we’ll see.

I love to cook and have come up with some great recipes. Thankfully this food is pretty similar to what I’ve been eating, and I don’t normally cook with fat or salt. I made a twice baked potato last night. It was so good. I just took the half potato, my 6 oz. of Greek yogurt, a lot of garlic powder and pepper, mushed it up, added my cut up broccoli, and re-baked it for 5 minutes. When it came out I added my fat serving for the day My kids ended up wanting the same thing for dinner. Now that’s saying something!

I hope everyone’s doing well!

Hi Kit,
Thanks for asking. I have gotten rid of the headaches. I am only taking 1/2 of the herbs, and that seems to have done the trick. My weight loss is very slow. I hope that it speeds up soon. I work out 4 – 6 days a week, so I was sure this was what I needed to get rid of the pounds. Maybe tomorrow I will be happy with my results. I am feeling much better though and that makes a world of difference. Have a great week.

I going in this morning for my consultation. I want to lose 30 lbs that has crept up on me in the last couple years (including having my third baby one year ago). I am planning on not buying the herbs, and generally hope I can stay away from any drugs they offer me- I have vitmins that I take already. I will check out the drinks and snack bars as you all suggested. Hope that the sticker shock doesn’t scare me away, I really need a “prescriptive plan” because just cutting back . . . isn’t cutting it. Wish me luck!

Hello,
Is anyone still following this blog/slimgenics? I am on Day#2 of Prep phase and have been really inspired by everyone on here.

Thanks!