by Diana » May 3rd, 2008, 10:32 am
Yes, get a second opinion. You can even get one from Dr. Andersen himself if you can get on the Wednesday night Take Shape for Life Doctor's call (or Dr. Pecarero, aka Dr. Joe). Dr. Andersen created the Take Shape for Life program which has revolutionized Medifast. It sounds like she doesn't understand the program at all and is relying on decades old knowledge. Take Shape for Life, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Medifast and the PROGRAM part (not just the product), is based on creating lifelong optimal health for every shape, size and age, not just helping those of us who are/were morbidly obese lose weight. The meal replacements are our tools to assist us in creating the changes Cydj describes.
If you treat it like a diet, your chances of sustained success are the same as any other diet -- 15% at best. Nancy is but one representative (and my favorite shining one) of the SUCCESS of this program.
As for the headaches, I know for myself, stress, changes in routine and fueling my body with less than high-grade stuff result in pain and yuckiness. Creating balance, sticking with healthy food (including Medifast meal replacements), getting enough sleep, even massages and "me" time all help me.
If you have a Health Advisor/Health Coach, contact him/her for information you can take to your doctor (including research abstracts). Bottom line, you know your body best. Take care of YOU! If you decide to continue not using the Medifast meal replacements, look for foods that are similar in content and nutrients to what you were consuming before. Eat every three hours, drink plenty of water, get some sort of movement in, stay in contact with folks who will encourage you and hold you accountable -- all that stuff still applies, and will continue to apply for the rest of your life if your goal is a long and healthy journey to the very end.
Best of everything in the nursing program. May all your midterms and finals be easy ones!
Here's to our mutual success!
--Diana