The MakeMeThinner Support Forum

[Lizabette]

SEPTEMBER 2, 2006

134.7 IN THE WORLD OF TRANSITION!

I am beginning another exciting phase in my journey of weight loss and transition/maintenance.
Whoohoo, I was under my goal of 135# this morning. I’m sure it will fluctuate up or down while I am adjusting my body’s metabolism.

As I mentioned in an earlier journal post, my plan looks different from the regular transition plan because it is the Senior Plan (age), so I will not confuse the issue for some.
I am using MF products along with adding the foods that are given in the instructions.
Oh, it is so great to feast on foods that I have not put in my mouth in almost seven months!

I will continue to keep a daily record as I have during all this time.
I will weigh each morning to keep track of my progress and adjust my eating and/or exercise where I need to.

Just to assure you all about transition and maintenance.
There is a MF plan and if it is followed just as we follow the weight loss plan, it will work for us.
It is important to add as much exercise as possible to bring our metabolism back to the point where it was when we began the program.
My exercise in particular is walking at least a mile every day possible and water aerobics at the ‘Y’ 3 days a week.
Easy does it for me!
Also, I have read and tried to prepare for maintenance all the time I was losing weight, so it didn’t slap me in the face when I reached goal!

Well, it has started!
While so many are congratulating me on losing so much weight and looking/feeling so good, I am getting this:
“Better be careful or you’ll gain it all back!” Some may be hoping I will.
“Did you indulge when you went to the restaurant?” Nope. Did the L&G and added the extra food.
“How did you do it?” I tell them.
“I’m so proud of you!” Well, me too!
“You are looking great! Have you lost weight?” YEP! Thank you!

Now I’ll tell you a secret!
I am not letting my body know that I have reached goal. If it wants to go lower, I’ll let it!
It will only do what it wants to do anyway, and that is okay.
One other thing. If I do make a choice to eat a favorite treat that is not on plan, I will leave off something with a similar amount of calories and nutrition that day.
And maybe run out the door and do some extra walking!
I know I am not going to be perfect. I believe that would be unrealistic for me.

That’s my story MF friends, and I’m sticking with it!
And, hey, I'm holding a seat for the rest of you so close to goal!

Lizabette

[DogMa]

Welcome to the club, Lizabette!!! You're going to do great, I'm sure.

As for the maintenance plan, though, I don't want to mislead anyone. There's a clear transition plan, but I have yet to see a true maintenance plan. This is what they tell you:

During your initial months after going off Medifast, you may benefit
from following a high-protein, low-carbohydrate food plan. You also
might consider two or three Medifast supplements a day as part of
your regular meal plan. The packets provide a healthy, low-fat protein
source that can be used instead of foods such as meat or cheese.
After transition, don't substitute a packet for an entire meal. When
you are no longer in ketosis, the calorie level of a packet is too low
to provide adequate fuel. To be sure that you have enough food
intake, have a packet along with at least one other food item, such
as a piece of fruit or salad.

It's not very specific or structured, IMHO. That's why I chose a separate maintenance plan that gives very specific guidelines. Because just trying to choose healthy foods after being on a weight-loss plan is how I got here in the first place.

[lauradr]

Lizabette, I will be watching for all of you and DogMa post so I can join you soon !! I am so proud of yall

[JKSRN]

CONGRATULATIONS, Lizabette, I am very happy for you and know that you will do well, in transition and in maintenance! I marvel at how well you have done during the weight loss portion of MF and hope that I can do half as well as you have done! Bless you and keep giving us the great inspiration and your great ideas on maintenance. Thank you for sharing!
Joan

[Drama Queen]

Lizabette,

CONGRATULATIONS on reaching goal!!! You have achieved an amazing accomplishment in reaching goal.

Welcome to the world of transition and maintenance. You are going to do great because you have come to the understanding that this is a lifestyle change we are going through.

After one month in transition/maintenance, I find everyday is a new adventure for me as I monitor how my body reacts to the foods I eat. Keep us posted on your journey....

[Elizabeth]

Wow Lizbette! First of all congratulations on reaching your goal. You are a winner!! You are such an inspiration to so many. Thank you for sharing so much of it with this board.
You seem to know exactly what you are doing on maintenance and will figure it out so it works for you! Best wishes to you and please keep posting. We have so much to learn from you. I really enjoy reading what you have to say.

[Lizabette]

Thanks ROBIN, I am so enjoying the Club!
You are right. The Transition is clear and easy to follow.
The Maintenance we will each need to find our own way and method of keeping the weight from creeping back on.
And of course it won't be 'a piece of cake" but most of us know instinctively what we must do to maintain...at least I do.
And since we are all different, with food likes and dislikes, and so many ways of keeping the weight off,
everyone of us must find the best way through advisors, exercise, books, internet, WW,
or whatever to find the plan that best suits our individual needs.
I doubt if one specific plan would fit all!
But general guidlines are helpful and we have that.
Thanks for your input!

Oh, LAURA, You have only 15 pounds more to goal.
You don't know what a blessing and inspiration you are to so many of us, especially after all you have been through.
You have our respect and admiration!

JOAN, You are in the 50# Club, with just 24 more to go.
That is such a great accomplishment.
It won't be long until you will be in the Big Goal Club!
Won't that be wonderful?

You are our Role Model, DRAMA QUEEN, and are helping pave the way for us.
I know you are feeling a great sense of satisfaction as I do for reaching for the stars and getting there!
I can't imagine a grander feeling!

MISS ELIZABETH, Thanks for the kind words.
Well, I wish I did know exactly what I am doing about maintenance.
I don't know. but I know how to figure it out.
I do know there is no set plan for everybody.
But we can all help each other to find that way, by supporting and encouraging, and by example.

I'm so glad I have you all to go with me on this exciting journey.

Lizabette

[Lisa in NY]

Congratulations to you Lizabette and thank you for all your inspirational posts!

People gain weight back when they STOP MAKING THEIR WEIGHT A PRIORITY. You have the right attitude so you will not gain any weight back. Don't let people scare you into believing you will.

You've reached your goal, literally CHANGED your body inside and out, and there is no stopping you from reaching any other goals you might have!

I am looking forward to reading all about your SUCCESS in maintenance-land!

[Lizabette]

Congratulations to you Lizabette and thank you for all your inspirational posts!
People gain weight back when they STOP MAKING THEIR WEIGHT A PRIORITY. You have the right attitude so you will not gain any weight back. Don't let people scare you into believing you will.
You've reached your goal, literally CHANGED your body inside and out, and there is no stopping you from reaching any other goals you might have!
I am looking forward to reading all about your SUCCESS in maintenance-land!

LISA,
You should be a MOTIVATIONAL speaker!
You put your thoughts and words in such simple, understandable terms.
YES, Weight must remain a top priority to keep from regaining it!
And I don't scare easily...it just makes me more determined!
Definitely, everything has changed for me, the way others see me, the way I see myself, the way I feel in healthy terms.
Even the way I relate to other people.
I feel more compassion for others who are going through the same troubled waters I have gone through.
Changed. Period!
Thank you.
You have done so great with a 60 pound loss!
I know you will reach your goal whatever it is, and I want to know about it when you do.

Lizabette

[Lizabette]

SEPTEMBER 9, 2006 (Also posted this in my Journal)

133.9 this morning!

I have been somewhat AWOL but I haven't disappeared!
I have been doing fine on transition/maintenance and even losing a little weight.
That must mean my body would like to go lower. I'll listen to my body!

My plan includes 3-4 meal supplements, sometimes 2 small L&G's, with allowable snacks.

I love to begin the day with oatmeal...I love them all. Now I add a TBS of ground flaxseed meal, cinnamon, splenda and a splash of skim milk.
I still must have my bar during the day.
If I am at home, I fix MF Soup, adding an extra cup water, chicken or beef boullion cube, chopped celery, mushrooms, Ms. Dash spice.
Simmer until veggies soft and soup thickened. Good with MF crackers. YUMMY!
When we eat out, I usually choose salmon or chicken, veggies, fruit.
I know I will add special treats, but always aware that I will need to substitute or fit it into my caloric intake.
Really, it wouldn't be difficult to eat this way forever!

YIPPEE! I walked over 10,000 steps today which is my goal.
First time since I started keeping count with pedometer.
A lot of those steps I took cleaning and getting ready for company on Monday. And that was with DH doing the heavier stuff!
Then we went for our usual evening walk of about a mile.
I realize that exercise is going to play a huge role in maintaining my weight!

All next week I truly will be away, because we will be going on a week trip.
Just want you all to know I am not doing a disappearing act!
I will look forward to reading your posts when we get back, but will still have company for the rest of this month.

You'll be in my thoughts!

Lizabette

[dede4wd]

Oh, my silver fox, you are my HERO!

I'm so glad you're doing well on transition!

I may need you to save me a seat a bit longer, but I will be following you to goal.

D

[Lizabette]

SEPTEMBER 20, 2006

Well, here I am again, DEDE, and all you fantastic guys!
Back from our week away at Branson...saw some great shows and had lots of FUN!
And would you really believe that I didn't gain an ounce! I shocked myself to see I was still a pound under goal!
I had my oatmeal each morning at the continental breakfast, did my bars, and hot drinks mixed with coffee during the day,
along with my L & G and some added transition/maintenance foods.
I didn't feel a bit deprived. When I had an off-plan treat, I made up for it by adjusting my food plan.
And here's the kicker! I am now in 8-10 jeans/pants, and small/medium tops!

We still have company and expecting more, so I'm sure I can't post as much,
but remember old Silver Fox is keeping a watchful eye on you all,
with my 'skinny stick' handy when necessary!
But never fear, you're doing great!

Lizabette

[Drama Queen]

Lizabette,

Good for you for not gaining an ounce while on vacation!!! That's what I love about this program it has really taught me how to make wise decisions. I'll be on vacation all next week in New York City (taking plenty of MF food). I hope to have the same experience of not gaining eventhough I enjoy a few small indulgences at my favorite NYC restaurants!!

[Lizabette]

THANKS, DRAMA QUEEN!
Today at 132.4 on the 'Ricter' Scale! My lowest weight yet And doing that while still trying to maintain my goal weight!
The inches are still dropping and so are the clothes sizes of several new outfits to show them off.
People are seriously telling me that I am just right where I am and to not keep losing...
I am still very cautious about what I put in my mouth, mostly healthy stuff with just an occasional treat!
Today, I rewarded myself with a manicure/pedicure, facial, makeup and hair style.
And even had my eyelashes dyed!! Never had that done before.
No telling what I might do next time!

DH and my 60th anniversary is looming on the October 6th horizon!
As I promised myself in January, I would be at goal weight for that occasion as an anniversary gift to him.
I am already there and he is sooooo proud of me!

Read in the Roll Call where you were in size 6! WOWZER! WOOTSIE!
How is your beautiful new figure helping you in your acting profession?
It can't help but be a plus!
Have a fabulous time in New York...you are an inspiration and role model for all of us.
I am cheering for all of the faithful medifasters to reach the place that you have reached!!! And me too!

Lizabette

[DogMa]

Ummm, you guys? If you're in maintenance and still losing, maybe you're not eating enough? You're supposed to MAINTAIN in maintenance, not keep losing, right?

I don't want to be negative, but it sure seems like maybe some adjustments are needed so you don't wind up losing too much.