The MakeMeThinner Support Forum

[HarmonyRose]

Hello all; I have been "lurking" and reading many things on this forum for some time. I actually only started the program this past Monday, due to a bad bout of allergic reactions about a month ago. I thankfully found out that soy and the other ingredients in Medifast products were not to blame. Nancy was nice enough to send me several emails about the subject, when I asked her some questions. I would like to lose as much as 90 pounds, but would be happy with as little as 50 for a realistic goal. I weighed 218 Just before I got started on Monday morning. And for my 5" nothing frame, that is a lot to carry around. Like so many others, I have tried every possible diet gimmick and plan, but even though I have followed them correctly, weight never seems to come off like it does for others. After reading about the awesome results others have achieved with Medifast, I was sure this would be the answer for me. I can be faithful to anything, if the results are there. Maybe I am expecting too much, but after the first couple of days this week, I haven't lost any more weight. I am down about 3 to 4 pounds, but those first ones are always easy; losing the water weight, etc. I believe that I am following the plan to the letter, except that I didn't get that last shake in for the past 2 days. I really want to do this so I need a lot of encouragement. On Monday, I will also be starting a new job, so I wanted to ask how all of you who work handle that. After years of being self-employed, retired for a couple of years, (I am 60 years old), I am going back to work as the photographer at our local WalMart's portrait studio. So, I will be in a very busy atmosphere, and without a microwave nor refrigerator. I understand that with the holidays approaching, there will be several days that we will work overtime shifts, also. And on a lesser note of inquiry, I also wanted to ask about that little shaker jar. After the first few usings, it seems to leak when I shake it now. I have been very careful with it, so was wondering if they all do this. I am hoping that this is the first of a long relationship to this others on this forum, so any help would be appreciated. Am I expecting the results to be more dramatic and quick than they are? I will mention that I didn't go from a phase of eating a lot to doing this. I have more or less been on a diet all year. From the end of February, I have been actively trying other plans, but have only lost 8 to 10 pounds all year. I know that I haven't given this very long before starting to get discouraged, so I will definitely keep going. I just wanted to see how getting started has been for others. I have read so many cases that the weight just seems to come off quickly at first. Thanks for listening to me!
I am registered as "HarmonyRose", but my real name is Cathy.

[mama2benandrachel]

Hi Cathy!

Don't get discouraged! The people on this forum will be able to help, believe me! From everything I have read both on websites and on this forum, you MUST eat/drink all of your supplements daily. Also, how much water are you drinking? I have been trying although not successfully every day to drink a gallon of water. I have a lot more weight to lose, and I know I was carrying a ton of water weight, so I know that my big weight loss last week won't happen every week. Plus, don't weigh yourself every day! Our weight fluctuates so much from day to day. I know it is hard, but it is worth it!

I work a sit down job, at a Help Desk, so I can have others cover for a few minutes while I get water to drink or for shakes or go to the bathroom! I have been really successful drinking shakes at work and occasionally a soup or a bar. I know it will be a lot harder working a retail job. Will you be able to drink lots of water, take bathroom breaks and drink shakes or your bar every 3 or 4 hours?

Just know this program does work! Please give it some time!

[martha]

Hi Cathy--

WELCOME !!! We are so glad to have you with us.. Sometimes people lose faster than others and we all have different bodystyles and metabolisms.. this causes some of us to lose faster than others.. Believe me if you stay complaint you WILL lose the weight..When you are not losing weight you are most likely losing inches and that really shows up.. Please don't give up..YOU CAN DO THIS..I am glad for your new job..it sounds really interesting ..Just keep your chin up and get in ALL of the supplements each day and drink plenty of water..it helps We are here for you anytime you need us--day or night..can you pack a ice chest and have a couple of the shakes pre-made up?..It helps.. you can even make a couple in the same jar and just drink 1/2 at a time.. always keep a bar in your purse or lunchbox and a couple packages of shakes in your glove box for emergencies..have a blessed week..Martha

[Lisa Renee]

Hi there. Don't be discouraged. Do you have a health advisor? You might need to talk to them because you might actually not be getting enough calories. I know I had to add a shake a day to get more weight loss going. Also are you on the 5 and 1 or the full fast? It seems that you will be very active and you would want to make sure you aren't having too little because you will actually slow your weight loss down. I am so happy you have joined us here, don't give up!

[HarmonyRose]

Hello all, and a good Monday morning to everyone! I greatly appreciate all the helpful replies! As of this morning, after the first full week, I have lost 5 1/2 pounds, which I think is okay to get started for me. I start my new job tomorrow, so I will have to figure out how to work everything out together. I haven't actually been there yet, so I don't even know if there is a microwave or a refrigerator, but I will make it work, no matter. It IS right next to the restrooms for all that water drinking!! LOL!! It IS inside WalMart, so I can always find a way to do it, I would think. I am told that we will be going into the busy season, with the possibility of double shifts (9am until 8pm, with a half hour commute both ways). So I will have to work in those shakes!. Even though I have just started the program, I have already discovered that the oatmeal and chili work better with more water than is called for. I use at least a cup for both. At least, for me, I find it better. I guess it is individual preference. I will let you know how I am doing, and look forward to getting all of you better. Have a splendid week! Cathy

[Lisa Renee]

You are right about the oatmeal and sometimes some splenda is good added as well and LET IT SIT for a few minutes and the consistancy is much better. Your attitude is WONDERFUL. You sound very in control of what your choices will be. I think half the battle is accepting that you actually have control over your life. I know I used excuses for so long like "PMS made me do it. Stress made me do it. This or that caused or affected me and made me stop the program". I think being in control is such a big key. If I go off of Medifast, it's because I choose to take the day off, it was my choice, I am in control, NO EXCUSES. I would much rather say that then blame it on this or that. We have control over the outcome here. There will be days where you might make a bad choice, just make sure you were in control of that choice and don't fool yourself into thinking someone or something else made you do it. You take charge! You are gonna do it!

[betz]

Hi Cathy,

I work at home so it's all so easy for me to grab those shakes but I have an idea for you.

Have you heard of the Magic Bullet blender? It's a sort of mini blender that comes with 4 cups that you actually blend the shakes in..and they all have lids. You could blend the shakes for your busy day all at once in the morning in individual cups, screw on those lids and fit them in one of those little ice chests or put them in a bag that you can store in a fridge at work. That way, you're all set! Just grab a shake as you need it. You can have an assortment of flavors, too, so you won't get bored.

The water drinking is SO important. Don't let too much time go by without having a good guzzle. It makes all the difference.

My weight is coming of VERY slowly so don't be discouraged by your progress. Just keep at it --it WILL work for you.

[dlr2424]

Cathy......... ....welcome to you..... ....i'm so glad you are joining us..... ...you will find the support here unbelievable....... ....as far as slow or fast losing.........if we follow the plan...... ....we all lose.............take each day...one shake at a time.......this plan is so easy to do anywhere....... .....work...vacation..home.........anywhere.........WHEN THERE"S A WILL.......THERE"S A WAY...much success to you on this journey....... .......
Donna...dlr2424

[chickbb]

Welcome Cathy, You are off to a great start I like the convenience of the "ready to drink" Shakes. No fuss and always ready.
Maybe try a thermos for hot soup or oatmeal? I also like to put some sugar free Davinci syrup in my oatmeal. They are real tasty, quite a treat!!!....Sara

[HarmonyRose]

Thanks again to all who replied. I am back from my first day of work, and unfortunately, it will make doing Medifast correctly a lot harder. I DO really love my job, though, so I have to juggle both things. To remind everyone, I am in training to be the photographer in our local WalMart Portrait Studio. There is basically a small cubicle, with no eating allowed while working, with a lunch break. (that wasn't until 2 pm yesterday, because it is working around clients). We aren't even allowed to use the break room for WalMart employees, because we don't work for WalMart, but a company that just leases the space. So yesterday, I only got in 3 supplements; one in the morning, and two later in the evening. I did my "lean and green" for lunch, having a salad with chicken in it. I think that was completely legal. I am going to try to get in 2 supplements this morning before I leave at 9 am. My question is this: would it be better to squeeze them in closer together, or not have as many? I will be able to do the plan correctly on my days off, however, which will probably be at least 2, if not 3, per week. It is a bit of a challenge, starting both big new things in my life so closely together, but there has to be a way to keep going, even if my new lifestyle slows down my weight loss a little. At least, I am not tempted to eat incorrectly. There really isn't much I can do about it. I worked yesterday from 10 am until 5 pm, and I am told that the hours will increase with the holidays approaching. I guess I will have to just muddle through, and try to do the best I can.

[betz]

Hi Harmony Rose,

Does "no eating" mean no drinking as well? Sure seems like they have to let you drink water, at least. It sounds like those premixed shakes that Medifast sells might be your answer. Could you take a bathroom break, chug one along the way and slip them in that way?

That's a very tough policy, they have.

I think you can do it though, with a little creativity. You do need to have five of the Medifast meals/shakes a day to get enough protein and nutrients. And that water is so important.

Don't give up. There is way that this will work, I'm sure of it. And congratulations for getting through that first day as the new person at work! That's very stressful and you seem to have pulled it off well!

[Unca_Tim]

Hi Harmony,
You MUST follow the program exactly to get good results. Not getting all your supplements will not only slow your weight loss, it's also dangerous. Especially if you're spending more energy working.

Tell your employer that you're on a medically supervised program and HAVE to have a few minutes to take your "medicine". There has to be a way for you to work 2-3 minutes into your schedule to get in your meals.

[aphrael]

Harmony,

You might want to consider the ready to drink shakes, they are the size of a small juice box, and don't need refrigeration. That way you could grab one and slurp it quickly without the hassel of mixing and cleaning up. It might help you get those extra supplements in quick even if they aren't the best tasting.

Aphrael

[LisaNewYorkCity]

Hi Cathy,
I'm very new...I started "officially" yesterday. As an Human Resources professional, I agree with Unca that the company's policy is very strict and that you should approach them with the fact that you are on a medically supervised diet, however, I would "settle in" first before you do this.

I also agree with other members that you should just try to sneak in the meals, with pre-made shakes. Although I am not that familiar with the program yet, I would try to space your meals as recommended (3-4 hours apart) rather than just trying to get them in short period of time. You are on your feet all day, so you want to keep up your energy and diminish hunger.

Also, there is no federal rule requiring break periods, however, many states have them. If you tell what state you live in, I can look up the law for you.

I wish you best of luck with the diet and with your new job. Feel free to contact me if I can help.
Lisa

[HarmonyRose]

Hello all, and again, SO Many Thanks for all of your replies. I just got home from my second day of work, and verified that employees can not even have any type drink (other than water) in the workplace. I guess that until I could order some ready-to-drink shakes, I will have to just do the best that I can. My schedule won't be the same every day, but right now, I have to leave home at 9 am or so, so I got up early enough to have both the oatmeal, and a shake before I left this morning. We don't get a lunch break until 2 pm (company policy) and we arrive at 10 am. I usually leave at 5 pm, getting home around 6 or so, with "going home" traffic. So, I then can get in at least 2 more things, (I did last night), so if I can just work in one more shake, I should be okay, I think. I guess that after a few days, or a week, I can get a better picture of how this is working. I will be sure to keep you guys informed. I don't feel that I have been there long enough to question their policy. I feel so sorry for the person that I worked with today. She is only 23, diabetes, other health problems, greatly overweight. I, of course, don't know her well enough to recommend this plan, but maybe if she sees it work for me, she will be interested, also. Again, all this support means so much to me!!