The MakeMeThinner Support Forum

[Dayna]

My mom and older sister (and dad, and both grandmothers, and who knows who else in the family) have always struggled with their weight, but I thought I was the lucky one in the family. Then I got married, went on the pill, became less active, and started dealing with nasty emotions by binge eating, and *poof*! About 6 years ago, I tried Atkins, with good success. However, I didn't change my emotional reliance on food (I'd binge on "approved" food instead of cookies and candy, but it was still binging). Consequently, when I fell off the wagon, I gained back the 40 lbs I'd lost, plus, ultimately, about 55 more. I'd go back on Atkins for a few months, then quit and binge. I don't know how many times that cycle repeated. I haven't had a regular doctor in 4 years - my excuse is that it's because our insurance situation has been in flux, but really it's because I've been too embarrassed to get on the scale in front of someone who I know would tell me all the things I didn't want to hear. Every year, I have boxed up the clothes that don't fit any more, and gone shopping for the next size. Every year, I have been less able to do fun outside things with my husband.

In August 2005, I was at my aunt's house, and she had the "Body for Life for Women" book laying around. I picked it up, and stayed up until about 3 AM reading it. It really came home to me just how serious a health issue my weight had become. I mean, deep down I always knew, but I think some part of me hoped that if I ignored it, it would all go away. The book also gave me a very clear picture of exactly what health difficulties I have to look forward to in later life-stages, if I don't get my weight under control. I went home, and, on my 30th birthday, joined a gym. Then I finally got on a scale. 275 lbs!!! On my 5'4'' frame! Holy tamales, Batman! But, for the first time in my life, my weight didn't feel like failure, it felt like a personal challenge. I met with a trainer to devise a weight-training program that wouldn't make my knees crunch, and committed to doing 30-40 minutes of cardio 5-6 days a week. Even when I had a 2 month hiatus due to illness (and compounded by the holidays), I didn't gain any weight, which is a first in a very long time, ESPECIALLY over the holidays, and am currently at 262. Not a huge improvement, but anything is better than where I was.

Now we come to the medifast part of the story (this is so long . . . like a confessional . . . I wonder if anyone is still reading? ). First, my motivations for trying this program:

1. My husband and I would like to start our family in the near-ish future. I won't feel comfortable trying to get pregnant until I'm at a healthier weight.
2. I need to not think about the food. As far as emotional eating goes, some very excellent changes in my life in the two years have resulted in a happier, mentally-healthier me, and I have been successful in breaking the binge-cycle. However, on a busy day, if I have to think about and put effort into preparing something healthy, I will often resort to the easy (lazy) options. Breakfast burritos at the local market. Fast food in general. Hamburger Helper. (We are fortunate to be able to buy grass-fed beef from my inlaws, which is so much leaner than anything in the store [when we fry up the hamburger, the pan remains dry], but when you pair it with various forms of Hamburger Helper, then it's a problem. ) Grabbing a shake, or a packet of soup or oatmeal - now that's something I can do. If all I have to think about is dinner (and even that is minimal thinking, as long as I keep the freezer stocked with fish and chicken), I think I can stick with the program.

3. I'm ready to take "drastic" personal measure to get my weight under control (drastic without surgery, that is). I'm ready to be healthy and lean. I'm ready to stop hiding behind all this fat. I'm ready to have a kid. I see so much hope in the Medifast program - and I'm ready for it.

I had never heard of Medifast before I picked up the January issue of People magazine. I saw the add, then read the story about the woman who'd had success with it, then started looking around the web for more information. I ordered my 4-week kit (plus one week free! ), and should get it today. I can't wait to get started on my journey to freedom from food and fat.

The only potential roadblock is my husband's concern about the cost - I had to move from a full-time teaching position last year to a part-time one this year, so things are tighter than they used to be. Also, he's seen me spend money on things then not follow through with them so many times, that I don't blame him for being slightly skeptical. However, we agreed that I'd try it for a month and see what happens. My prediction: This is going to be successful, and we'll both see the results, and his skepticism will dissappear. And, anyway, I've figured out that if I substitute teach two days a month, that will pay for the program!

Whew! Thank you for letting me get all that out. I'm glad to have found this forum - I think the support and inspiration will be invaluable. Here's to healthier, happier bodies!

- Dayna

[big ron]

Dayna, first off welcome! This program works. The problem with all of us with lifetime weight issues is maintainance. If you follow the program it will change your life. This I know because I have done it before. Like you I got off dieting then went back to old habbits. This forum is a great place for support and I plan on staying even after I am at goal.

as far as expense, how much do you spend on eating out, groceries, junkfood etc if you back out those items the program is not bad. Good luck and keep posting Ron

[Jan]

Hi Dayna,
You have made some wonderful decisions for your life. You are absolutely correct -- extra weight does call health issues -- notice I said "does" not "might" We like to fool ourselves into thinking that these issues, diabetes, BP, cholesterol, cancer not even to talk about joint issues, won't affect us. Others maybe-- but not us. But the truth is we are all at risk!!
You have also identified some problems in your lifestyle. Hamburger helper -- it does seem to be an easy solution -- one that I myself have used in the past (and I didn't have that wonderful beef that is available to you). As to cost -- it will surprise you -- every little thing we get adds up --- the burritos, the snacks, the burgers and yes even my beloved coffee drinks Sooo when we consider all those things, this program is quite cost effective. Plus you will part with the pounds, and in doing so you will put yourself in a much much better position medically. We all know medical costs are very very expensive ( I understand why -- my daughter is a medical student -- lots and lots of $$$$$) So, in the long run I really believe you will save money plus of course be much much healthier. Good for you.
I'll be watching for you -- keep posting -- we all want to know how you are doing.
jan

[onehotmommy]

Yes, it was a long post, but I hung in there! I hope your stuff arrives today...mine is still a few days away It is great that you are ready to change, especially since you are wanting to start a family. One thing you said grabbed me ................

"Every year, I have been less able to do fun outside things with my husband."

I struggled with this before we had kids and I didn't lose the weight. Then we had kids and I recited that same phrase over and over in my head, only it was husband AND kids. There will be things today that my little boy will want me to do and I won't be able to because I am so worn out from just keeping myself going at this weight. He deserves so much better than a mom who has to say she "doesn't feel like it right now" so often. I am striving to be the wife and mom whose weight isn't holding her back and is up for whatever, whenever!

Hang in there and you can lose the weight before you start your family!

Again, WELCOME!


_______________________________________________________________________________
"In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die.
And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility."
Eleanor Roosevelt
____________________________________________________
"Go in the direction of your dreams, live the life you've imagined."
Henry David Thoreau
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[falisamarie]

Dayna,

I also have a skeptical husband who was somewhat worried about the cost. However we sat down and figured up how much we were spending just eating out alone each month and were shocked!!

We decided the exact same thing you did and said that I would try the program for a month and see what happens

I have no doubt that this program is going to work and that I will be placing my second order by the end of this month ( and after a bit of weight loss I might add)

This forum is great and I read it daily even though I am not starting the program until Sunday

I look forward to reading you posts and being inspired by you radical weight loss

Here's to you and a newer thinner body for 06

Lisa

[Geeeeze_Louize]

AMEN Dayna!!!!! You Go Girl!!!!!

I was a little concerned about the money too. Mainly cuz my hubby is doing it with me! But, it's worth the sacrifice of cash to get good health, fit into airplane seats comfortably, ride amusement park rides with my kids, comfortably walk around the amusment park all day with the kids, buy clothes in any store, wear a baithing suite with pride, enjoy my love life, run with the dog, and most importantly....control my food (instead of it controling me!). And like Ron said, when you factor in how much is spent on junk food and eating out....mf is pretty competitive!

[Lauren]

Welcome, Dayna, to a new start! Don't be burdened by your old patterns of eating or dieting history. This is totally new and totally different. A bunch of us here have debated how they handle the MF meals, and there are two types of people:

1)Those who have all these wonderful sweeteners and sugar-free syrups and herbs who spend time and energy making their MF meals/shakes extra special. These people cook their chili (instead of nuking it) and make MF oatmeal cookies, and all these other interesting recipes.

2) There's the rest of us (including me, and possibly you, based on your "lazy" eating comment), who want to spend as little time thinking about the food or dealing with the food as possible. I call it the path of least resistance. I get the Ready To Drink Shakes, bars, and oatmeal. I "grab and go." I don't want to spend time in the kitchen, don't want to doctor anything up, etc. If it's not good enough to grab and go, it won't be part of my plan.

For me, spending as little time thinking about food has helped take me out of the emotional/bored eating/binging arena. I literally treat the MF meals as "fuel," and every 3 hours it is time to "re-fuel." For others, spending the time to make their MF meals special is time they enjoy, and it makes them feel good to be good to themselves. There is no right way, you just have to find what works.

No matter what, this diet is amazing. Everyone here will agree that it is just a diet, you will only be successful if you follow it properly. But when you do, the weight just drops. In fact, the scale seems to go down faster than I can see it in myself! Sometimes I worry that the scale is lying to me!

Congrats on this great step, we're all here for you!

Lauren

[DogMa]

As far as cost, there are also ways to keep costs down somewhat. Buy stuff like chicken breasts in bulk when they're on sale, and stock up the freezer. For your "green," use whatever plan-friendly veggies are on sale that week (or stock up on frozen when it's on sale; or heck, if you have a green thumb, maybe grow some of your own!). Check the monthly specials thread on the forum, and buy stuff when it's on sale (and buying by the case will save some money, too, as will the auto-ship program).

[Dayna]

Thank you all for the encouragement and suggestions. And Lauren, I'd have to say that 9 times out of 10 I am most certainly a path-of-least-resistance person! Every now and again I may get a bee in my bonnet to spice things up (especially if I'm home for lunch), but for the most part I don't want to have to think about it. Thinking about food all the time is part of why I'm where I am in the first place.

What a great resource this community is! I'm glad that I won't be taking this journey alone, but instead can march along many other new friends and cheerleaders. Hurrah!

Now, if only that darn shipment would get here . . . *fingers tapping impatiently on the keyboard* . . . thought it would be yesterday, but I guess that was just wishful thinking. Maybe today? I hope I hope I hope!

[dlr2424]

Dayna...... ......welcome aboard....... ......and I enjoyed your post... ....thanks for sharing it........ ......some of us like to write novels every once in a while............... ......you have a great plan of action...... ....YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL......stick to the plan and to your goals and in no time flat you will be amazed at this wonderful plan called MEDIFAST........ .........much success to you on this journey....... ......

Donna....dlr2424