modernbelle
Posted: Aug. 19 2006, 12:34 ET

I am new to the diet and am wondering if there is anyone out there who goes to the clinic in South Edmonton or Edmonton for that matter.

RolandG
Posted: Aug. 19 2006, 22:13 ET

Hey Modernbelle, glad to see someone else here from Edmonton .. I'm going to the Cristy Corner location on St. Albert Trail cause it's close to work and I can slip out and get my shots. Just started on Thursday tho.

Tabi
Posted: Aug. 21 2006, 13:21 ET

Welcome Modernbelle! I am from Vancouver, but have family in Edmonton & Calgary so I am curious about the clinics there as well.

When did you start?

modernbelle
Posted: Aug. 21 2006, 23:41 ET

Thanks for the welcomes!  The clinic seems fine and is usually very busy when I go in.  I am a teacher and trying to get into the habit of going in the morning for when I go back to school.  I feel that so far I am doing very well on the program.  I have been in it since August 11 and have lost almost 15 pounds.  I am trying to lose another 35 before my wedding in October, but am not sure if it is possible.  I started at 199.5 and am now 185.2.  I would love to be 150 for my wedding.  Only 7 weeks to go!  I am sure if I stick to it that I can get fairly close.  

I have found that most evenings I have lots of energy to go for a bike ride, walk the dog or walk on the treadmill.  When I work out I lose more weight so far.  Have your fingers crossed for me.  I have lots of showers and a wedding in Calgary to attend this coming weekend.

Take care,
J

Tabi
Posted: Aug. 22 2006, 11:53 ET

Wow! 15lbs in 11days?!? That's awesome. Congrats on the upcoming wedding!!!

I started at 186 May 19 - and am now at ~140 (on maintenance so I weigh in weekly). I have been at 140 - 143 since Aug 2nd (which is why the doc and I thought Maintenenance was good for me) so that means I lost 43lbs in 11 weeks. I was at 150 on week 7 so it is definitely possible.

Happy losing!

modernbelle
Posted: Aug. 22 2006, 18:37 ET

Thanks for the encouragement.  Today more than ever I want to stop the diet, I am not sure why, but I am having a tough couple of days.  Maybe it is hormones, who knows!!  I am just hoping that I can get through the next weekend.  I am going away for the weekend to a wedding and only my fiance and one close friend know that I am on the diet.  I do not want to tell my parents as they have seen me attempt many times and I do not think they would think that it is a healthy diet.  Do you have any tips for me for the weekend?  I have no idea what the menu will be.  I am thinking I should take some protein bars, some bread substitutes and some fruit so that I can keep it as close to the plan as possible.

I am very worried......

Tabi
Posted: Aug. 22 2006, 18:59 ET

Tips... hmmm... I have been to many social functions.
- Keep yourself positive: have post-it notes in your wallet/purse/pocket with the reasons why you are doing this. THat is the number one thing - keep your head in it at all times! YOU ARE IN CONTROL. YOU ARE DOING THIS FOR YOU AND NO ONE ELSE.

- Pre-plan your weekend (other than the wedding dinner). I went on a 5-day roadtrip and brought a mini-cooler where all my portions were pre-weighed and pre-packaged so I knew exactly what I was eating and how much. Don't eat your carbs & fruit if you absolutely HAVE to have a taste of that wedding cake.

- Bring protein packs: I have found that you can always find vegetables or salad but it's the protein that is prepared inappropriately (for the diet) or there are no Dr. B friendly choices.

- If you are going to cheat, be honest: Write it down on your sheet, ABOVE ALL, go back to the clinic (there are many people who think the nurses will reprimand you). You are paying for this, you knew what you were doing, but you wont lose any more if you stop going so get back to the clinic NO MATTER WHAT! The worst the nurse will say is you shouldn't eat that...

- Make no mistake - if you cheat you will gain or come out of ketosis Drink lots of water throughout the day.

- Think of YOUR wedding day: You want to look your best so is it REALLY that important to save face in front of everyone? Just explain that you have personal goals that you want to meet and you can sacrifice a peice of cake/a glass of wine/gravy/salad dressing, etc. Remember that it's all mental. You can do it. Be firm and don't complain that you wish you could have this or that but you aren't allowed - it draws attention to the diet.

Enough of my blathering on... have fun! It will be tough but let us know how you do!

modernbelle
Posted: Aug. 23 2006, 09:34 ET

Thanks for the advice.  I really appreciate it.  I am going to do my best to stick to the program and not explain myself to people.  I have not cheated yet and I do not plan on cheating.  I know that if I do I will have to start at the beginning again.  That is not what I want to do with my wedding coming up so quick.  My fiance thinks that the diet is too low in calories, but he is still supportive of me if I want to do it.  He thinks that I should go back to weight watchers, which is what I have had success at in the past, but I know that I will not get results as quick on that program.  

I will keep you posted!

Tabi
Posted: Aug. 23 2006, 11:04 ET

Your fiance is correct - it is extremely low calories (which explains the three weekly visits to the clinic and the vitamin supplements). HOWEVER, I can vouch for the maintenance program - I would NOT do the diet without maintenance. It slowly re-introduces all the foods back and see how your body reacts to certain foods. It re-trains you into proper eating habits with regular foods.

Shaude
Posted: Aug. 23 2006, 14:41 ET

Hello,
I am also from the DrB clinic in South Edmonton. I have just finished my first week on the program. Good to hear of others in the area. I am quite amazed at the number of people going through the clinic when I am there. I am glad to see how many others are taking weight loss this seriously.

Debby
Posted: Aug. 23 2006, 18:14 ET

Not from Edmonton but close ... I'm in Calgary.  I've got an appointment for my first consultation on September 7th.

Tabi
Posted: Aug. 23 2006, 19:02 ET

Welcome Shaude & Debby!

Let us know how you are doing - you will become addicted to checking in!

modernbelle
Posted: Aug. 24 2006, 11:38 ET

Tabi,
I just wanted you to know that I had my first bridal shower last night and I stuck to the plan.  There were so many deserts and treats as well as wine and other things, but I saved my fruits and just had fruit.  The hostess tried to get me to indulge, but I just took what I wanted and that was it.  It is easy when there is at least fresh fruit or veggies and you plan to have that.  I also had my proteins before I went so that I would not be hungry.  I find that they can hold me.  I am so happy with myself and I think that the weekend will be just fine.  I will do my best to find what I can have and just ignore what other people say.  They just want you to join them in the overeating and the treats.  YAY!!!! I guess with every social event you build confidence.  I think my next weigh in is going to be a big one and that will give me momentum for the weekend!

Thanks again for your advice and encouragement, I put it to good use!

Tabi
Posted: Aug. 24 2006, 12:02 ET

 Yay modernbelle!!!! Congrats!    

You are right, it will get easier everytime. Eventually, once people start seeing the difference in your face, arms, wherever, they will begin to applaude your self control and become WAY more supportive about it. Most people don't understand the self-control thing especially when they are indulging - they dont want to be reminded that they shouldn't be going all out and want others to join in as if to comfort them (that's my take on it).

Keep it up!

modernbelle
Posted: Aug. 25 2006, 09:54 ET

Well, I had a good weigh in today, lost 2 pounds from Wednesday!  Now my challenge is coming!  I am going to the wedding in Cochrane after lunch today.  There is a dinner tonight and a day and a bit where I have to eat out and sort of go with the flow.  I am a little nervous about the whole thing because I have only told 2 people that I am on the diet.  Part of the reason that I have kept it quiet is that I have had so many failed attempts at dieting since my childhood.  I am sure that I can do my best, but I just want the weekend to be over so that I can get back to my routine and do my own thing.  I cannot pack food as we are already schduled to eat at all of the wedding activities.  I hope that I do alright and that there is something that I can have.  I am not sure what to expect for food. Wish me luck!

BrianB
Posted: Aug. 25 2006, 10:07 ET

Congrats on the 2 pounds Modernbelle.  Over in the Of Interest to All section we start a "Weigh In" topic each weigh in day.  If you get a second, you should post your loss there for all to see.

Good luck with the wedding and dinner.  I haven't had to eat out yet, but I think it will be almost impossible to "be good" when the time comes.

Tabi
Posted: Aug. 25 2006, 11:45 ET

Congrats Modernbelle!!! My first week on the diet I had to go to a dinner or company lunch every day (twice it was italian). It was brutal but I made it.

If you cheat, cheat with protein. That said, most places will have white fish and asperagus or vegetables on the menu. Always choose the prawns/fish choices as quite frequently, the chicken option is not suitable. CHicken in restaurants are usually cooked with the skin on to ensure juicyness and flavour = not good for us.

You may end up eating a salad for dinner then eating a protein bar afterwards (or before).

Big trick - if you know the restaurant you will be going to before hand, look up the menu and plan ahead.

Don't be afraid of asking for things with dressing on the side (so its not obvious you dont plan on having the dressing at all) or ensuring it is drygrilled or steamed.

If you have to speak to the waiter/waitress alone, explain that you are watching what you are eating and don't want to make it a big deal in front of everyone. Most people understand and have dieted many times before.  

Healthy eating is EXTREMELY common now so don't stress too much about it.

Stay strong - you can do it!

Debby
Posted: Aug. 25 2006, 17:39 ET

Congrats Modernbelle ... that's awesome!  

modernbelle
Posted: Aug. 27 2006, 18:11 ET

Hey guys!  I just got back from the wedding weekend.  I was able to find a few things to eat and did not cheat!  It was soooo hard to resist the desserts and having a few drinks, but I did it! I did however have no choice but to have beef 2 nights in a row.  I also think I had a bit more than 3 1/2 oz of it, but that is ok.  I am pretty sure that I will be happy with my weigh in on Monday!

Debby
Posted: Aug. 27 2006, 19:08 ET

Way to go Modernbelle!  

BrianB
Posted: Aug. 27 2006, 19:25 ET

Great work Modernbelle!  I believe that each time you face temptation and win, the better you will handle it the next time.  Great work not giving in.  

modernbelle
Posted: Aug. 27 2006, 23:10 ET

Thanks for the support!  I will keep you posted on how I do on Monday morning.

modernbelle
Posted: Aug. 30 2006, 00:21 ET

Does anyone know where to buy the Wlden Farms products in Edmonton.  I went to Sobeys and was unable to find them.  I need some new flavors to kep me going!

BrianB
Posted: Aug. 30 2006, 08:07 ET

Hopefully someone in Edmonton will chime in with a good place to get them, but I have a general note to offer.  Some of the Walden Farms dressings (about 4 or 5 of them) require refrigeration and will therefore usually be found in the refrigerated produce section.  The others (in my experience) are rarely with the "normal" salad dressings, but instead are in the "diet foods" aisle.

Have you tried to find some low carb / Atkins type shops?  They will have just about all of the Walden Farms products.

RolandG
Posted: Aug. 30 2006, 11:14 ET

I haven't found them in any of the stores I've been into yet either but will continue to look. I've emailed the company to find out who there local distributor is, then can call them to see where they stock it.

The safeway on Whyte Ave & 109 St. down by the university has some of the Dempster’s Flatbreads of the World: Small Whole Wheat Tortillas. So I'm going to try my hand at some wraps.

Roland

RolandG
Posted: Aug. 30 2006, 11:36 ET

Just found these guys and called them .. they carry the Walden Farms Dressings and a lot of the other stuff but no breads.  

Maximum Health and Nutrition

www.mhncanada.com

Address:
13050 St. Albert Trail
Edmonton, AB T5L 4Y6
Phone: (780) 455-7005
Fax: (780) 455-0507

Store Hours:
Mon - Fri. 10am - 7pm
Sat & Sun. 11am - 5pm

BrianB
Posted: Aug. 30 2006, 11:49 ET

Good sleuthing Roland!

RolandG
Posted: Sep. 3 2006, 17:38 ET

Hey Modernbelle, I found these guys in South Edmonton. They have all the Walden Farms Dressings and also the Walden Farms Syrup

http://www.sweettweet.ca/
Sweet Tweet Inc.
4345 50th Street
Edmonton AB T6L 7E8
Tel: 780-462-2010

For anyone else Altra Foods is the Canadian Distributor for Walden Farms, Morris Hart is the rep who got back to me with the Edmonton locations .. His contact info is below if you want to find out who carries Walden Farms products in your area.

Morris Hart
Atlra Foods
T. 514-276-1981
F. 514-276-2270
E. mhart@altrafoods.com

Shine
Posted: Sep. 5 2006, 03:47 ET

Hi Everyone,

I am so glad to have found this forum..... I have just begun the diet and having a hard time following the diet.
I began Aug. 21st and have lost about 6lbs. only so far.
I haven't been following to the T and am really upset.
I had guests and so many events in the family that coulnd't concentrate on my diet at all.
I am not planning to quit and need all the support I can.

I want to lose about 40 lbs .. and more if possible.
It's quite expensive and hoping I will achieve that very soon.

Anyone in Alberta knows where I can find the breads allowed...Thanks

Shine
Posted: Sep. 5 2006, 04:05 ET

How do you add the ticker to your post? Help pls.
http://www.DrBForums.com/ticker/Shine.png

BrianB
Posted: Sep. 5 2006, 08:59 ET

Hi Shine, and welcome!  The easiest way to add your ticker to your signature is to go back to the ticker generator, and at the bottom of the screen there is a checkbox that says "Check this box to add your ticker...".  Just check that box and hit the "Click here" button, and you're all set.  If you have any trouble PM me and I'll take care of it for you.

Read around the forum a bit and you'll find lots of tips for sticking to the diet.  A particlularly good one is here.

RolandG
Posted: Sep. 5 2006, 10:18 ET

Hi Shine, welcome to the group.

Safeway carries the Dempster's Original Whole Wheat bread and also the Dempster's Flat Breads of the World wraps.

Roland

Shine
Posted: Sep. 5 2006, 17:04 ET

[I]Thanks for the welcome !

I surely appreciate the support...Thanks Brian B. and Thanks Roland for the Bread... hm... I guess I missed checking at Safeway, was at Save-on, Sobeys, Superstore and at Safeway, the other day i couldn't find..found some no flour Silver hills brand bread..
Got to go shopping ...
I am doing good today so far... thanks to you all.
Shine

Shine
Posted: Sep. 6 2006, 23:44 ET

Hi everyone,
Hope you all had a good weigh in day.. I was 93.5 the last time at the clinic and today was 91.5. hm...this process seems to be a slow one..I have to cut down more it seems or workout...
I wish I had a little time... It's pretty late at night and there is lots of housework to do..I am going to console myself by saying this housework is my exercise..  
ciao!

BrianB
Posted: Sep. 7 2006, 01:19 ET

How long has it been between clinic visits?

Shine
Posted: Sep. 8 2006, 03:27 ET

Hi,

I was there on Mon. 4th sept.- 93.5
and on Wed. 6th sept. -91.5  ...Is that good or bad?
and again tomorrow now..... let's see...

Shine

BrianB
Posted: Sep. 8 2006, 08:15 ET

Heck, 2 pounds in 2 days is great progress!  In order to hit the rough target of 16 to 20 pounds a month you need to lose about 4 to 5 pounds a week.  So, when you weigh in next Monday, ideally you'll be 189.5 or less.  As long as the number is lower each time you weigh in, be happy!!!

I've been kinda stalled for the past week and am thinking when I go in today I'm going to be the same weight I was last Friday.  Argh.

Shine
Posted: Sep. 11 2006, 04:06 ET

Hi everyone,

I am so upset with myself.. I lost it over the weekend... as we made a trip to Calgary.
I ruined my diet quite a bit... and don't think I will be able to go to the clinic tomorrow.
On last friday, i was so ecstatic to see my weight at 189.4 and I have gained 3lbs.. already
It's so easy to fall of the wagon But I m up on it again since this evening and hopefully I will forgive myself and go on.

Crossing  my fingers for you Brian, you will do good.

BrianB
Posted: Sep. 11 2006, 11:01 ET

Quote (Shine @ Sep. 11 2006,04:06)

I ruined my diet quite a bit... and don't think I will be able to go to the clinic tomorrow.

OK, I have to play "mother hen" here and hassle you a little bit.  If you fall off the wagon, that's one thing, but don't compound the injury by skipping your clinic visit.  You need to get your injection and get back on track!

Debby
Posted: Sep. 11 2006, 11:07 ET

Brian is right Shine. You should go into the clinic and talk with the nurses. Tell them what happened and let them help you so you don't do it again.

Tabi
Posted: Sep. 11 2006, 13:25 ET

Get back there!!!  Short and sweet - the worst thing you can do is miss those amazing (sometimes painful) little shots... they are helping you to lose weight.

Everyone messes up. It's part of it. But, so is dealing with it and learning from it and perservering. Tomorrow is another day. Chin up. SMile - you are on your way to a new you!

Debby
Posted: Sep. 11 2006, 14:37 ET

I talked briefly with a woman in the clinic this morning who had a friend who was doing Dr. B.  She stopped going for her shots for three weeks (she apparently was "too busy" to make it into the clinic) but she stuck to the plan like glue.  She didn't lose anything in those three weeks.

Just an incentive to get you back into the clinic ASAP.

RolandG
Posted: Sep. 11 2006, 15:38 ET

If you listen to no one else .. please at least listen to Tabi

Quote

Get back there!!!   Short and sweet - the worst thing you can do is miss those amazing (sometimes painful) little shots... they are helping you to lose weight.

I totally blew it this weekend too. Went out Friday to a retirement dinner for one of our VP's and thought the meal would be buffet style and I would be safe .. WRONG .. it was a served meal and nothing was OK on it other than the chicken which was covered in a cream sauce of some sort. So I said screw it and indulged, then the dessert looked good and I ate that also. About the only thing I did right was drink Diet Pepsi.

Then on Saturday my wife was off to a reunion with one of my daughters and I was home with the other kids with no one to really keep me accountable .. I BBQ'd some steaks and some all beef hotdogs .. well I had double my allowed steak and then had 2 hotdogs with buns.

On Saturday I finally decide to try out the Electric smoker my kids got me for Christmas and made a bunch off Beef Jerky .. you guessed it I sample the Jerky the whole day.

I totally blew it this weekend and was thinking about not going into the clinic today because I have a doctors appointment tomorrow and could easily miss today and try to get back on track on my own. by tomorrow.

But I decided that if I was man enough to break the rules I should also be man enough to deal with the consequences, so I went in and what a surprise. I was still in Ketosis +1 and had still lost .8 of a pound over the weekend.

Anyway .. we are all going to blow it in some way at some point during this weight loss journey .. some more than others. But when we fall off the only thing to do is get back on and keep going. 2 Steps forward and 1 step back is still 1 steps forward.

This isn't a license to cheat, but you may be surprised at the results when you do go back in.

BrianB
Posted: Sep. 11 2006, 16:54 ET

Hahaha, Roland you didn't just go "off the wagon", you put gas on the wagon and used it for firewood too!  

That is the part that scares me the most.  I know that if I ever give myself permission to cheat I'll go crazy and burn that wagon down to the ground.

You're 100% right though.  You've got to get back on the wagon immediately or you'll never get where you're going.

Tabi
Posted: Sep. 11 2006, 17:52 ET

I cheated pretty bad on July long weekend. I also cheat now on maintenance. I am finding it difficult being on maintenance. I think I have two modes: obsessive and lazy... if I do something, I am obsessive over it - 100% perfect, 100% all the time... then I go to the extreme (lazy) I dont care and don't want to do anything to do with it same old - all or nothing right?

Debby
Posted: Sep. 11 2006, 18:00 ET

Quote (Tabi @ Sep. 11 2006,17:52)

I think I have two modes: obsessive and lazy... if I do something, I am obsessive over it - 100% perfect, 100% all the time... then I go to the extreme (lazy) I dont care and don't want to do anything to do with it same old - all or nothing right?

This sounds like me.  

BrianB
Posted: Sep. 11 2006, 18:25 ET

Quote (Tabi @ Sep. 11 2006,17:52)

I cheated pretty bad on July long weekend. I also cheat now on maintenance. I am finding it difficult being on maintenance. I think I have two modes: obsessive and lazy... if I do something, I am obsessive over it - 100% perfect, 100% all the time... then I go to the extreme (lazy) I dont care and don't want to do anything to do with it same old - all or nothing right?

This absolutely is me too.

Michelle
Posted: Sep. 11 2006, 19:56 ET

I am also a person of extremes ... middle of the road has always been an unknown territory to me.  The good thing is that this diet is forcing me to be much better with balancing.  When I cheat, I always feel guity and go overboard the other way trying to fix it.  What scares me is that I know it's the accountability of the scale that gets me there .... I really fear when that scale & 3X per week visits are gone.

Shine
Posted: Sep. 11 2006, 22:54 ET

Hi everyone....
I am so thankful to you all for the support... I wish I would have read all this a little earlier...
I missed my visit to the clinic...if I had read....I would have gone for sure..You all are right , I should have gone and gotten my injection and a talk with the nurse would have disciplined me more.. I just couldn't face increase in the weight on my diet sheet
Anyways, I am doing okay for today... and am already to go back on wednesday..wish they would take patients on Tuesdays..Has anyone been to the clinic on Tuesdays?
Pls. let me know. Thanks to u all wonderful ppl.

Tabi
Posted: Sep. 12 2006, 12:17 ET

They don't generally allow Tuesdays as it is reserved for consults (at least here in BC). That and if they did then they would have patients coming in for there weigh-ins at all times and with no structure.

Shine, you will gain and lose without reason. I once wore jeans in and gained 1.5lbs - I brough my jeans in the next time and weighed them = 2lbs... silly things like eating too much processed meats (M&M, etc) makes you retain water due to the salt intake, etc. There are so many variables that it is difficult to figure out.

I once had a nurse tell me that if you eat basically the same foods every day for a few weeks in a row with no variation, after a while your body will stall and become used to the food and you need to "wake it up" with some variety.

Also, a different nurse told me that if you eat alot of sugar substitutes, your body may get confused and think it is real sugar and treat it so... that happened to me once I started drinking Fresca (I was never a pop drinker until I began Dr. B) so I stopped and it helped.

Then there's the issue of hormones. Women have more issues than men (obviously) and if you are on Birth Control, your prescription will have to change eventually, not to mention your period will be out of whack, etc., etc., etc. Hormones and weight are directly related.

Pay attention to them, I kept a log of moods, energy levels, and the foods I ate at what times. I found this helped me plan my meals as I now know that I need to eat certain things by a certain time or not at all...

Sorry for the long post.

Shine
Posted: Sep. 12 2006, 12:37 ET

Thanks Tabi!

I think I will have to get used to ups and downs and not get frustrated too easily....
and just keep on going ...

I will go to the clinic tomorrow ...and hoping for good results

TMarie
Posted: Sep. 22 2006, 14:34 ET

Hi Everyone, I'm new to Dr. B.  Just finished my first week.  I found this message board earlier this week.  What a great resource.  I have found so many tips and ideas to help me.  I'm also at Christie Corner in Edmonton.

Tabi
Posted: Sep. 22 2006, 14:43 ET

Welcome TMarie!

RolandG
Posted: Sep. 22 2006, 23:16 ET

Welcome TMarie

atherlin
Posted: Oct. 4 2006, 04:28 ET

Hi My name is Linda and I attend the west end clinic in Edmonton.  I live in Alberta beach.  I restarted the diet after losing 30lbs from my 160lbs in September of 2004 I lost oit from Sept 3rd to Novemeber 13th amazing right!!!!and I have re-joined because I haven't eaten right, in the last year mainly, and I have gained back about 20lbs, so altho' i never wanted to get to my goal of 110 lbs,for a small person, I was very happy in a size  7 pants at 130lb. Its true that as you age (I am 50), and the more weight you lose, the older you look, the skin gets saggy etc so I really don't want to go to 110. But i already know where I feel good[I]at 130 lbs so that is MY goal.

It was great to see old faces at the clinic and it inspires me to hold on andjust get through each day.

They were telling me at the clinic that there are a whole bunch of new food allowed and to find them on the website and I haven't been able to find them can anyone tell me where to look?

LINDA

Michelle
Posted: Oct. 4 2006, 09:59 ET

Go to the drbdiet.com website and sign in, then on the left hand side you will see a button that says Patient Area - click on it and then you will see a link for Canada Acceptable Food List - click on that and you will be all set.

If you'd like a copy of a more user friendly one - when you have that page open copy the top few lines of it, come back here and do a Private Message to BrianB & past what you've copied into it. Give him your email address & once you do that he will email you a more user friendly version that he created. We have to ask for you to copy & paste from the website as that is proof that you are registered with Dr.B so we know we are not giving you anything you don't already have access to - just in a different format.

BrianB
Posted: Oct. 4 2006, 13:11 ET

Quote (Michelle @ Oct. 04 2006,09:59)

If you'd like a copy of a more user friendly one - when you have that page open copy the top few lines of it, come back here and do a Private Message to BrianB & past what you've copied into it.

Actually I prefer folks send me an email at staff AT drbforums.com and attach the food list as an attachment.  That way there is no question about which address to send the brochure back to and I know you have the whole food list.

Also, be sure to tell me in the email which booklet you need (Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia, Florida, etc.).

RolandG
Posted: Oct. 4 2006, 15:31 ET

Hey Linda, great to see someone else form Edmonton on here. I go to the Cristy Corner location which is on St. Albert Trail and 137 Ave. I'm right in between that location and yours so flipped a coin and Cristy Corner won.

Anyway your comment about looking older really bugged me .. not sure why .. maybe because I'll be 50 in on my next birthday .. or maybe because for the majotiry of people, losing weight at any age will "NOT" make you look older. If you do some Google searching and look at before and after pictures of people of any age who have lost weight  you will see that the majority of them look younger, and depending on their age some look 10 to 20 years younger. But even if taking the weight off made me look older I'd rather that than look a little younger and be at the unhealthy weight I'm at now.

Just my 2 cents and not trying to slam your posting or anything so hope it didn't come across that way.

p.s .. Another thing that will age you is how you feel about yourself, anyone not happy with themselves will show it and rarely smile, and people who have no self esteem and look glum or sour definitely look older.

Here's a blurb I pulled off a website.

Quote

Obese people look older than their age with less attractive and unpleasant appearance. Obesity is a very common problem in our society. Not surprisingly, mostly who are morbidly obese feel embarrassed to appear in public. It is common to sense that people are looking at them and commenting on their appearance and the difficulties it produces in dressing well and moving freely.               They prefer to withdraw and confine within the family circle and rarely venture in social gatherings. This may help them to cope with routines, but equally it deprives them of a chance to work outside the family. It is not too surprising therefore to find that the obese have a low level of self-esteem and a feeling of worthlessness and uselessness and it is natural for them to suffer depression. They hate their appearance and feel that they are totally unattractive to their life partner and to everybody.

BrianB
Posted: Oct. 4 2006, 15:49 ET

With regard to people that have lost a lot of weight my experience is the opposite Roland.  When you're really fat your facial skin is stretched tight giving you that cherubic look.  When you lose weight, more texture and maybe even some wrinkles can show (depending upon age).  Certainly this varies from person to person.  People who lose more like 50 pounds aren't affected the same I don't think, but when you're losing 150 to 200 pounds or more, I think it will tend to make you look a bit older.

I'd rather look a little older and be thin than look young and fat.  We'll see how it goes but I won't sweat it either way.

Shaude
Posted: Oct. 4 2006, 17:35 ET

I need to get my two cents in...
Don't you think it is often 'how' you loose weight determines how good you look afterword? I can tell a person who has lost weight unhealthily that has a hollow look, or maybe a dehydrated look, a sunkin face. Anyone notice this? All I can say is as I meet people at my clinic on maintainance they LOOK AWESOME at any age. Healthy looks good.
Shauna

RolandG
Posted: Oct. 4 2006, 20:37 ET

Re-reading my post and it definitely comes across rather harsh .. it wasn't meant to be, but that's one of the downfalls of posts, chats, emails and IM's .. sometimes it's hard to identify emotion and things come across wrong.

It was just my 2 cents about my observations.

Hopefully I didn't offend you Linda .. but if I did then I apologize.

Either way I'll be happy

Like Brian says .. I won't sweat it.

And like Shauna says  .. Healthy certainly looks good at any age.

MichaelW
Posted: Nov. 11 2006, 16:15 ET

Greetings from another Edmontonian,

I go to the Southside South Edmonton Common Location. This is my second attempt with Dr. B. I had lost 80+lbs with them in 2004, but dropped out and promptly regained it over a 2 year period.

This time I plan to stick it out through the maintenance phase. In my life I've attempted WW, Atkins, Redux, Dr. Harry Lefebre (Calgary - lost 160lbs), Low Fat, Low Cal, Low Fun and of course my 2nd run with Dr. B.

I have mixed feelings about the structure of Dr. B, but know it works and am really looking forward to seeing this time as the final solution.

In combination with Dr. B, I'm also doing 45 minutes of cardio (elliptical and treadmill) 4 times a week in Sherwood Park.

M.