Danica
Posted: Oct. 8 2008, 10:14 ET

Hello everyone.

I joined this forum quite a while ago (not sure exactly when), at a time when I was feeling like I needed some help in losing some weight.  There were three things that I was concerned about at the time, and now only two.  First of all, I wasn't sure that I would be a good candidate for this program because I don't have a large amount of weight to lose (that is subjective, I know, but I'm looking at losing about 20 lbs).  Secondly was the cost of the program.  Third was the location.  I would have had to drive 45 minutes each way to get to a clinic.  That problem, however is solved now, since there is a brand new clinic in my city as of this past month.

So, my questions/concerns are:  If I only want to lose 20 lbs, would this be a good program for me.  I have lost weight before on weight watchers, but I think I need more structure.  I feel like I need someone to tell me exactly what I can eat, instead of counting points.  

My body seems comfortable at this weight, as I seem to eat what I want (bad food choices and all) and maintain this weight, give or take about 5 lbs.  However, I don't feel comfortable.  I know I would feel better and healthier if I could get my weight under control.  

Anyway, sorry for the long post, but I have to decide whether to take the leap or not.  I have the new clinic's number programmed into my cell phone!  

Thanks for listening,
Danica

MikiFox
Posted: Oct. 8 2008, 11:50 ET

Go for it, I say.  I've lost weight on WW as well, 70 lbs about 8 years ago, but gained it all back due to not being able to handle the freedom.  I started this diet just over 5 weeks ago, and I've been amazed at the results.

I believe that it would not take you long to lose 20 lbs, so the cost factor would not be extraordinary (about $600/month), but the maintenance portion of Dr. B, which costs considerably less, would help you to learn how to and what to eat to maintain the goal weight.  My plan is to do maintenance for a year after I've lost my 100+ lbs, so that I can relearn and reprogram myself to eat properly to stay at a healthy weight.

These boards are a great support, and after the first few days, I found the diet very easy to do - no cravings, no hunger.

Hope to see you back.

Michaelah

DaveD
Posted: Oct. 8 2008, 14:21 ET

I agree with what Michaelah said.  If you want to lose quickly--you can lose 20lbs. in one month but it could take 2 months depending on your body.  Don't be discouraged--it will fall off.  It certainly is structured which many have found very useful.  Also, be sure to factor in maintenance as I'm more convinced than ever that maintenance is the key to this (and indeed any) diet.

Good luck!

Danica
Posted: Oct. 9 2008, 05:59 ET

Thanks for your support Miki and Dave.   I called the clinic yesterday and I can get in for an appointment a week from today.  That's a wee disappointing because I dont want to wait a whole week before I start.  Oh well, luck of the draw I guess.  I will continue to surf these threads and remain motivated.

Thanks again,
Danica

DaveD
Posted: Oct. 9 2008, 08:33 ET

One thing you can do before your appointment is to start cutting down on the "sugary" stuff (cakes, doughnuts, cookies....anything that has refined sugar in it).  It will make things easier once you start.  You can also start cutting out caffeine...try to limit yourself to one or two per day.  Also, start drinking plenty of water--work your way up to 8 glasses a day.  If you do these two things, you'll be in good shape when you begin!  Good luck and keep us posted on you progress.

Danica
Posted: Oct. 9 2008, 10:37 ET

Thanks Dave.  I had a good day yesterday.  So far, today has been pretty good as well.  I'm eating veggies and protein and no sugar.  I only usually drink about one or two cups of coffee a day anyway.  My downfall is wine and cheese.  I don't think cutting back on sugar will be a big problem.  I'm also trying to stock my fridge with the proper foods.  I'm feeling more and more motivated each day!  This site is wonderful.:)

Danica
Posted: Oct. 22 2008, 18:41 ET

I am still sitting on the fence... a short fence I must say, but still a fence.  I have an appointment tomorrow.  I am just nervous because I have heard that this diet really messes up your metabolism.  I have about 20 or so lbs to lose....  I am afraid that after I lose the weight it will all come back after a while.

I don't have the will power to lose the weight on my own right now.  I need some support and I am hoping this is it.

Any advice is greatly welcomed.

Thanks,
Danica

bri070102
Posted: Oct. 22 2008, 21:26 ET

Hi Danica,

I believe there are a few people on here who wanted to lose between 20-30 pounds or so, so it's not unrealistic to go on dr. b with that goal in mind.

However, because the weight loss is quite dramatic with a dramatic cut in calories, I can't tell you if it messes up you metabolism long term or not, but definitely there is a very easy tendency to gain back the weight (and more??!!) verrrry quickly.

That's why, if you go this route for losing weight...definitely do the maintenance portion afterwards to gradually add different types and quanitities of food back into your diet. Otherwise you'll be like me and gain back a bunch of the weight you spent months losing before you figure out what a numb-nut you're being, lol (oh and another thing I didn't do...which I should is to add consistent moderate exercise/weight training in as you are adding in food in)

Sooo...go for it...but be very conscious about your food decisions post-losing stage.

Hope this helps!
- Bri

NPacheco
Posted: Oct. 23 2008, 07:53 ET

Hi Danica,
You are in the same boat that I was in.  I only had about 20 lbs to lose -- so I was only on the strict part of the diet for 6 weeks.  You weight loss will probably be slower than those people who have 40+ lbs or more to lose but the reason that you should go on the diet anyway is it teaches you to control yourself when it comes to food -- that its okay to go without the 'treatie' stuff -- also for me, going on maintenance was very important as it helped to reinforce the better habits I had adopted and I was still losing weight while on the maintenance so that I instead ended up a weight that I haven't been at since I was 20!!  I can't stress enough the importance of doing maintenance after the main diet so that you don't just fall off the wagon.  Keep us all posted and good luck!

Jelena
Posted: Oct. 23 2008, 11:02 ET

Hi Danica (or should I write 'Zdravo Danice'? )

I was in similar situation, lost 19lbs while on strict and it made a HUGE difference in my appearance - went down from wearing size 12 to size 8. Make sure you take 'before' pictures when you start strict. You don't have to gain all that back if you accept different lifestyle - try and follow maintenance and exercise.

Danica
Posted: Oct. 24 2008, 12:42 ET

Thanks for all your replies.  My appointment is scheduled for 6:45am on tuesday morning.  I can't wait to start this. I really am looking forward to being in control of 'something' in my life....  I think the most difficult part for me will be giving up the wine and along with that, the cheese and crackers etc.  Well, I am determined.  I'm going to get my daughter to take a before pic..  

Thanks for the support.  It's really nice to have a place to go to ask questions from people who have actually been through it.

Danica