Bump

Sorry to hear you are sick! Hope you have a great Birthday tomorrow! And good job for making plans ahead of time to stay OP! Enjoy that healthy protein rich cake! A million times better than sugary garbage!

Thanks so much for the multiple replies regarding the cost of this plan - generally this is the same protocol prescribed by Dr. Denise Bruner, a pretty well known bariatric specialist here in the Wash DC area.
I went to her for a number of years, and when I followed the plan, it worked well. I often sabotaged myself with the protein bars... There was a chocolate mint bar that I liked so much I could not eat just one....
The food was costly - until i finally began looking online for alternate sources...

http://www.mydietshopz.com

is a pretty good source, and if you buy in quantity you get a 10% discount.
Pro Cal, by R Kane, pudding/shakes were a mainstay of Dr Bruner's program. They taste great, but I have compared nutrients to the IP products and find there is less protein and more carb, less fiber...

But Mydietshopz carries Proti Diet, which is comparable and others have mentioned as alternatives here on 3fatchicks.

I think I can do this program without a coach since I have done it extensively i the past... This forum should be good support to help me thwart the self saboteur...

Lisa - yup, I'm hooked but, now you've inspired me to taste the coffee without adding the stevia. Maybe I won't need it after all?? I just did it out of habit but perhaps the pre-made vanilla is all the sweet that I need. It's a good idea to at least try.. Thanks for making me look at it differently - I'll check it out in tomorrow AM's cup o' joe!

@PurpleMomster Happy (almost) Birthday! What an AWESOME b-day present to yourself, down 31lbs', you go girl! You must feel so amazing. A huge accomplishment for sure and loads to celebrate this birthday - you should be proud. Sorry to hear you were sick yesterday, that stinks. Hope it's all behind you. Enjoy the afternoon at the park and let us know how your cake from Rainbow's recipe's turns out. I must check out her thread. Enjoy!

Just a head's up everybody...my coach said the soy and chicken patties are being discontinued.

I always just sayi am a picky eater (ya right) and bring a salad
Cept for a wedding last weekend it was kinda the same situation as you - no real salad
Loaded my plate up with the pickles and hot peppers

Well, I'm back. I posted a couple of weeks ago announcing my pregnancy and needing to know what I needed to do to get off of Ideal Protein correctly. I got fabulous advice and phased off correctly. I did, however miscarry again. This is my second miscarriage and only the second time in 5 years of getting pregnant while actively TTC. My doctor has referred me to a fertility specialist because of my age (35) and history of miscarriage. I will begin my fertility journey this week. We actually tried IUI once already a few years back, but no luck there either.
Has anyone done IP while also doing fertility treatments? Is this something I "should" do? I will also be asking this to the fertility doctor, but wanted opinions of those who have lived it as well. I know IP isn't for pregnant women, but I wonder about those TTC.
Thanks in advance for any input.

So sorry for your loss!

Hey everyone, I'm back from my trip. France was fabulous. I ate and drank whatever I wanted. I tried not to go crazy with extra ice cream or treats and stuck to meals only. I chose to include bread or dessert when it was a delicious option like a croissant or creme brûlée. Did not eat the bread on the plane because I felt why waste calories and carbs on something not so great.

But, after a few days, I could feel my belly bloated and began to miss the structure of the plan. Water and especially ice was not as easy to get. They don't offer water unless you ask and ice was a commodity. I really missed my salads too. So, in all, I had a fantastic time and it was the right decision to phase off before I left. I would have stressed too much trying to remain OP. I'm back on plan and very happy about it. I gained about 2.5 lbs which I hope will be gone quickly. Having this break was a good clarification for me that I'm doing the right plan for me. Now back to working toward getting the balance of this weight off.

The other thing that was weird was I retained so much water on the trip. My feet were huge. I know that I was not getting my water allotment in so that attributed to the retaining but it felt awful to be so bloated and puffy.

@aliboo723 - I too am sorry for your loss.

Hi and Welcome Back! Good for you for phasing off properly and jumping back on the bandwagon upon your return. It's amazing what our bodies crave. I don't think I could have resisted the creme brulee (nor would I want to) so you were smart to plan, plan, plan. And, there wasn't a huge consequence because you did this the smart way. You'll be back to dropping that and more in no time. It will be curious to hear about this next chapter for you - may you reboot quickly (you sure will, just stay focused)!

Your story is enlightening, thanks for the share and again, Welcome Back!

So sorry for your loss...

Thanks!