Who was ridiculing Lolo? I have the utmost respect for her research and have learned much from her, which is why I referred to her as our resident expert.
We have exchanged many conversations publicly and privately about it!

As far as IP being healthy, the company itself calls it an "unbalanced approach". Dr Tran Tein's book says P1 is not for long term.

If I can weigh in here, I just have to say that after two weeks on this "unhealthy" diet I was able to phase off of my diabetes meds (under dr's supervision)... I get my blood checked regularly (hypothyroid since I was 15) and my bloodwork has never looked better, including my liver levels which have been high for a long time due to fatty liver. I get that IP isn't meant for long term, but the changes I've experienced since being on this program have made me a believer (and supporter) of IP.

Point of clarification: PHASE ONE isn't meant for long term. P4 is. It may need individual adjusting based on individual health needs

I actually find I have increased energy on IP.

And in my situation, eating "packets full of soy and fake sugar" is better for me because clearly my obesity reflects my past poor eating habits. If I just ate wholesome nutritious foods my whole life, I doubt I would be on this forum.

That being said, if phase 1 was intended for long term, rest of your life, then no, it would not be healthy and I would not recommend it. Every diet program has its pros and cons, and I think that is why it is important to keep up to date with your doctor because we generally don't know we have/had an underlying condition until it presents itself.

I am sorry. I must of misunderstood your response to her. I thought when you called her a resident expert you were being sarcastic.

There is a massive difference between the effects of two weeks of PSMF dieting vs two months vs ten months.

Regardless, that is great news for you.

I am the opposite. I start off the day energetic but come midday I would literally fall asleep at my desk. Yawn all the time. I know it was the diet because I never felt this way before.

I am a medical novice, so I will not comment on all the technical and specific issues mentioned here.

What I do want to mention is that most people who begin a weight loss program, even something like Weight Watchers, are reminded and counseled to seek a physician's advice before beginning. Yes?

That said, we are people of free choice. We are free to read up on programs, read the caveats and warnings, check the program on the Internet, take books out of the library on health, weight loss, low carb high protein diets. I did all of those before beginning this.

However, my weight was something that was more potentially dangerous, both to my physical and my mental health, than the stated or possible risks of the program. It was my free choice to start the program and I made that choice.

Yes, I do pride myself on my intelligence and so when I am ready to make a decision, I base it partially on what I have read, asked, and debated beforehand and partially on my intuition and emotional needs.

I know that it is MY decision and therefore the consequences and results are MY responsibility. No one led me down the garden path and made me do this program.

For certain!

Bummer, that sucks. I do however find I'm super hot or freezing cold. No in-betweens!

I was on Phase 1 for one year and did not have any thyroid issues, just as a counterexample. My body fat percentage at this point is below 22, so I really do not have anything left to lose and would think it would have shown up by now if it was going to.

Lisa and I are talking pre-existing conditions that may be hypothyroidism or maybe something in addition. Not everybody has issues. But it is worth discussing some of the negative aspects, so other people do not run into the same issues. I think we both figured it out because we had issues about the same time and were on this board.

You will also all notice I STILL think IP is a GREAT diet! I just encourage medical monitoring to be sure nothing from any unknown underlying condition pops up unexpectedly, and if it does, can be dealt with

How do I find that thread?

Lolo, I'm interested in your research. I have been hypothyroid for over 10 years and take synthroid replacement daily. I don't know the connection between soy and thyroid, and would like to know more. Are ALL IP products soy based, and is THAT what causes the problems you describe? Would you be willing to summarize some of what you've learned about how IP affects thyroid - specifically in my case where I am already taking thyroid replacement for previously diagnosed hypothyroid? I realize you are not an MD and won't take it as medical advice. Thanks

I am a medical joke - really. If you've never heard of it, I have had it or still have it. That said, The first week was pure **** for me. Now, I'm ok - I wouldn't say I'm thrilled with my limited food options on Phase 1, but I know it's temporary. My health issues are the reason I chose IP over other diets/weight loss programs. I need to lose weight in the quickest way possible in the most structured way possible.

I can certainly see how this imbalanced diet could lead to other health concerns, dormant or not. However, my main issue at this very moment, is preserving my eye sight. The ONLY solution is losing weight, and I refuse bariatric surgery.

We all have to make the best choice for our individual needs. I have a great relationship with my PCP and all my specialists, and they are aware of the IP diet. I trust all of my doctors with my whole heart, mind, and body. They are the best of the best, and I am lucky to live where I do.

I would never tell anyone to try any diet - I would tell them to research it, look at the pros and cons, and then speak with their PCP.