My initial “public” weight loss goal was 40 pounds. I was put on the spot at my first weigh-in, and I picked a target that would put me at a weight I remembered from my running days in the ‘90’s. I knew I needed to lose more, but I didn’t want to overshoot. I had other goals, like fitting back into a size 10, that I figured would help me decide on a final stopping point.

But as the diet progressed, it became obvious that 50 pounds was very attainable, and would put me at an “ideal” 22 BMI. So I upped my goal by 10 pounds.

I hit that goal mid-Phase 2, and kept losing. So I cut Phase 2 a little short and moved to Phase 3. I lost another couple of pounds during that phase, and have dropped a couple more in Phase 4. I’m not really trying, but it seems like my body is finding its own set point. I’ve surpassed my second weight loss goal by 6-7 pounds, and the size 10 whizzed by a long time ago. I’m a pretty solid size 4 now, for the first time since I was a toddler.

I’m loving where I am, and if I go up or down a few pounds from here, it’s all good with me.

soo i really dislike people who never have anything positive to say...

someone noticed that I just wat my shake and veggies for lunch and have been for a while now...they asked ..."so is that diet working for you?"...and then to top it off with the negative..."what will happen when you start eating again"

I dunno, it just bothered me....must just take a deep breath and say 'woooosaaaaa' and forget them

Hey Everyone! I haven't been saying much on here but I have been reading everyone's posts I had my final weigh in for month two. In two months I lost exactly 30 lbs Can't wait to start my third month tomorrow. Hope everyone is doing well.

Sheila

Congrats!! Don't forget to add another dancing broccoli in your signature!

I am going to wave my hands and say "water weight" etc etc etc...no way up 2 pounds of fat.

Awesome job... you look fantastic!

And on the last topic I posted, I wanted to note that it was during the last 15 pounds (NOT part of my initial goal), that I achieved the maximum loss in inches/clothing size. That's when I literally would buy a size 8 one week, then have to get a size 6 of the same thing a week later. And that dropped again to the size 4. (I spent a lot of time flipping through the 80% off racks at Kohl's!)

So for me, all weight loss was not equal during IP. The pounds came off faster early, then tapered off, but the changes in terms of size were greater during the last month or so of the diet. If I hadn't opted to lower my original goal, I don't know that I'd have seen the drastic physical changes that came later in the program... Honestly, people don't recognize me now. Sometimes I don't even recognize myself!

Just sayin'...

I agree with Pita, when i transitioned off ip I had gained 3lbs in phase 2. I did everything I was supposed to and even had less protein than recomended. it was not fat that I gained it was water weight and my body starting to restore. I maintained at that weight until completly off IP and then I went on 2 vacations. I do not think that you should get super worried. I think we have a habbit of being so tied to a number that we stress ourselves out. if you are feeling ok and your clothes still fit you are fine

Rinoa, I just had the same experience over lunch....went over to a friends house at lunch. Her mother and her were both there. I must add that my friend is pushing 400pds and her mother maybe 230...both overweight. I said this is all I am eating for lunch. They looked at me in disgust. Her mother said you should really just eat less....what is going to happen to you when you start eating. They then went on to discuss a women they know that is doing a diet similar to IP and they said "how can a women living in an Italian house not eat pasta, fruit etc, she'll just gain it back"

This is such a ridiculous attitude.....so lets all just stay fat!!! It is a miserable feeling being overweight...everyone knows that and we are all trying our best to feel good. I just don't understand why people that don't want to try have to condem those of us that do.

I was very admant that yes I have tried on my own and you know what it wasn't working. I need help and when I get to my goal....yes it will be a challenge to stay there....but you know what....it's worse never getting there.

Does anyone else have people in their lives that are grossly overweight and in denial that they should be doing something about it. My friend can barely move. She is always complaining how tired she is. And wants to hear nothing about weight loss. It frustrates me. As a friend I have tried on several occasions to discuss weightloss but she is always talking about how thin people get diseases too. It's sad and makes me feel very sad for her and her family.

Her weight holds her back from so many activities and as her small children grow it will get even worse.

Anyhow, I have even more resolve to lose the weight.

For those of you that get faced with people like this, just remember how good it feels to put on a smaller piece of clothing or see a bone you have seen in ages....and enjoy every minute of it.

I realized today it is a gift to have the resolve to lose weight...so many people stay overweight and miserable.

I am so proud of you all!!!!

Agreed

Here I am on Day 10 and I may have to quit IP again as my stomach has started hurting, again. Not happy about this.... I still have 15 pounds to lose, and wanted to get down another 5 before our August 1 vacation.

Does anyone have any suggestions to ease my stomach??

Pookee I am not sure if I would go on to be honest. Obviously it is doing damage to you and your body is telling you by pain that I don't you giving me this "artificial food". 15 pounds is really not much, maybe try southbeach diet maybe, its way more "natural" than this.

sorry hon.

I know, Pita. I know you're telling me the reality of the situation.

My problem is that I'm not a diet person. The last time I was actually on a real diet was 20 years ago with weight watchers (gawd, am I really that old?). Ideal Protein is the first program that I actually thought I could follow because of the quick results. I don't think I could actually follow a 'real' diet where I have to measure food, count calories (did I mention that I don't measure the real food on IP - I guestimate it), and exercise (where would I find the time???).

I'm looking for a bandaid - does anyone have a stomach bandaid they can lend me?

Thanks Pita & Mepetersen ... I know you are both right but boy was it a shocker.... I knew I would gain back some but thought like Novak maybe once I got to phase 4, I had even adjusted my goal weight by 3 pounds so I am still technically below my goal... I did however kick myself out I should have known as I slept for about 10 hours both nights on the weekend, in ketosis I only sleep about 5-6 hours- good sleeps but shorter, last night I was awake till after 12 wondering what part of the house I can paint.... so I know I am back in.

I wish I had a bandaid for you.... tummy troubles suck Do you always have the same IP foods? I know when I had to get tested for food allergies it was a slow process start with one thing, if that went ok after a few days add something else, and so on and so on, that was along time ago, I am sure they have more sophisticated methods now to test for food intolerances. Maybe its something that is in some of the products but not all??? I am just shooting out ideas.... But you can do it with IP or not, we are here to help keep ya on track

LOL!

I was in ketosis over the weekend while my sister was here visiting--she's now in Phase 2 and also in ketosis. We were up at 4 every morning, and (among other things) cleaned out my entire garage, hauled old furniture and storm windows out of my basement, helped the junk men fill their truck, hacked up and bagged brush and broken branches from my yard, cleaned the gutters, installed a window air conditioner, laughed hysterically as we tried on old clothes that don't fit us anymore and bagged them for donation, and cooked a wonderful selection of gourmet (Phase 1 compliant) dinners every night.

Maybe the three of us should get together... I think three women in ketosis could take on just about anything!

Could you trying losing it all in phase 2??? Just one or 2 IP packets a day that don't seem to effect you as much. Also, 2 meals might help you a bit more given that they are natural food.

Even if you were losing more slowly, if it was not causing stomach pain, maybe you would do better in the long run?