Home of the Re-Starters
 

Hello everyone,

As I am reading lately lots of posts about people having difficulties re-starting the program and being 100% (and I am totally one of these people), I thought I would open this thread in order to share our experience and most of all to encourage ourselves to stick to the diet and just do it this time.

Here is my story : shortly after I married at a weight of 220 pounds, with a move from a province to another, and with a new lifestyle of misery to find a job and ending up working the worse job I ever found, working night shifts and being miserable all the time, the pounds started creeping up and up, I reached 250 pounds! And I do believe that I reached more than that at one time, but I did not want to weigh myself then.

After, I left the province I so much hated my life in, and came back to where we used to live before and started to rebuild my life, I was starting to physically feel very heavy, I couldn’t go up a flight of stairs without being out of breath, so I decided I should radically do something, I can’t live like this, I mean, I have never been thin, but I was sporty and I could move and move a lot since I used to exercise like crazy before with no problem at all. Anyway, back then I was getting hooked on watching the biggest loser and I was amazed at how the two sisters who were the finalist transformed themselves, and I so much wanted that, so, I went to the bookshop, bought myself the biggest loser diary and the biggest loser last chance workout DVD and started right away, writing everything I ate and exercising every week day to the DVD, I used to cry while doing it but for a whole period of a month, I never stopped, by the end of the month, I lost 7 pounds! I was happy, that my effort paid off… until I got my period, and gained 5 whole pounds back, I was furious, to have endured this much physical and emotional pain to end up losing ONLY 2 pounds a month! That was not acceptable to me.

So, I stopped doing the biggest loser’s diet and I started looking for another method of weight loss. (Note: I have already tried almost every diet under the sun before, I lost some and then I gained some). Luckily, one day, while looking over the internet, I found about IP, and I truly believe that it was God sent.

I started IP on June 30, 2011 with a weight of 248, I bought all my IP products and I followed the diet 1000%. To my surprise, the first week, I lost a total of 11 pounds! I was AMAZED, I was also a little bit angry as of why I did not find this diet much sooner.

I continued losing weight of an average of 3.5 a week, sometimes less, I never cheated until one time I had an office party at my work and I was starving back then, so I nibbled on some stuff I shouldn’t have, but I caught up with my diet and I continued losing, also, there was a period of time when I intentionally stopped because I thought I was pregnant, then I continued until around Christmas I reached a weight of 201!!!!! I was ecstatic, I took pictures of myself at the office party and posted them on Facebook and I was so happy how fast I lost the weight.

Stupidly enough, it was at this period of time that I decided that I am looking fairly good now, I can allow myself to have a Christmas break to enjoy myself and the food with my family. I swear to God, it was the biggest mistake of my life. What was supposed to be just a couple of weeks for a Christmas break, went on and on and on, until Easter, then after Easter, then until June, then until July !!! Oh my God, I was trying to go back to being 100% with no success at all, I will do few days on and more days off, I was so ashamed of myself and I couldn’t understand why on earth I did it quite easily the first time and it is this hard to restart, but I kept on trying and trying. Needless to say that the pounds were creeping back again, slowly but surely, so, for a period of time, I was between 206 and 210 and I thought to myself, it is ok, I can lose that in a couple of weeks (seeing that I lost 11 pounds the first week on round one), then I found myself between 210 and 215, then 215 and 220, but to my shock, last week, for the first time, and luckily it was for the only time, that I saw a number that scared me to the max, I reached 227 pounds !!!! That was last Monday, July 23, 2011; I was beyond chocked, how could I let myself go like this ??? So, obviously, I restarted my diet, with the best intention to be 100% this time, still, on the third day, I did not stick to my diet 100%, so I nibbled here and there, but this time, I was so conscious not to nibble on carbs and crazy bad stuff, so, I just added more protein and more vegetables, I ate a little bit of 0 carb cheese, and some nuts, I know all of which are not allowed on this program, but I thought that I would rather do this than go pig out on French Fries and burgers, and eat sweet pastries and cupcakes, so I knew I was not succeeding being 100% again and again, but at least I am trying to train myself to make better choices. I swear that after the fourth day, it was getting easier and easier, I don’t feel like I need to cheat anymore and I am not super duper hungry with uncontrollable cravings, yesterday and today were 100% and I am sure I can go on from here with each day getting easier than the one before.

It is not advised for us to weigh ourselves everyday, but this is what I do, since the very start of my diet, I am a daily weigh-in person, I am so happy to say that as of today, I saw the 216 pounds on my scale, making it -11 pounds in less than a week, my official weekly weigh-in is on Monday and I hope by then I will lose a couple of pounds more.

I know I wrote a lot, but I really wanted to share my story with all of you who are trying to restart, I know it is SUPER DUPER HARD, but it is not impossible.

Let us help each other, we can do this.

Hi there. I am a re-starter, too.

I lost 48 pounds from July 15 2011 until the beginning of December. I felt awesome - loads of energy and compliments. I just got lazy and instead of following Ph 4 properly, I went back to old eating habits. So, here I am with some weight back on and I just don't want it again.

It was easier re-starting this time around. I knew to expect headaches the first few days so had my salt and water ready. I am almost through my first full week and love how I am feeling again.

I am doing all alternative products this time around. My husband is doing it with me and we just can't afford to have two people on IP. I am using the sticky threads and advice from others who use alternative products.

Thanks for sharing your experiences. It is very useful information for those of us that are on Phase 1......

Hello everyone,

Even though I had the best intentions, over the weekend, as we were camping in a very remote area, I didn't follow the diet at all, I tried to be conscious about what I was eating first but then I let go. I swam and walked long walks, the scenery was amazing, I enjoyed myself for these two days and here I am re-starting again.

My weigh-in today: 220, so I gained some weight from what I lost but still, on the positive side, I lost a whole 7 pounds in a week (I was 227 last Monday).

Hope everybody is doing good and sticking to the program.

That is an excellent week Sandra, you couldn't have been too far off in what you ate. The walking and swimming must have helped.

I wish we could walk and swim outdoors all year.

Pat

Thanks Pat :)

I see you almost reached your goal weight :) way to go.

Hello! I'm so glad to have found a "re-starter" board, because thats exactly what I am doing. I lost 56 pounds last year on IP, and loved every minute! I phased off and kept the weight off, right until I got pregnant with our second child! Now that I have a healthy, happy 6 week old baby boy, I am ready to get back on the horse and lose some (all) baby weight!

Congrats to everyone for having the good sense to come back to IP - it works!

Hi there,

Congratulations for your baby :)

I am losing weight in order to get pregnant now, actually the doctor I am seeing asked me to be at a minimum of 180 pounds so I still have a long way to go, but I am happy that with IP the weight melts off quickly.

Good luck with your re-start, I know from experience that it is hard to re-start, but of course it is not impossible, so best of luck :)

I am going to place myself here with this group, since for *me* this is the one millionth re-start of any diet...I hope that is OK. It's also a restart of sorts for IP because for the last 2 days I was someone else entirely and acted like I never heard of IP before! :o

So I am carb loaded and now I gotta get back to business. I will be watching and listening here to you gals who have lost a lot of weight the first time through with IP. I will be curious to see if it comes off as easily/quickly as the first time, and how your experience differs this time.

We can do this!

Oh, and I use alternatives: Pure Protein products!

Hi Sandra, great thread, I remember you from when I first started IP. I too have been off the program and am restarting. I had great success when I first started IP so I know it works for me. My challenge was all of our spring/summer vacations and activities that made it really difficult for me to stay on the plan. I'm happy to say that most of the challenges have passed and while I did put back on a few pounds I am back full swing. I am doing alternatives now but they are working as well as the IP products.

Good luck to all the restarters.

Hello All. I had a brief but successful fling with IP last year. I didn't have the stamina and willpower to stay the journey. Now, I am determined to begin again and finish. I plan on starting August 13th. I have family here for the next two weeks so I don't want to begin the diet until I have all my ducks in a row! I was lurking on the forum and found this group.

Hello there,

I remember you well, we used to be very active on the daily thread :)

I am glad you joined the re-starters.

We can do it and we will :)

Hello and welcome,

Go back on being 100% ASAP, you can do it, I am sure :)

Welcome and congratulations on taking the decision to restart again.

You can do it :)

Hello Stolaf,

I do remember you also from when I first started IP :)

I am happy seeing ''familiar faces'', hehehe, not really familiar faces, as I really don't know how you look like, but you know what I mean :)

Welcome back :)

Very excited to see some "re-starters" I am right there with you. I have been on maintenance for 2yrs and have let 15 lbs creep back on. I'm not going to let that go any further, so here I am. I will be checking often to get some encouragement and lending any advice :)

Welcome back carlasherea, you can do it :)

I am a slow looser but I still had lost 28 pounds and needed to go 10 more before I quit. I had company for 3 weeks and family get togethers so I decided I would phase off and start back after everyone had left. Well it has been hard getting back in the groove of eating all of the veggies and staying away from fruit. I had my first IP day yesterday and was able to stick with it so far. Good luck to all of you because it is worth the reward of new clothes and compliments!

Peg

Jumping over from the second time around thread. Someone mentioned this thread was here and I hadn't seen it. I'm one of those that did well on IP and now I have gained half of it back after falling off track. Started back on IP this week. Hope to check in daily and see how everyone is doing.

The first time around, I wrote everything down that I ate and looked forward to keeping track of my weight lost. I haven't started keeping my journal yet and I think that will help keep me motivated. I also kept track of inches down as a motivator.

Stress is really high in my life right now but I have managed to keep from eating to comfort myself. I just take off on a walk and drink a glass of decaf tea. Also spending more time at my office and then golfing in the evening to keep away from food. Usually once I get through the first ten days I'm good to go. The first week or so are the worst. I just keep telling myself no cheat is worth it.

Everyone have a great day.

Good job Peg!

I haven't gotten my packets yet, I have been getting into the "state of mind", and gathering new recipes (there is a TON now!) :carrot: I am scared to start the program in the middle of summer, but I gotta! Lol. I have to lose this baby weight, I am uncomfortable in my own skin again and I just can't have that! :D:nono::nono::nono:

Hi! I remember you from my first time on here! Good to see a familiar face! I will also be checking here daily to keep myself accountable. Good luck!

I wanted to mention the compliments, be careful they don' t go to your head! I had several compliments when I got down to 141 and they told me that I didn't need to loose anymore weight. Well after so many of those comments and you start to believe it and before you know it, you are eating food that you shouldn't have. I had bought some smaller clothes and realized they were getting tight so I thought I had better weigh myself. I wanted to cry when I saw that the scale was 7 pounds more than it was the last time I had stepped on them! I am back to weighing myself more often and no more taste testing!

Peg

Hi all

I am doing a mini restart to get rids of a few vacation pounds. I usually eat phase 1 on weekdays anyway (sometimes phase 2) and then am more lenient on weekends. This has allowed me to maintain, as long as I don't let weekends turn into weeks, as I did over Christmas!

I find having a pair of goal pants very useful! If I can't wear them then I had better up and stick to my phase 1 plan!

I really did this in january-I did 6 weeks of phase 1 to get back to my old low. I found trying some of the new recipes really helped. Otherwise I drink vanilla pudding as shakes, eat the chicken soup and use simply bars every day.

I agree with the compliments comment. It is easy to be swayed into thinking you are at a sufficient weight. That's how the pants help keep me grounded!

Happy Wednesday!

Welcome back, me too, I have gained half of what I lost :(, but I should lose again and be at a healthy weight before I get pregnant (which I am dying to be).

Anyway, welcome back, we can do it :)

Its so good to be back on track. I have been OP for 1 1/2 weeks and already feel better. Now, if i can just keep in the mindset i am in now i should be ok!

Have a great Wed everyone...

I think we started the first time within a few months. Good to see you here.

This is so true about the compliments. When I was close to goal last time, this is exactly what happened to me. Amongst other things.

Very good point...I experienced some of that too and I was no where near my goal. I try to weigh myself twice a week, I was a compulsive weigher when I first started...I'd weigh morning and night but that about drove me crazy!

I weigh every day. It is the only way I have found to endure I keep myself within my maintaining window. The only times I don't is on vacation-I am willing to take the pain of phase 1 to atone for some flexibility when traveling!

Seriously... I need serious help!!

Please help me everyone!

I am not sticking to this diet! I was, with the best intentions and then I got TOM (the first after my surgery) and now it is day 4 and it is still heavy as h e l l, and since it is heavy, I feel like I need to eat all the wrong stuff.

Please help.

Hi Sandra, are you craving sweets? Remember you are better off to add an extra IP packet than you are to eat something that is a cheat. If you need some sweets add some pudding or a shake or even a bar. I know some people don't like to eat restricted items but you are so much better off having a restricted or a even second restricted than to break down and eat the wrong stuff. What is it your tom is causing you to crave???

I phased-off IP and am just now getting back using alternate products this time. If alternate products don't work by next week, I'm going back to IP products because I'm ready to lose the weight. My signature pic is my new starting weight of 173 lbs.


Sandra, white knuckle it through the temptation. Here's something to keep in mind, losing fat releases estrogen. The estrogen release may do crazy things to your menstruation cycle. See this heavy flow as an aspect of the weight loss and a symbol that you're healthier than you were and getting healthier each day that you stay OP. Stay strong!!! We're with you on this! :carrot:

Sandra. why do you have stuff around that you shouldn't be eating?
Best way to avoid temptation is not to have the bad stuff there.

I know you mentioned before your hubby is very health conscious so he shouldn't mind not having stuff you can't eat in the house.

If there are things he can eat but you can't why not store them separately out of sight?


Pat

Hi
I guess I would qualify as a re-starter, I started the IP program in late May and stayed on perfectly until late June. During that month I lost 16 lbs. then we went out of town for a month and I didn't stay on plan very well. The good news is that I only gained back one lb. I was shocked and happy that it wasn't more. Now I am ready to jump back into the program and get about 25-30 more pounds off. I weigh in on Mondays so wont know until then how I'm doing.
It's great to find a group of re-starters to check in with and share the ups and downs (no pun intended!) of weight loss!

Good idea!! It is just that I am uncontrollable! I am ashamed of what I ate (and I ate a lot) ! God! I hate myself sometimes :( I crave everything that is bad, mostly sweets but also, all kind of carbs such as corn, potatoes, bread, etc.

Thanks for the encouragement :hug:

If anything a heavy Tom requires more red meat.
Consider doing some phase 2 days to get yourself on track and then go back to phase 1. You know this will work of you stick to it.

I agree- rid the house of temptation and refocus on the things you can have and that you like!

Hello Pat,

I am not quite sure why at some points I get so stupid and uncontrollable when it comes to food choices!!

My husband is health conscious indeed, but that doesn't mean that he deprives himself of whatsoever he likes, but he works out intensively so he burns a lot, he is so devoted to training, he is at the gym most of his free time.

Here is a picture of both of us from last Sunday while camping, you can see his muscle definition while you can see all my rolls of fat.

Welcome to the group :) you can do it!

Sandra, you look very toned and firm even at your current weight. You will be a knock-out at your goal weight. Keep going!

Thanks for the encouragement :hug: I really need it! This is why I cried for help, cause I really need encouragement, so big thank you :)

This is a great thread. I am on the cusp of possibly maybe sorta re-starting but maybe not.

I realize that the reason I would not is largely because I am not at the same point I was at late last year. Late last year and in years prior I was disgusted with myself. I had it. I was tired of feeling tired. I did not like lifting up my pant leg to tie my shoes. And I really did not like my reflection in store front windows.

Well, you shrink down, you buy cuter clothes, you start checking yourself out in the window, yes it's all about vanity. And even if you put on a little it can become easier to rationalize because you are not where you were at during that point of total frustration and total devotion and focus on getting better.

I do believe the motivation is so much more powerful when you are 123% in on this and this is all you want and you dream about it and you daydream and you window shop and you check out the mannequins wondering if... When I committed in Dec. I did such a huge food dump it made me sick but I did it and every single tip on this web site I followed. If someone said get this salt I did or do that or this. I became obsessed. I was in it. I was in it till the end.

Now, this is not my normal nature. I am lazy, easily distracted and am not big on commitment. But, i wanted this and I wanted to see it through and all the other success stories motivated me. I saw it was doable and if I followed their path I could get there.

Lately, I have been enjoying some of the good feelings you get from carbs. They are super addictive, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I rank them up there with caffeine and booze (which is a carb) It takes over. But, it's a bad lover. Don' let it woo you again and make you feel good and all kinds of things ( I want to keep this g rated...)

You have power over this but until you get to the point where you are 110% I think frustration will be the main feeling you deal with instead of the euphoria from seeing smaller numbers on the scale and trying on smaller clothes.

I hope I am not being harsh. please understand this is as much for anyone out there as it is for me. I'm trying to stop myself before I get back to where I need to restart but it's hard. It's really, really, really, really hard. Veggies. Blecht. It's hard. Water. Oh crap. Did I drink any? It's hard.

So for those of you who are 110%, do this. Grab it by the horns and do this. Make it happen. You know how. The rest like me either need to dial it back quickly or hit 100% and soon. These carbs have a way of poofing you out before you know it and stretch jeans only stretch so far.