[Msbehaving]

Congrats on taking the first step. My doctor recommended this program and it is sold through their office. I have visited with a couple of different counselors - I like one better. My first fee included the same things you mention plus unlimited counseling. The counseling for me has really been weigh in, measurements, any questions. 90% of the information I know about now has come from this forum.

I'm going to stay with the counseling for a while, and continue to educate myself on alternatives. I have a lot to lose (over 100), so for me ANY investment is worth improved health. I think the accountability helps me.

[lisa32989]

Originally Posted by TNmom

Ok so eeeeek! I just called and spoke to the clinic. The initial 275 covers all your supplements, salt and 28 products. You never pay the initial fee again for your WIs and there is not stipulation on how long it takes you to lose the weight. Then its 84 a week for your food. So I made a appointment for this coming Wednesday. I am so excited and ready!

My clinic's fees are like yours. The up-front fee was for the counseling, weigh-ins, first month supplements, shaker, and first week products. My only fee is for food purchases now. There is not stipulation about how long & no additional fees for weigh-ins/meaurements/or special body-scan weigh-ins (my coach uses the Tanita scale every time). Some coaches charge extra for these things.

Ultimately it is an individual decision whether to use a clinic and coach or to go alone. Some of us have signed with clinics/coaches but then became disillusioned b/c the coach wasn't that helpful. Others have great coaches. It seems to be hit-or-miss. I have stuck with my clinic because of maintenance. Ten years ago I lost 100 lbs on another low carb plan and had an epic fail in maintenance. I do not want to repeat that again. I chose IP expressly because of the maintenance support.

After 29 weeks, I feel I could continue P1 alone successfully to goal (well, without my coach...NOT without 3FC IP!) but I want long-term success so I have chosen to continue with my clinic. I have purchased some alternatives so I'm not buying everything at the clinic but I buy at least 2 boxes/week there plus the supplements. I decided if I was going to use the clinic, I needed to be prepared to support her business.

I have faced some other health problems and have decided I am switching to some other options (real egg + egg white instead of IP egg packets, for example) but I still use IP products that will work in spite of my health problems. I cut out all products with soy & gluten. This doesn't leave many IP product choices.

Anyway, the people here will support you no matter which direction you choose! We all have the same ultimate goals!

[TNmom]

Thanks for all the responses! I hope to update everyone with hopefully a good experience at the first visit!

[sryder06]

Hi there,
I originally went on IP in July 2012 and found myself spending more money than I wanted. So, I quit the program. I am now in a better financial position but, I have decided to go online. I found it to be almost a waste of time going to the clinic because all my coach did was weigh me and do measurements. She was awesome to say the least but, it was 20 miles from my house and I was only there for five minutes. I am just having my husband do my measurements and having the food delivered. I just started again this week but, so far so good

[TNmom]

Sryder: are you ordering from plain protein or are you using different products? Yay... glad to have people starting around the same time as myself.
If I can just get past the first few days then I got it. I tend to think I'm hungry when physically I'm really not. That coupled with being a bottomless pit is not a good combo. I cannot wait. Feels good to have a 'plan of action'.
My bday is in the summer. Would love to have my bday party on the water with friends and not constantly be tugging a t-shirt over my stomach in embarrassment. Yup taking the boat out, grilling, water-sports, maybe rent a cabin and sitting by a fire down by the water at night goofing off with friends sounds like a pretty good birthday to me! If I can just enjoy that moment instead of worrying about my waistline.... that will be a big NSV for me. Looks like I have some planning and work to do between now and then!

[Calisto]

I think it boils down to guilty mom syndrome... I hate spending $ on myself thinking I'm taking something away from my family.

I understand, my husband and I both started at the same time and we have 4 kids. At first I felt bad but then I noticed we spent less on food. Less junk food (even for the kid) less eating out etc. I go through the clinic and I am glad I do. It's not my regular doctor but I do plan on going in for blood workup (after 3.5 months of being on IP)

[TNmom]

Calisto: I know the $ part sucks. BUT I'm hoping that shelling out my hard earned cash will add even more accountability for me. I'm ready for Wednesday. My appointment isn't until after my work day so I will be starting the plan this Thursday.