Hi Maria -- you're asking the converted so it's tough to give you advice. But here are some pros/cons:
PROS:
+ you won't lose weight faster on any other plan. The weight definitely comes off at a good rate in this diet
+ This is a great support group so if you have questions, with or without a coach, you can do this
+ It resets your pancreas so if you have insulin related issues, this diet is great for getting things back on track
+ It's easy to do for giving you specific rules to follow that are pretty straight forward. If you stick to the plan you don't have to think too much and it works
+ due to the lower calories strenuous exercise is discouraged (what? we lose weight without exercise?!)
+ you already have a support group at work to talk to as well -- that makes a big difference!
+ you eat a variety of very healthy foods. Lots of veggies and lean meats

CONS
-it's a bit more expensive to do IP if you use the IP products -- but you can get alternatives all over the place
- it's tough to do in the summer if you love fruit and ice cream as there is no dairy,fruit or wheat allowed (BUT it's cheaper now because veggies are fresh)
- you really have to be committed to do this plan. Little cheats will set you back several days as your body gets into a fat burning mode and too much sugar or carbs will stop that fat burning mode for 3 days.

Overall, it's a great plan and it works. However, you have to be ready for a lifestyle change after -- if you just go back to eating what you're eating now, you'll put the weight all back just as fast as you took it off.

If you're serious about losing weight, and serious about making changes to keep it off later, then this is a great way to go!

Absolutely excellent summary!

And welcome Maria!

I'll add one more thought to the excellent summary by IP43...

It is the EXACT RIGHT CALORIES AND NUTRITION your body needs to function at optimum levels during weight loss.

The balance of all the nutritional items within each product (or alternative product) as well as the balance among all the foods you eat throughout the day makes the lower calorie count very safe. Not one calorie is wasted as an "empty calorie" as is so often the case in many other ways of eating. Your body us being properly nourished with every bite!

You will be EXTREMELY pleased if you join us!

for the vote of confidence and the pep talk ladies!! I did !!! I stayed away from the food that was no nos, and focused on what I could eat. They had some 6 ft subs, so I took the insides out and threw out the bread and added little extra tomato, lettuce, and onion, a little mustard and ate it with a fork. I didn't drink any alcohol even though she had my favorite wine...but I did drink 3 bottles of water! I have to say that dessert time was incredibly hard. Her Italian mom is a fabulous baker and all those italian desserts all lined up...about killed me. I actually had to go outside to get away and regain my strength when everyone sat down next to me... their plated piled high with creme puffs, tiramisu, chocolate covered Zeppolis, and cannolis, OMGOSH!!! BUT.... I am so very proud to say that I did not have any at all! I swear not one single lick!

And this morning the scale gave me a little reward for my determination!

I this explanation Laurie!

: you got this!!!!!! I'm proud of you!! And what a great feeling to have stayed OP and be rewarded by your scale!!!!

Great job Linda!!! Your dedication to this will continue to pay off. At tough times I tell myself, it's not forever, it's not forever... I know I will be able to eat those goodies again in the future (in moderation of course!) when I am where I want to be with my weight.

For Maria, one of the greatest things about this diet is the lack of hunger! If you had told me previously that I could subsist on 800-900 calories a day and not be miserable I would have thought you were nuts. But it's true!!! Go for it!!!

Thank you!!you guys!

Maria!

Way to go Linda! I was thinking about you. You are strong and will see this through to goal weight. Each situation going forward will be easier to handle. I just keep telling myself that it is not forever - It's something I have to do right now to get back to a healthy weight. Then I will be able to control myself around the temptations and have a few but not the whole table full

Thank you Nancy! I do feel stronger and more in control. Feels so good! Haha, I have to laugh at your comment about only eating a few and not the whole table...haha, this was so me...

where can I learn more about this diet I need help thanks

If you go to the top 2 "stickies" in red above all these threads you'll find information there. The other good place to go is the "Daily Chat". Before all the chat are some of the best threads -- including the information you need for starting the diet called "Phase 1". It tells you exactly what you need to do/eat each day, what vitamins to take etc.

Take time to read a bit and ask questions before jumping in so you have time to get yourself set up and understand what you're doing. You basically would be eating some specific products for breakfast lunch and snack, 2 cups of veggies at lunch too, and 2 cups at dinner with lean meat. If you can go to an Ideal Protein clinic, you can get the supplements you need there, but you can buy other products for breakfast/lunch/snacks that would work online or at many stores.

Enjoy some reading and don't hesitate to ask if you need help

sorry for silly question. what is a sticky and where art they

I do not know about you, but I almost get a 'high' from being able to triumph in a situation like that! It shows that the mind really can handle all those challenging environments. Just put those old mental processes into high gear. That feeling of success AND the feeling the next morning...lower weight, clean mouth, no dragging feeling.....