Back, again
 

Hi!

I doubt there's anyone in here that would remember me but I've done IP twice before and started my third time today. I wasn't ready to do it again before now but I'm actually really excited to start! I know it works and there's a game plan in place for post IP, that's not eat all the foods. I've learned that really doesn't work.

I'm doing IP on my own this time with alternatives so you guys are my coaches :)

So excited to see myself at the goal!

me, too
 

hi there...I was not a regular poster, but was on IP in 2011. I have gained a bit of weight back, and am ready to start again, and I'm all in. I'm using alternatives, too, and doing it on my own. I know how it's done from my past experience, and I was never impressed with the coaches at my clinic - they weren't very friendly, or knowledgeable in my opinion. My husband and I started two weeks ago and are both down 9 pounds - good start. We both are in ketosis, and are going full steam ahead.
Good luck to you on your journey - let's get our heads in this re-do and make it a great success!

Me too! Day 2 of my reboot. Using my leftover IP food than alternatives. My friend is going to be my accountability partner - so I take a picture of my weigh in and text it to her. I'm looking forward to getting back on track!

Welcome back, and happy losing!

Welcome back! I love that you refer to the community as your coaches. Such a great source of support here!

I'm restarting again as well. I started last week, but have sort of been easing into it. I didn't weigh myself because I was too scared to see the truth. Planning to be 100% this week and then hopefully I get the courage to get on the scale and see how far I really need to go!
Here's to a happy, healthy week ahead!

Ditto. I used IP almost 4-5 years ago (guessing). Lost 60lbs. Kept it off 6-7 months. Had a bad reaction to some antibiotics, had gall bladder removed, took prednisone (evil ****) for over 3 months because of resulting liver inflammation from antibiotics, and put on almost 30lbs. overnight. I tried IP again once I was off the evil ****, but it did bad things to my digestive track. I'm back up to 210, hubby is up to 260, and we're thinking of starting again but with Proti-thin products.

Welcome back, everyone! Lots of first timers here, but lots of people here too that are rebooting or doing IP for the second time, so you'll have lots of company on your journey. Good thing is, you know it works. Good luck!

pselias - prednisone (evil ****) ... good way to describe it! :mad:

When I was 25, I had a blood disorder, and had to take prednisone for the best part of 3 years. Nasty, Got the dreaded chipmunk face, acne all over my face and neck, and of course weight gain. To this day, I think that's where my weight problems started.

Rebooting here, too. :)

Great to see you all here! I am on day 2 of my reboot.

I lost about 45 pounds on IP in 2010. Within a year, I had my gallbladder removed and within a year of that all the weight was back on. I've attempted a reboot twice since. Did not stick to it. I feel like I am all in this time. Looking forward to sharing the journey!

Back again
 

Me too! 3rd time also because I ate all the foods after with no phasing off or lifestyle change! This time is different! I'm glad to hear from ya'll because I'm not a first timer so I was looking for people who had the same struggle as me. Thanks for speaking up!

I too restarted for the third time yesterday. I have let myself be completely out of control. I haven't been well physically and in my self destructive mind I convinced myself that I needed to eat things I know I shouldn't. I had a severe kidney infection which lead to a CT scan. Found out I have gallstones and am waiting for a referral to have my gallbladder removed. I also found out yesterday that my liver is enlarged. I am freaking out thinking I'm going to die but trying to stay focused on eating 100%. I have gained 28lbs since Being off IP:(

I am also doing this on all alternatives.

Just registered...
 

Just registered to respond! I am going to a clinic and just about 2 weeks into the journey. :) Was happy to see some new/restarting peeps. There are a few groups of people who have been doing this for awhile and I was hoping to see some journey starters like me!

I am loving how EASY it is so far, it has fit into my lifestyle perfectly. I was already a fan of low-carb/ketosis diets, but was having troubling sticking to it. I was making way too many allowances for myself so I was never getting anywhere. On IP I find it easy to 'stick to protocol'. My 2nd weigh in is Monday. I keep wishing I were 2 months into this rather than 2 weeks, but I have to be patient. :)

It's nice to see I'm not alone needing to do this diet again! I eased into the first week, having a little extra protein but it's not quite been a week and I'm into it full swing now. I'm excited to see myself in a few months!

I restarted for the third time this Saturday, so it's Day 3 for me. I did well for many months, and then I didn't practice any restraint in eating foods. I got a new job with a lot of travel and stress, and hit my highest weight ever. I am sick and tired of being this big and it's now on! IP is the only diet that I am successful on and I am so relieved to be starting it again. Here's to success for all of us!!!

I'm heading for my 2nd weigh in this evening. I know I am down just a few more pounds. A few is great... I'm just worried about getting stuck at this weight. So far I'm not any lower than I have been able to get to previously... Just have this fear of not continually progressing for some reason.

My clothes are looser. I am free from the feeling like I need to EAT ALL THE FOOD. :) I need to be happy in these things instead of worrying about the next pound. It will come!

Hi, I restarted on Saturday too. This time I am doing it on my own and using alternatives. This would be the third time, so I know pretty well the protocol. I am sick and tired of being overweight. I feel embarrassed and disgusted with myself. I am very excited to restart and fully committed to it.
Let's go girls! WE ARE WORTH IT! ( I have to repeat it to myself...:/)

Well my weigh in was only showing 1 pound lost. I know from my own weigh ins that I've made a little more headway than that. But I understand water weight, etc, can affect my weights. My clothes are still fitting better and better! I've lost enough that I spend extra time getting ready in the morning because I can't help stopping to try on the things in my closet that didn't fit a month ago.

Me too
 

I am rebooting again. Feels better this time!

third time for me too. I need to get this off and phase off properly. Ihaven't phased off the last two times. Third times a charm..

Hi everyone. I have been maintaining for nearly three years and I have had to do 2-3 week reboots multiple times throughout to stay within my range. Truly, I have never completely followed main. as I should hence the more frequent than most reboots.

I started a new job in November and travel heavily. Plus we work in an industry where lunch is catered nearly everyday or we are taking clients out. Needless to say, between the travel and the work lunches, I began packing on the pounds. Oh, and I am in graduate school full-time! Yee-haw for going all in!

Anyways, point I am trying to make is that I have really had to shift my thinking about re-starting/re-booting, etc. and tell myself that as someone who spent several years overweight, I will always have to be a scale watcher and ultimately make decisions rather quickly to stay in line.

I began a re-start 16 days ago and didn't get on the scale. KMN I hear you on not wanting to scare or frankly depress yourself. Today I jumped on and I am sitting at 140. WHOA. I must have started closer to 150 which is the heaviest I have been since I started three years ago. Usually I am between 130-135 with 130 being ideal and 135 being the high range. You know where my mind went? Straight to forget this...it must not be working...I am not eating what I want and still over my goal so why don't I just go eat a breakfast burrito or something?

Instead, I took a deep breathe and came on here. Main. even more than weight loss is a journey that NEVER ends unfortunately. The battle of the bulge still continues. However, I take solace in the fact that we all have the tools and the power to control our weight which is relieving. Before starting IP I remember watching the scale and feeling utterly powerless...and I was. No other diets worked.

We are all in this together and I am cheering for you all. Regardless of how many times you are starting, re-starting, etc. the truth is that it never ends. What's great is that we have IP.

I totally hear you on not depressing yourself by getting on the scale. I didn't either until the Dr. had to weigh me 2 weeks ago. I had already been on reboot for about 2 weeks, so when I saw 144 I could only assumed I had gotten back up to almost 150. Only 12lbs less than my original starting weight in 2010, when I did IP the first time.
I'm happy to say I did WI last Weds. and saw 136.8, so I feel back in the saddle, but SOooo one day at a time. Doing alternatives as well this time and staying on the group site for support. My head is not as arrogant as last time, when I thought I had this beat at 121. You are so right...this is a constant vigilance. One I will not take for granted when I reach my goal. Let's just keep moving forward and remember how good it feels to feel better! Oh...and I am sticking to a once a week WI. Last time I was obsessed with the scale. This time, I'm just feeling how much better I feel in my clothing :0)

I am also back, but after a deliberate break for 2 months so I could enjoy the summer fruits and berries. Happily I didn't regress much -- 3 pounds, and I think it is mainly the water weight from adding carbs. I have to say I didn't really feel it was too hard to maintain, but it might be the time of year. Much easier to avoid cookies and baked goods in the summer. So... back again, with a short term goal of 20 additional pounds lost. Aiming for Halloween for that goal. We shall see. :)

After a very thorough shopping trip yesterday, hubby and I started today. We are 213 and 257 respectively. I'm definitely hungry.

Dinner was great though! We splurged on some nice, lean steaks. We drizzled them with garlic infused olive oil and some seasoning for the grill. We ate them with side salads using a baby spinach and spring mix with Walden Farms dressing, as well as asparagus. The asparagus was sautéed with more of the olive oil and just salt and pepper.

We still have our snacks to do yet tonight (we eat pretty early with little kids in the house). I'm having trouble getting my water in today. I've never really drunk much during the day, so now I feel like I'm in the bathroom constantly.

I also put in an order on Nashua for some Proti-thin and ProtiDiet products. I just got a random sample of things so we can find out what we like. Hopefully I read all of the labels correctly. :0)

That sounds like a delicious dinner! :)

The water requirement was really hard for me at the beginning. I've just never been one who requires much fluid (I joke that I'm part camel), so it took a couple of weeks to get used to the water. Now I actually miss it if I haven't had at least 24 oz by lunch time. I've also noticed how much the water has helped the texture of my skin - I was probably incredibly dehydrated much of the time before. The frequent bathroom breaks are kind of annoying, but I just tell myself I'm peeing away the fat! LOL.

I'm doing all alternatives, and have found the PD and PT products need a little tweaking. I add 1/4 tsp. baking powder and 1 egg white to pancake mixes; I let the PD chili soak with water for 5 minutes before cooking. I just got some Weight Loss Systems puddings and LOVE those as my evening snack, as they're low in calories and volume and while they satisfy my sweet tooth, they don't make me feel over-stuffed before bed.

I'm starting back today and it feels good to finally have a goal. This is my second time on IP, Phase I. I have regained my weight loss plus 14 lbs. I went directly from Phase I to my old ways of eating. This time I am going to following the three phases and maintain my new weight. I kept thinking that I could get my weight under control and just kept putting more and more weight.

I know we shouldn't weigh every day, but it's hard not to peek! Down 1lb in 3 days! Hubs is already down 3! It made us both feel really good, because Day 3 was tough. We're both feeling a bit sluggish and headachy from the calorie, caffeine, and sugar decrease.

Hi everyone. Day 22 of the reboot and going strong!

Tig...when I first did phase 1 in 2010 I took a three week break because I wanted to enjoy Thanksgiving and give myself some time. I have read on here that taking a break for summer, vacations, etc. can be a really bad idea and I completely disagree. If you cannot take a break and eat some of the things you enjoy (within reason of course) than how can you maintain? You are a great example of being able to do this. For me, this break really gave me the stamina I needed to have to make it to goal and I am so happy that I did it. Looking back I feel as if I would not have made it without taking some time off.

Wyoming...where in Wyo do you live? I grew up in Casper.

Stay strong everyone! A reboot/re-start in really just a part of the process in staying healthy and within range!

(raises hand) I'm urbannie and I'm back again, too.
It was really hard to walk back into the clinic to restart; felt a lot of self-shame, but thankfully I have a great coach...plus, the desire to once again feel as good (knees, ankles, lower back) as I did when I was at goal weight totally outweighed (pun intended) the shame.
I have mostly lurked here; so grateful to have some place to come where I can learn and be inspired. Thank you, regular posters, for sharing your journeys with us!

Back again also--long post!
 

Hi all, hubby went on IP in January of '14. I was on IP since September '14 - (hubby had lost 100 lbs and I was inspired. ) I stayed on all through the holidays, travel, etc. Lost almost 30 pounds. But I started to deviate just a bit in late May. All that summer fruit was so tempting-- and then frozen yogurt-- and then...barbecues, and well-- You get the idea.We then both did a partial phase off in June- but we didn't pay attention enough to phase 3 and 4 and of course we QUICKLY regained weight. (Hubby 25 lbs and me 15). We kinda went back to the old weight gain eating style ways. I confess I felt like I DESERVED to be able to eat whatever after such adherence for months! A bit rebellious I guess, and mad about such an easy regain. Plus I was swimming twice a day and thought that would help prevent gain. Maybe it did, considering how I ate...

Tried weightwatchers but it was SO slow (compared to how fast I had gained in June and July. And my pants were feeling tight that had been loose before. :(

So yesterday I faced the music. I returned to my coach who said that although I had gained back weight, my stats weren't too bad..my swimming had gained me some muscle, and she assured me that lots of people do IP 2 or 3 times before they learn how their body responds to a return to eating "normally." And so today I started back on. Got the headache and a bit of nausea too. Feeling like I want to EAT something!!

But I really enjoyed looking trimmer and feeling better about my appearance before. I remember feeling so great on IP as long as I ate frequently enough.
Someone I know did Optifast and has kept the weight off so IP should be possible to do the same, right?

Sometimes I feel like giving up because it seems like I am just fighting my nature to have a body with extra weight. :(. Anyone else ever feel like it was futile to fight your body's tendency towards a chubby shape? It seems like you must diet strictly FOREVER. And the minute you eat a bit unhealthily, BOOM! The pounds are back! Only good thing is my skin has filled out again so it is not so saggy...

Sorry to go on and on guys. Just feeling unsure of being successful. I wish all of you a great day!

Nanlee I can relate totally to what you're saying. Sometimes I think what's the point, I'm short and chubby and will always be that way. I will always have to be on some sort of "diet" to keep this weight off....something I'm not sure I'm prepared to do. The other option is giving in and eating whatever you want, but feeling awful in your own skin. I hate that feeling too. So I chose to stay on track and workout to try and fight this battle. Good luck. You're not alone.

I read this somewhere:
Being fat is hard.
Losing weight is hard.
Maintainance is hard.
Pick your hard.

For those of us who don't have metabolisms that naturally keep us thin, it's a life of making smart diet choices and always being mindful of what we put in our mouth.

I'm back also. I won't say how many times I've done IP (it's embarrassing), but I know it works. It's the ONLY thing I have done successfully to lose weight. This is going to be HARD, but I know I can do it. :) I've made the mistake of not phasing off, so that's why I was never successful in maintaining. Each time I've been on IP, this support group has been a big part of my success. Tomorrow I'm going back to the IP place to start. Once again.

I think the problem in 'taking a break' is that most of the time the break isn't done like one should eat when at Maintenance... it's often a break to eat whatever we freakin' feel like, lol. Which is why there is weight gain after it and not maintaining the weight we took the break at. If one phases off and takes a proper maintenance break, and maintains their weight within a couple pounds due to glycogen restoration, THEN, yes, it can be a good thing if one is feeling diet fatigue. It's not a good thing when it's just an excuse to go wild again and eat like we did before we knew better.
Many have been there and done that... and we have learned from it (I hope :D)
Liana

I'm back again too! Without a coach as well and trying to figure out how I can maintain my exercise routine and stay on plan. This week I'm keeping my Kick boxing classes and adding extra packets, so hopefully that works.

I'm scheduling my skin removal surgery for next February and I want my body fat to be low so I have a really good end result (I had a gastric bypass in 2001, lost 150 lbs and have managed to keep off 120 through three kids and a marriage).

I'm up 35lbs since I last went off IP three years ago and am looking forward to getting back down into my sweet spot and fitting into my clothes better.

I am restarting this week also. I lost 40lbs and gained back 20 of that. I tried to restart with alternatives, but it didn't work. Three days ago, I went back to my clinic, sat with a coach/nurse and bought IP food. For me, if I don't use my clinic and IP food and stick with my weigh ins, I go off-course. The ladies at my clinic are so kind, yet tough. They are such a great tool for me and what I need to do this. For me, the alternatives and not weighing in at a clinic just didn't work. I'm excited to start again and be active on this blog. I also am doing DietBet, which is SO FUN (and easy money if you are doing IP 100%)!!! Good luck to everyone!

By the way- I just discovered some new IP foods that were introduced after I stopped using them the first time around. First is the apple cinnamon oat meal. It is really good!! The best discovery is the Walden Farms creamers!! I am NOT a fan of Walden Farm products generally. However, the Walden Farms sweet cream is great in coffee or over a microwaved IP brownie...YUM-O!

Hi All, I'm starting over tomorrow for the umpteen time also but I know this works so it just takes commitment on my part which I am ready to do now. Hope this board stays active because this is where we get the accountability. Wont weigh in until next Monday. Lets keep going together.

Hi all, starting over also. look forward to staying on track this time.

Thanks Sunflower40! Really appreciate the encouragement and knowing that others have felt as I do. I guess I finally do get it that there isn't any going back to the way I ate before. This is a new way of life if I want to look and feel as good as I did. In a way it's cool that it is so easy to regain the weight FAST-because you can't really ignore it! Here's to our health!!