Hi All,

Don't tend to be hugely in to posting on sites, as a general rule, but came across this, and thought I might give it a whirl - Great site and so much information!

So, here's a little intro on me.

Losing weight isn't so much of a problem for me - it's keeping it off.
I have been a bit addicted to various forms of starvation diets over the years, I have never had enough patience for the healthy 1lb per week approach...
Since my first proper weight lost when in University at the age of 20 - 6st (84lbs) lost, I have gone on to put all the weight back on and lose it over the years three more times, that's an approximate total of 24 stone (304lbs) lost and re-gained over the last 10 years.

This time, while I had the confidence that I could do it, I still don't believe that I can manage to keep it off, So, with this in mind I have enlisted some help, I have a personal trainer twice a week, and I started going to a doctor who specialises in VLCD's (Very Low Calorie Diets), so I am on a really low Carb, High Protein diet at the moment, which results in about 3.5lb losses each week.
the big reason for the expensive doctor is more so that when I finally come close to losing the weight -
1. I will finally actually get to goal weight (I have always been a few pounds away)
2. Because of my fondness for being a bit more extreme in my dieting, I though undertaking a medically supervised diet would be advisable
3. Because what I really need is the help ,when I finally do get to my goal in sticking to a sensible eating plan, and keeping motivated.

Anyway, I know that was pretty long as introductions go, so hope it wan't too boring...

Would love to hear from anyone else on a VLCD or who has had success using it as a tool to kickstart/complete weightloss

Thanks

E

The problem with VLCDs is the transition from losing weight to maintaining when you hit your goal. Your body gets very efficient at working on the lower calories and it's almost impossible to go back to even moderate eating without regaining. I know a few people around here who went to the same type of doctor. So far, only one that I know of has maintained her loss... and she's done so by eating next to nothing.

No matter, I do wish you luck. However, I really do suggest you learn the patience of 1 or 2 pounds a week. In my opinion you learn a better way of living along the way. This is something that rapid weight loss doesn't seem to do. Good luck, and hopefully someone with more info on VLCD will step in (and be more encouraging).

I agree...most people who lose on the VLCDs end up gaining it all back within a year or two - especially if they've been yo-yo dieters in the past. Losing a pound a week might seem overbearingly slow, but the chances of you keeping it off over the long haul make it worth the wait.

Thanks for your replies.
I do understand where you both are coming from, but I suppose I look at it this way...I know myself inside out, and as you can see from my post, I have had quite a lot of experience losing weight using various methods (1-2lbs per week included)...

What I know for sure is that I will not stick to a diet where I see results of only 1lb or even 2lbs for a week, so, for me, and lots of other people, the lesser of two evils is to be on a diet which is more difficult to maintainat the end, than simply dropping a diet after a couple of months because the results aren't motivating enough.

This is really the whole basis of the VLCD, that it is not 100% ideal, but it is certainly better to lose weight this way than stay the current weight you are!

Welcome to 3FC! Surf around and settle in! We have subforums based on age, eating plan, exercise and more!

It does sound like you know yourself well. What are your plans for maintenance?

Hi There Midwife, and thanks for the welcome!

Well, the whole maintenance thing is kind of why I went to the Doctor in the first place, so that I can get a bit of help with it.

But basically, though I am a good way off having to think about it yet - another 99lbs to go or so - it involves gradual re-introduction of carbs through different phases - so at the beginning after goal, you start introducing fruit back, then after a couple of weeks non processed carbs with an emphasis on low GI foods, the stages continue until you are able to consume your ideal calorie requirements for your body weight, and that those calories are balanced from all the food groups.
I guess at that point I will really have to step up the excercise regime also, in order to get the old metabolism back on track.

The other thing about this diet is that in general they don't recommend you stay on it until you get to your goal. Its based on your body being in Ketosis (where it switches from using Glucose reserves to using only fat for energy) and the max time medically recommended to be in Ketosis is 18-20 weeks, though it looks like one can come out of Ketosis, and then maintain, or lose small amounts for a while before going back to the VLCD again to get to goal.
So, that's my vaguely formed plan for now