Realtor...sorry you are having trouble...I found that I could only do the shakes if I did them in the blender and not the shaker. I did 8oz of water, the shake packet and I used crushed ice from the ice maker( I found that the blender did better if it was already crushed some instead of in cube form)

I hope that helps you some. Have a great weekend!:)

Ok- I have been off this site for awhile but still on program (will be changing to new lifestyles next month- soy doesn't get along with me too well). I have an announcement- for the first time in many many years I am in ONDERLAND!!!

198 to be exact- down 65 pounds with about 5 cheat days (2xs lasted 2 days)- only 4 months.

Stats:
Starting shirt size: 32 Now: 14/16
" pants: 22/24 Now: 16

Unbelievable.... I am surprising even myself. Hope everyone, all my friends, are doing well and are successful!

Congrats Jana! I can't wait to see Onederland!

I found the best consistency with shakes is the next day. Try making the shake, with 8 ounces of water, and then letting it sit overnight. The consistency is much thicker and just 1 or 2 ice-cubes crushed make the perfect slushy.

Can't help anyone with the oatmeal. I love it...my favorite food. I do add quite a bit more water and make it soupy, so I don't know if that will help anyone.

I think I broke my plateau. I haven't changed my ticker, but I think I lost 3lbs this week. Spent the day at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston...so enjoyable. I walked around all day, but nothing "heart-pounding," so I don't know whether or not to count any towards exercise.

Hope everyone is finding success. Operator, where are you?

Excellent Jana!!!! I bet your just in 7th heaven right now. Good for you! What are you going to transition to? Keep us posted! btw I love your signature with the breakdown of weight-loss (including the cheats!)
Jen, was the trip to the museum with this guy or a different trip... do tell! Oh, and LOL... You and I love the oatmeal, its true, but I do it the opposite of you. I add the exact amount of water, but I nuke it at full power for about 5 minutes. It makes it really thick and yummy!
Also, I agree with Jen... Operator?
Ooops, gotta go. Be Good all, Missy

REALTOR....i like the shakes really cold. i make them with 8 oz water and then put them in the freezer for 10 minutes. also, i only drink the chocolate and rarely the banana.

I only lost 1.5 lbs this week and feel like crying. right now i want an ENTIRE pizza! I guess the reason I am feeling depressed is because medifast is expensive, at least for me, and the only way I can justify spending the $ is to tell myself the weight loss will be quicker than WW or something similar. my plan was to only do medifast for 2-3 months and take off 50lbs. then I was going to transition to WW (slower, but real food and more realistic for the long run). Here it has only been 2 weeks and I have stayed 100% op. feeling desperate.

anyone know why my profile pic doesn't display when I post?

Romans, if I am not mistaken, you have lost 10lbs in 2 weeks? That is a really high percentage of weight loss! You should be joyful! Most people lose a lot of weight the first week as the body gets rid of some water weight associated with high carb diets. I think it is very typical to lose 1-2 lbs the next, so you are far from atypical in that regard. Even though I am (and was) substantially heavier than you, I think I only lost 2lbs the second week. Plus, since that first month, I only lose 1-3lbs a week, which is a healthy percentage of weight loss. Heck, I just got off a 17 day plateau where I only lost 1lb! Everyone loses differently, so setting a goal, especially one so challenging, may be setting yourself up for failure.

Medifast is not cheap...for sure. For me, I was spending just as much, if not more, in take-out foods, so it is a draw. Now that my eating is under control, I think I could be saving a lot of money in groceries to go off the program. However, I am looking at it as an investment in my health, which is why I see no immediate end in my Medifast future. Plus, I like how my weight-loss is consistent. I may only lose 2lbs a week, but that week could have passed like so many in my past, where I could have maintained or gained.

But, you've got to do what works for you. If you are listless, moody, and unhappy on the program, maybe it isn't right for you. There is no shame in that. However, your unhappiness may be due to unrealistic expectations. I think you should be so happy to have lost 10lbs in 2 weeks!

As for the picture, I think (but Missy may be able to clarify), that 3FC has limits on new members. I know you can't get a signature for 30 days...that may apply to a picture as well. If not, you can ask in the forum help section of the site.

Missy, it was a 2nd date. It went really well. Not sure where we are going next. It is a little harder because we live about 70-90 minutes away from each other (depending on traffic).

Well friends, I stepped on the scale to see a 40lb loss this morning. Let's see, I've been on the program for 14 weeks and have lost about 2.85lbs a week on average. Not too shabby! I wish I could see a difference, though. I can feel one, but can't really see it in the mirror yet. Neither can my friends as I have yet to receive one comment or question if I've lost weight. No matter, I am just happy that I am continuing on this downward track and wondering how many of my outfits will still fit when school starts up again.

Happy day, chickies!

It's good to be back. Scale was down this morning.

I have to say, its amazing to me how many people get to the second or third week and decide they aren't losing fast enough and walk away. I'm on the "MyMedifast" site and it happens constantly. I encourage them to look at how much they have lost in a several week period. Romans, if WW works for you, that's good for you. It hasn't worked for me, the 6 times I've tried it in the last 15 years. You will know in your heart what you will feel most comfortable doing. I don't know why MF works so much better for me, but it really does... but we are all different. However, I do know that WW has slower weight loss than even a slow month in MF. For me, I think maybe WW is too many choices and too many opportunities for sugar...

Everytime I get into the 230s I get scared, I think. This is my third time into the 230s in the past couple of months. Last time I got to 233 and then binged. I'm hoping to proceed down to the 220s and get it over with this time. I've come to believe that I need to feel happy about what I eat, or my body will resist it and either plateau or gain. I seem to be doing more of a 4 and 2 rather than a 5 and 1, and some of that is financial, and some psychological, but whatever it is, it seems to work better for me than a whole lot of other things! :)

We have begun (as of last night) our several week long celebration of my BF's birthday. Last night was our annual trip to a Rockies game. My bank offers 2 for one club level tickets. We went last year to the club level so I knew what to expect, we are sooo spoiled now! I had a Chicken Caesar with no croûtons from the gourmet food place, and I had planned on, and had, a latte and a bottle of water... it was very good. The seats are more comfy and a bit wider too. Oh, and we won so that was fun! My BF really watches what he eats too (he's a type 1 diabetic) so in a lot of ways that just makes it easier! I didn't try to bring any MF into the game as they search everyone and I didn't want to deal with it.

I wore black jeans and a purple T shirt I have (an XL!!) and my Rockies jacket from a thinner time before was available if I needed it (also an XL!) but it was too hot for the jacket. We had a great time. And I wasn't hungry and I didn't miss all the other times there when I ate every greasy thing they offered. It was nice to get back home and not need an Alka Seltzer... :) I really do like eating correctly...

Jen, a second date! How fun! About no one noticing the weight loss, I have to ask - are you wearing different clothing now, or the same clothing? People seem to notice once I put on smaller clothing, but not if I keep on the same stuff. Just a thought.

Jana, onederland! How happy I am for you!!! I spoke to a photographer friend of mine about some family pictures once I get there. Hopefully within the next 6 months!! How are you celebrating it?

The shakes - I like to change the texture of mine somewhat. An ounce of FF cream cheese (counts as one of your condiments) can thicken one up for me. Also lots of ice. The combination of the two and I pretend I'm having a soft serve... also I only use the diabetic shakes, although I'm about to try the new antioxidant shakes. The regular shakes have wheat in them, which is an issue for me. So maybe they taste different? Also, I have a bunch of Davincis syrups. And I mix my shakes with either coffee or decaf and the daVincis and pretend its a Starbucks... I guess I do a lot of imagining. LOL!

Good day, y'all!!

Hi everyone-

Romans- I so have been where you are- look at my previous posts!! I think I was really struggling with week 3.... and then week 8 and 9 :( I wanted to go off program, I wanted to try something else- but I kept on going (but I had several cheat days!!!). I have had weeks where I had gone off plan and I gained weight. Anytime I cheat, I make a deal with myself- I weigh myself every Friday and if I cheated I would not check my weight until that NEXT friday. I am very affected by what the scales says- I let it determine how I feel for the day. I have had some extremely moody days! Give it a while longer, I am sure you will see great success. When I am struggling I try to focus on something else, anything not related to food. You can do it. If you do eat a pizza (I did :) ) just start again the next day... don't leave left overs in your house either because the craziness will keep on!! I had 2 long pizza days... it was sitting in the frig calling my name.

Mirihawk- You can soooo get past the 230s. I was doing the same thing with the 200 mark. It was like I was sabotaging myself by eating bad and not caring. I think I was afraid to see less than 200- I still am! But I broke through and so will you. I made a deal with my family- this year I would have family Christmas pictures done- I haven't done that for years! Many many years. Oh and by the way, I am eating more 4 and 2 very frequently and I still seem to be losing at a good pace. Glad to see you are still dedicated!

Jen- You have lost 40 pounds??? I am sooo impressed! Yahoo! I am glad you are still around!

Hey I hope operator is still on program- haven't seen her around either (but who should talk??? I have been gone forever!)

I have missed you guys guess, I will try better to come and say hi! I am also happy to meet some new friends!!!

Good Medifast morning all,

Wow some great successes going on Congratulations to Romans 10 lbs in 2 weeks is amazing!

Jenna congrats on onderland! Can't wait to join you there!

AND Jen! WOW! 40 pounds and a second date! Now that is success!I have to believe that 40 lbs is noticable. Have you bought new clothes in a smaller size? You deserve it!

Mirihawk, this time is different...this is the real deal. The 230's will not prevail. I know you can put them behind you for good. I need some help battling these 220's so get down here and help me ok? hehehe

Well, with a little cinnamon and splenda and the proper amount of water, I have finally made peace with the Oatmeal! There is zero chance I will ever binge on it...but I can eat it now.

Yesterday was a very hard day. I had decided to do the c25k with my daughter who also needs to start working out. My left knee was killing me the whole time. It has been giving me problems for about 1 1/2 years since I had foot surgery and had to stay off of that leg for 3 months. But trying to run on it was very painful. It became very swollen after we ran and is still swollen and painful this morning. I am scared to death that I have arthritis in it. I am to young for this I'm only 47. I don't even know much about arthritis. I feel so old and like my body is falling apart and there is no hope of getting in shape. And I feel like I am letting my daughter down. I will make an appointment to see my doctor tomorrow and hope I am over-reacting.

So all I can do for today is stick to my eating plan...and so far so good...

D

Hey Romans, here is what you need to do with the photo, (I cant wait to see) Go to the User CP then to Edit Avatar on the left. If you are using your own photo, scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page and mark the "use custom avatar" button. Then find your pic by hitting the "browse" button. Once you have found it and clicked on it it'll redirect you back to the User CP page (you wont see the photo yet) then simply hit the "save changes" button. Thats it! There is no restriction for time on a photo avatar that I can figure. I put mine up the very first thing.:D

Also, dont give up! :hug:You have done better in the last 2 weeks than most women can do in a year! Do you realise your accomplishments? You cant magically get those pounds off that quick, you just cant. Your body is used to being a certian way, eating a certain way, excersising a certain way and you just told it a few weeks ago that all the things its known forever is changed. Our bodies are stubborn...:tantrum: but you managed to get off 10 pounds!!!!! use that. And dont sabatoge yourself for next weigh in with a defeatist attitude! This is your chance to say your going to make it happen and keep moving foward! (have you been exercising? A 15 minute stroll around the block may help you:dancer:) Just dont set your sights too unrealistically, and dont give up! You can do it!
(I do Wonderslim, you should check out their website... I just bought 8 weeks for only $373. and that is with free shipping. It might be worth it to look into it. I went with them because of price... )anyways
:flow1:
Miri- it sounds like alot of fun happening over in your neck of the woods, do you get week long birthday celebrations too? What a good feeling it must have been to be at the ball field and like you said, not eat all the greasy gut stuff! The things we do...
:flow2:
Jen, I agree with the others, Have you been buying smaller clothing? GO shopping!!!!!!
:running:
Djay, I love the avatar. Where are you in it? And way to go on the walk/run! Just be careful!
:bb:
Jana your dd is the cutest little thing! What a dollbaby. Your rockin the weight loss, great job! and thanks for the inspiration!
:blah::blah::blah:Wow, I am blahbitty blah blah-en today. hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! The sun is shinning here:sunny:, the air is clean, I took 2 mile walk and feel great! Keep on girls, Love, Missy

Oooooooo!!! I just now realized I hit my first "mini" goal! It's not exactly mini, i mean it's 5.5lbs over my halfway point. (I had a hard time figuring out a mini goal...and the "mini" concept didn't really take...:lol:) I'm no longer "overweight"!!! WOOO HOOO!

Jana!!! It's great to see you here again! AND 65 pounds!!!! What a fantastic job! And I'm impressed with only having 5 cheat days. I think I had that many and I was only on the program for 3 months! I'm definitely not one of the 100%-ers. ;)

Djay - I've been doing c25k for the past couple months. I'm on week 7 right now. I know that there are a lot of people who have been doing it who have issues with knees/ankles, but instead of jogging or running, they walk, then walk faster on the running parts. That will strengthen their legs and joints to help support them until they can actually jog/run. Maybe that would work for you? But, definitely see your doctor. If there is a problem, you don't want to aggravate it.

Jen, I had the same problem...no one mentioned that I looked thinner until recently. People have told me that they thought I looked thinner, but they didn't want to say anything in case I hadn't. Weight is such a touchy subject sometimes...though I don't see why people would think that telling someone they'd lost weight would cause any hard feelings! I know it's discouraging, but people will start noticing soon! You can't lose that much weight and not look different! I agree with everyone else...go shopping! Maybe the combination of seeing you in something new will make people look at you a little more closely.

Romans, I agree with everyone! Don't give up!! If you lose a lot one week, you'll often lose little to nothing the next week...just look at my stats in my signature! It's discouraging, but you'll start losing again, just stick with it.

Miri - Keep hanging in there! It's so strange how scary it is to lose weight. There's a kind of safety in being heavy. Just keep thinking of how good you feel now and how much better you'll feel about yourself once you get past this hurdle. You'll get there! I know you will! :hug:

Well...I've been a bit lazy with the housework lately...there is a mountain of dishes screaming at me right now, so I better sign off! I have to say, though...I love you ladies! You don't realize how great it is for me to have you here...well...you might...but I just want you to know each and every one of you is appreciated! :grouphug:

Hey Jen, I just copied this from a FAQ site for medifast... It looks like you might be over the hump now!
:sumo:
What can I do about a plateau?
Plateaus usually occur after weight changes of at least 40 to 50 pounds. At this point, your body seems to take stock, and for a brief period, attempts to hold on to the fat stores. It's as though your body reshuffles its weight status while assessing whether it's safe to continue losing. Once it feels settled, your system will kick back in and allow your weight to drop again. If you experience a weight-loss plateau, look for other indications of progress such as wearing a smaller size of clothing.

Im so proud of you sticking it out! Just thought I'd post it quickly...
Be good girlies, be very good! Missy

Hey Everyone. I'm OK!!!!! I promise. Thanks for caring. I just am trying to quit smoking and I was on Graveyards, therefore, I haven't had one dambed good thing to say about ANYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:tantrum::censored::sp: So, I didn't want to come on and bring everyone down with me. Then, I spent today on the road getting my DD back from WY. I left at 5:45 this morning and got home at 10:45 tonight.

On top of it, I've gained 10 lbs even though I'm still OP(I cheated a little, but not 10 lbs worth). It is OK, b/c I know that not smoking is really good for my health and that in a couple of weeks, once my body adjusts to the change in metabolism, it will all start working out again. But still, I was enjoying the losses.

Yeah, I was getting PO'd that no one had mentioned the weight loss to me either, but guess what. They were scared to. Folks actually consider it an inappropriate topic to bring up to me. I've had to open up the door by telling the guys at work that they were in an "Unsafe Situation". Then telling them that if they didn't notice a change in me I was going to kick their A$$es. They immediately tell me I've lost weight, they just didn't know how to bring it up without getting their A$$es kicked. So, others are probably noticing it, just not able to mention it yet. Give them time and maybe a gentler opening than I can get away with on a mine.

Romans-Most weight loss programs become concerned if you lose more than 1.5 lbs a week. So 10 in 2 weeks without collapsing should be considered a wonderful achievment.

BTW Jana, I've been wondering about you too. :bravo: Congrats on reaching ONEDERLAND!!

I'll be back tomorrow when I can talk a little more sanely. I'm way tired right now and need to get to bed.

I love all you chicks!!!!!!!!!!:hug::hug::hug::hug: