[eaconstantin]

Hi all,

I am going to receive my first medifast shipment next week. I am presently a first year law student going into my first round of final exams (my first exam will be roughly six days after I would like to start). My question is this- are the first few days so bad that you think that I should delay starting until final exams are over (e.g. my ability to study/take exams well will be compromised) OR is it good that I will be especially busy and this may take my mind off of hunger? In general, once you got through the first week, did you feel that you were still 'on your game,' or do you feel different? I am eager to start, and I would like to have a few solid weeks before the holidays, but I also do not want to do anything to compromise my success. In sum: do you think beginning medifast would compromise my success on my final exams, or do you think that it is actually OK to start now because my full studying schedule will take my mind off hunger? Any advice would be great!
Thanks, EC

[jaimie1980]

I think it is a toss as well. I felt fine for the first week. I was really motivated, and I had no trouble really. As for mental acuity, I was fine. I never felt foggy or not up to my game. If you are able to find time to eat your meals on time, you should be fine. Do whatever you are most comfortable with!

[Jehna]

I just recently gave up being a full-time nursing student, so I feel I have a little perspective on the whole finals thing. I would definitely wait. Finals are too important to risk for a few pounds of weight loss that you can get afterward. My first week I felt starved all the time. Then, four days in I got lightheaded, exhausted and felt brain dead and stayed that way for a full ten days. My husband wasn't effected with the lightheadedness at all. Unfortunately, you won't know how it will effect you until it may be too late to fix. I'm sorry to be pessimistic, but I wouldn't risk it.

Also FYI: Most people don't know this, but it is better to eat protein prior to testing. Do NOT eat sugar! It gives a temporary energy boost, and then your body sends blood to the pancreas to deal with your insulin response. This means it is taking oxygen AWAY from your brain! Two things your brain needs to function at its peak are oxygen and water, so stay hydrated too.

[eaconstantin]

Thanks for the feedback! I am recieving a free week with my shipment so I might just try it and if I feel awful I will wait until after my exams. Due to stress, my eating has been out of control and I feel like if I can get started on this program, it will be better than being in a food coma or feeling fatigued from overeating. If anyone else has any insights I would love to hear them!

[babes315]

I would say give it a try, but if you get too stressed out or too tired to do your best on your finals, then take a break from Medifast and wait until after your finals are done to start again. I did Medifast, and I did lose weight, but I felt supper tired, and that is not good if you are studying 24/7! Good luck and let us know how you do!