[JEN.CA]

Laura- I'm so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers

So about last night. Our daughters surprised us with a Mother's Day / Father's Day gift of tickets to go see Pitbull and Enrique Iglesias. Let's just say that I won't be weighing myself for at least a day or two after going to that concert and snacking and drinking which is the first time I went off the wagon and a long time. I know I shouldn't have but at the same time I really didn't care because I wanted to just enjoy myself the one last time with my fiance before the wedding and not think about calories and carbs, sugar content and MONEY $$$ lol. It was the best concert we've been two hands down and we had the best time together and we were able to not think about the wedding or anything else for the night which was really good for the both of us ❤ Back on plan 200% this morning.

[kwalk50]

Originally Posted by LauraRVA42011

Hi there, quick check in as I'm in Canada. Last week I found out my brother who is battling cancer was down to 121 lbs and my husband suggested we drop everything and head north as my dad is also nearing the end of his life.

We got here and spent a couple of quality days with both my dad and brother. I wanted to say goodbye to dad as he is close to palliative care. My brother, on the other hand, I just wanted to check in on out of concern for his drastic weight loss as he was undergoing chemo. Little did I know our visit would occur on his last day. As we drove back to Virginia on Sunday, my sister-in-law called weeping to report that my brother died in his sleep.

Talk to you all soon when things calm down.

My dear Laura ~

I was so saddened to read of your brother's passing and learn that your Dad is not doing well either. I pray for your peace and comfort as you continue your life journey without your brother's earthly presence. May your many memories of him sustain you at this most difficult time.

Karen

[dweedledee]

Laura, although I'm new to this group, I really appreciate your first post in this thread. The idea of not having to reinvent oneself after weight loss is refreshing and differs from what I believed.

I'm really sorry for your loss. I also wish you peace and comfort in this really sad time.

I'd like to check-in daily and glad to find an active Medifast group. This isn't my first time on MF, more like my 100th, but I feel a renewed motivation this time around after a long break.

[MorningGlory1950]

Dearest Laura ~ I, too, wish to express my deep sadness as I read of your brother's death. I will be praying for him and all of your family. As your mourning is being felt so deeply, may you be reminded that "joy cometh in the morning" and your sadness will be replaced by the sweet memories of your loved one.

Peace, dear friend.

[huskymom]

Laura, Sending you my condolences as well. I hope this group helps provide a source of strength during this difficult time.

Week 1 is in the books for me. Lost 4 lbs. Feeling very fortunate that overall the week was easy. No headaches, no unbearable hunger. I even ate out last night for a family special occassion and stayed pretty much on plan, though I will fess up to having 3 very small bites of a group dessert. Other than that no cheating at all.

I have been trying to get in more walking. At night during the week I go to the outdoor outlet mall. It's very quiet in the middle of the week so I am able to do laps.

I've noticed a great increase in energy level. I remember this feeling from my first go round with Medifast. Does anyone know what causes this?

I also feel like my mood has improved. My husband even said to me the other day that I seemed very happy.

I keep telling myself Rome wasn't built in a day...or a week. I know this plan works if I stick with it, it just takes time. I was looking at before and after photos of myself from my last go round and it gave me encouragement.

Wishing everyone a great OP week!

[LauraRVA42011]

Hi everyone,

Thank you all for your kind words. It really does help. I am relieved to see I only gained 1.5 lbs from my lowest weight over the last two tumultuous weeks. When I went back to Canada, I took Medifast foods to give myself the chance to eat better than I did when my husband and I had driven there and back the week before. To be honest, I didn't have much of an appetite. I did eat some of my comfort foods, but they really didn't bring me comfort. There were a couple of occasions where I ate really yummy but bad for me foods, and they tasted great.

Returned from Canada on Friday and spent the weekend easing back onto the Medifast train slowly. I did have some carbs but not enough to do much damage. Back to 100% today and returning to work has been a challenge. I'm glad I was able to work from home today. I go back to the office tomorrow. Just came back from a brief walk to clear my head because I have not been getting any steps in since all this started (coincided with June 1st - can't believe almost half the month has gone by!) I am giving myself until the end of the month to get back up to my activity levels from prior to things taking a turn.

Now, I'm trying to channel my grief into being my best self. I want to be able to kayak someday as that was the last thing my brother and I did together many years ago. My sister-in-law has invited me to come up to their home to visit again and we could have quiet time on the river kayaking in remembrance of my brother. I have a vacation planned for late September to spend a week in the Outer Banks and I had toyed with the idea of kayaking then. Now, I will make that a clear goal.

Thank you all again for the encouragement!!

[blueberrywaffle]

I'm on day one of MF. My program is through my local MF Weight Control Center, and I'm hoping my weekly WIs keep me in check!

Before committing to the program, I tried Wonderslim foods. I actually liked them better than the MF products! :P Hopefully my taste buds will adjust to the new MF foods.

Good luck to everyone. I'll be checking in -- can't wait to see everyone's progress!

[huskymom]

Originally Posted by blueberrywaffle

I'm on day one of MF. My program is through my local MF Weight Control Center, and I'm hoping my weekly WIs keep me in check!

Before committing to the program, I tried Wonderslim foods. I actually liked them better than the MF products! :P Hopefully my taste buds will adjust to the new MF foods.

Good luck to everyone. I'll be checking in -- can't wait to see everyone's progress!

Welcome, blueberry! I just (re)started last week. I did Medifast a couple years ago and lost about 50 lbs. The program definitely works if you follow the guidelines. I think you'll find your tastebuds change over time. There were foods I couldn't stand in the beginning that I came to enjoy a few months later. My favorites right now are the chocolate shakes, brownie, honey mustard pretzels, cinnamon pretzels, and bbq bites. My MF center also sells some Advanced Health Systems foods and they make a really good minestrone soup that I've been having every day for lunch.

Looking forward to following you along your journey!

[LauraRVA42011]

Originally Posted by huskymom

I think you'll find your tastebuds change over time. There were foods I couldn't stand in the beginning that I came to enjoy a few months later.

Huskymom, that is so true!! I just experienced that recently. I had given myself a couple weeks off and have been back on plan since Sunday. I had the caramel bar last night and BOY was it sweet! I didn't notice it before, it tasted completely different from what I remember. Now that I think of it, my taste buds for 'real world' food also changed. The other day I allowed myself to have one of my husband's Hershey puddings (oreo cookie cream) and it was awful. There was no discernible flavor and it was completely unsatisfying. Makes eating smart so much easier!! Even though I had too many Sloppy Joes leftover that I'm forcing myself to eat them, I actually enjoy the taste.


Blueberry! Once you can make it through the first few days, you'll rock this!!

[KsLittleSparrow]

I'm in month 2 on Medifast and it's going great- I've only cheated twice, both due to unplanned emergencies that made Medifast not an option.

The first month I got a variety of foods but this month I got the chocolate lovers package and a thing of mashed potatoes because I really only wanted the chocolate stuff most of the time. X-D

[sheilaE]

Welcome to everyone new to the group! It is so nice to see all your new faces and energy.

Huskymom, Like yourself and Laura, I also found my taste buds had changed and I like foods on MF that initially I didn't care for. That goes for real food as well. I develop a taste for vegetables I never liked in the past and am able to walk away from those things that tempted me. Even when I indulge, its not much because I am so much more mindful then I ever was in the past.

MF has worked for me in a way nothing else ever has. I am so pleased.

Laura, If I haven't said it recently, you are my hero. Despite all the adversity and difficulties small and large, you've managed to stay true to your end goal. You really are a role model and inspiration for all of us here. You've shared your victories, your hardships and challenges. We watch how you manage to overcome eating and health challenges and now the emotional pain that losing a loved one brings. I know he is proud of you. Keep going and you'll be back training for a race again soon!

As for myself well, let's just say things are slow, slow, slow but steady and the most important thing is I feel great and am so aware of eating healthy. I am beginning to think I will be able to maintain this weight loss. For those of you with kids at home, I feel your pain because my disclaimer to all of this is, its much easier to lose weight as an empty nester! I don't keep the bad stuff in the house and my husband lost 50 lbs on MF and is also cognizant of what he eats now.

Let's do this!

Sheila

[blueberrywaffle]

Originally Posted by sheilaE

For those of you with kids at home, I feel your pain because my disclaimer to all of this is, its much easier to lose weight as an empty nester! I don't keep the bad stuff in the house and my husband lost 50 lbs on MF and is also cognizant of what he eats now.

I can't imagine how difficult it must be doing MF with kids in the house! For those of you who do, you ROCK!

I'm a newlywed and hoping to start a family in the next 4 years (I'm 31 now). That is my primary motivation for losing weight. I want a healthy pregnancy and a long life with my children!

[JEN.CA]

So confused. I've been on plan 100% and for some reason I have a 2 lb weight gain thats been hanging around all week. The only thing I can think of is the heat. Maybe I'm crazy but lately it's been in the high 90's to 100 and I feel like that isbthe reason. My fingers feel a little swollen and just feel off all together. Has anyone had this happen due to the weather or am I crazy?

[LauraRVA42011]

Jen Did you increase your water intake with the rising temperature? Edema (swollen feet) can be a sign of water retention.

[huskymom]

Originally Posted by JEN.CA

So confused. I've been on plan 100% and for some reason I have a 2 lb weight gain thats been hanging around all week. The only thing I can think of is the heat. Maybe I'm crazy but lately it's been in the high 90's to 100 and I feel like that isbthe reason. My fingers feel a little swollen and just feel off all together. Has anyone had this happen due to the weather or am I crazy?

You definitely need to push water on this diet. I keep a 24 oz Tervis cup with me at all times and drink about 4 to 5 of them a day. You should also look at your salt intake. TOM can also cause you to retain fluid.