please bear with me
 

I know what I'm about to say is skewed, but I need to vent, so please bear with me. I went in to weigh in and I'm down to 29.5 lbs. But I feel so totally discouraged. I feel like a failure because I didn't get to the 30 lb board. I've been working really hard for the past week to get all my water in and eat the right stuff and exercise and I'm just discouraged. It makes me mad at myself to not be able to celebrate 29.5 - I should be jumping up and down. I came away from MRC wishing I never had to go in there again. I had to wait a ridiculously long time, had to WI with the counselor I feel the least comfortable with. Listen to them try to discourage me from starting to run. What is that about? That's the third person there to cringe when I say I'm going to start running. Like they think I'm going to turn into a marathon runner overnight?!?!? Please, I'll be lucky if I end up being able to run a mile. I'm even mad because the ticker is going to round my weight to 30 and it's not really true! :p

I know how you feel, trust me. I get so insanely frustrated with myself when I don't hit the goals I want, even when its just that .5 difference. And I don't really love some of the councilors at my center. I just have days I go weigh in and leave never wanting to go back. It passes, sure - but I can relate to where you're coming from.

None the less, that 29.5 lbs is amazing and you're the one who has put forth all the effort to get that far and stay motivated. Just have to hold on while you go through the bumps along the way.

29.5 pounds is amazing!! Good job for wanting to start jogging!

Aww I hear you! I relate to you! I am not ungrateful for the accomplishments I have made this far, I just wish the "high" would have lasted a little bit longer. Every time I weigh I look on the wall as if the 22 board should be there or the 23 board should be there. LOL
Be super pleased with your 29.5 pounds! although I know how you feel! Be excited to go back because this time you will sign the board!
What are you going to do to celebrate?

LOL I'm right there scratching for 2 more lbs to be at 30, I agree very frustrating. Excited for what I've lost thus far even though it has been extremely slow. Stay encouraged and we will get there!!
Life just gets in the way.. You have done an outstanding job!!
sexyrene

You sound like me, the problem with the it's not good enough outlook is you defeat yoruself. Look at what you HAVE done. You decided to take control and take care of yourself. You decided to get on a plan and stick with it. You LOST 29.5 pounds. You did that. A half a pound is just that, a half a pound, but you are so much more than that! (That may not be worded best!)

I had the exact same experiance today except the running part. I went to WI hoping to hit my 50lbs. I've been trying for it for the last 2 weeks. Weighted in.. and 49lbs. In my head, I'm pissed.. It should have been 50.. I wanted it to be 50... but it wasn't. I even walked a 5k this past weekend thinking that would help. But nope.. 49lbs..

While driving back to the office, I started to think. Was I really 100% on program. And I wasn't. I was pretty good.. Probably 90% but I wasn't as "good" as I thought I had been. So now I look at my 1.5 loss in a much better light. I still lost when I wasn't being totally on Program.

I'm planning to go back on friday and see if I can get to 50lbs. Hang in there.. We've all been there. We put such high expectations on ourselves, it's hard when our bodies don't live up to them. We just have to take it 1lb at a time..

you are doing a great job...I know how deflated it feels when you don't reach your weekly goal...I remember it took me nearly two weeks to lose a lousy 1.5lbs to sign the 60lb board back in November...I wanted so badly to go home and grab a large bag of chips to numb my disappointment...but instead I just keep going and finally lost the weight and signed the board and it was all worth it...It was a lesson for me in how to deal with disappointments and not to eat my way through it...as for the running....When I was over 200lbs my center kept asking me what was I doing for exercise...I told them I was going to start the C25K running program once I got under 200 as I wanted to concentrate on the weight loss first...so in April last year I started the C25K and kept going and have not stopped...my center has worked with me to find the best MRC plan to work with my exercise needs...I know if I did not start running when I did that my body would not look as it does if I just lost the weight...60lbs and no exercise well I can only imagine what parts of me would be hanging or jiggling :) Weight loss can slow down as exercise increases for numerous reasons...of course MRC wants their clients to have maximum weight loss quickly and discourages too much exercise...I decided I wanted the weight loss but look good losing it and feel great so I told my center I was not going to stop running because I was learning to eat right to be healthy and this included moving my body for health...they couldn't argue with me after that...I am SO GLAD I started running, I just adjust my protein needs or have an extra HNS before and after a long run...good luck !

This sounds like an excellent tip GWE. I have exercised from the start with a walking plan which started at about 5 miles a week, but now, 8 months later, is at 20-25 miles a week. Love it. But the noteworthy thing, I believe, is that although my weight loss has slowed, and I still have a very long way to go to achieve my stated goal of 130, people are astounded when I tell them what I weigh at this moment. Many think I look like I have already achieved goal. So, I am truly glad I went the exercise route and went from being anything but the couch potato I was before!

Thank you, I absolutely agree with you I look like I should be at my goal weight but I still have 20lbs to go until I reach my goal.

wow, to only have just that last 20 lbs to go would be so incredible. Great job!

I have had the last 20 or so pounds to lose for the last 4 months! I gained 12 when I was training for my first half marathon and am now only starting to lose it...7 down in 10 days...

7 down in 10 days! How great is that !!!!! I need to just come and follow you around. Why don't you start your own BIG LOSER camp and I will enroll!

Wow! Reading your post this morning was exactly like reading my own thoughts! I am dealing with the same thing right now - I'm down 29.6 lbs, and every morning I get on the scale hoping to see that I've officially lost 30 lbs. It is very disappointing (I even cussed at the scale this morning!) but we can't let it discourage us.

We've done so well, we've come so far and a little disappointed from scale numbers WILL NOT stop us from reaching our goals! I say the scale is dumb (I told it that this morning, too!), it doesn't know what it's talking about because we've been ON PLAN and acting right. We ARE being successful, regardless of what the scale says to us! Ignore it for now and stay on track. You'll like the scale again when it tells you what you want to hear. :-)

The good news is - I went to WI this morning and I made it. 30 lbs. - on the dot! Got my rock, signed the board. 31.5 inches. I changed my ticker - even if it seems the same to the rest of the world, it's different in my mind. ;) I talked to my counselor a little about the fact that I don't think I'll make my goal weight by the date I'm sposed to. (May 17th - which would mean I'd need to lose 17 lbs in a little less than a month). I told her I do not plan to extend my contract, even if I'm not at that weight and asked if they'd let me start stabilization anyway. She sort of danced around a little, but I just wanted to put that out there. Frankly, I'm not going to extend it. I get to decide what my goal is, not them. I'm going to keep working every bit as hard and whatever my weight is at that point is what it is. :drill: We'll see how they react when the time comes. After the way I felt about this whole thing, I decided I am not going to end up feeling like a failure over a few pounds when I've accomplished so much.

MediQuick! Two shakes a day w/ HNS, two snacks (one protein bar and another HNS) and MRC dinner...I am doing this for two weeks to get the 12 off!

wow, thanks for sharing that. I could do this for sure!

It is all a matter of thinking and if you win that battle, the rest is completely possible. Way to go!

Lola - First off CONGRATULATIONS!! You have accomplished so much.

Be strong - you can do it! I too agree with your statement above. I also felt like my goal is set by me, not MRC. I was within 6 lbs of my goal - a point at which they will allow an individual to start Stabilization, but they asked me to re-sign because I was not at the "acceptable" BMI. When I initially enrolled in MRC I knew I was setting my goal about 20 lbs shy of where I should actually be (because I only wanted to pay for 17 weeks and not 24) - so logically one would already guess I would not be at "acceptable" BMI for my height. They tried to push me into re-signing to get to correct BMI, but I held my ground and said I was absolutely thrilled with losing 45 lbs and I paid for stabilization and 1 yr maintenance to lose 51 lbs not 75. In the end they let me start stabilization. This is my program, not theirs. If you are happy where you are in the end - you have developed the tools to be successful and that's all that matters (in my opinion)!

okay, now that I have been thinking about this -- wait a minute. so, that really isn't quite the mediquick plan is it? Doesn't that just include a shake at breakfast w/hns, a meal replacement bar at lunch w/hns, then the usual dinner w/hns? Or no?

Dont let them discourage you from running. I weigh 286 and I did a 5K run/walk last month. It was one of the highest accomplishments I have ever made. My trainer and I work cardio and light jogging into my workouts every week. If you want to run you can do it!!

Thanks leigh! The funny thing about that is, when I went in I wanted to lose 30 lbs! I agreed to my goal weight being where it is and know that I'd love to be that weight. But I also know I need to keep the weight off and if I end up feeling like a failure, I won't. Like I said - I'll keep working hard and keep losing weight til my 17 weeks is up, then, if they won't let me go on stabilization, I'll just have to figure it out on my own. They've been really helpful and supportive, so hopefully, they'll figure out a way to continue to do that.

You are quick...:):) that is why I called it MEDI-QUICK and not Meta-Quick! My version of Meta-Quick...sorry for the confusion...I was trying to be funny...basically I have a higher need for protein and calories because of my running so I am basically doing the MRC Meta-Quick plan with the substitution of a protein bar as a snack rather than just an HNS, I do not have the bars as a meal replacement only as a snack, both my breakfast and lunch are shakes and HNS, all else the same for the Meta-Quick plan ie. dinner, proteins, etc...looking at it I am pretty much doing the Meta-Quick but having bars or puddings for snacks that adds around 200 extra calories to my daily total which helps me during my runs.

I also wanted to add that MRC has SO MANY different programs it is hard for us all to keep up with all the names:)

So what is the one they can put you on to lose real fast.. Is it Meta Quick? I think it is the one with all the shakes and one meal or something? The mentioned it to me a while ago and I told them I couldn't do it .. I can I guess. I wonder how much this one costs or is it all the same stuff just used in a different way?

Ronnie

Yes, Meta-quick is what they put you on to change up your plan and for me, it helps kick me into full time ketosis. I also like it during weeks that i'm really busy and don't have the time or energy to deal with planning all three meals every day.

Meta-quick is:
- shake or bar for breakfast + HNS
- shake or bar for lunch + HNS
- normal dinner of veggie + starch and the protein is limited to lean chicken, turkey, tuna and steak up to twice. (No cheese, cottage cheese, etc). + HNS
- and a fourth HNS somewhere in the day.

The other key notes are you can't do the bar more than once a day and you can't do meta-quick more than 7 days within every 30 days (but you are allowed to break it into segments. Right now i'm doing it in a 2 day then 5 day segment because I don't like doing meta-quick on the weekends).

The Meta-Quick plan also gives an optional snack (HNS) between breakfast and lunch and lunch and dinner. Which I have to have or can't get through the day...I have noticed that after a couple of days on this I can be satisfied and stay full on a shake throughout the day, the only issue is when I need to run I have to have more to get me through the day..so I eat a bar after. I purchased 8 boxes (4 vanilla, 4 chocolate) of the meal replacement shakes on dietdirect when they were on sale a couple of weeks ago and it is very cost effective. And YES the ease of this plan is very convenient for busy days, also with my recent purchase of the "blender" bottle this makes having shakes very fast, no need to bring out the blender with the clean up, I just put the water in the bottle, shake powder, HNS close and shake and drink....

There are so many types on Diet direct, what brand did you buy? I have thought about doing this for a few days, but can't figure out if it's Bariwise/proti/ or Wonderslim.. I'm going on Vacation at the end of next month, and want to be super good before I go..

I purchased the BariWise meal replacement powder in individual packs, they come just like the MRC 7 to a box. BariWise was recommended as being the closest to MRC meal replacement shakes. Here is the information taken from Dietdirect if you want to compare it to MRC. I buy them when on sale.

BariWise Meal Replacement Protein Shakes
7 Servings Per Box

Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla.

BariWise Meal Replacement Shakes qualify as a true meal replacement. As a VHP (very high protein) protein supplement, they provide 35 grams of high quality protein per serving, with only a gram of fat and 1 gram of sugar. BariWise Meal Replacement Shakes are vitamin fortified, making it an ideal shake for diets using minimal supplemental food, or as a convenient meal replacement shake.

Key features of the BariWise Meal Replacement Shakes:

* High Protein - An Incredible 35 grams Per Shake
* Low Fat - 1 to 1.5 grams Per Shake
* Low Sugar - 1 gram Per Shake
* 230 to 240 Calories Per Serving
* Enriched with 19 Vitamins and Minerals
* 100% of the Daily Value of Vitamins A, D and E
* High in Calcium and Magnesium
* Use as a Meal Replacement Shake for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner
* Two Delicious Flavors
* Easily Mixes with Water
* Energy Boosting Shake
* Quick and Easy to Make

CHOCOLATE
Supplement Facts: (Per Serving)
Calories: 230, Protein: 35 grams (70%), Total Fat: 1 gram, Saturated Fat: .5 grams, Trans Fat: 0 grams, Cholesterol: 5 mg, Sodium: 440 mg, Potassium: 1000 mg, Total Carbohydrates: 20 grams, Dietary Fiber: 3 grams, Sugars: 2 grams.

VANILLA
Supplement Facts: (Per Serving)
Calories: 240, Protein: 35 grams (70%), Total Fat: 1.5 grams, Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams, Trans Fat: 0 grams, Cholesterol: 10 mg, Sodium: 390 mg, Potassium: 750 mg, Total Carbohydrates: 23 grams, Dietary Fiber: Less than 1 gram, Sugars: 2 grams.

Thanks.. I'll look into those.. I really want to try it for a few days.. I'm almost out of HNS's too, so I'll place an order..

I;m curious as to why they would not want you to start running? Do you have poor knees or joint issues. Maybe I don't understand MRC very well.....

I'm curious too. I don't have any health (knees, joints, etc.) issues that would be problematic. I know MRC doesn't advocate going over a certain amount of exercise each week (help me out here chicks - I can't remember how much) because it has an impact on how our bodies function, which can impact how the diet works. I am not much of an athlete these days, although I ran 5 days a week in college. I reassured them that I didn't have any intention of competing or overdoing it. Maybe I just look like such a jock now that I've lost weight they can't imagine me not heading for the Olympics. :rofl:

How spendy is it to do the medi quick for a week? That might be a factor for me if I decide to do it.. And have you lost any real weight doing it, or I guess I should ask is it worth it? If it works I might consider it..

Cheers!
Ronnie

Ronnie, I was on plan to do it for a week, then I got sick and had to take an antibiotic that didn't allow me to take vitamins. So after this week I want to go on it. But I bought the shakes and I think it was 2 boxes for like 42 bucks. Then I got vanilla and mixed my HNS in with it and made it wildberry. The shake had a smell of coffee to me that I cant get out of my head and I hate coffee. But I chugged the whole thing down for breakfast and lunch. By dinner I was starving but got full fast. I weighed the next day and had lost 3lbs. Just after one day. I cant wait to be able to actually do the whole week. Also they want you to take trace minerals while you are on it too. IDK why because if you are taking a multi, and the shakes have vitamins in them too, I would think the trace minerals would be over kill. But how would I know? I had them from the joining pack I bought. They came with it so I had some. If I remember correctly they were one of the cheapest supplements.
I hope that helps .. Angela:D

Thanks sooooooooooooooooooo much for all the amazing tips on this program. I have been sort of afraid to try it in the past, just thinking that it couldn't possibly be as beneficial as eating REAL food, but my gosh, I think I have a brand new outlook. --Joy2MeNu

I am just in a rut right now when it comes to preparing "real" food right now...so this is a nice change...I paid $91.36 on dietdirect for 8 boxes of the meal replacement shakes (7 servings a box) thats 56 meals !. It came out to around $12 ish a box on sale...A WHOLE lot cheaper than MRC.

Thanks for the info Angela! This is something I may look into to lose the last few pounds I need to lose..

Cheers!

Ronnie

Best wishes Ronnie. I am positive you can loose the last bit doing this!

Meal Replacement's
 

How do the BariWise meal replacements taste. I was just looking at the couple of comments dietdirect and just want to make sure that i can swallow it?

I have been at a stand still with my weight for 3 weeks now. I think i may go on this without telling the center becuase i want to get the Meal Replacements off of diet direct to save some money.

I have talked to my center about the Meta Quick menu and they keep discouraging it saying you lose a lot but the next week you can gain some of it back. What has been your experience for those that have tried it. I have been stuck for three weeks now and thought it might help but they keep telling me not to try it.

okay, I will post back here to follow up, but after reading and studying this thread, as as of yesterday, MON 4/26, when I began Medi-Quick menu, to weighing in this morning, TUES 4/27, I was down 3 pounds. Coincidence, maybe, but I will post back. I haven't hardly budged with loss for the past month, so I am satisfied with this. If it seems to come right back on, will report it on this same thread. I plan to continue at least until FRI 4/29
--Joy2MeNu SUCCESS TO YOU ALL!

leigh529, I always have sucess with Metaquick and it does not come back on.
It's not always a big loss, but it does jumpstart me back into the losing mode.
I have had several weeks where I was at a standstill. So I at least lose 2-4lbs. sexyrene