I am just starting and glad to find these boards. I would like to hear what people think about all the supplements (except the HNSs) and how hard they try to sell them. They don't have any published data on their effectiveness and the whole industry makes unsubstantiated claims about so many similar products. if these things really worked, wouldn't we know about it by now? Plus, they are so expensive! I feel suspicious. What do you think?

I've lost 25 pounds in 6 weeks without taking any of the extra supplements. HNS, multivitamin, and fish oil is all I take. Lately I've added B12 for energy.

I recommend starting with the bare minimum to see what your body (and checkbook) can do without the supplements. I have a very low-pressure center or I might have caved, but it sounds as if you'll have no problem standing up for yourself!

Wow! That's great. Congratulations! And for now, I will stick to no thanks on those non-mandatory ones.

many people successfully do the program with NO supplements whatsoever. They take their own multivitamin and oil (either fish or flax) and buy their HNS onlin. They aren't necessary at all .... and results mimic those who take the supplements.

I think that some of the supplements are actually good for you...not necessary for weightloss though. Like the "Cortitrim." I think it helps me with symptoms separate from my weight...other benefits. Vitamin B-6 and B-12...etc..these won't hurt you. I definitely think taking fish oils and vitamins are the only must in all of this. The rest could be up for debate

Tami

I took some for a couple of months last time but did without for five months-- I noticed no difference. I think sometimes the people who say they help are experiencing a placebo effect or are just feeling better from eating right and losing weight. It's very hard to prove either way, but I'm with you-- no medical data to back up claims means I'm not going to shell out a bunch of money for stuff I don't know anything about.

If there was a magic pill, Oprah and every other rich person who struggled with weight would just go buy it. There is no magic pill-- it takes hard work, and that's all there is to it.

Some of this stuff might be healthy, but a lot of it concerns me. I've always thought diet pills can be quite dangerous, and some of their supplements have problematic ingredients. Some are also probably harmless, but again, I doubt they make an appreciable difference in rate of weight loss. Eating right is at least 90% of the battle.

Now, I do think it's important to take your oils and a multivitamin, but I always buy these elsewhere to save money. As long as you buy good quality, MRC's brand isn't any better, no matter what they say.

Well said! There is no magic pill. I will say I really do like their fish oil. I hate the aftertaste of others I have tried. I think I am at one of those pushy centers, so I am going to hold my ground. I've also noticed huge differences in the consultants in this regard. Some seem to focus on the supplements more than the food, others are more down to earth.

they make a commission on sales, which for some, may be a conflict of interest --- are they really interested in your success or in selling you product? I know there are good ones out there -- I had one, but some are just horrible!! I always hated when their answer to everything was "oh well, you need to take this or that".

I am starting tomorrow on my own. Can someone share with me any advise or tips on where to buy the drinks etc. and pills you should be taking? I have not done MRC at the center in several years. I don't remember what pills I should be taking. Just wondering about the supplements if there was something else you could substitute since i cant get them from MRC?

I would use "Diet Direct." Very similar products. Otherwise, fish oils and multivitamin is all I am aware of that are mandatory while on program.

Tami

i use the proti diet products avail at Direct Direct. i buy the large container of Pink Lemonade powder 17oz for $24 and bought their shaker/blender bottle for $3. i also get the protidiet protein bars...but i do have to be careful w/ them (they taste just like candy!) and very tempting!

Aren't you required to buy the protein from MRC??

I found a local health food store that carries the supplements very similar to what MRC sells. The clear drinks have 70 cals and 15 grams of Protein. Is that similiar to the ones you can by from diet direct? I bought the Lemon Razzy and the Wild Berry...which taste just like what I remember the ones from MRC taste. Today is my first day and I am excited to get back on track! Thanks for the info! I am sure I will have many questions along the way!

you aren't requried to buy anything .... you bought the program, counseling, weigh-ins, classes, etc. They may frown on it, but many, many people buy their HNS from diet direct, bariatric choice (which I think are all the same company as judged by their identical web sites, prices, etc.). Now I will look at local stores also.

I wish I would have seen this first! I know now that I won't be buying any more of them! Thanks!