I started October 1st and have used almost exclusively alternatives with great results. Never been to a clinic. I have tried a couple of the IP products once I found out from the wonderful people HERE that they could be ordered online.

I'm over half way to my goal, which is AWESOME!

My best piece of advice is to study, study, study the nutritional info and ingredients list in all of the alternatives you purchase. It also helps to download (from here) the IP sheet with it's guidelines. There is also a wealth of information in the alternatives thread, it just takes some time to read through it all.

That's correct - I was going through an IP center for the first 10 weeks of my weight loss, I had bought a lot of IP food in the beginning (I like variety!) but cost and usefulness of my coach became an issue. When I found this forum I realized that I knew more about the program than HER - more often than not I'd be teaching her something, not the other way around. That's not what I spent good money for.

I started to buy and try alternative products, my losses didn't change so I decided to go exclusively alternative. I told her I couldn't afford IP anymore and needed to use the less expensive products. She understood. I went out and bought myself a scale and tape measure and never looked back! It's a little more challenging to be on your own doing it, but the weight loss is motivating enough to keep me on track! I still weigh in once a week, and I track everything on Myfitnesspal.com (food and measurements). I get my questions answered on this forum, and feel like I have a HUGE group of coaches instead of just one that doesn't even really know the program well.

Going "rogue" isn't for everyone, but I'm glad I did!

Stress sure can do that! When my husband got laid off 2 weeks ago my scale went up 10 lbs not from eating or anything like that except stress! As soo as things got worked out within 2 days it was back down to normal!

I just saw your post! You lost 36 lbs on your own! That's SO AMAZING! I was super worried about leaving my clinic to go solo, however once I saw this I will be fine!

FISHETTE- Love the newest pic of Lily! She is so cute!!!!! and looks so happy too!!!

Okay my response if sort of kidding around - somewhat how I feel about this. Please I'm not picking on coaches or people's choices for themselves.
My response probably doesn't count, since I've never had a coach on IP - other than this list! and you all are terrific! Actually I had coaches on Jenny Craig and on Nutrisystems plans and well if you count WW weigh in's and meetings that too, and TOPs. So I understand coaching, and nothing against the good coaches but coaching in general I haven't enjoyed when it comes to weight loss. I'm so thankful not to have to schedule an hour or so out of my week, get in the car, drive to somewhere to be weighed and measured, and try and be accountable to someone I am paying to hold me accountable. Some people may stick to plan because a coach is watching their journal or will weigh them, and if that works, great! Some people may be more accountable if they pay more to loose the weight (my mother is like that.. she wanted her then $7 a week worth of weight loss from WW!) I stick to plan because I am watching me, (maybe I'm too cheap and lazy to get my rear to a coach? - I don't think so, I'm doing okay and in the long run - it is about what I want for me).

So yes getting your favorites figured out, knowing what's okay and what's restricted, etc is a little learning curve (I ordered New life styles diet stuff at first, which is a bit low in protein - long story there). I've figured out that I don't really want/desire a huge variety in my options for packets/drinks. EAS shakes are good, not too expensive IMO, Costco Premier Nutrition shakes are good too.. I have found I'm not as fond of the powders you have to shake up - so I don't buy them anymore. I have some Proti-Diet savory items I use when I'm in a spicy mood, some Proti-thin restrict eds. That seems to make me happy along with veggie and meat variety along the way. I order my potassium from the protein store. I take cal-mag, daily vitamins. I DO get checkups from my doctor, blood tests, etc as well every three months. So I guess I'm not cheap - paying for those. I just feel I'm just getting more bang for my buck and holding myself accountable for this process.

36lbs in a little over two months is amazing!! What does your meal plan look like on a typical day?

I so agree with all of this. Add in some bars in place of the proti-diet products and this is where I am. Don't have to go anywhere. I'm responsible to myself. I'm happy not having a lot of choices/decisions. I do divide my protein between lunch and dinner so it feels to be very normal eating with healthy choices. I keep track of my weight and waist measurement. I check in here daily and read. I rarely post. I started on my own with information I learned here and from people at work on the plan. I never had a coach and don't miss it at all.

^ The new Poster Child for Alternative IP!