Hi Sarah! Fellow attorney and IP newbie here! I went to the clinic today to get some information, have my formal consultation on Thursday, and I'm planning to start on Friday! I am SUPER nervous, mostly because I don't trust myself to stay on plan (like Lisa!). All of the comments on here make it seem like I (we!) really can do it, so I'm going to give it a try. We WILL succeed!! I hope your meeting went well this evening. Can't wait to hear about it!

Hi amt6

Yes, you can do it
Congratulation on a first step, deciding to go for it and help yourself.
It's a journey but the reward is awesome!

Hi, Sarah. I am brand new to IP -- just ending Day 2 of the program and, so far, so good! I'm so thankful to all who've made these forums the treasure trove of information they are -- the info, inspiration, & encouragement here is priceless.

I really struggled Sunday evening with the "should I start IP tomorrow?" debate with myself. Truth was, I was terrified to start, 'cause what if this one doesn't work, either? But when I got up Monday morning, I pulled my big girl panties on (literally & figuratively) and just went for it, 'cause if not now, when? There's never a "perfect" time and, while I waited and debated, the pounds just kept accumulating.

Sounds like you've got a plan and are mentally ready, so go for it. Here's to seeing a whole lot less of us in the very near future!

I completely echo those nerves about starting. It's so hard to be motivated to start something new when everything else has failed in the past. How have your first few days gone? I'm nervous about the first week because I have blood sugar stability issues and love my carbs/sugar!

Thank you all! I suffered my first "setback" last night when I went in for orientation. They don't have any appointments to see the Doc until Thursday evening which means that I can't start until Friday. With trials next Tuesday and Wednesday, I am scared that I am not going to be in the right frame of mind to focus enough for their preparation if I start Friday, whereas if I could start tomorrow, Days 1-4 would be Thursday through Sunday.

I got proactive though and emailed the case manager who informed me that she would see about getting me in today. Fortunately they are able to do so which makes me feel good. Will be starting tomorrow morning.

I love my carbs/sugars too so I am worried about that. According to my orientation, you can have another snack if it is needed to help with that. Actually you can have up to 5 IP foods according to her. She said after the 1st week, when you get into ketosis, it should be much better.

when there is a will, there is a way!
Way to go! Glad you could get them to see you earlier

You can do it!
The feeling is amazing and I am sure you will get to feel it very, very soon!

Sara, I had the same concerns as you. I'm a physician and I need to be in top mental form every day that I'm seeing patients. I wanted to wait for a long weekend, but decided to just take the plunge. I'm on day 2 and so far, no trouble. Not tired, not having trouble focusing and giving my all. I do feel a little hungry at times, but with large amts of salad, I seem to be able to quell that feeling. So far ok and I hope that any unpleasant effects won't rear their ugly head until the weekend.

All the best!

Sarah, congrats on pushing a bit and getting them to see you today! Really sounds like you're mentally ready to get started and who knows how long until your motivation and trial schedules will be in sync again. I've made it to day 3.5, half way through the first week, and it's been a bit of a struggle, but not too bad. I've been pleased with most of the IP foods I've tried so far and like that my choices are pretty limited, with a fairly rigid protocol to follow. That's definitely what I need right now.

Amt6 - there is no bigger lover of carbs than me!! I'm not so much as a sweets carb eater, but a bread, pasta, potatoes addict. The total elimination of carbs is one of the things that drew me to IP -- I simply don't seem to be able to control my addiction these days, so figured I just needed to totally give them up.

The fear of failure was something I really struggled with before getting started, 'cause nothing else has worked, and I've tried and failed at so many diets. But the longer I feared, the heavier I got.

My doctor, who has really struggled with her weight over the years and is someone I really like and respect, was the one who first mentioned IP to me. Based on her mention, I got on the web and found this site, where I trolled for weeks. The number of successful, truly inspirational stories & struggles found on this site helped me make a decision to just go for it. So to all who post here, many thanks for helping me take the leap!

I didn't really worry so much about picking the day of the week to start, but rather whether to start before or after the holiday season last year. I chose not to procrastinate, ran the gauntlet that was corporate and family Christmas parties, and now feel like a million bucks.
When you take on the challenge, and succeed (I know you will), you will feel great.

Well, my new friends, the bag is in my office filled with IP foods, supplements, shaker, etc. Met my coach and jointed their "Summer Challenge."

I am scared and nervous and feel like I have failed myself in the past, but am facing forward. Tonight will be planning for the next two days and should be interesting. The whole measuring thing is going to be SO new to me so I am intrigued.

THANK YOU ALL for your kind support.

Congratulations!!!! Looking forward to see your posts in the near future.
We are all here to help and support!

All of you CAN do this!! You will feel amazing and the results will motivate you!
Welcome to an incredible journey!