Thanks to a great friend, I was educated on IP, and quickly jumped on the train! I was also led to this form which have found to be GREAT support. I can already tell that you are all a great bunch of people, and are full of support. So, thank you!!

My story in brief:
I have always been the "chubby one", I do not remember ever feeling thin or okay with myself. When looking back on pictures from elementary school, I think to myself "Why did I ever think that was not ok? I look fine!!". So, its been a constant battle. I am a stress eater, and the last year has really done it for me. I reached my high of 220lbs, and have felt the saddest I have ever felt regarding myself. I do believe I am pretty, I do believe that I am a good person and have a lot to offer, but when it comes to the weight I am carrying - I am totally ashamed. I am studying to be a social worker, minoring in sociology. I just finished my 2nd year. I know that in order for someone to change, they need to hit rock bottom. THIS would be my rock bottom.

Anyway, I was introduced to IP and after reading up on it, I decided that this WILL work for me. I have been reading all of your success's for the past week, and if you can do it - so can I !! I have been on IP for a week, and so far so good. Yes, (as you all know) it isn't easy, but manageable. MANY times where I have wanted to cheat, but I have stuck to the plan to a T. I already feel a lot better and notice that my clothes are already fitting nicer.

OH I should mention. I started IP at 213, and my goal is 150. So, my goal is to lose 63 lbs.

Today was my first weight in, and it wasn't what I expected at all! Unfortunately, I am on my cycle, so it CLEARLY affected my weight. I gained 3 lbs - weighed in at 216. I am extremely disappointed. Has anyone else had their period affect their weight loss?? Looking for some encouragement, as I am feeling pretty bummed about all that hard work for "nothing"!

i have not had this diet be affected yet (i am in my 3rd week), but usually when it is TOM i do gain 3-5 lbs. so i think it was just a fluke. what time of day did you weigh?

My start up weigh in was at 2pm (213lbs), and my first week WI was at 8am before breakfast (216).

sorry, but i have no idea, but i think it is your TOM's fault. just hang in there!

I dont start the program until Thursday but I am positive that when I call it George comes I am not going to have a good week. I normally gain about
5lbs as well and it doesn't matter what size I am or was it always happens. I do get some help from taking a vitamin call dandilion root though. This may help you but it's just what I do to help the bloat with me.

Hi,
I am new to this site and was wondering what IP was? Is this a new diet program?

Hi, Love2Travel. I've been on the diet for about 6 weeks. My TOM did affect my weight loss. I didn't lose even 1 pound for about 2 weeks -- the week prior to and the week including my TOM days. I was quite frustrated. However, the week following my TOM, I lost 3.5 pounds. If you've been following the protocol to the "T," I'd bet that your TOM is just causing water gain. Stay strong and stick with it!

Thanks for asking this question I was wondering this myself as it is TOM for me as well and weighing myself t home I am only down 2lbs so I will see what the scale at my appointment says today. I ususally gain as well, I knew it was coming because my bust and ankle measurements were up last week.

Hi All

I have been doing this diet for almost 16 weeks - my TOM (or George) ALWAYS hampers my "official" weight loss. This does not surprise me as I have always fluctuated +6 pounds during that time. The good news is that since starting IP the fluctuations seems to be around 2-3 and not 6. Hang in there - your body is just adusting to a new diet and TOM - it is in fight mode and not sure what to do- next week will be a better week (are you using the same coach as Ontariophotogal?) You may want to talk to your coach about adding an extra packet just to make sure your body doesn't think it is starving and continues to fight to let go of any fat (this is the body's way of protecting itself)

You are doing great --keep at it and I promise the weight and inches will come off.

I was on my TOM for my second weigh in and actually lost 3#'s. My coach did say most women do not lose much at all and sometimes gain during that week and then have a nice loss the next week. Keep your head up! I'm on week 4 and down 15 pounds! Such a wonderful thing! You can do it! Good luck!

MY TOM affects it, but only by making me lose less, but I always lose when I am on plan perfect (33 weeks).

Are you seeing a coach?
Are they sure the scale was working right?
Especially the first week you should see a loss.

What is your typical day? What are you eating? How much water do you drink?

Thanks for your response! Yes, I am using the same coach as Ontariophotogal - she is awesome! If this next weigh in is a bust - I will ask about that for sure.

Yes, I have a great coach... I am using her scale (I refuse to weigh myself at home)... and yes, she used the scale for others that morning with no problem...and I stepped on it twice to make sure.

Water - drink at LEAST the 64 ounces thats recommended.

My typical day:

BF- IP Chocolate drink (or other).

L- 2 cups veggies (usually celery and cucumbers)..sometimes over romaine lettuce with WF dressing and a restricted (my coach requires me to have one a day)

S- I will have my 5-8 ounces of meat (usually bbq'd), with a stirfry of a mix match of veggies that I put together (all okay'd by IP). I incorporated my Olive oil and salt in this meal.

After dinner, I usually have tea with sweetener... I don't use the 1 oz milk allotment as I am now used to drinking it without.

I take all my vitamins..... regular BMs etc. Doing everything I am supposed to!

Hoping next WI will show some progress.

I was looking for a recipe and stumbled on this. Maybe #28 can help you.

Hi- Just to follow on with the question line that Darbs started... When are you taking your supplements?

Even though this is a strict program there are a bunch of variables. Are you feeling hungry? If so, when? Can you get more water in? Do you consider yourself really carb-sensitive? Are you on any medications?

It very well might be your cycle, but it could also be the carb levels (some people are more sensitive than others) or you might not be getting enough calories/protein.

Give yourself another week and try not to get discouraged. We're all here for you. Stick with it!

Hey wait! It looks from your example that you are only getting 2 packets per day. Is that correct?? If so that could very well be your issue!!