Hi(: I started ip in February 2013. I weighed 317 and my coach had me drinking 6 ip packets a day plus the veggies an 8oz of meat. When I asked why she said that anything over 240 you have to have an extra protein. So 240 would be 4 280 would be 5, etc. I'm now at 258 and I have five ip products a day. Recently I met someone who is doin ip through a different coach and she started at 300 and has had only 3 products a day the entire time. I'm curious if anyone else's coach has them eating the extra packets? It's rather expensive keeping up with all that food so I started replacing a few with alternatives but If I could do three that would be awesome and very nice for money. Any input would be appreciated(:

Most people use 3 packets (2 non-restricted, 1 restricted) per day.

In the IP clinic manuel, it's listed this way:

201-240 pounds = 4 packets/day
241-280 pounds = 5 packets/day
281-320 pounds = 6 packets/day

Of course, still only 1 of those is restricted.

You could always sub in an EAS shake for your extras and stick to only 3 IP's per day.

I started at 300 and was always just on 3. my coach always said that if I wanted a 4 th I could have it. so only if I do exercise I used a 4 th.

Thanks for this. No wonder my coach said I could have 3-5 the first week. It looks like it should have been longer than that!

Are you training to be a coach?

I started out in the 340's and I have only had three a day, and my average has been 6+ pounds a week. Good luck!

I started out at 280lb and never had more than 3 a day, though was told I could have a 4th the first week if needed. I didn't need it.

I started at 285. I was told I could have up to five packets the first week only. I couldn't, because the first package they put together for me barely had enough to make it to the next appointment.

Had 3 per week ever after.

These guys looking to make some $$ or what?

That's interesting! The first week my coach told me I could have an extra packet if I was hungry, but I never did.

I like the program and have done well on it so far (only day 5). I've stayed very true to the protocol but even on day 5 have no indication that I'm in ketosis or lost any weight. It also troubles me that the from coach to coach there is so much variance in the program. *sigh*

Me at 277 and 3 packets a day, was told the first few weeks if needed to have a 4th (didn't want me to go longer than 3 weeks) but I never did.

You should post this comment on daily thread. You will get a lot of people with great advice. I too am on day 4 with same scenario.

At 355 I only 3 packets a day and the other usual veggies/meat, but did all without clinic/coach. Seemed to be fine.

I was 470 and was told up to 6 packets a day when I started too. I also did the alternative plan with three extras a day. I chose 6 oz skim milk, two slices of toast and a piece of fruit. It worked for me.

i was as well...my coach told me to ensure my IP carbs were kept at 30 or below....if you dont have the list of cals/carbs/sugars etc for current ip items i'd be happy to share...