My Diet of Choice was: Ideal Protein a medically designed low carb, low fat, ideal protein level (moderate to high) with a controlled level of calories
I was on the plan from November to May I lost 90 pounds so, 15 pounds per month on average.
What I found was my average changed after week 16. I lost an average of 4 pounds per week the first 16 weeks then I lost an average of 3 pounds per week for the next 5 weeks then I lost the last 11 pounds at 1.5 pounds per week. After that, my body stopped losing. I stayed on program another 6 weeks with only 2 pounds total lost. At that point, I figured my body needed a break.
From week 12 on my body was really struggling and I had all kinds of side effects. I experienced major hormone disruption, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, nausea, intense hunger (not cravings just extreme hunger), severe chills or feelings of being cold, receding gums, loose teeth, significant hair loss, mood swings and in appropriate levels of emotions (especially anger or sadness), my menstrual cycle was crazy every 20 days and lasted 10 days with lots of pain, and I had constipation for the first time in my life.
ALL OF THE ABOVE SIDE EFFECTS except the menstrual cycle reversed themselves after 1 month off the plan. I am still growing the hair back and the menstrual cycle is correcting slowly. I never did go back to the "normal for me" bowel activity. I still tend more often towards the constipation. That may simply be because I didn't go back to eating the super fatty and carby diet. I have kept my carbs low and have been eating more like a phase 3 during my "break".
On the positive side: I already had great blood work, no diabetic or pre-diabetic issues, and normal blood pressure and cholesterol. I did have the early start of hypothyroidism. During this program my blood work improved dramatically (my doctor was so excited!) my cholesterol levels are now very low(total cholesterol is 86), my blood pressure is low (90/64), my resting heart rate went form 90 to 58, my thyroid function improved to an almost normal level. I also stopped snoring at night and my repeat sleep study showed my mild sleep apnea symptoms were gone. I had developed severe acid reflux before following the program and today it is also gone; no more meds for me. All of my joint pain is gone and the inflammation and trigger points that I was told were "fibromyalgia" by a rheumatologist are also gone. I had tinnitus very bad for the past 17 years. That has also nearly disappeared. AND, that yucky cellulite on my legs, tummy, and a bit on my arms... yep, all but gone.. (I still have some on my fanny but I still need to lose another 30 pounds). BEST PART: NO saggy, loose skin!
So many people say "I would never know you were fat! Your skin looks great!"
I have given it a lot of thought. I am one of just a few people who experienced the side effects while losing weight. Most do not experience all of these "side effects". It might have made me think twice to realize what I could experience had I known before hand. Even so, GIVEN ALL I KNOW TODAY, I WOULD DO IT AGAIN! It was the easiest diet I have ever been on and, NOW, I feel GREAT!
In fact, I am CHOOSING to do it again. I have another 30 to 35 pounds I want to take off. The sooner it is done the better but my goal for this 30 to 35 to be off by the end of March 2011. Even if I only lose a pound a week, I can get there.
I hope to have it off soon but what matters most to me is getting it done.