Wow!! It is nice to see so many have liked their coaches! I am not trying to set up a coach "bashing" and I'm glad that didn't happen. I was hoping to let people see the variations that can occur with coaches, get a feel what questions to ask, and realize what they MIGHT want to look for. I wouldn't have known what to ask when "interviewing" a clinic or coach. I wouldn't have realized how important some of the real support would be.
Maybe, be our examples with our coaches others will realize 1) you don't have to use the first clinic you go to or the first coach 2) you can ask to see if they will give you what you think you will need. Just like any "consulting service" there will be many styles and techniques out there. Not all IP coaches were required to be affiliated with medical professionals or be medical professionals. If that matters to someone, they should seek it out, it can be found in many places. It shouldn't be expected to be there because, it wasn't always a requirement and in some places still isn't.
If you only want to use the Ideal Protein diet, supplements, and protocol make sure you ask for that. Not all the clinics are just offering IP. Many offer their own supplements or alternative supplements. Many are offering IP like protocols and are using different products. Just know what you are getting and that it is what you want.
I think the less that "good" examples are important too. It doesn't have to be negative but, we can learn from others experiences about what to look out for and what questions would be great to ask in advance so we can avoid unfavorable experiences. I know it is hard with as much identifying information about us on here but, if you decide to share something along those lines and can find a positive way of helping others enhance their coaching experience in the future, I am sure it will be appreciated.
Quote:
Originally Posted by YankeeFan14040
My coach did not charge any fees for a consultation. She said that since she lost over 120lbs off of Ideal Protein, that this was her passion because all other diets didn't work out for her. ..
And I am VERY thankful for finding this forum, it compliments my coach very well with all of the suggestions from those that have been doing the program over the past several months.
It sounds like you found a wonderful coach! Many people who are coaching are doing this out of their passion and because they found something that works very well, often for the first time in their life. I am so happy for you that you found a truly compassionate person! Make sure you recommend her! People like that really do help others have success too!
I also like how you say this compliments your coaching. I would hope that would be the goal of this forum to support each of us in attaining our goals and to compliments, maybe even complete, the coaching we are already getting. That would be the ideal situation in my opinion.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vanessa333
...
The other day she even called me to let me know that a lot of people just started IP and I should give her my order of my packets for the week to be sure she will have everything for me.
...
That was wonderful of her to give you a heads up! Sometimes once you are on the program, you do get stuck with the foods you know you can eat and having a heads up to get your order in could be helpful in some clinics!
I am glad she is giving you the support. I think having the forum to turn to is a nice way to fill in information gaps. But, don't be afraid to ask her or push her a little, it is how she will learn more about the program too!
Quote:
Originally Posted by ladyvrod
I met with the person that runs the IP part of the clinic the first time. ..
Now just buy some packets and supplements.
Aww! I am sorry it hasn't been the strongest experience. You really have shown dedication to getting this done though. (Your pictures this week are beautiful and proof of that effort!) Unfortunately, some clinics are trying to do multiple things with short staff and they do have to postpone meeting with people or do orientation in group settings. Some will work around that and others don't. As far as seeing a Dr. unless you have a health issue, you are not required to be seen so, I'm not surprised that was your experience.
I am glad you have stuck through it and been here with us!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Adnamaj
So I started this program a little over a week ago and I'm down 13lbs! ...
Thanks
I am so sorry your experience hasn't been great! I think your price, although higher than advised initially (also not acceptable), is pretty average. I think they forgot to add in the supplements.
As for the food issues, NOT ACCEPTABLE! You should be getting what you order and, you should not be required to eat food you don't like. I would take it back, say this must have been an order for someone else because it isn't what I requested and expect them to fill it as you ordered it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by longdivision
i spend 15-45 mins with my coach every thursday. she is very friendly and comments on my food journal. she takes her time to get my measurements right. she tries to answer all of my questions, and if she doesn't know the answer, she will go to higher authorities to find out. i can email her and she always gets back to me. both she and the dr. in the office always ask how my week went, how i feel and if i have any questions.
the start up fee was $675. that included the consultation, blood work, vitamins, and 8 boxes of food (almost 3 weeks). it's $90 a week for food, and $90 a month for vitamins (but i pay more because i get the omega 3s and cofactors).
I didn't realize San Francisco was so much higher in cost! It sounds like you have a coach that is doing a good job though. How is it working for you as a vegetarian? Is she helpful on that front too?
Quote:
Originally Posted by condanchri
I spent several days calling around and getting a feel for the local places that do the IP protocol. The most expensive was $299 for the 1st consultation, then $90 each week after. There were a few that were $100lower than that for the initial visit, but I was leaning towards the more expensive one because I liked the information I received from them during my initial phone call. They seemed to be more "up to date" on their understanding of the IP program (I had done a TON of research on the program, most of it from this site - thank you!). However, when I called and asked what was included with the initial consultation that would justify a $100 increase in fee versus everything else in this area, I was treated very rudely and told that I would not be able to get an appointment until towards the end of February! So much for that! I finally stumbled onto the chiropractic office I use now - and I really like my coach so far. She is very knowlegeable, has done the program, and was able to answer all of my questions thoroughly. She charged me $160 for my initial consult (including 3 boxes of packets, supplements, sea salt and shaker), and $80 per week.
I really liked your example and the research you put into finding your clinic. I really points out that this, like anything else that is consulting and advice oriented, should be researched and investigated as not all services are equal. I am so glad you found a good coach at a reasonable price!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Linden
There are lots of things you can do, whether or not you feel comfortable doing them, is another thing. I'll make some suggestions, and I hope others will to, and then you can do your own variations on a theme.
..
I hope this helps a little, or gives you some things to think about, and a potential direction.
As usual, you offer great advice and I don't think I can add anything new!
Quote:
Originally Posted by JSP
I am very pleased with my coach. She works in her husband’s chiropractic office and I have known their family for years. She went through the program with her husband first, and then they became coaches. I was in her first group of participants. They waived the consult fee, so my first charge was for $222 (10 days worth of food, supplements, shaker, salt). She called me every day my first week (when I felt simply horrible), and is always accessible by phone or email.
...
I sure feel bad for those out there without a good coach, as they can be the backbone of success. It seems IP should have a forum to report coach problems, or be a bit more careful on how they select the coaches.
You sound like you have a GREAT coach! That added support in week one is so valuable, don't you think? It really made a difference for me. I agree it would be nice for people to have a way to reach out to IP and let them know when they weren't getting the best support or coaching (in the name of the program) and be directed to alternate options.
Quote:
Originally Posted by juiceman11
I initially met with a dietician at our clinic and had a 45 min sit down meeting with her. ...
I am so glad you think your in-laws have had a good coach and you are able to contrast that to your experience. It is unfortunate that you have someone who lacks the added enthusiasm, knowledge, and/or personal touch that makes this program so special. I am also glad you feel you didn't need the coaching much because you have a strong support system.
Quote:
Originally Posted by FitMe
Hi Carla,
It's great that you have had two great coaches! My experience is less stellar.
I drove 4 hours round trip on two separate days so far to Plano, TX, because that seemed to be the best place.
.... Also, I was told that Bariatrix was the same as Ideal Protein.
My cost was $391 for the workup and two weeks of packet samplings with about half of the packets being Ideal Protein and the other half Bariatrix. I had no recourse at the time, since I had already had my blood drawn and ekg. I was disappointed, but started the products anyway. Three weeks into the protocol:
228 starting/210 current/155 goal.
Last week I did some research online and found Ideal To Go, operating in Florida from a clinic and offering online purchase of Ideal Protein. I got a quick response to my email and they have a coach along with the purchase of products. It's www.IdealToGo.com. If anyone has purchased from this site, let me know your experience. Thanks!
WOW!! You really are dedicated! I assure you, if you keep that dedication the results you see on this program will be amazing!
I am so sorry you got the service/experience you did. To my knowledge, Baraiatrix is not Ideal Protein. It may or may not be close. It may only be as like IP as Atkins or Medifast are like IP ... they control carbs. As to what the two products or programs do they may not be anything alike.
I would actually contact IP corporate to confirm they are or are not the same and that your IP coach was selling you something else. I don't believe that fits with IP guidelines for the clinics offering their products and I am sure they would be interested in hearing it.
Definitely use Ideal to Go!! They are a clinic that has been approved by IP for people in your situation, where there is not clinic conveniently located to them.
Many people have used IP to go and have made wonderful comments on here. The key is knowing YOU lead the communications in this "away" setting. If you ask you get lots of help. If you don't, it may feel like an online order house. I know of two past members who used them and lost very well and had nothing but good to say. Those members aren't on here anymore but, I am sure they would tell you it was very helpful and convenient.