Hi, I have been a long time lurker of 3FC and have tried many different methods to lose weight. I believe this is my first post. The majority of my life I was not overweight, but starting in 2009 I started gaining 20 lbs a year until I was 285 lbs. I gained due to stress, depression and life changes. I discovered Ideal Protein after moving to Washington last Oct 2014 and desperately searching for a way to get my weight under control when I could barely fit in the bus seats. I came across a YouTube video by EnlightenWithZara and was blown away by her results on IP. After doing more research I finally went to a few clinics in Bothell and Issaquah and settled on one with a nutritionist on staff.
The results have been amazing, I have not been below 220 in almost 5 years and hit that mini goal a few months ago. I am now stuck at 212 and had my first 5+ gain on the program. I started eating outside the plan a few weeks ago, but I'm getting back on track after a tough WI this morning. My goal is to be back in the 150s but I have several mini goals in mind.
Aside from my off plan eating setback, I have concerns as follows:
- My energy level has struggled the entire program. I have seen my regular doctor, gotten blood work done and everything is "normal" except my B12 is elevated. My coach was unable to tell me what might cause high B12 levels and I have not figured it out either. My doctor wants me to do a sleep study to see if that is causing me to feel so darn tired.
- I get easily winded moderately walking and forget taking the stairs! I used to enjoy working out before gaining all the weight and wonder how I will be able to do that with basically no energy. I feel borderline weak.
- The constipation is hard to deal with. I am anemic so I have to supplement Iron, that on top of the constipation from IP is too much! My coach advised Magnesium Citrate to move things along, it works but I dislike the effect.
- This is a cosmetic concern, my butt is looking crazy. I've always been curvy and my backside looks flat and strange. The shape is very odd and I'm wondering if I need to be doing squats but again my energy levels are suffering.
- Lastly, the cost is starting to get to me. I've spent about $3,700 on the plan, I have rationalized this with the idea I used to eat massive amounts of junk food, take out, etc. I pay $90-100 weekly. My HSA account pays for supplements so that helps. I've reviewed alternatives but I'm not confident in that route yet.
My staples are Vanilla Ready Made Drink, Brocolli & Cheese Soup, Chocolate Brownie and Chocolate (Cocoa) Drink. I eat pretty much the same thing daily. I tried vanilla pudding ready made and it was so nasty, I paid $33 for the box so I don't experiment with new foods I can't buy as a individual packet. I have tried other packets but those listed never fail me.
I'm looking for some support, encouragement and thoughts on my concerns if anyone gets a chance to comment. Have a good evening and hope to hear from you all soon.
Nicole