Hello. my name is PJ and I am starting my second week of IP diet...my first weigh in appointment was reschuled for another week so I have not been measured. I have weighed on my scale and it seems like I am going up and down..maybe all the water I am drinking. The first week they had me on 5 IP packs a week...this week I have cut down to four...seems like its a long time between crispy cereal and tea in the morning and lunch....today I was starved after lunch at noon so I had a bar two hours later...dinner is not for a few hours...drinking water like crazy....has anyone noticed their weight fluctuate during the first two weeks. Everyone I know is losing weight so I am hopefull....

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/idea...ry-2011-a.html

PJ, Glad to have you join us! Above is a link to the IP Chat thread.

Hi. I just wanted to say hello and let you know that I 'm new to IP as well. I just started yesterday and am trying hard to get a feel for this diet and how exactly it works. I've spent 3 weeks "pouring" over the paperwork. I don't have a clinic close to me that I'm aware of so I'm ordering it from Idealtogo.com. I thought I would join this forum to get advise and keep up with what I don't know by not having a coach. So far so good but, I do have a couple of questions so if you or any others have answers that would be great.

1. Can I have caffeine free tea (hot or cold)? How much and does it count as a replacement for my water if I don't put splenda etc. in it?

2. Someone told me that I could add a small amount of vanilla to a shake or pre-made drink if I wanted too. I'm concerned about that because doesn't pure vanilla have sugar? Or do I only use vanilla extract?

Thanks ladies (and gentleman). I'm excited about my journey and for finding this site. I hope you all can offer me that wonderful advise you are getting from your coaches. I'm staying strong and creating A NEW ME one step at a time.