Conference rocks::weight_control

    Well, best of luck, Joel. Please keep us updated on how the program
    is, how you are doing, and what kinds of problems you run into,
    especially those you didn't expect. I'd be very interested to hear
    all of this "first hand".
    
    -Amy.
     

    Hi Joel,
    
    How is it going so far with Optifast?  I've been doing the WW diet
    on my own for a few weeks now and have discovered this note file.
    
    I'm new at Digital and think this is great. After doing very well
    a couple of years ago on WW I've also managed to gain it all back
    plus some.
    
    So far I've been doing well, but it's not easy during holiday season.
    
    Let's both hang in there,
    
    Gail
    
    

    I thank Amy and Gail for their support. I entered quite a report
    in the progress notes file but it appears that no one is really
    using that one. I willl attempt to transfer that note over and keep
    my progress here in this file.
    
    I have been on the 1200 Cal basic during the  first week of Opti-fast
    and have managed to lose about 10 lbs. I am drinking the prescribed
    2 quarts and feel ready to go on the fast at my meeting tomorrow
    night. There seems to be a lot of people in this DEC facility on
    skinny shakes, I see a lot of drastic weight loss and see the shakes
    on occasion. Anyone interested in forming a skinny shake support
    group in the MKO area? Perhaps we could meet informally once or
    twice a month and shake out together.
    
    Look for my real progress notes soon.
    
    Best to all who are trying to decrease.

>I will attempt to transfer that note over 

I'd like to read it!  You can extract the note into a file, and then open up 
this conference, get to the desired topic, enter "reply" and then using the 
editing keypad, hit "gold/command" and command "include filename".  That's one 
way to transfer the note over here.
    
>    I have been on the 1200 Cal basic during the  first week of Opti-fast

I'm curious about what this entails?

Best to you,
Meredith

               <<< ALONE::SYS$SYSDEVICE:[NOTES$LIBRARY]PROGRESS.NOTE;4 >>>
              -< Progress - Take steps toward your destination! >-
================================================================================
Note 64.0                        Back to age 19                        2 replies
31756::JAFFE "The Big Blue Buster from CMG"          31 lines   7-DEC-1988 19:14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Hello out there in notes land---
    
    My name is Joel Jaffe and I am a marketing consultant from Merrimack.
    I have been the fat route for all fo my 39 years but I am now in
    crisis. I was a chubby baby, boy and adolescent trimming to about
    185 at 5'9" from age 16 to 19. Lost a few that year and went down
    to an alltime adult low of 172. Still had the feeling I was a bit
    chubby but none the less, my weight was not a problem. Got married
    at 21 and weighed in at 185 or so and was pretty good at maintaining
    185 - 200 through my 20s. Crossed the threshold to 30 at 200 - 215.
    Fathered my first child at 31 at 220, went through a traumatic change
    in jobs to a very lucrative but pressure sales job at 33 and up
    to 230, joined DEC in New Jersey at 33 and lost and maintained 220
    for a year, had my second child and crept up in sales in NJ with
    DEC to 250, was promoted to marketing here in MKO in 86 at 37 years
    and went up to 275, lost almost 50 pounds in WW during the summer
    of 87 and have eaten my way back to 270 at the present.
    
    My goal is to get to 175. My doctor says I better now that I have
    high blood pressure
    
    My current plan is Optifast which I start on tomorrow.  I think
    I can lose the weight, keeping it off scares me. I have not excercised
    for a long time and know that I must not only establish good eating
    habits but also put excercise as a regular part of my life on a
    very high priority.
    
    I will log my progress and feelings on optifast on a weekly basis
    or better. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome. Stop
    by or call if your in the MKO2 neighborhood, I'll share my powder
    package with you over lunch.
================================================================================
Note 64.1                        Back to age 19                           1 of 2
31756::JAFFE "The Big Blue Buster from CMG"          36 lines   7-DEC-1988 19:36
                                  -< Week 0 >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Everything has happened very fast but thats ok, I am psyched and
    ready to go. My orientation session was last Tuesday. I met the
    Doctor in charge of the program and she briefed the 20 of us on
    the program and the medical soundness of it all. The nutritionist
    was next doing his thing and talking obout what nutritionists do
    in the program. Finally a therapist talked about the group sessions
    and answered most of the questions.
    
    If you wanted to persue the program further, you had to fill ou
    some forms and register for a paperwork session. I did and returned
    on Thursday where ther were 5 or 6 I recognized from orientation
    filling out many forms and signing away responsibility and
    understanding of the program concepts and regulations. They made
    it very clear that the program was expensive and were open at
    discussing the coverage each insurance carrier had consented to.
    After filling out the forms, I was told to get lab work done at
    the local hospital for which my insurance would be billed, and
    scheduled for a physical with the doctor for which I was asked for
    a check for $150 qat that time. I was given a class date of Thursday
    the 8th of December which surprised me. Others wanted to start after
    the holiday and were given start dates in January.
    
    I went to the outpatient hospital and had blood drawn for a CBC,
    Chem 26, T3 T4 Trig, urinalysis, Chest X-Ray, and an EKG. Nothing
    unusual about that.
    
    Tomorrow is my first meeting scheduled for 4:30 and will last until
    6:00. I have not dieted this week but I did not go pig out in
    anticipation of the fast. As I understand things, I do not start
    the fast until the second meeting. I have been told to bring my
    checkbook with lots in it tomorrow. I have my physical wiht the
    doctor scheduled for Friday morning.
    
    A little nervous by determined - see you next week.
    
    Joel
================================================================================
Note 64.2                        Back to age 19                           2 of 2
31756::JAFFE "The Big Blue Buster from CMG"          11 lines   9-DEC-1988 15:48
                                    -< 269 >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Last night was my first meeting. There are 15 in my group, 4 of
    us male types. We heard from our group leader, a PhD.in psychology
    with a specilaty in food disorders. She treats not only obesity
    but also belemia and anorexia. Our nutritionist also did his bit.
    Not much time for the members of the group to vent but afterall
    it was the first meeting. We were all put on 1000 or 1200 cal diets
    that are high protein and low sodium for the week. This is to get
    our bodies adjusted for the fast which will start next week. They
    took pictures and took an initial weighing.
    With 100 to go I begin optimistic and confident at week 0 269lbs.
    

It sounds scary, expensive, and commitment-involved.  You can do it!

    I went to my first real meeting last night. Blood pressure chech
    ok, chart indicates ok to start fast. Pay $25 follow up clinic visit,
    $72 drugs (food), $30 RN visit total $127 for the week $677 since
    the beginning. Weighed in and have lost 8 lbs on warmup diet. Starting
    fast at 266. At the therapy session we listened to more rules of
    the program and how to mix the powder, what to do for headache etc.
    Then we all had  to interview the person next to us and introduce
    them to the group. Cute OOps, end of the hour - see you next week
    and good luck.
    Well off to home for my first dinner of chocolate shake. It really
    is not bad and it felt filling - sort of just sits there in your
    stomach. Ten o'clock mixed up a shake of strawberry -  not as good
    as the chocolate but just as satisfying. Sat down for breakfast
    witht the family this morning and shook up a vanilla - now that
    flavor is going to need some work - heard I can use extracts and
    that almond makes the vanilla bearable. It did do well in liteing
    up my coffee (you can not use any other liteners - not even powdered
    skim milk) The family all tried it  and offered their sympathy.
    
    OK off to work optimistic that this program will really work for
    me just like the vast numbers of others.
    
    PS Read an article on OA. Might not be a bad idea to join that org
    now. Any comments or suggestion on how to find them here in the
    Merrimack area?

how I find OA and related organizations is to call Alcoholics Anonymous, listed 
in the phone book, and ask for reference.

can you get all chocolate or do you have to use the other flavors?

check out rum extract

    Thanks to .8 DANIEL for the tip on AA. In response to your question,
    you can get any combination of flavors by the box, each box contains
    12 packets. All chocolate is fine but rather boaring.
    
    I bought many extracts and found them to be as exciting as one can
    get on optifast. The chocolate with a drop of coconut and almond
    is great as is the vanilla with orange (tastes like a creamsicle).
    
    I made it tyhrought the weekend with not too much pain. I am not
    hungry in the least but the cravings and desires for something that
    tastes and feels different from a milkshake are there. It is getting
    easier and the routine at work makes the day very easy. 
    
    It has only been 3 days but I can feel the ketosis side effects.
    My scale also tells me that I am 10 lbs lighter than what I was
    last Thurs. morning. I'll give the official weigh in report next
    Tuesday after Christmas break.
    
    Have a Happy everyone - Just remember you don't have to have a full
    belly to have a good time.

    We were all very anxious to get to our first optifast meeting after
    being on the fast for one week. Everyone was there, no dropouts
    yet. The reaction out in the waiting room was unanimous - not as
    hard as I thought going without food for a week - I can do this.
    
    I weighed in at 259 - down 11 for the week. Most of the men lost
    between 8 and 12 lbs. The women lost 6 - 10 some were up to 12.
    Only one confessed to "pick" during food preparation and promissed
    not to do it anymore. Group meeting was pleasant enought - we wished
    each other luck over Christmas and set out anxious to complete another
    week of no food.
    
    Reaction to first week. It does require some will power but no more
    than sticking to any other diet. It takes all the guess work out
    of deciding what to eat and when. There is no doubt in my mind that
    I can and will go without food for 12 weeks with no cheats - Its
    like standing on a high balcony - yuo know it might be fun to step
    over the railing but your not that crazy to try it.
    
    I'll talk about going through Christmas after weighing in next
    Thursday. 

today's Thursday!  here's good vibes for you!

    The good vibes must have worked. Thanks for the support!!!
    
    I made it through the first holiday without a nibble of food. As
    a matter of fact, it tis getting easier. I have no hunger paings
    at all and my cravings are fewer and farther between. There were
    some moments when I thought I would kill for a taste of that little
    canapee or just a smigen of that pie, but I held tight. It really
    is easier with this black and white type of diet. Of course it does
    nothing for giving confidence and training in how to handle the
    situation when I finally get to eating the real thing again. Oh
    well --- I have 10 more weeks on the total fast before finding out
    how I react to that situation.
    
    The good new is I weighed in at 254 down 5 from last week. I was
    a little dissapointed as I thought I lost more than that but it
    appeared that most of us in the group were in the same boat. The
    men lost between 4 and 7 lbs and the women between 1/2 (the nibbler)
    and 5 lbs. Our nutritionist explained that weight at the scale does
    not always reflect the burnup of fat and that loss ove the long
    haul will be consistant with the experiences of the program.
    
    I gave my family a great Christmas present. I enrolled the 4 of
    us in the local health club. The kids had a ball in the pool while
    I enrolled in an anrobic fitness program. My goal is to work out
    4 nights a week for 45 minutes then swim with my little ones for
    an hour. I feel that this habit could be the difference later on
    to gaining or maintaining my weinthloss.
    
    Well  HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL AND A THINNER, HEALTHIER 1989 TO THOSE
    IN THE NEVER ENDING PERSUIT. 
    Weve all got a great head start on the year so CHARGE!!!!!!!

    You can write to OA for a list of where all the NH meetings 
    are held. Send request to O/A PO Box 1666, Hooksett NH 03106.
    
    I have attended 4 meetings so far. Two of them on Tuesdays
    at St. John's Parish hall 7PM in Hudson NH and the Nashua group
    meets Thursdays at 8PM at the Pilgrim Church hall behind Hammar
    Hardware. I found them the answer to my weight problems. Lost over
    2 lbs over Christmas weekend. I usually gain 5 lbs. I've tried every
    type of diet clinics, hypnosis, and spent hundreds of dollars to
    finally realize that the real problem was being addressed..that
    is the addiction to food and compulsive overeating. The best part
    it's FREE and I've met all kinds of nice people.
    
    Hope this helps,
    
    Barbara
    

    Thanks for the information Barbara. I'll show up at the Thursday
    meeting in Nashua. That will be right after my Optifast meeting
    so I'll get the double wammy. I think you are right in  that OA
    deals with the real problem while "diets" and even programs like
    optifast deal primarily with the symptom. I see no problem in dealing
    with both at the same time - does anyone?
    
    PS - Worked out every day over the New Years holiday, stayed faithful
    to the optifast program and according to the scale at the health
    club, lost 2 pounds. Stay tuned for the week 4 report on Friday.
    
    Hope everyone had a happy New Year.

    Well Friday came quickly this time. Perhaps I am getting use to
    things like not eating or maybe it was the holiday or the time I
    spent working out at the health club. What ever the reason, the
    third week on the fast was much easier than previous weeks. Weigh
    in was a reward. Down 6 for the week - total of 22 for the fast
    so far - THATS 22 POUNDS IN 21 DAYS!!!!!!!! - down almost 30 for
    the 4 weeks in the program.
    
    I feel great - energy level very high - exercising 4-5 times a week
    - never hungry  
                             on the other hand
    I miss things that crunch or have to be chewed- miss the "entertainment
    of going out to eat - my blood pressure is still 120/90
                             on the other hand
    My Cholesterol is down to 182 from 230, my Triglycerides are low
    normal and I fit into things I havent looked at for 1 1/2 years
    (since the last time I was on WW).
    
    Looking foward to a routine week. My short term goal is to drop
    3 pounds of fat this week bringing me down from current 248 to 245.
    I would love to be in the 230's by the 20th.
    
    See everyone next week
    
    PS, I missed the OA meeting - got cold feet that maybe the spiritual
    side of things was not for me.

thanks for the update!  sounds like you are doing great.  For chewing, try 
shaved ice.  That might help a little bit!

    A friend of mine was on a similar type of program and the things
    she missed the most was chewing too.  She solved that by chewing
    sugarless gum.
    
    Good luck.

    Friday is here again and time for another in the series of weekly
    reports of an Optifast participant.
    This marks the end of week 5, 28 days on the fast and 7 days before
    that on a 1200 calorie diet. My goal for the week was to drop 3
    pounds of fat and go from 248 to 245, longer term for 2 weeks to
    break into the 230s. Well heres the results----------------
    
    Got rid of 7 pounds of fat this week
    
    The scale tips in at 241
    
    Down 29 pounds in 28 days on the fast and 37 pounds since Dec. 8th.
    
    The exercise is definitly helping. My nurse ot Optifast was freaked
    ut when I told her that I was warming up to a pulse rate of 160
    and maintaining that for 30 minutes followed by a slow down. This
    is what my health club indicated was the max safe range for a person
    my age (39). She said I was over doing it and that I risked cardiac
    arrest. Her suggestion was that I exercise at no more than 120 BMP
    which is just slightly higher than my ambulatory BPM of 100.
    
    Any thoughts from the peanut gallery? I experience no pain or
    discomfort while exercising, have followed the same routine for
    4 weeks now, and have had a stress test recently which brought my
    BPM up to 185 with no consequences. I did however have an abnormal
    24 hur heart tracing which showed an arythmia during sleep. This
    was taken while I was on a Beta Blocker for hypertension. The test
    was repeated this week after discontinuing the medication. The results
    should be in soon.
    
    Any way, I am feeling great and ready for another easy week without
    food. The weeks are easier and shorter and filled with fun as I
    learn that one can have fun without involving food.
    
    Have a great week every one - see you next Friday.
    
    Joel  

    
    Yeah. Watch the exercise. Your blood electrolytes are going
    every which way during the fast, so go by what the nurse
    says. Electrolytes (potassium, calcium...) can go unstable
    real fast (24 hrs), and cardiac irregularities are one of the
    first symptoms. 
    
    Your exercise EKG was helpful, but now you're stressing
    your body extra by being on the fast.
    
    Congrats on the loss so far. You're at a critical stage now,
    at 4-5 weeks. You're getting bored with teh whole thing and
    thinking "Is this really worth it?". Hang in there, and
    DON'T BREAK THE FAST!!! 
    
    == Jim (who lost 70 lbs on OptiFast and is keeping it off)
    Jim 

    
    Joel,
    
    I know this can be found elsewhere in the file, but ...
    
    one way to calculate your training heart rate is to use the following
    formula :
    	 	65 % of max heart rate = .65(220 - AGE)
    		85 % of max heart rate = .85(220 - AGE)
    
    	In your case, 65 % is roughly 118 BPM, 85 % is 153 BPM
    
    	you should be exercising BETWEEN these heart rates, making 160
    	higher than desired.
    
    There are other formulas that include your resting heart rate in
    the calculations, but I don't know which note they are in.
    
    By the way, I'm 25 years old, with a resting heart rate of 70, and
    try to exercise at 160 or lower.
    
    Karen
    

    I have been experiencing urges to cheat. I even dreamed about "stuffing
    my face" last night. Consciously, I know I will not go off program,
    but the control to do so is draining. Is this a common problem with
    Optifast during week 5? Perhaps is is due to the many people who
    are telling me I look great. Am I subconciously beleiving them?
    Perhaps now is the time to see a good eating disorders therapist
    privately to uncover the real reasons I need to overeat. I am sure
    that it is this part of me that is screaming to be heard. How do
    I make it go away? ANY HELP OUT THERE 
    
    Concerned but still determined------
    

    
	This is _very_ common with the OptiFast program. My group was 
    	told about it, wxpected it, and it _still_ happened. We
    	lost a few people at this time. It's critical, but it 
    	will pass. It may take a week or two, so hang on.
    
    	Jim

    Another Friday and another reward at the scale last night. Down
    5 pounds for the week, accounting for 34 of the unheathy buggers
    in 5 weeks on the fast and 42 pounds overall in 6 weeks in the program.
    Current weight is 236.
    
    Goals short term:  Next week get as close to 230 as possible so
    that I can enter the month of February in the 220's.
    
    Thanks for all the support on cheating, I got through a few crisises
    and feel now I have a handle on things. A few of the others in my
    group were not so lucky and did make a slip but we still have not
    lost anyone and everyone is still doing well. One member lost control
    right after our meeting laast week and drove straingt to McD's for
    a fish sandwich. She ate it but regained control, didn't punish
    herself and finished the week out without a slip. I personally don't
    feel I would be able to slip even once and get back on track so
    easily. I give her a lot of credit.
    
    We had a lecture on exercising, fat burning and increasing metabolism
    last night and thanks to theis file, I was the resident expert in
    the group. General result was to keep the intensity down to a
    reasonable rate so that you can easily talk while exercising (has
    to do with the need for O2 in fast burning - if it isn't present
    you burn stored gycogyn in the muscles and only build up muscles
    and aches) and increase duration past the 20 minute mark to 45 minutes
    or more (has to do with the point in time when the glycogyn burn
    rate deminishes and the fat burn rate increases). Very interesting
    and informative - I will practice what they advised in my routine.
    
    See everyone next week.
    
    Joel

Joel-
    
    I'm sure I speak for everyone in this file when I say
    "CONGRATULATIONS!"  You should be very proud of yourself!!
    HANG IN THERE!!!

    	My wife started an opti-fast clone one week ago called NEDI-FAST.
    She has 5 shakes a day made mostly of egg white protein and goes
    thru similar meetings and group meetings.  She has been doing great
    on it so far.  She lost 8 lbs the first week.  But this is not without
    difficulty.  She takes care of our three little boys and has to
    go thru the awesomely difficult task of preparing the daily eggos,
    peanut butter and jelly, dinners, ect.  She finds it so hard sometimes.
    She syas the hardest part was the smells.  She says her "smeller"
    has become so acute and these food scents drive her crazy with desire
    to eat.  She has had alot of sleeplessness with it to.  She went
    to a local hypnotist who has helped alot with the smell problem.
    
    	Your weekly diary has been great.  Could you expand a bit on
    the difficult moments.  How about "alcohol"?  Have you missed it
    at all?
    
    							George

    	I forgot to mention this in the last reply.  My wife would like
    to know about the average weight loss for woman on this program.
     Are there any woman out there that can share some "women-specific"
    expieriences on this fasting program or ones like it?  Any info
    is apreciated.
    				George
    

    George,
    
    You are going to be a very important part of your wife's success.
    Not only will it require you to be understanding of some pretty
    drastic mood swings and fits of anger but perhaps additional support
    is needed. The smell issue is a hard one to overcome in the beginning.
    I could not be anywhere near the source of smells without going
    crazy. As time goes on, most of us fasters will experience a turn
    around in this area. Smells become a source of pleasure (most of
    the time) and do not trigger the eat me impulse. There are still
    certain smells and triggers I know I can't handle - such as pizza
    and chineese food. Of course these things are forbidden in my house
    and even talk of such things is frowned upon. My wife and children
    have been a great source of inspiration and comfort to me and have
    made my success up to now easier than I expected. Sounds like you
    are the type of individual that will offer like support. Let her
    tell you what she needs and don't be surprised if her needs change
    from day to day and week to week.
    Offer my best and congradulations at undertakeing the ahrdest part
    of all - the decision to start.
    
    Joel

    The average loss for women is 3 to 5 pounds per week over a 4 to
    5 month period. This of course is radically effected by her size
    to begin with, her normal metabolism rate, and the amount of exercise
    she has done and will do on the program. Everyones body is different
    but most of the women in my group are in the 3 - 5 catagory.

    Hi from New Jersey,
    
    Managed to reach a terminal between meetings and set host back home
    so this will be short and sweet..
    
    Lost a mildly dissapointing 3 pounds for the week (no cheats or
    slips as we call them  honestly) and down now in week 7 to 37 pounds
    for the fast over 42 days and 45 overall in 49 days. Current weight
    233 and falling. It was a very easy week and I am hoping for another
    of the same. The real test is tonight when I visit a friend in Atlantic
    City before returning to the security of home on Sunday. This will
    be good practice for my upcomming trip to Fla. in Feb.
    
    See you all next week in LKO or after my weigh in Thursday night.

    George, in response to your queries:  I just finished my 3rd week
    and weighed in for a 25-pound loss!  The average for my program
    is based on the weight range of the faster.  The heavier you are
    the more you lose initially. My weight range called for a 20-pound
    weight loss in the first month and 15 pounds per month thereafter.
    
    I think we all have found that the first month is extremely variable
    and individual, but the following weeks seem to slow down to 
    averages of about 3 pounds for women and 5 pounds for men.  Individual
    variations, of course, apply.
    
    I also noticed that my sense of smell sharpened significantly by
    the end of the first week.  I also became the coldest woman in the
    world in the evening and at night!
    
    Keep us posted on your wife's progress and problems.
    
    Inez
    
     

My first time in here, but want to add my congratulations... I'm a female and
also on Opti-Fast here in Memphis.  I started Jan 6th, so am in the 3rd week 
of the fast plus the one week 1200 calorie diet.

I've lost 5 in each of the 3 weeks for a total of 15.  I need to lose 60 by
the Opti-Fast doctors calculation (75 is what I would like!!).

You mention Strawberry, so that means they have you on the 800 calorie a day
shake?  I'm on the 420 calorie per day, so I can only choose from vanilla,
chocolate, cherry or orange. (I buy nothing but chocolate anymore.... couldn't
handle the others!!)  They also say we can have 1/2 cup sugar free jello
three times a week and MBT boullion three times a week.  (I haven't had  any
of the bouillion yet...)

Was out of town on business all last week, and couldn't hole up in the hotel
room at night, but didn't have a problem in restaurants with friends, but boy
did it SMELL good.

Hang in there.... feel free to send mail or call!!

Debbie

    Joel,
    
       What is the total cost so far for this program.  I am very
    interested but don't have a lot to spend on diet programs.  I know 
    it is expensive, I have checked into Diet Center and the other places
    and was quoted a price exceeding $1,000. for 40lbs which would take me
    up to a year to loose.  Thank you for your information.
    
    Patti

    Let me see if I remember---
                                                  reimbursed at 80%=X
         
    Initial Physician visit and physical            $150  X
    First Nutritionist,Therapist,meeting etc.       $400  X 
    First week on fast includes 4 boxes of
          Optifast food for 1 1/2 weeks       $127 
                              subtract 72 for food   $55  X
    Every week thereafter for at least 12 weeks $109 $55  X
    
    Thus far for me with 8 weeks behind me it has cost $1521.00
    Plus the hospital charges for the blood tests (every two weeks)
    the chest X-Ray, the EKG, the additional tests I needed for Echo
    Cardiogram, Stress Test, and 2 Holter Monitors which are all reimbursed
    by John Hancock at 80% which adds my cost at least $300 more.

    
    So far I have not gotten anything back from insurance by they do
    owe me over $800 by my calculations. Meanwhile I am hurting financially
    but would do it again in a flash.  At almost a 50 pound loss, it
    is costing somwhere between 2 and 3 dollars a pound but how much
    would I pay for potentially adding a few extra good uality years
    onto my life? A lot more than a few grand. So what the heck - I
    skimp a little - I do save lots on supermarket bills and taking
    the family out to eat.
    
    Not a bad idea to borrow $3000 to finance the program. It is worth
    every penny and might contribute to extra motivation to finish the
    program.

    I was hoping for the drum roll this week but it will have to wait.
    
    Loss for the week         4 pounds
    Loss for the fast so far  41 pounds
    Loss since Dec. 8th       49 pounds
    
    51 pounds to goal and still going strong.
    
    It was an even easier week than before. I am very cognizant of eating
    signals that triggered me to eat without being hungry. I was on
    a flight to NJ on friday and had to use all my determination to
    refuse the Stewardess when she said "Snack Sir?". I don't even like
    airline food, its just the thing to do. I can remember last Oct.
    going to LA and having a lunch on the leg from Boston to Chicago.
    At O'Hare, I had a 50 minute layover so of course, I stopped into
    the snack bar for a bite. Back on the plane to LA, the 3 hour time
    difference kicks in so another lunch is served. I land in LA get
    to the hotel, unpack and jump right down to the restaraunt for a
    nice big dinner.
    
    There is no guess work in why I got so heavy and what I have to
    do to keep my weight stable once at goal.
    
    See you next week for the drum roll signifying the 1/2 way point.
    
    Joel

    Ok HERE IS THE FIRST DRUM ROLL..................................
    
    loss for the week               3 pounds (I guess this is going
                                              to be my new weekly average)

    loss for the fast (56 days)     44 pounds
    
    LOSS SINCE DEC 8th            **52** BIG ONES!!!!!
    
    Weighed in last night at 226 although I have stepped on the balance
    beam at the health club sans clothes and tipped the scale at 219.
    
    There is only 4 more weeks in the total fast and then we were told
    we add 4 Oz. of fish or chicken and 1/2 cup of brocoli in place
    of 2 of our Optifast packets. The calories go up to about 850 per
    day under that regiment but the addition of food usually adds fuel
    to the metabolism and weight loss should proceed as before. Some
    of the group is anxious about having to deal with food again. They
    are still not convinced that they can control it. This is why the
    program is 26 weeks long with half of it losing weight while on
    food. I feel comforable with the refeeding plan. I know I can control
    anything now - after going 2 months without so much as licking my
    fingers after cooking or cutting the kid's stuff.
    
    I leave for Florida for a two week vacation next Friday. 
    I will be staying at MOTHER'S house and althugh she has been read
    the riot act about what my eating routine is, I will be ON GUARD
    expecially after reading some of the recent NOTES entries on maternal
    sabotage. The nutritionist gave me liberty to start the refeeding
    while I am down there but I think I am better off waiting until
    March 9th. I might need the support of my therapy group and familiar
    surroundings to get on the right refeeding track.
    
    Since I don't think I'll be able to make my entry next week, i'll
    estimate now and say that :
    
    week 10 down 3, fast 47, overall 55, weight 223
    week 11 down 3, fast 50, overall 58, weight 220
    week 12 down 3, fast 53, overall 61, weight 217
    
    See you for week 13 end of the fast on March 10th when I should
    weigh in at under 215.
    
    Stay tuned for the next drum roll when I pass the TENTH OF A TON
    barrier. Last time I was there was over 15 years ago.
    
    Stay warm and healthy,   Joel

    Congratulations to Joel!  
    
    Here is my question -- I am going to start Optifast next month if
    all goes well, but was really curious about the Medifast diet.
    I know that is administered through private physicians, but does
    anyone know how the cost compares to Optifast?  I am a member of
    HCHP, and they are willing to do all the medical tests, but as
    everyone by now knows, Optifast will not take test results from
    other doctors.  HCHP will not cover Optifast, but my doctor there
    thinks it is a good program.  Is Medifast cheaper in the long
    run?
    
    Thanks for any info,
    Rickey

    I know that right now, DEC is offering all employees the right to
    change insurance carriers for the year. It might pay to consider
    a change to John Hancock for the year. They just sent me my first
    reimbursment for December. I put out $885.00 and got back $560.
    When you consider that the price included ALL my food for the month,
    the $325.00 was not too bad.

    I've considered that approach too, but unfortunately my insurance
    covers me, my husband, my 2 kids and his 4 stepkids.  We have
    been on HCHP long enough to have establish longstanding relationships
    with doctors, etc., and especially my husband, who has had three
    heart attacks and triple-bypass surgery through the plan, is very
    reluctant to switch at this point.  I have resolved that if I
    must, I will give this gift of Optifast to myself, because I have
    spent most of my life working and raising 6 kids and putting my
    husband through college.  Also, considering all the groceries not
    purchased and the restaurant meals not covered, the Optifast
    fee is really not that unreasonable.  It just sounds like a lot
    on paper.  The only thing that bothers me is having to go through
    all those medical tests again, when I have just had them done
    (for $3.00!).

    I really need some help this time, especially before leaving for
    Florida this Friday. 
    
    The problem is success. True, I have lost 60 some odd pounds. True,
    I look and feel better than 2 months ago. BUT TRUE - I AM STILL
    40 POUNDS OVER GOAL AND BY ALL STANDARDS - OVERWEIGHT.  With all
    the "nice" people telling me how good I look, I am starting to believe
    them too much. I am aware of this little voice inside of me saying
    "Go ahead - Go down to Florida and eat some real food - after all
    it is your vacation. Whats a little food going to do now that you
    look great."
    
    It is very hard to fight the impulse. The fast does end in a few
    weeks and I will be face with the new problem of having a substantial
    amount to lose and have to deal with the real world problems of
    good food choices.
    
    Any help or advice from the crowd, especially those that faced the
    same problems?
    
    Joel

    Hi Joel,
    
    Good for you, and congratulations!!  You've done wonderful!!
    I don't have any major advice for you, as I'm on a different 
    program.
    
    However, I wanted to extend my support to you.  Just try to
    remember all you've been through, and that if you could come
    this far, then it's surely worth it to finish.  I think if I
    were in you're situation that I'd be afraid to eat as I might
    go on a binge and continue to slowly gain the 60 pounds back,
    and what a waste of effort that would be!
    
    If you're nervous about being around the food, maybe you could
    not be around at mealtimes.  You might want to go for a walk
    instead, that way you can pat yourself on the back for not
    eating and getting exercise too.
    
    Good luck, our thoughts and support is with you.
    
    Gail                       
    
    

Joel,

Why not buy a couple tickets to Hawaii or some other dream-location
you've always wanted to visit and keep them as your reward for
AFTER the fast?  Maybe looking forward to another trip will help.

Remind yourself that you NEVER want to do this again.


Also, my motto when travelling is "eat cheap and shop".  If you 
need a translation, contact me by mail :-).

We're with you all the way!  Can you possibly get to a site where you 
can check in with us while you're away?

Warm regards,

Liz

    Thanks Liz,
    
    I think your vacation idea is a great one. I shuld be off the first
    6 months of the program at or very near goal by June. Having a reward
    like a vacation at the end of it should be just what my head needs
    to fight back. The problem then would of course be how to keep it
    off.
    
    Oh well - thats the constant battle

    Speaking as one who got SOOO happy after losing 63 pounds that she
    ate rather than persevering through to losing 100, My advice is
    please keep going.
    
    60 pounds was great, but as you said about yourself too - you are
    still overweight. My little voice knew I was still overweight too
    and it kept arguing - Well, if your 40 pounds overweight already
    what's another pound?? - I listened to that little voice for 30
    pounds before I turned back onto a healthy path.
    
    While I was on my fast, we went to FLorida for a vacation. I
    concentrated on enjoying the change of scenery, being with my kids,
    and finding interesting things to do. If  staying with the family
    during meals became too much ( I firmly believe that a diet coke
    and iced tea =s two courses ) I'd go to the local phone to further
    research what to do, where the best prices were to do it and measure
    the mileage etc to get there!!!   You are going to be able to do
    so much more without that 60 lbs!!!
    
    You know you are looking great - especially in a relativistic way.
    Give your subconscious the same messages by taking your body on
    active, normal person's activities . Walk whenever you can, not
    only will you be absorbing all that Florida sunshine, burning calories,
    but also there's no temptation to eat while your in nature. - Caution,
    this is harder if your hike takes you past Dunkin Donuts!  For me,
    tryin out a Skidoo was a real charge. The kids loved it, and it
    wasn't something I could have sat on shore and let them enjoy without
    me participating.
    
    Best of luck, you have given yourself the gift of better health, enjoy
    your vacation in the most beneficial way - staying on your fast.
    Stone crab legs and key lime pie will still be there next time you
    go, but getting back onto the fast after breaking it can be worse
    than rough ( statistics say only 20% get fully back to a fast after
    eating)                                              
    
    Lin
    
    

    If you haven't received the answer yet, O/A is listed in the phone
    book.   There is a # in Manchester   434-7578 (Sounds like Londonderry)
    and they list all the area meeting dates and times. Also gives you
    
    a post office address to write to and they send you the listing.
    
    I joined Jan 5 and have lost 26 lbs so far and still dropping. Have
    to lose 60 lbs.  It is unbelievably easy too. Fitting into clothes
    I haven't worn for several years and I'm not walking around hungry
    or craving goodies!  After trying all kinds
    of diets, WW, Diet Workshop, Physician Weight Loss,  Weight Loss
    Clinic, Hypnosis, etc, etc and lots of money, my answer is O/A and
    it's free. Not only has it help me control my eating, it has given
    me peace of mind and tranquility that I've never experience before
    in my life.   Hope this helps.
    
    Barbara
    

    Hi, I am new to this file.  I read all about Medifast and Opti-fast,
    but have not heard anyone say they were on Mealth Management Resources
    (HMR) diet.  It is another clone, so to speak, of Opti-fast.  I
    have just complete my third week and lost 18 pounds.  We have 5
    drinks (chocolate, vanilla, and chicken soup!!) for a total of 520
    calories a day.  The group session is a Behavior Modification class,
    more so than the therapy, I understand Optifast does.  The costs
    are similar.  I paid:
    
    	$190   for initial physian's check up, blood work, ekg
    	  65   weekly for medical (Visit with doctor, nurse, blood work
    	       every other week and the 1 1/2 hour class)
    	  46   weekly for the packets of shakes
    
    John Hancock has covered 80% of everything but the drinks.  I have
    over 100 pounds to lose, so I will be on this for several months.
    Also, we do not stop after 12 weeks as Optifast does.  If the Fast
    is working well, we continue on until we meet our goal at which
    time we begin the refeeding program and then an 18 month long
    maintanence program.  They boast of a very high success rate, but
    I can't remember what it is.
    
    Are there any other HRM patients out there?
    
    regards,
    Jo 

    Yep, Jo, somewhere in here I have mentioned that I'm on HMR.  This
    week ends the 7th week.  Our drinks are very good compared to Opti-
    fast!  My program is out of the Joslin and runs 26 weeks.  Where
    is yours?  I have slipped a couple of times, but until last week
    was the most successful person in my group of eight.  I lost 25
    pounds the first week, but am sitting at a 30-pound loss now.
    I just stood still for a while, it was happening too fast and I
    need time to let my 'protection' go...
    
    Inez
    
    

    Hi Inez,
    I go to Emerson Hospital in Concord every Wednesday night.  We are
    in the first group for that hospital.  My Behaviorist, Joanne Csaplar,
    was on "People are Talking" last week.  The show did a terrible
    representation of what is going on.  They had people parading out
    in bathing suits to show what could be, I guess.  They also had
    the over weight people come out in Tights to show how fat they were!
    I couldn't believe it!  They missed the whole point.  I know Joanne
    was very disapponted on how they handled it.   So far I am very
    impressed with the support and how they treat everyone.
    
    How do you like the Chicken soup?  Strange, huh?
    keep in touch
    Jo

    I'm back from my vacation and a wonderful one it was. First I should
    report that I did have a great time without food - yes it can be
    done. I ran/walked in the warm Florida sunshine 5 miles every morning.
    I swam, played golf, fished and even took my family out to dinner
    a few times, and spent 2 days with my daughter in Disney World,
    all without food and had a great time.
    
    I went to my Optifast meeting on Feb 16 and weighed in at 219!!!!
    
    Down 7 pounds for the week
    Down 51 pounds for the fast
    Down 59 pounds for the program
    
    (Was my family surprised - the lst time they saw me was 60 pounds
    ago - they were very supportive)
    
    I am waiting for the official weigh in this Thursday but according
    to my scale at home, I have lost over 10 pounds on my vacation bringing
    my total weight loss to over 80 pounds. I still have 13 weeks to
    go and want to lose another 30 or 40 pounds but I am looking better
    and feel terrific. After talking with my therapist on the phone
    from Florida (I checked in each Thursday night) last week, she let
    me open my gates a little and have a small salad and 4 Oz of chicken.
    Tell you the truth, it tasted good but it was very anticlimactic.
    The fast ends this week and now that I have experienced refeeding,
    I can easily wait.
    
    Onle last thought - I went to the mall yesterday because I had nothing
    that would even resemble fitting to wear to work today. It was such
    a pleasure to buy pants off the rack in a regular store. I am down
    10 sizes and can now find a length in my waist size that does not
    have to be altered.
    
    I'll see you all on Friday for the Week 13 report - I am getting
    real close to dipping under the tenth of a ton barrier.

    The total fast has ended. Last night we weighed in - the results
    in a moment - and were introduced to our new limits. We can now
    have for dinner, 4 Oz. of Fish, Chicken or lean meat with 1/2 cup
    of cooked diet veggies (broccoli, spinich, green beans, carrots).
    We do this with 4 packs of Optifast for one week then next week
    we introduct a small piece of fruit with the other. It is easy to
    see that I will continue to lose weight for the next several weeks
    while on plan but will for the first time in 12 weeks, have to deal
    with food. Everyone is a little nervous about that. The resulting
    discussion led everyone to feel that the task could be accomplished
    by using the same "stuff" inside us that kept us on the fast for
    12 weeks. If you think about it, that is true. What happened last
    night was just a small opening of my self imposed eating limits.
    Once it was limited to 5 Optifast packets a day and I did fine.
    Now I have opend it up to be 4 packets with 4 Oz of protein and
    1/2 cup veggies. This should be no different.
    
    
    I lost 11 pounds of fat while enjoying myself in Florida. That is
    easily a record for me and vacations. I can assure anyone faced
    with a similar situation, I do not regret not eating on vacation
    and had lots more time to show off my new bod on the strip in Ft.
    Lauderdale.
    
    Loss for the week (3 weeks total week 11,12, 13)      11 pounds
    
    Loss for the total fast of 12 weeks                   62 pounds
    (Thats 62 in 84 days)
    
    Loss since beginning the program                      70 pounds
    
    Beginning weight on Dec. 8th  **278**
    Current weight on March 9th   **208**
    
    GOAL FOR THE NEXT 3 MONTHS IS TO LOSE 30 POUNDS AND BE A 100 POUND
    LOSER. WHY NOT MAKE IT HARDER AND GO FOR A FINAL GOAL OF 175 BY
    JUNE 8TH.
    
    I thank everyone for their support - it really has helped and I
    look foward to your continued support as I approach my goal.
    
    I'll check in next week as I close in on  the TENTH OF A TON mark.
    
    Joel 

    Absolutely marvelous, Joel!
    
    Inez

    Gooooooo Joel!
    
    You're doing so well.  I only hope I have as much courage and strength
    as you to be successful in my Opti-fast plan as I'm approaching
    the end of fasting.
    
    You're a true inspiration, Joel!
    Your wife and family must be so proud of you (as we all are).
    Congratulations.
    
    Donna
    

    Hi Joel,
    
    I don't remember where the request for recipes was posted, so I'm
    posting here.  I'll put in a couple, but will copy and send a copy
    of the book, if you like, it's only about 10 pages long.  
    
    
    Butterscotch Pudding
    
    4 oz. water
    1 vanilla supplement
    6-7 ice cubes
    1-2 tbsp. sugarfree instant butterscotch puding
    Blend one minute at low speed.
    138 calories 
    
    Chocolate Baked Cookies
    1 egg white
    1 chocolate supplement
    Add water to moisten batter
    Place 1 tbsp. of mixture, 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet sprayed
    with Pam.  Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes.  
    121 calories (whole batch)
    
    Pina Colada Frappe
    4 oz water
    1 vanilla supplement
    5 ice cubes
    2 oz. banana
    Coconut or rum extract to taste
    1 tbsp. pineapple unsweetened
    Blend one minute at low speed
    164 calories
    
    Inez

    I have to be out of town tomorrow but I did want to put in my weekly
    entry. As you probably remember if you are following the Optifasters
    saga, I began refeeding this week. The plan called for 4 Oz. of
    fish or chicken and 1/2 cup cooked veggies. The first 2 nights were
    very nice and exciting. I purchased pre weighed scallops and flounder
    and a few boxes of frozen broccoli for the feast. Preparation that
    first night was anoyingly time consuming but the meal was great
    and chewing was a nice remembered activity. I was quite satisfied
    with the amount and was not tempted to look for anything else before
    bedtime. By Monday, I was starting to increase the portion size
    by small amounts and then to look for sometihing afterwards. The
    Optifast and nutrasweet pudding portioned off into 1/4 size satisfied
    that urge. Then came Tuesday and it was OUT TO EAT with the family
    and a friend. Yes, I did have the good sense to order just a small
    salad but it was off plan. This shocked me a little so that by Weds.
    I was really determined to go back to the strict rules. 
    
    SUCCESS  I MADE IT. One week dealing with at least a little food
    without any major infractions of my plan. I still exercised and
    the scale this morning showed me down. Although it is not official
    I think the following is close:
    
    Loss for the Week          6 Pounds  (must be that the food increased
                                          my metabolism)
    
    Loss since Dec. 8th       76 Pounds
    
    Current weight           202 pounds
    
    Goal                     175 pounds only 27 to go

    
    I had a body fat analysis done yesterday at my Health Club. I don't
    have the report in front of me bu basically, they take 6 measurements
    by pinch calipers at different places on your body and then put
    the results into a computer for analysis. The results on me were
    that I am currently, 23.2% by weight fat and that the well conditioned
    male of 39 years should be between 13 and 15 %. It projected that
    at 15%, I should weigh 179 so I feel great about my goal of 175.
    I begin the nautilus circuit this weekend to help build muscle mass
    in place of the fat. Now that I have the few extra calories each
    week to do it, why not. I am also not as in a  rush to lose now
    that I look OK (by my standards which are all that count).
    
    Well once again, I thank all of you for your support and offer mine
    to you. Have a great week.
    
    Joel

    Joel, now you'll have to change your personal_name ;^)
    

    Time for a change. A new personal name is on the way. Any suggestions?
    
    I had a Skin PINCH  test done last week to give me an indication
    of what my goal weight should be. I had no concept of bone mass
    or other factors involving what I should weigh but knew that the
    insurance charts giving a midpoint for me of 150 was too low.
    
    The test involves the taking of skin fold measurements with a caliper
    at six sites on your body and along with current weight and age,
    have a computer calculate the percent of fat vs. lean body mass.
    Reaserch has shown that for an adult mid-life male, 13 to 15% body
    fat is just right if one is in condition. Right now, I am at 23%
    and have to go to 189 to achieve 20% and 179 to be 15 %. Based un
    this, I have set my final goal at 175. The nutritionist thaught
    I might repeat the test in another month for progress and consistancy.
    
    I have heard of another method, perhaps more accurate, involving
    a dunking tank to obtain the same measurements and calculations.
    Does anyone know of this? If so, where can one go to have it done
    and how expensive is it? Is it really more accurate than what I
    had done?
    
    See you all
    Joel

Joel,

I would have the skin fold test taken again when you get down
to your original goal weight.  The skin fold tests can produce
different results each time, therefore giving you a different
'ideal' weight.

I've had it done several times each time I weighed a different
weight and each time I came up with a different goal weight.
It seemed in my case, I was still heavier than I wanted to be
when the computer said that was my perfect weight.   

How accurate the test is depends on how skillful the 'skinfold-
pincher' is!  Workout for a couple months and have the test
taken again.

Lynne

  There is also a test which uses your body's electrical resistance to indicate
the fat/lean ratio.  Somewhere in this file I believe it was said that the
nurse at DEC in Boxboro has one of the machines.  I had my test done at my local
fitness center for $5.  Call around until you find one, because there are some
restrictions (no food, alcohol, or heavy excercise for 4 hours prior or
something like that) you have to follow in get a more accurate reading. 

Al

    
    Joel,
    	I had the "dunk" test done (hydrostatic immersion) in 1987.
    	Any literature I have read to date lists this as the most 
    	effective method.  At the time, I had lost over 12 inches
    	and three clothing sizes, but only 8 pounds.  The test proved
    	to me that I had shrunk my fat cells and increased my lean
    	mass.  My percentage of body fat was 19.5%.
    
    	Eighteen months later, I had the electrical resistance test,
    	and my percentage of body fat had jumped drastically.  Although
    	I was not in the shape I was when I had the water test done,
    	I found it inconceivable to have risen so drastically.  Two
    	things I found out were that the electrical test is very dependent
    	on fluid retention (and I was extremely disappointed the Health
    	Services did not tell us not to drink before hand ... I had
        just finished a 20 ounce glass of water!  It is recommended
    	that you drink nothing for 6 hours prior to this test.), and
    	that to truely track your progress in terms of fat/lean, you
    	should compare results using the same type of test.  Someday
    	I would like to get the water test done again, however, it is
    	difficult to find a place that does it.
    
    	My original test was done at Anita Robert's in Marlboro, MA.
        Anita Breeze (the owner) has studied Covert Bailey's Fit or
    	Fat plan (GREAT book for shaping up in my opinion).  I am 
    	no longer a member at that club, so I no longer have access
    	to the test.
    
    	Well, I'm sure that's more than you ever wanted to know on the	
    	subject ...
    
    	Karen
    

    Thanks for all the input. I would still like to know if anyone
    around the NH MA area does the Dunk Test.
    

    You should check the FLEX notes conference UFP::FLEX, note 317.26.
    Someone is organizing a group of people to have the dunk done at Anita
    Robert's (Marlboro) in April.  From what I gather, it takes a lot of
    time and energy to set up the tank, so they don't do it often.  The
    price is $25 generally and $20 if you go with a group.
    
    D.

    Re: .58 (Karen) and the last few

    	You do not have to be a member at Anita Roberts to have the
    dunk test done.  It is, however, a little harder to hear about it.
    But as Darlene said, someone in the FLEX notesfile usually posts a
    note when the next dunk is going to take place.

    Good luck!

    	Amy

    
    	Thanks!  That's great news to me!
    
    	Karen
    

    And to me. Many thanks
    
    Joel

    To save people the hassle of going over to the FLEX file and searching
    for the info - here it is:
    
    Next dunk is April 26th.  The cost is $20 (must be paid in advance).
    The person to contact is Pamela Matsis.  BAGELS::MATSIS
    
    I'm going to do it for sure.  I've already sent in my check.  I
    hope we get some more people from this file to go.  Since the people
    in the FLEX notesfile are obviously into working out and staying
    in shape, I'd hate to be the only one there with a fat percent above 
    10!!!!!!
    
    - Molly -

    
      I am curious about something regarding either of the plans Medi or
    Opti.  How overweight do you have to be to go on this fast?  I need
    to loose about 45 pounds to get to my goal weight, is this too little?
    I realize that may sound funny too little 45 lbs, but I am truly
    considering it since I tend to fail at most diets or hit a plateau at
    15lbs lost.
    
    Thank you for all your replys
    
    Patti
    

    Patti,
    
    The basic Opti fast formula calls for a 50 pound or better loss
    need or over 20%. So if you are a 5'5" woman who should be 120 and
    you are 165, you qualify. They are like anyone else GREEDY. They
    will take you in especially if you give them a song and dance about
    how many times you tried to lose it a couldn't etc. You would be
    one of the lucky ones that reaches goal in week 12 of the 26 week
    program, looks great real quick and spends most of the time in a
    refeeding and good nutirional habits mode.
     My one concern is that this is a very DRASTIC way to lose weight.
    There are many other methods that are safer, and sounder from a
    medical standpoint. My suggestion is to rethink the WW and exercise
    plan routine to take it off slowly and by all means, consult yu
    personal physician before jumping into Opti.
    
    I love the program, and it has been the only way I have tried that
    I have been able to lose enough on to reach my goal and still not
    feel deprived like a tight spring ready to snap but the reality
    is, it is a very drastic and radical way to do it. My risk of being
    overweight by 100 pounds was greater than the Optifast programs
    risks. I had no tough decision. You do.
    
    Good luck,    Joel

    Where are they going to hold the tank dunk?  Is it at the Anita
    ??? place?
    Elaine
    

>    Where are they going to hold the tank dunk?  Is it at the Anita
>    ??? place?

	Yes, at Anita Roberts Health Club, on Rt. 20 in Marlboro. (I
	don't remember the exact address - it's next to Burger King.)

	Amy    

    Short but sweet.
    
    Thsi weeks refeeding added the second meal. We are now eating 3
    Oz. of protein in two meals with 1 cup of cooked or raw veggies
    at each meal. In addition we can have 1 piece of fruit with one
    meal and 1 glass of skim milk with the other. Everyting is going
    great and relatively easy.
    
    Loss for the week            1 Pound (Just a temporary plateau I
                                          think)
    
    Current weight             201  
    
    Goal                        26 more  or 175
    
    
    My morning  scale, a digital model, now reads 196. I still can't
    get use to seeing a "1" as the first digit. It has been a long time.
    
    See you next week - hoping to have the official drum roll as the
    BIG weight on the balance beam scale gets moved down.

    Alright Joel.
    
    I sure can't wait to start the refeeding process.  I am shocked
    that you lost 6 pounds the first week of refeeding.  My class was
    told we will lose about 1 pound a week when we start refeeding.
    Once you start the refeeding process, how many weeks do you go
    before you give up the Opti-Fast supplement all together?
    
    Donna
    

    I don't know Donna. I'll tell you when I find out. One of the silly
    mind games I have been playing is to only have the information that
    is needed that week. If I know whats comming I might try and push
    things out.

    Lets hear the trumpets and the drum roll please.
    
    
    JOEL IS NO LONGER A TENTH OF A TON!!!!!!!!!!!
    
    I am not quite qualifed yet to be called "STUD MUFFIN" but everything
    is relative.
    
    Loss for the week                  3 big ones
    
    Current weight                   198 pounds (it felt so good to
                                                 set that big clunker
                                                 weight to 150)
    
    
    I only have 23 pounds to go to my final goal of 175. I feel great,
    and look great too. I'm down 14 sizes and can now out run my 6 year
    old. My wife (who has also lost over 25 pounds) has been very busy
    during the night which makes the days so much more pleasant. When
    I go into the mall now, I;m like a kid in a candy store - I actually
    have fun trying on clothes never intending to buy them. A few short
    months ago, I dreaded buying clothes because that meant going to
    a "Big and Tall" mens shop where the clothes were ugly and the prices
    high.
    
    Refeeding was easier last week. I planned out each day ahead of
    time and got into a routine for lunch. Breakfast was, as usual,
    1 packet of Opti with a cup of black coffee. Lunch was a special
    time. I brought in a 3 1/2 Oz. can of Tuna in water, and 2 packets
    of the fabulous WW Cesaer Salad dressing. Each packet of dressing
    is only 6 cal and no fat also low sodium. I was allowed 1 cup of
    raw veggies which I assembled at the salad bar here at MKO, ploped
    the tuna on top, then the dressing for a wonderful feast. Desert
    for lunch was the allowed piece of fruit, usually orange or apple,
    all washed down with a caffein free diet cola. Suppers were as I
    have stated, pre planned and pre weighed. I have sworn off meat
    so the evening repas was usually 3 Oz. of scallops, shrimp, or fish
    fillet, with 1/2 cup cooked veggies, usually broccoli or brussel
    sprouts (yeah, I like em). I saved the 2nd Opti and cup of milk
    for evening snack usually mixed together into a chocolate pudding
    - Yummy.  All in all, an easy week for me, but not for the others
    in my group. Several reported being out of control, even gaining
    weight!! We talked over the problems and found that they could regain
    the control very easily and continue to lose toward goal.
    
    See you next week.   Joel

    
    Cogratulations, Joel!  I think you are a great example of a person for
    whom Opti-fast is the right program; I can't imagine that you'll have
    the regaining problems some people experience.
    
    I can really empathize with the thrill of having that big weight back
    down in the slot where it belongs; I finally got it back down there
    last week, and it's great!
    
    Enjoy your tuna...
    Beverly
    

    Congratulation!!! It's just wonderful... Keep up the good work you
    are a great source of insperation.
                                Thanks, Lucie

    Good for you!!!  We are all very happy for you.
    
    Congratulations,
    
    Gail

    Good Job Joel!--Keep it up.   Boy your goal is insight now.  I see
    you do the same thing I do, try on clothes with no intention of
    buying just want to see how small your getting.  I love it.  What
    an uplift leaving the store knowing you could have bought that smaller
    size.
    Elaine

    Congratulations, Joel!  Keep up the good work.
    
    Roberta

    Another week, another pound. Not the spactcular losses I had during
    the fast but just as meaningful and rewarding. You see, I am finally
    in control of my eating. Food will never again control me. I still
    have things to work out and experience, but the Opti group therapy
    continues to supply answers to my questions and needs. Having 12
    others who understand and have gone through a lot with me, who know
    me inside and out, as I know them, is a real plus. I have never
    felt this close emotionally to others in my past WW groups, and
    this is whats different.
    
    
    Loss for the Week               1 pound
    
    Current weight                197
    
    Final goal   175 leaving 22 to go
    
    Its hard to imagine how much easier and fun living is without having
    to carry 90 pounds around where ever you go.

    It's great that you appreciate a one pound loss after loosing 
    larger amounts weekly during the fast.  I am on WW, not Opti, but
    I find that reading about your success has helped motivate me too.
    Good luck with the rest of refeeding and maintenance, you sound
    determined and IN CONTROL!!!
    
    Mary

    The pressure at work is unbearable and I daily have anxiety attacks,
    yet for the first time in my life, I am not nurturing myself with
    food. Something must have taken hold. All I want to do now to reduce
    the anxiety, is exercise!!!  Can you imagine that.
    
    See you after tomorrows weigh in.   Joel

    I am definitly forming a pattern with the on/off significant weight
    loss. The prior week, I had a 1 pound loss. Last night, I dropped
    4 big ones!!! I try not to worship the almighty number on the scale,
    but it still has a lot of meaning for me. I worry because I think
    subconciously, I am setting myself up for one big dissapointment
    the first time I don't lose or (perish the thought) gain something.
    I know that eventually, and that is not too far off now, I will
    be a my goal weight, and it would be nice to just stay the same
    from week to week.
    
    Revel in the glory if for only a little while -
    
    Loss for the week         4 pounds
    
    Current weight          193 pounds
    
    Goal    175 leaving 18 to go
    
    Total loss so far  278 (12/7/88) to 193 (4/13/89)  85 pounds in
    4 months!!
    
    See you next week,    Joel 

    Joel,
    
    That's incredible!  I have never heard of anyone losing that
    much on this diet the first time through.  You're doing fantastic!
    I have lost 43.25 lbs so far (I just finished the fast) I think
    I'll lose about 55 in all, then I'll have another 15 to get to my
    goal.  Doesn't success smell so sweet?
    
    You've also been very faithful with your exercise which I salute
    you for.  I have been not as faithful as you, unfortunately.  I
    haven't been going to my aerobics class for two weeks now, but I
    have been walking 2-3 miles at lunch.
    
    Keep up the good work!  I'll see you in June. 
    
    Donna
    

    It finally happened, after 4 1/2 months of loss, I finally had no
    loss this week. I don't feel as bad as I thought I might - at least
    it wasn't a gain. I did not have the time to exercise much, the
    program has me up to 1200 calories now, and deviations from program
    are subtle but devistating. I'll just have to knuckel down and do
    better next week. No more globs of low fat blue cheese dressing
    on my salads, back to weighing protein instead of guessing at 3
    Oz. portions, etc.
    
    
    Sad but true - 
    
    Loss for the week                     0
    
    Current weight                     193
    
    Still 18 pounds from final goal of 175.
    
    This is the week that really counts.   Joel

    Stay with it Joel!!!  It must be difficult to go from large losses
    every week to smaller losses or staying the same.  On weeks that
    you don't feel so great about your weekly weight loss try to 
    keep your total loss in your mind, not the weekly loss.  
    
    Will you still be going to Optifast for meetings for a while?  If
    not, maybe you might want to join Weight Watchers to lose the
    remaining pounds and then go on maintenance.  
    
    I have a ways to go before I'm that close to goal, but I believe
    people when they say it is the last 10-20 pounds that are the hardest
    to lose.   Good luck and don't get discouraged!
    
    Mary

    Thanks for the support Mary.
    
    I feel great both physically and emotionally. This week I went through
    lots of work and other (my car blew up and I had to buy a new one)
    non work stressful times. The result is that I handled my problems
    and was not constantly fighting the urge to stuff face. I am very
    aware of what and how much of what I am eating, and have been easily
    following a 1200 calorie, low fat/sugar, high fiber routine. Sure
    I have occasional decisions to go slightly or moderatly beyond the
    1200 calorie goal, but they are decisions not compulsions or
    nobrainers. I talked privately with the physician at Optifast last
    night and have settled on a plan of action. I will continue to deal
    with good nutritious food and strive to lose or stay the same but
    NOT GAIN AN OUNCE. As I do this, I gain confidence and develope
    less fear of food and gaining the weight back. Exercise will be
    a routine and constant part of my life just as it was while my goal
    was to lose significant amounts of weight. Sometime towards the
    24th week of the program (in about a month), I will go back on 4
    packets of Optifast and 1 small meal jsut like I did for week 13
    or 14. I will be on 500 calories and will continue this plan until
    I have lost most of the remaining 15 pounds. This should take a
    month or two. I KNOW I can do that after doing 3 months of nothing
    but Opti. At that point I will go back to the current 1200 calorie
    plan and slowly increase calories to stabilize. I fee very comfortable
    with this plan and confident I can do it easily.
    
    For the week.
    
    Loss for the week              0 but who cares
    
    Loss so far           lots - about 90 I think but who cares
    
    Left to go for goal         I want to lose 15 and I will though
    good decisions and good exercise.
    
    See you next week. Thsi new body and new mental attitude about health,
    food and nutrition feels good. I hope it lasts but why shouldn't
    it.
    
    Joel
    

    You're doing fantastic Joel.  Keep up the good work.  You may have
    lost 0 pounds this week, but just wait until they see the numbers
    on the scale next week!  You should do great - keep that in the
    back of your mind.  You're almost at your goal.  I think your plan
    to reach your goal is great and I might consider it to drop the
    remaining 15-20 pounds after I complete the 26 weeks.
    
    See ya
    
    Keep up the strength.
    
    Donna
    

    I talked about oru Opti meeting topic in another part of this notes
    file so let me just get down to the basics.
    
    Yipee!!!!  I lost 2 pounds last week and I don't even know I'm on
    a program. I am SERENE, at least for the moment. I continue to exercise
    as a regular part of my life, and I am eating healthy and right
    ALMOST naturally. I qualify that because I still do get cravings
    and urges for grease and fat and sweets but it has been very easy
    to pass up. 
    
    Loss for the week              2 Pounds
    
    Current weight              190

    Final goal in sight  15 pounds away at 175.
    You know, I haven't been in the 180's since I was 14, and I bet
    I am physically in better shape today then when I was 14. If you
    don't believe me, just ask my wife who is suffering from lack of
    sleep.
    
    See you next week. I only have 5 weeks left for the regular Optifast
    program and then I join the mainainance group for 6 months.
    
    Joel 

    Hi Joel -
    
    This is Linda Surette, we talked last night at Optifast!  I finally
    decided to write something in here....
    
    I am so happy for you!  It must be wonderful to feel some control
    over food and not to be discouraged when the losses get a little
    smaller.
    
    I am in week 16 (week three of re-feeding).  I have lost 51 lbs. and
    am feeling great.  I think this part is definitely harder having to
    make choices and all, but reading your notes while you were going
    through it has really been an inspiration for me.  It really does
    help to know that you really CAN make it!
    
    Keep up the great work Joel, I know there are a lot of us out here
    who really admire your persistence and appreciate your being there
    to share your experiences with us!
    
    See you next week!
    
    Linda (from ZKO)

    
    RE: .88
    
    DITTO	DITTO		DITTO		DITTO		DITTO
    
    
    Donna
    

    One more week to the end of the program. I lost a week or two somewhere
    along the line but who cares anyway. I missed the last weigh in
    at Opti due to a long awaited fishing trip with my old friends from
    NJ. The fishinbg in Canada was great, and my buddies made me feel
    real special after they recovered from the shock of seeing me 100
    pounds down. I at  more than usual during the trip but was real
    active pulling in those big fish.
    
    Must have worked because I weighed in at Opti last night with
    
    DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!!!!!!!
    
    LOSS SINCE LAST WEIGH IN          5 POUNDS
    
    CURRENT WEIGHT                  185 POUNDS
    
    LOSS SINCE DECEMBER 8           93 BIG ONES
    
    GOAL JUST A WHISPER AWAY AT 175 JUST 10 MORE AND STILL GOING STRONG.
    
    Next week is Opti graduation and we have decided to stay together
    as a group in the maintainance program. The cost goes down to $25.00
    per week and covers mostly the group therapy session and an occasional
    consultation with the nutritionist. We are going to go much deeper
    into the root causes of our eating disorders and all feel comfortable
    with this now that we really know each other pretty well.
    
    See you all next week for the graduation results.  Have a great
    Memorial Day Weekend.
    
    Joel

    Good for you!!!!!! You are truly an inspiration to the rest of us.
    Keep up the good work!
    
    Sue
    

    Although my entries here are few and far between, I am still with
    all of you. I did graduate several weeks ago, just a few pounds
    over goal but very satisfied with the weight loss part fo the program.
    I entered the Optifast graduate school program which is an intensive
    psychotherapy session once a week with the remnants of the group
    you just went throught the initial program with. The cost is $25
    per week and you have to commit to 10 weeks of participation.
    
    So far things are going great. I have incorporated all of the eating
    behaviors and patterns that I learned duing the initial program
    into my daily life style. I have allowed myself to have the occasional
    goodie (TCBY Yoguert is great) but only eat when hungry and then
    only till I am full. Exercising at the club has fallen off due to
    the other activities that I enjoy during the summer months, but
    I have enrlled in the Life Center here at MKO and plan to exercise
    regularly during lunch hours. I have been able to maintain all of
    my loss. My goal for the summer is to not gain anything but not
    worry about the last 10 I want to lose. I will tackel that in the
    fall.
    
    My marketing group gave me a surprise graduation party yesterday.
    Their support has been just wonderful and as a final jesture of
    support, they gave me this party, presented me with a check for
    $150.00 to buy a new suit, and continued watchfull eyes to insure
    I never gain the weight back. I hope all of you out in notesfile
    land who are trying to lose weight and gain control over eating
    are a lucky as I am to have a super support group both home and
    at work. This fact was probably the most important element to my
    success to date, other than of course my desire to succeed.
    
    
    Have a nice summer-    Joel 

Joel, your co-workers must be a GREAT bunch of people, hugs to them
for being SO supportive!

    It was very helpful to re read my own thoughts for the past year.
    Here I am in a new position and building still strugeling with the
    extra poundage. Does it ever stop?
    
    I have managed to gain almost 20 pounds back since my last entry.
    I freaked when the scale insisted upon me using the 200 marker to
    balance out. I am not totally out of control but many of the bad
    habits have creapt back into my daily routine.
    
    Thats the bad part. The good part is that I go back to Optifast
    for the beginning of a new maintainance program tomorrow night.
    I know that the elements of what helped me the first time are still
    there and just think, last year at this time, just before I went
    to Opti the first time, I was 80 pounds heavier than I am now. I
    feel that all is not lost, just in need of a booster shot.
    
    I also have an appointment with the life center tomorrow and have
    been getting back to an exercise routine. Just got finished with
    a healthy salad and apple for lunch  and finally had the nerve to
    read this topic.
    
    You noters out there were wonderful - counting on your continued
    support and hoping that I can so  some supporting of you as well.
    
    Happy to be back, sad to need to be back.
    
    Joel

Hang on, Joel, we're thinking of you.  You've been an inspiration to many
of us, and I hope most of all to yourself.  You deserve to be the size you
want to be and please don't ever forget that.  Do it for wonderful you.

Liz

    And give yourself a *big* pat on the back for attacking the problem when
    it's only 20 pounds, not more. You'll thank yourself for that. Good
    luck!
    
    Sue 

    DECEMBER 8 1989 marks my one year anniversary on beginning Optifast.
    I weighed in last Tuesday at 208, down 5 from the previous week.
    I am feeling very happy with my gains to get back into good habits.
    I worked out 4 times last week and plan to do the same this week.
    Breakfasts have gone back to the basic fiberall cereal and banana,
    lunches have seen smaller salads and WW salad dressing replacing
    the creamy stuff at the salad bar. Dinner is still a problem but
    getting better.
    
    Its feeling good - I'M BACK!!

    Week 2 weigh in showed no loss and no gain which just about sums
    up my week. Good and bad. I did follow my eating plan most of the
    time and did work out the planned 4 times........
    
    but the christmas parties (2) got me.
    
    No parties next week!! Yea. I'll try and do better.
    

    Joel:
    
    	Hang in there, we're all pulling for you.   I know I've been around
    long enough to have been there when you lost it.  You were a great
    inspiration to many people.  I'm sure you have the determination to
    do it again.  Look at it this way, you know how hard you worked getting
    if off so I'm sure that had a lot to do with you getting a grip on this
    before it got back out of control.  Don't be so hard on yourself,
    you'll do it!!  20lbs may not come off today or tomorrow but it will
    come off, you've already proved it!!!
    
    	Give yourself the credit you deserve.
    
    		Take care.
    
    			Robin  

    Stayed on plan last week and lost 3 down to 205. Still exercising
    regularly and feeling good. Last night at my Opti meeting we talked
    about modifying behavior through conscious effort until sooner or
    later it becomes habit. It's still in the conscious phase and hard
    to do.
    
    I read Andy Leslie's note beginning to end and feel motivated...
        Thanks Andy!!!
    
    HAPPY HOLIDAY EVERYONE
    
    
    Joel