Conference rocks::weight_control

    Good Luck to both you and your wife. The fact that both of you are
    in this together will I am sure be a winning combination. Just think
    how much easier it will be to hug each other.
    
    Make sure you take lots of before pictures to hang around th house.
    Keep us up to date.

Keep us up to date on how it's going!!!!

Liz

	Good luck, Ed!

	I saw you in the hall today (I was in that long line outside the DCU
	at 1:00 -- oops, wrong conference!), and I thought you looked kind of 
	strained.  I suspect that getting used to such a radical change will
	take a few days, but once you adjust and see the pounds melting away,
	it'll get easier.

	Beverly

    	GO FOR IT!!  Indeed it is much easier with two.  And just think
    about how much energy you will have!!  Take care.
    
    							Paul S. 

    
    Week 1 results are in:   Deb  -6 lbs;   Me  -11 lbs.
    
    we are now only on the shakes.  I'm on a higher calorie shake than
    Deb.  My total calorie intake is 494/day.
    
    It was funney, last night was our last contact with 'real' food.
    We didn't have a desire to complete the meal and only ate half.
    
    We are having no hunger, but boy, a lot of craving.  Thats one good
    reason why this diet should work.  I used to eat when i wasn't hungry.
    I can tell its going to be a chore getting through these shakes,
    I just sampled lunch and it tastes a little like chack.  I have
    to take five of these a day  :-(.
    
    Deb is up to 15min/day on the exercise bike,  I do 30 minites once
    a week to supplement my aerobics classes.  We both take a long walk
    at night together.
    until next wednesday.
    ed
    

    ED and Deb,
    
    I just know you can do it. Your right on track noticing the evil
    menace, CRAVINGS. You should never be hungry. Now - how do you,
    together, deal with cravings. Perhaps a little secret word that
    you devise that signals to the other that a craving attack is in
    progress. Chances are, you both won't have the same craving attack
    schedule and will be able to support each others crisis. In any
    event, plan now what to do when the dastardly villan shows its ugly
    face. A diversion or subsitute activity, expecially one of the healthy
    type woyuld be great.
    
    Anyway, keep up the great work. I look foward to you entry next
    week.

       <<< Note 420.6 by GERBIL::JAFFE "The Big Blue Buster from CMG" >>>
                            -< Week 1 Double WOWs >-

>>>Perhaps a little secret word that you devise that signals to the 
>>>other that a craving attack is in progress. 

Maybe the S word????  Would certainly give you an extra chance at burning
calories! 

:-). Liz

    Hi Ed,
    
    It's nice to see another Medi-faster on the net!  I am in my 5th week
    of Medi-Fast and I have lost 25 pounds.  I have noticed that as the 
    weeks progress, the cravings become less pronounced.  Actually, my
    chief cravings are for protein foods.  I really don't mind the taste
    of the shakes, except for the orange, which I don't like at all.
    I have found that if you mix the vanilla (or the chocolate) with a
    spoonful of decaffienated instant coffee, the taste is really much
    better.  I also add an envelope of artificial sweetener.  If you
    are missing chewing of food, there is a great recipe for a "pudding"
    that you make by adding an envelope of unflavored gelatin to the
    shake.  My Medi-Fast place sanctions this.  If yours does and you
    are interested, let me know and I will put the "recipe" in another
    note.
    
    I have found to my wonder and disbelief that I have been able to
    go out to dinner with my family, shop, cook, and still be faithful
    to the diet.  If I am going to be running around and not on a
    particular schedule (as often occurs on weekends when I have to
    do all my errands, etc.), I drink two shakes at once.  This
    alleviates much of the hunger that I normally feel after about
    three hours and keeps me from lusting after any random food
    or food smells around.  The best part about it is that the weight
    comes off quickly and people start to notice. 
    
    The other thing I have done is to set mini-goals for myself.  I
    have about 120 pounds to lose, but that sounds horrendous.  So
    I have set my first mini-goal at 30 pounds.  I am almost there!
    It feels terrific.  Also, I try to measure my time in 5-packet
    days -- if I can get through one day, that's all that counts.
    I will deal with tomorrow when tomorrow comes.
    
    I hope you both have great success!  It is great having this
    forum for support and encouragement.  I have followed Joel's
    and Donna's successes with Opti-fast.  As Joel says, this is
    not forever.  The food will still be out there when we are done.
    Keep up the good work!
    
    Rebecca

    I started a regular diet on January 1st and have lost 21-1/2 pounds
    as of now.  My husband needs to lost about 53 pounds but has a bad
    time dieting, so someone told us about Medi-fast.  My husband, Vince,
    has a hard time with diets and he just can't cut down by himself.
    So a week ago yesterday he started on Medi-Fast and went to the
    doctor yesterday and lost 10 pounds in 1 week.  He was thrilled,
    and I can see a difference, but I think my losing my weight gave
    him an incentive to start this.  It is much easier for him with
    me on a diet also, and now it is a lot easier for me, too, because
    I don't have to cook for him.  I don't do any snacking in front
    of him at all, which I used to do once in a while, so this is really
    helping me.
    
    Joan
    

    Thanks for all the encouragement.  Yes, Rebecca, include the recipe
    for the "pudding".
    
    The orange is definately the worst thing in the world!  I got used
    to the choclate, don't like it but can tolerate it.  I have one
    box of oranage, 4 packet used now, 11 to go. ugggs.  tried useing
    orange soda with it.  Last drink was over diluted to taste less
    like chack.
    We have noticed something, an increased ability to smell food.
    Lord give us strength during DECUS.  We both fly to Atlanta.
    The reward for working hard at DECUS is usually a great meal.
    Must find another reward.  Deb's going with me to help keep me honest.
    
    back next wednesday with the next weight in.  Must say so far, no
    cheating (yet).
    
    ed
    

    Just back from the doctor's office with this weeks results:
    
	    	Deb	ed\
    
 this week   	-6	-10

    total	-12	-21
    
    mileage on our scale varies, results posted from doctor's scales.
    gaining more energy, no hunger, but cravings continue. no cheating
    between the two of us.
    
    we do have something in the midterm to look forward to, the doctor
    will modify our diet during the trip to atlanta to allow minor meals.
    that will occur at the 7th week and be a welcome break.
    ed
    

    Your progress is spactcular. Just think, 33 pounds for the team
    effort. Keep up the great work. The cravings will try and get you
    to do what you don't want to do - I am sure you can beat it, especially
    together. Have you thought through the modified plan while in Atlanta?
    I know how tough it is to be on a "special" trip where past experiences
    relate it to food, but isn't that what you are trying to break -
    the relationship with external events and eating? I can only tell
    you that from experience, it is easier to follow and stictk to plan
    while on supplement rather than on any type of modified eating plan.
    Whats the big deal? Your not going there to eat, you are going there
    to work!! Of course you can have a great time but why not without
    food? Maybe go 1/2 the time, the first half only with supplement
    then make the decision to eat a small something or not. It's not
    that you won't continue to lose or turn into a bad person or anything
    like that. It is just that this fast will teach you that you have
    an extrordinary amount of control over your body. A big win by not
    eating during Atlanta will enable you to go on other trips in the
    future and draw from that experience and not overeat during these
    conventions ever again. You will know that you did it and you can
    do it again.
    
    Anyway - Congrats - look foward to your continued success.
    
    joel

    You guys are doing great!  This is my sixth week, and I have lost
    about 27 pounds, almost at my first mini-goal of 30.  30 pounds sounds
    impressive, even to me!  As promised, here is the Medi-fast "pudding."
    I find it is a nice break.
    
        Sprinkle one envelope clear, unflavored gelatin over 1/4 cup
        cold water.  When dissolved, add 1/2 cup boiling water and
        stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.  Place this
        in your blender with one packet of artificial sweetener and
        whatever flavoring you choose (I like a spoonful of instant
        decaffienated coffee granules with both the vanilla and
        chocolate Medi-fast).  Add the envelope of Medi-fast and
        blend for about two minutes at medium speed.  Now add
        crushed ice (usually about 6 ice cubes' worth, depending on
        the size of the ice cubes) and blend continuously.  Now
        let it sit in the blender for a few minutes, and it should
        gel.
    
        I have noticed that this seems to work better on less humid
        days, for some reason.  Also, if you get too much water in
        there it doesn't gel as well, which is disappointing.  With
        practice, I can usually make it work each time.
    
        Enjoy!  It makes the "dose" of Medi-fast seem larger than
        when you are drinking it, and for some reason it tastes
        better!
    
    Keep up the good work, both of you!
    
    Rebecca

    
    
    the results of week three weigh in:
    
    
    		Deb	Ed
    
    this week	-2	-5.5
    
    total	-14	-26.5
    
    A little discouraged that we didn't do better.  The rain kept Deb
    inside, we didn't get a lot of walking in.  We;re going work harder
    this week.
    good luck to others
    ed
    

    I know that discouraged feeling, but alas, the scale is only an
    artificial measure of sucess. Keep going and sooner or later you
    will reach goal - how long it takes is not a factor to be concerned
    with. I know - we are all goal and sucess oriented - so it is hard
    to do.
    
    Great going   Joel

    
    Offical results are in for Week four:
    
    		Deb	Ed
    
    this week	-2	-4
    
    total	-16	-30.5
    
    Not exactly what we had hoped for.  I've picked up on my aerobics,
    I am now doing 30 mins+ 5 times a week.  Deb has joined woman's
    world and has started aerobics.
    
    But, GOOD news, The doctor took me off my Lopid and Allperinal.
    He's cut my blood pressure medication in half.  My BP is 115/80.
    The best it was before this was 150/100 (and on meds).
    He thinks very soon I can come off the bp meds entirely.
    
    I think part of my not looseing so much is I'm converting some of
    the fat to muscle.  Not good for short term effect, but on the long
    term, the converted muscle should start burning more calories.
    
    This chocolate drink is killing me.  I dread taking it.  I sometimes
    skip it which lead my doctor into giving me a lecture.  I still
    think drinking it when I'm not hungry is bad.  I used to eat when
    I wasn't hungry and it seems to me like I'm reenforcing that problem.
    I'll never take chocolate again, even when I'm off this crazy diet!
    next week's weigh in is Thursday.
    DECUS is coming!  Doctor says that we really should take this break
    because unlike opitfast, there are no 12 week cycles.  Your on and
    stay on.  To prevent boredom, he recomends a short break and the
    timing of the trip was just right. (but that doesn't give us the
    excuss to go overboard either)
    on other side effect, my teeth are hurting today.  ?from lack of
    use?
    ed
    

    Ed,
    
    Once again, and I am sure I speak for the entire weighloss notes
    file readership, I am very happy for both of you and your continued
    success. To help with the bad tasting chocolate shake, have you
    tried mixing it with diet coke? You can also add a little extract
    such as coconut or almond at the same time as the soda. I found
    these combinations to improve the taste immeasurably.
    
    Happiness is a healthy body    Joel

    Hi Ed,
    
    I think your progress has been spectacular, no matter how you feel!
    It always makes me jealous that men lose weight so much faster than
    women.  I reached my first mini-goal of thirty pounds this past
    Monday, having lost 32 pounds in 7 weeks.  Look at how much better
    you are doing!  Indeed, Medifast works differently from Optifast, in
    that you could go on virtually forever without adding food until you
    have lost all your weight.  My doctor provided a "cheat sheet," from
    which it is possible to eat out in restaurants (or on trips as the
    case may be) when necessary.  This has helped me a great deal.  It
    doesn't seem to impede the weightloss, as I am still losing on the
    fast side for the women's statistics.  The fact that your blood
    pressure is so far down is fabulous.  I have always had low blood
    pressure, but my doctor noted before I went on the fast that it
    was up (for me, up was 130/90) and she was worried.  After two
    weeks, it went down to its normal (for me) 105/60!  What a fringe
    benefit!
    
    I think most people find that they have good weeks and bad weeks,
    in terms of trying to stay on the fast.  For me the seventh week
    was a horror.  I was craving the cardboard off lined paper pads.
    I got through it (one day at a time!) and this eighth week is 
    no problem at all.  All I know is that even with 32 pounds lost,
    I feel about 10 years younger and with more energy than my kids.
    I even need less sleep (which is a great benefit because I have
    a very busy life!).  Keep experimenting with the shakes -- I find
    now that I tolerate all of them well; I don't even mind them.  I
    still feel this is the best diet I've ever been on.
    
    Keep up the good work!
    Rebecca

    
	official results for Week FIVE
    
       		Deb	Ed
    
    this week	-4	-4.25
    
    total	-20	-34.75		team total -54.75  go team!

    Deb is a little happier with the more weightloss for the week.
    I had hoped to do better, but it looks like 4 a week is all I'm
    going to do.  I can feel the extra muscle, so I am firming up.
    I'm getting quit a sagging pouch that I'm having to address.
    I started situps on the inclided bench to build up the stomack
    muscles.
    
    I HATE CHOCOLATE!

    ed

    Keep it up - don't lose focus or momentum. It is only for a while.
    There is life after chocolate shakes but not right now. I am very
    happy for both of your success - I knew you both could do it.
    
    GO TEAM!!!!!!
    
    Joel

RE: .14
    
    I've been meaning to enter this in for a while.  Here's another
    Medifast "pudding" type recipe.  This is the one that came in my
    recipe book when I started Medifast.  I use this a lot.  You have
    to prepare it 2 hours ahead of time (I never bother with chilling
    it the second time the directions call for), but it sounds a little
    easier and more stable than the recipe in .14.
    
    Enjoy. 
    
    - Molly -
    
    			PARFAIT
			-------

	1 pkg. unflavored gelatin
	1 cup boiling water
	1 pkg. Vanilla Malt supplement

	Directions:

	1. Pour 1 cup boiling water into blender, add 1 pkg. gelatin.
	2. Pour into small mixing bowl, set aside
	3. Pour 1 cup water and Vanilla Malt supplement into blender.
	4. Blend 5-10 seconds at medium speed, add gelatin mixture
	   to supplement mixture.
	5. Pour into bowl.  Chill 2 hrs. or until ingredients have jelled.
	6. Pour jelled mixture back into blender and blend 5-10 seconds.
	7. Pour into serving glasses, (parfait glass recommended).  Chill
	    2-4 hour or until parfait consistency.

	Flavor Variations: (add to chilled mixture)

	1 tsp. vanilla extract
	1 pkg. sweetner

	1 tsp. chocolate extract
	1 pkg. sweetener

	1 tsp. strawberry flavoring
	1 pkg. sweetener

    
	official results for Week SIX
    
       		Deb	Ed
    
    this week	-4.25	-4.25
    
    total	-24.25	-39		team total -63.25 go team!

There will be no offixcial week seven.  We will be in Atlanta.
We are allowed 3 oz. of meat a day and a cup of veggies.  Doc says we
should still lose.  Of real concern is that I can't really eat/drink
all 5 packets a day.  To full.  I thought by forcing myself that I
would be doing keeping bad habits..  But they say I must use all 5
a day to keep protien so I burn fat and not tissue.  
chocolate...ugggg!

see you when we get back
good luck to you all.
ed

    Ed,
    
    Try having a double for lunch or dinner or mix two packets with
    diet 7Up (about 10 Oz. should do it) and whip it into a pudding
    and eat it for a desert witht the evening packet. I had the same
    problem. You will not lose more weight by skipping packets and it
    might really harm you body to the point of having to go off the
    program.

       Results for week Eight   (NO week seven results)
    
    		Deb	Ed
    
    two weeks	-2.25	-5.0
    total      -26.5   -44.0	team total= 70.5

    
    Not too bad for having a week of one meals.

    Now the bad news.  The bank ran dry.  Or nearly.  I have to leave
    the medifast program.  Can't afford two of us on it.  JH hasn't
    got us any money for the last 8 weeks.  They are not going to
    pay for the supplements.
    
    At first glance, it would appear 'fair', afterall, Deb and I have
    to eat, why not sink it in this?  Well, the kids also have to
    eat normal.  By eating the supplements, the fod budget isn't
    reduced that much.  That and the ARM is up $300/mo.  and the
    wage freeze [i was due in July].  I don't mean to put my troubles
    on the table but I'm feed up.  If I had choosen stomack stapleing
    or intestinal bypass, the costs would have been paid 100%  And
    the costs would have been considerable more than the supplements.
    I had a proven record of loosing with this program.  Its the first
    one thats worked for me.  I'm not giving up on dieting, but..
    
    On the brighter side,  this is the first time I could get the seat
    belt on comfortably on the airplane.  And the tray table held the
    meal and deck of cards and not my gut.  I'v lost so much to come
    to this point.
    Guess I'm just down today.
    ed
    

    	Hang in there, we all have depressing days!  Be careful not to go 
    back to old eating habbits....
    
    
    							Paul S.

    Keep looking for a way to stay with the program. You are very lucky
    to have found a method that is right for both of you. How much would
    you pay for a chance at a few extra years of healthy happy living?
    Don't you have a rich relative hiding in the wings or how bout we
    get together and rob a bank (not DCU - my money is in there).
    
    I'm sure you will think of something.

    Wish I had a rich relative.  The doctor is mad at me.  He's offered
    to waive his examine fee, just charge for the supplement.  Guess
    what, thats the part that DEC doesn't pay [if I ever get any
    medical reembursement from DEC/JH]
    The deal is that my wife continue, I will go my own way, *BUT*,
    if I fail to loose wieght, its back on the plan again.
    [anyone know a good bank to rob?]  I think I'm loosing more
    weight worrying about this freeze thing.  and where the mortgage
    money will come from to feed this last ARM increase.  But thats
    a diffent notesfile.
    weigh in comes thursday.  
    oh ya, the good news is that I can control my eating [so far]
    I am happy about that.  Before, I didn't know hwen to stop.
    and also started to frequently.
    
    ed
    

    	This is a tangent.  There are two banks in MASS offering under
    10% Fixed 30 year morgages with 2 points.  You may want to look
    into trying to refinance into a fixed rate....
    
    

Drum roll and all that, Week nine is now in:
    
    		Deb	Ed
    
    This week	-4	-4
    total      -30.5   -48.0    Team total= 78.5

    
    We seem to be in an even burn now.  We are up and kinda happy.
    now for me I have 142 to go [ I was a big guy].
    until next week.....
    ed
    

    
    		Deb	Ed
    this week	 -.5	 -6
    total      -31	-54    team total= 85

    Deb isn't too happy this week.  It looks like her blook sugar is
    out of wack.   They are refeeding her to balance it out.  
    I've been off the program now and still going good.  I have an
    advantageworking in Merrimack that some don't.  We have a nice
    "life center" with a great staff that helps out.  Exercise and
    eating right are now what is causing the loss for me.
    until next week...
    

    Ed, this is great!  Being forced off the program may be a blessing in
    disguise -- you're still motivated, but you're being forced to do it on
    your own.  Yes, the Life Center is great (and I need to get back to it
    :-(! ).

    What meal plan are you following?  If you haven't already done so, you'll
    probably want to look around this conference; there are a lot of good
    tips.  OA (free) and/or Weight Watchers (less expensive than Medifast)
    might be good things for you to look into now, too.  MKO should be having
    WW@W sign-up in 2 weeks; we have a good leader who understands serious
    overweight (she lost almost 100 lbs on WW).  We meet in the Manchester
    room, just upstairs from you.

    Good luck!
    Beverly

    Hi Bev, I follow my own meal plan.  Slim fast to cure the hunger
    pains, 3-4 oz of meat with vegies at supper.  Popcorn for
    snack[unbuttered,of course].  and yes, I do have control [yet].
     I can not get lax and must remember food is a problem, kinda like
    when I gave up smoking, that just one butt could be my ruin.  And
    I still am one but away from being a smoker again.
    Habit is one big problem.  I think thats where the inital investment
    in Medifast helped.  I gained a diferent eating habit that is
    carring me through this period.  Instead of the big breakfast and
    big lunch, I got a liquid drink.  no candy bar if I have to buy
    groceries.  no afternoon snack.  little things that I did wrong.
    Also reading the labels on food and reducing my fat % intake.
    And having the SO on a diet with me, she's a big help.
    enough jabbering
    ed
    

                 DEB    Ed
    
    this week	-3.5	-4
    total      -34.5   -58	team total  = -92.5

    
    Well, now I'm off ALL medications!  bp was down to 113/76 
    resting pulse of 48.
    
    But, for me, another 132 pounds to go.  So, pass the lettus.
    ed
    

    		Deb	Ed	
    
    this week	-1.25	-5
    total      -35.75  -63	team total = -98.75

    just melting away.....  
    
    now if I could only get rid of my pouch.

		Deb	Ed
    
    this week	-3.25	-2
    total      -39.0   -65	team total = -104
    
    I'm eating near normal, watching what goes in.  was able to 'cheat'
    once and make up for it. this is fun.
    ed
    
   

    
    this week	-1.0	-3
    total      -40.0   -68	team total = -108
    
    Life seems to present us with numerous obsticals to overcome.  I've
    found out that the Life center is going to start charging for classes.
    I can't afford that any more than I could to remain on Medifast.
    Sooo, soon I'll really be on my own with 119 pounds to go.
    
    ed
    
    

Ed, can you still just use the equipment for free or are they 
charging for use of the facility?  That doesn't sound good to me.

	I'm pretty sure that the charge is only for classes -- use of
	the equipment will still be free.

	They're doing this because of budget cuts; instructors cost $$.

	Beverly

    		Deb	Ed
    
    this week	+0.5	-2.5
    total      -39.5   -70.5     team total = -110

    last week was a small vacation. 
    

           <<< Note 420.40 by WORDS::BADGER "One Happy camper ;-)" >>>
                            -< week 16 has arrived >-

Way to go, Ed and Deb!!!  This is fantastic!

    		Deb	Ed
    
    this week	-2.5	-3.5
    total      -42     -74.0	team total = -116
    
    
    We're nearing the half way point.  anyone need some slighty used
    tents [otherwize known as clothes]?  I feel good.
    ed
    
    

    
    		DEB	Ed
    
    this week	?	-2.0
    total	-42?   -76.0	team total = -118?

    Deb is away for 4 weeks during the day and is unable to get weighed
    in.  home weight shows about 0 loss for week.
    
    contrary to methods others use, I use my scale daily.  If I've seen
    a level loss, or god forbid, a gain, I add in more exercise.  Your
    mileage my vary, but a scale and exercise are good weapons against
    the enemy.
    
    exercise CAN be fun.  If appraoched right.  I owe a lot to the
    aerobics instructor and fellow class members.  The hard work becomes
    enjoyable when done with the proper spirit.  Don't try to be fit
    in one day, build up the intencity over a period of time.  commit
    yourself to a regular schedule and let it become a habit.
    
    off the soapbox
    ed
    

		
    		Deb	Ed	
    
    this week	-1.5	-1.0
    total      -43.5   -77.0    team total = -120.5

    		Deb	Ed
    this week	?	-1.0
    total	-43.5? -78.0    team total = -121.5?

    
    Deb wasn't near a scale this week, so her loss is known.

    this week	  0	 -2.0
    total	-43.5	-80.0	team total = -123.5
    
    this period really covered two weeks time as we were not handy to
    an official scale.  I would guess I'm still loosing at a pound a
    week.  Its goal time:  15 pounds by Oct 13th.  That will put me
    at the weight I got married at 10 years ago.  I will be giving away
    my sister at a wedding on Oct 14th.  Thats 8 weeks so I will have
    to adjust my burn rate up.
    
    regards, ed

    Great going!!!  I'm so happy for you 2!!
    
    Virginia

Ed, you two are doing GREAT!!!  Keep it up, it's helping ALL of us!

Liz

    		Deb	Ed
    this week	- 4.0	- 1.0
    total	-47.5	-81	team total = 128.5

    Deb takes a flying leap forward after returning from summer camp.
    my [short term] goal is 14 pounds away, I've gotta start a 2lb/week burn.

    
    keep it up folks, loseings the only way to win!
    #ed
    

    		 DEB	 Ed
    this week	- 2.0	- 1.0
    total	-49.5	-82.0	team total = 131.5

    My short team goal is 13 pounds away and just 5 weeks to do it.
    [half way point is -95]
    Deb's goal is to dip below 200 next week.  2 pounds to do it.