|  |     I watched some program on tv the other night (60 min. or 20/20),
    they talked about all the beefed up advertising in Jan. and Feb.
    They claim that after the holidays a good portion of the population
    have gained some unwanted pounds, this is the way Physicians
    Weightloss Center, Nutri System and most of the rest cash in on
    our weight problems.  Weight Watchers has also been running a
    gread deal of advertising, but they always do and what they are
    advertising now is the $9.00 to join, you save about $20.00. 
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|  |     I tried Physician's Weightloss 2 years ago after continuing to search
    for a program to lose weight.  Well, like the other programs, it is 
    quite expensive.  The specials they advertise are for a few weeks and
    then you have to pay out 400 - $600 (depending on how much you have
    to lose)   They put you on a extremely low diet (400 calories a day)
    with lots of water and vitamins) My doctor advised me not to as it
    was dangerous he said, even though they have nurses checking you blood
    pressure, etc.  The next catch is once you get to your goal (you do
    lose the weight - who wouldn't on only 400 calories per day!) they sell
    you the maintenance plan for several hundred dollars.   I finally 
    realized that you can't lose weight and *keep it off* thru these
    programs. You must learn new eating habits permenantly.  I lost 47 lbs
    in the program and 3 months later put it all on +20 additional.  My 
    doctor warned me this would happen, but I was desparate.   I know of
    others who have tried.  I saw people there who had lost, regained and
    were back again paying more money.  I tried this with Weightloss
    Clinic also. 
    
    One year ago, out of desparation,(having tried the above mentioned
    programs, and diet workshop, nutrisystem,  specialist in weightloss
    (shots and vitamins  and weekly visits$$$$), hypnosis, etc, etc I
    joined Overeaters Anonymous.   I listed very carefully to what they
    were saying as to why we eat and what refined sugar and process flour
    do to our bodies. I kept attending meetings and hearing the testimony
    of these people who lost anywhere from 25 lbs to 200 lbs and *kept* it
    off.  That is the secret.  Lots of diets help you lose the weight but
    don't keep it off.  A guy who sits near us 1 year ago paid out $2600
    for the optifast (opra wynfrey diet).  I made a bet with myself that he
    would put it all on.  Well I won. He's back with the weight and it's
    sad to see that happen.  
    
    I lost 55 lbs for first 5 months in this program.  I have gained new
    insite on my emotions and why I ate over them .  Have met so many new
    friends thru this program.  It is the same 12 step program as AA.  I
    always wondered how they stopped drinking. Works for compulsive over
    eaters too!
    
    Sorry to be so lengthy but you can save your self alot of money and
    grief.   You know the best part about Overeaters Anonyous?  Its Free
    and there are meetings 7 days a week 365 days a year. Yes even
    holidays. (that's when you need them the most)
    
    Good luck
    
    Barbara
    
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