Had to share...

A little background first: I have been a "lurker" for about a year now researching WLS and gathering information. I knew I would only qualify for surgery if I was more than 100 lbs over my max so the end of 2005 I was actually trying to gain weight. I know, I don't know what I was thinking. Anyway, I started out this year at 213 (I am 5'3") and weighed in this morning at 194.5. I'm pretty pleased with that but I am going on a cruise in October with my hubby (our first cruise) and I want to speed it up a bit. So, I posted on my state board asking for information on Medifast. I was thinking of trying it and read some message boards elsewhere and had pretty much decided to do it but thought it would be nice to find someone nearby that I could chat with that had some experience with it. I got a reply back from a Post-Op telling me that she had looked at my profile (which I have since updated from a one-line "I am not considering surgery" I originally had) so she could understand why I was asking the question. Then she tells me that they (Post-Ops) have tried just about every diet out there and they all have failed and that I should attend a WLS support group meeting as it may change my mind on surgery as it did herself and her daughter. I have nothing against those that have chosen WLS. I thought for a short time that it may have been the answer I was looking for. But, I've read about those that have all sorts of problems and not to mention, some of them "failed" with it as well, regaining weight they lost with the surgery. I don't want any of that! All I asked was if anyone had tried Medifast and what they thought of it. I didn't ask for someone to shove WLS in my face and basically say that I will fail on any diet or lifestyle change I try so don't bother...WLS is the only way to go. I know I will lose a lot quickly with Medifast and I've learned the dangers of it coming right back on after you stop. I think I can do the maintenance afterwards if I can keep the will power strong. I won't know if I don't try though. I just had to vent about this...I made my decision NOT to have WLS and I never asked a thing about it so why was I given advice about it? It seems to me the Post-Ops are very negative on any other weight loss program unless it's the one they chose. Thanks for listening!!!

Hi there C... I'm sorry to hear that you got such negative reactions from your questions. That's a shame. I haven't experienced any of that on my State board... everyone has battled with obesity and everyone is working to conquer it... and we all deal with the same psychological issues, and everyone can benefit from each other's advice. Though, I do feel sort of "outcasted" every once in a while... as though certain poeple on my state board won't talk to me because I "didn't have surgery so HOW could I understand the emotional issues they're going through". But for the most part everyone is really great and supportive. Anyways... I don't know too much about Medifast. I did read someone's profile who had done it (post-op) and she was very successful. The only problem is that it gets to be expensive, and if per chance you can't afford to buy everything at some point, then what do you do??? I would advise trying to make a program for yourself that you can do anywhere, anytime... and for always. Surgery, or no surgery, it's a lifelong change. Regardless of HOW you do it... this board is a great place, really. I'm glad you spoke up, and hope to hear more from you. Keep us updated! -CJ 250/155/140

I understand your hesitation with WLS. I had the same problem - it seemed so drastic, and the risks scared me. I am currently attending Overeaters Anonymous, and I have achieved what they call abstinence - following your food plan every day and refraining from compulsive eating or overeating behaviors. This has taken months for me to achieve, and I needed the help of the OA group and prayer to get me this far. I hope you do well with Medifast. I prefer eating food, so I tend to shy away from shakes and drinks as a way to lose weight. I know one person who was successful on something like it, but I can't remember what she was on. She was able to make the transition from the drink to maintenance. But it is a lifestyle change, and it will be hard to do. If it were easy, I would have done it a long time ago. But it's worth doing. Good luck, Denise Phares