Jenny Craig or Nutri System anyone.......

Hello everyone I need some advice.  As of right now I am pursuing WLS the Lap Band.  But I am getting cold feet I really want to do it naturally but I have yo yo dieted my entire adult life.  As a last effort I am considering trying Jenny or the Nutri System.  Is there anyone out there who has had any personal experience with any of these plans.  Any perils of wisdom are greatly appreciated thanking you all in advance.

I can't tell you much...   I attempted Nutrisystem for diabetics but I didn't get very far.  Some of the foods are really good, yet others made hold back from vomiting.  The worst of it was the blood sugar spikes.  Otherwise, I was on it years ago when I had only 15 or 20 lbs to lose and it was fabulous.  I've known quite a few people who have great success with Jenny Craig too.   Whichever you choose I wish you the best of luck!!! Lori

thank you Lori

I have done both.  Nutrisystem I did maybe about 6 years ago.  It's mail order so I didn't really utilize any support and just did it on my own.  I found the things that I liked and ordered that all the time.  I was fairly successful on it and eventually transitioned to my own thing, lost more and kept it off for a while.  I learned to handle smaller portions and to make wiser choices over the course of time and I think I just started making better decisions which is why it worked for me as long as it did.  Even when I went out to eat I made smart choices most of the time.  As the years went by I put most of it back when life took over and pulled me away from my focus. I've been on a Jenny Craig a little over a week now.  According to their scale I only lost 0.8 pounds but according to my scale (which has been verified as pretty accurate by 3 other people) I've lost about 8 pounds, but it's only been a week anyway and I know it will take some time to see results with anything.  The food is MUCH better on Jenny Craig.  It's probably a bit more expensive though.  I really justified it to myself that I wasn't doing enough on my own.  I had cut out fast food, ate more vegetables, tried to walk longer, etc. but I thought that I needed more of a kick start.  I was considering surgery (self financed) and just wanted to give it one last shot.  So far I have not regretted that decision.  I knew I would have to make changes with surgery and I know they're life long changes so I figured it was in my best interest to make the changes and try to do it without the surgery.  I looked at the cost as a medical expense.  If you want more info on the food and other details feel free to send a message to me here and I will reply. In the end any program is a tool and it's how you use the tool.  Not one single tool works for every person.  There are so many great programs out there.  I felt that I needed something with structure and, for me, it is working so far and I truly think it will continue to work for me.  I didn't go into it over excited or super motivated, but I think I was realistic.  It's not going to come off overnight and this way I have a chance of not needing cosmetic surgery ALL over my body b/c I will not be losing it as fast. Good luck with whichever program you choose. Beth

You will lose weight on either one, but once you do you need a plan for lifetime maintenance. They don't all offer that-- they want you as a repeat customer. Keep this in mind. The yo-yo continues, without it. "Dieting" (aka "I'll do this until I lose weight, then quit") does not work-- ask any super morbidly obese person how many diets they've been on and you'll see what I mean. You really have to commit to permanent lifestyle changes to control weight significantly for life.

I've tried both and based on quality of food, I'd go with Jenny.  Nutrisystem was like astronaut food and it was nasty.  Jenny craig is better than lean cuisine.

Did NS in the 90s, hated the food, lost 35 then couldn't stick it out.  Did JC last year, much better food, but only lost 14lbs even though I stuck it out for 6 months....  JC is also tremendously expensive.  Both offer home delivery.  My advice, pursue neither, go to a nutritionist and join a gym.

I suggest you consult a nutritionist and do the "Janeene G" plan.  Work toward eating healthy foods that you like in portions that are appropriate for you. Start with a good food calculator like fitday.com or thedailyplate.com.  Keep track of what you are eating now and then start making healthier choices.  For instance, if you see that you are not eating breakfast at all or if you are hittingthe McD's drive through make a change for breakfast and have a yogurt or a protien drink and some fruit.  when you have the breakfast ha*****anged work on lunch etc... Most of all - forget about dieting...  change your way of eating for life.

Agree!  There is no need to follow a program of provided foods, except for "ease" and really, you can do it on your own with forethought.  Save the money for JC and NS and spend it on a trainer.

well said thank you all