Question:
Is is possible to include Nutrisystem in my weight loss plan?

I had surgery 06/19/07 and have lost 77 lbs. but would like to include Nutrisystem to help me stay on track and have meals prepared with less temptation. One thing I noticed is that old habits are trying to return so I made an appointment to attend individual therapy because I am very nervous about failing. I also plan to suppliment the diet with additional protein and vegetables, but I need the help to stay focused. Any helpful comments are appreciated.    — carolyn h. (posted on January 9, 2008)

January 9, 2008
I had my RNY on 5-10-06, and have lost 140 pounds. I don't go the the gym every day, but I do take a 1 1/4 walk. I've found that attending bariatric support group meetings be be very important. When I was about 6 months post of, I encountered your same problem. I stopped going to support group meetings, started eating wrong things, and guess what. I went from 222 pounds to 242 pounds in a little over 2 months. Once I saw the new weight, I started back on the protocol, of proper eating, exercise, and attending meetiongs. I now weigh 203, and I attribute that to attending 3-4 support group meetings per month
   — Dave Chambers

January 9, 2008
I agree with Dave; I also feel my WLS support group meetings are a huge help. If your surgeon doesn't offer them he can refer you to a group that does - my surgeon's office allows patients from several other WLS surgeons' offices to attend. This question also came up recently from someone who wondered about doing the Weight Watchers' program (I think), and I can't see how it would be possible to eat all that is required on these diets after having WLS.
   — obeseforever

January 9, 2008
I had the same exact question!!!!! I called Nutrisystem yesterday, and the women's silver program has 98 grams of protein before you add in the addition veg., dairy, and fruit. Advanced, Low Glycemic program, has 93 grams of protein before additional items added. Don't know about men's programs though. My surgery was 6/23,03. I am doing very well, but could stand to lose about 20 pounds and keep it off. Arthritis has kept me from old days of walk, walk, and walk. Rather than the old 5+ miles per day, I have just now resumed about 2 miles per day. With this new protein info posted about Nutristytem, what does anyone think???!!!! Michelle, what do you think too???!!!!Should I go for it, this far out of Rny GBS for 20 pounds off??? Thanks, Kathy
   — Kathy R.

January 10, 2008
It sounds like you are doing a great job. You've recognized the old habits and are taking steps to get back on track. Good for you!!! I agree with what other posters have said... try to find a local support group for people who've had WLS. Individual therapy is great and I encourage you to do that as well... but I think there is a special sort of support that someone who has gone through the same thing as you can provide that a therapist cannot offer you (unless s/he has had wls themselves). My concern with Nutrisystem and other pre-packaged food plans is that they don't really do anything to prepare you to keep off the weight you've lost off over the long term. Part of dieting is learning to make changes to your diet and lifestyle as you are losing weight so that when you reach goal, you've got a lot of skills to keep the weight off. Of course, if you plan to eat Nutrisystem food the rest of your life, this might not be an issue. I think its important to learn portion control and healthy eating so that when you eat out or are at parties or what not, you are able to make good food choices. It might be a bit odd to show up at someone else's house for thanksgiving with a Nutrisystem turkey dinner.... definitely not as fun. But if you need to do Nutrisystem, you need to do Nutrisystem. You might want to consider doing Nutrisystem a couple times a week and prepare your own food the rest of the time. Good luck to you.
   — mrsidknee