Question:
MEDIFAST DIET

Is there something I can suggest to my dr. instead of the medifast diet that is more economical but has the same outcome? Money is tight right now and It is getting a tad expensive all my out of pocket expenses.    — mperez77 (posted on July 27, 2010)

July 27, 2010
I have used Medifast, and I do know that if you stick with it, it results in very fast weight loss. I did 5 per day, no other food. It is high in protein and vitamins and you know you are getting all the nutrients you should. If it works for you, make cuts elsewhere until you get the results you want. It's worth it. Have you had WLS surgery? Are you preparing for it? I just did the soups and kept the cost down that way. Good luck!
   — Bonnie H.

July 27, 2010
I'm not sure what Medifast is but wouldn't it be cheaper if you made your own protein smoothies? I make mine from 1% milk, a banana, berries, yogurt and a scoop of protein powder. I've even got my 87 year old mother moking them!
   — Muggs

July 28, 2010
Hi Maria, I used Medifast serveral years ago. As far as the weight LOSS went, it was effective. I lost 78lbs. in 7 months. The flip side of that is though, there was no behavior modification training, nor did I have the time to re-learn my old bad behaviors, meaning decision making and compulsion. I gained that weight back and more in pretty short order. I had a gastric by-pass 5 years ago and lost 143lbs. Since I hit my lowest weight I've gained back about 50lbs but thankfully I'm getting a grip on it. I get counseling from my PCP office and am working out with a friend who has an addiction of his own. I don't mean to discourage you my friend, but I would recommend that even if you could afford the Medifast program I wouldn't do it unless you have just fantastic determination. My weight gain problems are my fault, my weakness, and my lack of focus. I'm facing it. You need to determine where you are too. Believe me, Medifast is not a magic bullet, so if it appears too expensive anyway then don't feel too bad. In my opinion, it is not your best option. For those of us who are financially challenge, diet, behavior, and exercise is the key. I was lucky to have good health coverage when I had my RNY. I wish you the best Maria. Please keep in touch. Peace, Ray
   — Arl3rd

July 28, 2010
First of all thank you for your answers. I should have said that this is one of the "requirements" before surgery. My surgery is scheduled for 8/30/10 and the diet is to start 8/4/10 the cost is 110 the first week and 65 dollars the weeks after. The reason I asked for any other alternatives to lose weight before wls is because I am a single mother of 3 and the cost thus far out of pocket are becoming overwhelming.
   — mperez77

July 28, 2010
Medifast is a high protein, low calorie, low carb & low fat diet. So you can figure out the amount of calories and protein there are in the amount of shakes your doc suggest you use and replace it with real food. Protein, protein, protein. Like chicken, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, eggs/egg whites, fish. Also eating veggies and fruits along with your protein. Your body needs fat too, but good fat like olive oil, fish, etc. This also helps you prepare for life after surgery. Good luck and congrats on a surgery date.
   — Amy D.

July 29, 2010
I understand your problem with out of pocket costs. I have a grocery budget of $150 per month and my surgeon is requiring that I purchase a $270 liquid diet kit before I can have surgery. I have suggested getting the nutritional requirements and types of food/beverages acceptable for a liquid diet and, unfortunately, been told that I must purchase the kit or they won't do surgery. I have gotten the same answer from multiple surgeons. The reason being that these kits are a "no mistakes" means to promote weight loss while maintaining basic nutritional needs necessary for optimal health prior to surgery. The surgeons just won't give on this issue. So the real question we must ask ourselves is "Is this surgery enough of a priority to warrant robbing Peter to pay Paul?". Good luck!
   — kittymama03