FEELING TERRIFIC!! as I approach the end of my 3rd MF month

[dbedrosi]

Hello All,
I usually post questions to this Forum but thought and felt compelled to share, with you all, how great I've been feeling now that I'm approaching the end of my 3rd month.
I've lost 25 pounds (keep in mind I went off twice due to family holiday gatherings) and REALLY FEELING so much better than I have in years about my weight. 5 yrs ago, I gave birth to my first child and put on almost 40 pounds that I've never been able to shed even though I tried EVERYTHING (i.e. nutritionists, completed an olympic triathlon, meal delivery via ediets, carb counting, the master cleanse, portion control, etc.. - you name it). I could never lose more than 15 pounds but, let me tell you, this medifast is the ONLY method that has worked and has saved me money at the same time. I can't tell you how great the feeling is when I'm able fit in clothes I use to wear almost half a decade ago.
Thanks to this forum - I'm still on medifast. It's such an easy program. But I must say, I'm a little anxious about once I lose the next 40 pounds, how will the transition and maintenance phase work out. I'm so scared of gaining the weight back. Ugh!! I've actually been preparing myself mentally now for when that time comes. Telling myself "you will not gain this weight back because you're going to change your eating habits. And you're going to exercise and that process will be as enjoyable as it is doing the medifast program. Anyhoo, my friends, just thought I'd post how I've been feeling:)

[Mickeyz]

Congrats on your success so far!

Don't worry about maintenance. There is a great transition plan and lots of help here. You may want to download the transition/maintenance info and look at it. Just remember, you are learning skills now that will help you with your weight control for the rest of your life!

[rodeomom]

Congratulations on such a successful few months! You really are on a roll!!

Don't over concern yourself over what may or may not happen when you reach goal. Concentrate on learning the importance of healthy eating while you are under the umbrella of MF. If you continue to eat 6 small, healthy meals like whole grains, veggies, fruits and keep the fat and "empty carb" grams down you will be able to keep it off. I know I can't say that from personal experience yet, but I have seen my sister and my parents as they continue to maintain so I assure you it can be done!! The biggest thing you have to remember is that your old eating habits MUST be in the past. If you return to that mindset and way of life, you will most certainly end up with the same results you got the first time.

Just ask Serendipity, Chynna Doll, Merry Mary, DogMa and a host of others here on the forum - they will tell you.

[MerryMary]

to the forum AND on your weight loss! Way to go!!

I began the program in early November of '06 and, like you, went off for the holidays. Even though the program does not recommend it, it's what I needed to do for me. I just want you to know that staying focused now is very important to your continued success.

Your concerns about maintenance are normal ... In my opinion, the weight-loss phase is really maintenance training!! Be observant now of those triggers you have--they will probably stay with you even after you reach your goal weight. But knowing what they are and learning the skills to remain in control of them will be helpful long-term.

Keep asking the questions and keep us posted of your progress! Best wishes!

[Mike]

Hey D, Glad you posted... was gonna PM to see how things were.

Glad you are doing better and its nice to see things going your way. This is a great program and before ya know it, you'll be at goal. Congrats and keep it up.