I lost ALL my excess weight...FINALLY....after years and years of trying and failing on a myriad of diets, on the Medifast meal replacement system followed by the TSFL (Take Shape for Life) program.
I joined the program in February 2012. At the time I weighed 235 lbs.
I reached goal of 160 lbs. on July 22, 2013. I lost 75 lbs. And as of this writing, I've kept it off over 6 months. (believe me that's a HUGE accomplishment...for me!)
I maintained my weight over the holiday season 2012-2013. I maintained my weight despite getting sick with bronchitis. I maintained my weight despite my Dad, who is elderly and has multiple health problems, going into and out of the hospital numerous times, suffering from falls, minor heart attacks, etc. I maintained my weight despite my husband's disability after heavy-duty shoulder surgery which caused him to have to live on state disability for a year.
I maintained my weight despite losing a beloved pet. And I'm pretty sure I'll maintain my weight no matter WHAT life throws at me now.
I won't say it's been easy....but it's been WORTH IT.
It took me over a year to reach goal; it may take you shorter or longer depending on the amount of weight you have to lose and how you progress through the program. It also depends on your own body AND your mind. Losing weight on TSFL is NOT merely a matter of physically shedding pounds; the ultimate goal is to CHANGE YOUR EATING HABITS for GOOD so that you needn't go on 'another diet' ever again!
How does the TSFL program accomplish this?
With a multi-pronged approach that starts with the Habits of Health system.
This system combines the Medifast meal replacement program (5 MF meals a day plus your own 'lean and green', a dinner composed of lean protein plus 3 veggies plus 0-2 healthy fats a day) with 64 ozs. of water, and a series of workbook exercises and just 'headwork' you do while you're OP (on program) almost DESPITE yourself to analyze 'why' you overeat and how to stop.
With the support of the MF Community Website, I was able to 'delve into' the reasons for my overeating. I realized that I was a food addict. No one loves hearing this or even thinking about it but I had to face facts. If I had a problem, I ATE. If I were celebrating, I ATE. No matter what the situation somehow I would always find myself using FOOD to soothe myself.
I had to figure out 'why'. What caused it? And how do I undo it?
I learned that I had spent YEARS 'not' facing my feelings in many cases. And not dealing with some issues that perhaps I should have dealt with a long time ago.
I had to get a little more assertive in my life, for example. I tended to say 'yes' all the time, even when I meant 'no'. I was so afraid of people 'not loving me' that I'd do whatever they wanted...even if they walked all over me! So I had to deal with that, first and foremost.
Secondly, I had to STOP associating FOOD with 'love' and 'feeling good'. I had to find OTHER ways to take care of myself that didn't involve stuffing my face!
I found things like deep breathing and meditation de-stressed me and relaxed me and got me more in touch with my body. I also found ways to keep busy instead of eating whenever I was bored.
And so on. The process, for me, took over a year....for others it may take less or more time. EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT.
But it DID work. And now I can proudly do so many things I couldn't before!
I don't hate what I see in the mirror anymore. I don't hide from cameras anymore. I can fit into ANY chair without worrying. I can fit into airline seats. I can touch my toes (heck I can SEE my toes...that was the first step!)
I can shop in the regular department instead of the plus department.
I went from a size 24W to a size 12-14. Even my FEET got smaller (LOL).
I went down several ring sizes....it got to be almost on a regular basis, every few months hubby and I would go back to the jeweler and get my wedding band resized.
So many things have changed for the better. My husband can put his arms around me, ALL the way around me. I SMILE when I look in the mirror now because my double-chin is GONE. I'm wearing form-fitting clothes in brighter clothes.
