How far from goal can you order refeed?

[Monsoon]

Let me start by saying that I entirely understand the importance of refeed - ie that doing it properly is probably the most important part of the programme.

My question is: how many kilos from goal can you order refeed? I was given a goal weight of 60-62. Do I have to be at 62 before I can order refeed?

I ask because my current 12-week contract is likely to expire around my 65kg mark (if all goes well). I would prefer not to have to pay for another 12 weeks, obviously. I am doing the programme online and there is only minimal contact with the consultants (1 email per month, usually following a standard format).

Look forward to hearing from more experienced members - thank you!

[mcbell]

As far as I am aware, you can order your refeed 2kg from your upper limit but if you are near a blood test date they will probably want you to get that too, so they can calculate your refeed from your blood test results.

I think the 2kg from upper goal limit is due to the fact that it can take up to 2 weeks for your refeed to arrive, so theoretically, you might still lose another 2 kg or more in that time period, so you would not be starving hungry and kilos below your goal weight begging to start your refeed programme but still waiting for it to arrive - does that make sense?

So 2kg = approx two weeks time. You can always wait till you are lighter before you start your refeed if you feel it is the right thing to do.

So you should be able to order refeed at 64kg - and I was able to order refeed at 57kg (goal 52-55) but I think I was at 57.4 or something and they ordered it for me, as I had just had my week 16 blood test, so they had the info, and I think it was fine as long as the first number started with what they were after - so maybe even if I had weighed in at 57.9 they might have ordered it for me (that is just me speculating though).

[Monsoon]

Thank you Mcbell, this is really useful information.

It seems that even if all goes very well I'll be just a tad too heavy to request my refeed before renewing my contract. Also, I presume that refeed lasts a while and you're supposed to be 'on contract' while you do it (for feedback and adjustments)? So... it looks like a third set of 12 weeks for me.

[mcbell]

You might be right about requiring the support/contract during refeed. After mine arrived, I was given it, and I set up an initial appointment to go through it with my consultant. Then once I started I made appointments for day 10 refeed, and day 18 (mine was 18 days long) so that I could ask any questions along the way (at day 10) and in preparation for "management/maintenance" at day 18.

If you think you can manage without the support, or if they are still willing to remain in email contact for you if you have questions (or you can use the forum for guidance) then you might be able to wrangle getting your refeed ordered and to you when you are still 3kg out from your upper goal.......... I guess you could ask the question, and see what they say/recommend.

[KiwiC]

Hey Monsoon

I was told same as mcbell, that refeed could be ordered 2kg from my highest goal weight which for me is 62kgs so same as yours although my goal is 59-62. So will be ordering mine at 64kgs all going well. GOOD LUCK!

[nehaali]

Ive read a few different things about when to start refeed so was after some clarification.

Do you start it when your at the upper number of your goal range or do you start a few kg's before you get to that point.

So if a healthy BMI for me starts at 77 at what weight should I start refeed?

[Nutmeg]

Cohens goal weight is not the same as a healthy BMI range.

It is the range Dr Cohens stated in your plan. IE in my example my goal range is 59 - 62 so my consultant will order refeed at 64 at the earliest. My ' Heahtly BMI' is 70... ( i wish i was done at 70 haha)

[MH76]

Don't worry about the scales - less putting emphasis on the number and more about what refeeding actually is.

You should order your Refeeding Program when your body gives you signs that you are at your natural goal weight. This will be usually within the goal Dr Cohen sets for us. Here is the criteria for knowing when you are ready for your Refeeding:

• You are following your Eating Plan 100% in every respect
• You are drinking around 2 to 3 litres of water each day, sipping throughout the day
• You are drinking little or no caffeine
• You are doing little or no exercise
• You are within your goal weight range or very close to it
• You are HUNGRY - really hungry!

If you have not reached this stage yet, wait until you do, because your body will be at its metabolic equilibrium and ready to have new foods introduced. If you do your Refeeding before your body is ready, you risk not stabilising your body properly.

Your body will tell you - believe me

[lil_doll]

Oh I have always kept my caffeine intake pretty steady. Do you say drinking little to none because of the sleep issue some people face when nearing refeed?

[MH76]

caffeine can increase appetite.

[lil_doll]

Thanks MH... Our resident Consultant!!!

[MH76]

I love coffee lol..... and i love still being a part of this community

[Cazspaz]

I'm nervous about finishing, still a while off but it's already feeling daunting! Really glad there's a bunch of support around here! Especially glad you've stuck around Margaret!

[ConnieK]

interestingly the second time i did the program i started refeed at the top end of goal, even though my body hadnt screamed at me that i was ready. i put it all back on (plus a few for good measure) i think if i had waited til my body told me it was time like the first time (at a couple of kilos above goal) it would have stayed off like the first time (until i broke every rule of maintenance). Ultimately you will know when its time to refeed - your body tells you loud and clear!