Do I need a new plan?

[Lulabelle]

After finishing my first Cohen's plan in late 2008, here I am... facing up to the fact that I'm heavier than when I even started in the first place and trying to convince myself I can do this all over again.

Cohen's was an incredible success for me and I loved the program. I should point out that I in NO way blame the program for the fact that as soon as I finished it I started a year-long binge which has got me to where I am today.

My question is, I'm fairly sure that if we put weight back on we're supposed to have the blood tests done again and get a whole new program. Is this correct?

Has anyone successfully gone back after weight gain to complete their old program? Or is it a hard and fast rule that we must get a new program? $750 is not really something I can freely afford right now... so if possible I would prefer to use my old faithful program. However, if this will somehow be counter-productive or if my results are not likely to be as good, I would dig deep for the $750.

Thank you for any and all advice

(I should add that I have contacted my old clinic with the same question, but to be honest I would expect their response to be biased anyway as new plans = revenue . It's a business and I respect that... but I also respect the advice of those who have been doing/done the program )

[thenewvee]

Hi Lulabelle!

I did the programme first time around, and completed it and everything, but like you I had not come to terms with it emotionally, and so I've also gained a whole heap, but not the whole amount. I've tried numerous times to go back on my old programme and especially the last time, I was so hungry and miserable the whole time, I really think mine no longer works for me. I also think a great part of this is psychological!
Anyway, I've just invested in a new programme.
If you can do your old programme, and it works for you, then go for it! What's stopping you? I just found I couldn't do it.
It's frustrating to know that the emotional issues still rule, but the good thing is we know how to get the weight off, so while we are doing that, we can still work on the emotional side, and each day we will get closer and closer to the final answer for us!

Vee

[Lulabelle]

Oh Vee!!! I can't even tell you how lovely it is to "see" you again *HUGS* It's incredible; the comfort of a friendly cyber face

I'm sorry to hear that you've been struggling too... but so pleased to hear that you're ready to win the war now.

I think perhaps the psychological side of buying a new program may be important for me. I've done lots of reading online and most people seem to believe that a new program is necessary and that our blood work REALLY does dictate if a program is 100% finely tuned each time around. Whether this is actually true or not, I of course don't know... BUT I think if there's any doubt in my mind I may be able to use that as a wedge to undermine my determination this time around

It's great that you have been able to reach a point to try again BEFORE gaining all of your weight back. I tried to get back onto my old program 3 times last year. The longest I lasted was 2 weeks deviation free. I lost a bit of weight each time... but put even more on as soon as I broke the program. It got to the point that I was almost afraid to try again.

Not any more.

A new year. A new start. And... I literally can't afford to buy a new winter wardrobe, which is the reality I would be facing in a few months if I don't change something. I've had to buy 2 maxi dresses this summer which have been my staple wardrobe (literally)... so even if I have to buy a new program, it'll be cheaper than replacing my clothes

I also really hope to be married later this year... but right now I would feel like postponing it just because I couldn't face the idea of trying on wedding dresses the way I am or seeing wedding photos.

Time to face up to this all over again. Time to stop beating myself up and just do it.

It means a lot to read your words again Vee... and although I wouldn't wish this struggle on ANYONE... it's strangely comforting to know I'm not the only person who has done so well... and somehow managed to undo some (in my case ALL) of the hard work.

Here's to new starts, hey?

[shell]

Hi lulabelle,

Welcome back....sort of! LOL

Have you got your "head space" problems of why you put back on the weight sorted out?

If not.

I would not invest in a new program, otherwise you will be back at square one & wasting your money.

I don't say this to be negative, but from experience, and also from being on the forum for a "while".
Getting your head sorted is 99% of the weight loss battle!

Good luck with what you decide.

Shell

[Lulabelle]

Thanks Shell

I certainly don't have my head space sorted out YET... but I'm determined to get on the right track.

Binge eating and weight gain has been a lifelong result any time I face stress. Particular stresses are what lead me to need to start Cohen's the first time around. Last year financial, personal and health stresses all just culminated in one big nightmare... I'd guess about a 20kg nightmare *laughs*.

This time around, I don't want to just lose weight... but I want to reset whatever it is in my mind that sets me off on these tangents. You're absolutely right that this cycle will continue until I can really sort that out. I intend to find someone I feel comfortable with and being some professional "therapy" to help me address the root causes behind all of this (which I honestly have never understood). That was something I couldn't afford last time around, but I intend to make that a priority this year.

I am also going to join a gym, with a view to doing some very very light weight training (not exercise as such, but learning some specific gentle toning exercises) while I'm ON the program. Then I intend to make exercise a part of my maintenance next time around... I didn't do that last time and I know that was a BIG mistake.

As bad as it sounds, I know that Cohen's will help me lose weight and I really can't afford to stay at this weight or even let it continue unchecked whilst I try to wrestle with my psyche... which could well be a life-long battle. I'm HOPING I can do both at once... hopefully

Thanks for the welcome back!

[hexi2]

The rule of thumb is post refeed and into maintenance...gain 4 kg...new program needed...

simple...

unless you have less than 4kg to lose get a new program

[thenewvee]

Hey Lulabelle!

I so hear ya!
I also agree, getting a new program and doing a new commitment is cheaper than a new wardrobe!
I'm also pulling out all the stops to get to the core of changing the headspace so that it is a lasting change! I've learnt so much from first time around and especially from the great people who have shared here on the forum!

I don't know if you have felt the same as me, but I have to admit to feeling like such a HUGE failure for not being able to maintain the new slim me. I felt and looked great being slim, but my head obviously didn't feel the same cause I went all out to undo it all! And it is so totally @#$% to have to admit you lost control and something stronger was taking over the show again!

Anyway, here's to you, you deserve this and we can do this!

Vee

[Lulabelle]

I WISH I had less than 4kg to lose Hexi *laughs*

Looks as though Monday will be sign up day and time to get the ball rolling on ordering a new program.

I'm planning on starting with the pre-Cohen's guidelines next week... then starting my new program on Feb 1st. 1st of the month, a Monday... the weirdo in me likes that (plus I'm having my in-laws stay almost all of January and going away at the end of January).

My first time around I made it to 3 months (and to my goal weight) without a single deviation; regardless of the obstacles thrown my way. I can do this again. I know I can.

Thank you for the insight and the advice ladies It has definitely helped and has made it that much easier to come back to the forum and see some dedicated, familiar faces.

[Kohinoor]

Hi Lulabelle,

There's been a bunch of good advice already. Certainly, the mental journey is WAY more important than the weight-loss. But, if your weight is causing physical distress, then getting it back down is high on the list, yeah? Anyway, you will know far better than us what should come first.

In all though, the need to address BOTH the weight-loss and the mental issues is important. In which order is your call. It seems you have faced many issues over some time, so any help you can find to help will be beneficial.

Don't forget though, that we are here to help - as much as we can. Like, with empathy, and love, and understanding. But, all that won't replace you getting some help from those that deal with emotional problems. I hope you find a really good "someone" who is able to put things into perspective for you. It is important that this person is one that you relate to - otherwise you may be disappointed. So, do "shop around" to find the one that is right for you !!

Big hugs, Lulabelle - I hope you find your way forward real soon (and hey, it's worth fighting for - so get in there and give it all you've got..)


Hugs,

Koh

[shell]

If you go to your doctor and get a "mental health care plan", you can get 12 subsidised visits to a psycologist, or sometimes they can be for free..... check it out.

Shell

[Lulabelle]

Thanks so much Koh and Shell

I've actually been researching the therapy side of things for the past couple of months. A friend of mine has been able to fill me in on the information in regards to the subsidized visits etc... and when I go for my Cohen's blood test I will be making an appointment with my Dr to hopefully get the ball rolling on that too (the pathologist is in the same building as my GP).

I've always told myself that I could work it out myself. But doing SO well on Cohen's and feeling as great as I did towards the end of the program and then undoing all of that over the last 12 months... has been a big reality check. I know it's something a LOT of people struggle with. But it's not something I want to deal with for the rest of my life.

Thanks for the advice guys. It's a bit of positive reinforcement that I'm on the right track and that I really do need to follow through once and for all.

[hexi2]

Ha ha wouldnt we all like to have less that 4kg to lose...lol

I got a new program calling it my 'post graduate' in cohens...there are a few of us graduates around to support each other and its working like a dream

fear of failure? blah way past that now but the head space is something that takes a long time to fix..just gotta keep chipping away at that one

[Lulabelle]

Post Graduate... I like that one Hexi... thank you *laughs*

By the looks of your ticker, your post grad is nearing it's completion too!!! Good for you

[hexi2]

Yeah i am just over 2 kg away from halfway now...and its only been 12 days!! Goes so quickyl and got in the zone real quick too after numerous attempts at old program - dont know why i wasted so much time!

[Lulabelle]

Oh so you tried going back on your old program too? I had no luck with that last year either. I guess I hoped that it would work so that I wouldn't feel quite so bad about "wasting" the $750 the first time... but I came here today ready to heed the advice I received and that I shall. I've decided that I will think of it as $1,500 total invested in a long term change... rather than installments.

I'm going to use my success last time around as motivation and inspiration to do it again... rather than resenting the fact that I undid it all etc, which was a very destructive feeling for me last year.

Onwards and downwards this year though huh?

It's fantastic that you've already come so far so quickly! Wow... you must be so chuffed to be in the zone again! So happy for you Hexi

[Bronwyn1955]

Hexi, what exactly is the "zone"?

[Kohinoor]

Hi Bronnie,

Hexi, what exactly is the "zone"?

Check this out
The "zone"

Koh

[Bronwyn1955]

Thanks Koh, That means Im right in the zone!!!!!! (and totally enjoying it)

[garden goddess]

I'm in the same situation Lulabelle.
I restarted last year and my old plan did work.
So, finances being what they are, I will use the same plan again this year.
Good luck getting back into it.

[Lulabelle]

You lucky thing being in The Zone Bronwyn... it's such a great place to be

Thanks Garden Goddess... you're the first person I've heard from whose old program worked for them! I'm glad to hear it did for you I'm 90% sure I'm going to order a new program though... I will speak to my clinic tomorrow and I'm going to ask them a few questions and see how I go.

Here's to 2010 huh?