Curious! New program or restart old program

[SlimForever]

Hello,

I have been using my old program (7 months old). Previously, l kept stopping and starting so l didnt get to my goal weight. Although, now l have the resolve to achieve my goal weight.

At present l cant afford a new program so for the time being l am using my old program. I spoke to my consultant who told me to try it out and see how l go. The thing is that in comparison to last time my weight loss is quite slower l had a loss daily. Example. My first week always resulted in over a 5 kg loss, 2nd week about 3-2.5. This time my weight doesnt budge for days. In Week 1- 3.6kg loss and 2nd week 1.5kg. Which is really frustrating. I have over 40kgs to lose so l thought it would be a little more than that. I know lm probably being hard on myself and l am happy with what l have done so far but l keep wondering what if this plan isn't ok for me? The thing is though how do l know if it will be any better on a new program? Im not feeling hungry or tired or anything like that. I do feel good.

Can you please share your experiences with we regarding using your old program, it would be very helpful.

Kind Regards
SF

[fair rose_za]

Hi slimforever..
Even though u are not having the same losses as b4 the losses are still there! If you really go into cohen diaries u'll find that most actually average around 1-2 kg per week, many around just the 1kg mark. Some weeks even less. SO if i were you, i'd be very happy abt the losses Everyone is different and maybe your program is not as effective as the 1st time around. You said you can't afford another now, it can't be guaranteed that u'll lose > 2kg/ week even if u get a new program anyway. So i suggest to continue the one you are on for now. 1.5 kg a week...that's still great ,as many on here would agree

[Kohinoor]

Hi SF,

A little more time is needed methinks !!! If you are able to lose at 1Kg to 1.5Kgs per week ongoing, I'd say that's a damn good result (especially if things seem to be pretty cruisey).

The first time, many things might have been different - e.g. you may have been putting on weight for years ahead of the first foray. This time, you've just recently done Cohens (is it 6 months ago?) so a big loss in the first week is not quite so likely.

Im not feeling hungry or tired or anything like that. I do feel good.

You are blessed, SF - just enjoy it. If things slow down, or things are suddenly not so cruisey, then look again. For now, I'd say you are doing pretty good,

Koh

[Fifty2drop]

Hi SlimForever,

I followed a program that was lot older then yours...ha ha ha.. give it some time, but just for your peace of mind.....

When i was following my old program i found that the cravings did not go away.. everything was extremely hard to resist, i smelt food i couldnt have, i obsessed more then normal over the food i could have.. not deviating was a challange, i was ott... i can see that now... I wasnt hungry but if i deviated i got very sick, on my birthday my hubby took me to a nice restaruant and we had to leave after entree, i was that sick from the overdose of food and sugars,i couldnt look at the food or smell it, i still feel guilty.. but i lost 10kg in 2 months, with deviations.. But everyday was hard...

You dont sound like that is your experience so far ..
The girls are right eveything is so new the first time around i think our body is shocked.. Our weight loss is individual.. and your loss so far is great. if you have still got the support of your clinic, that is a plus...
look forward to reading an update..

TTFN
Fifty2drop

[SlimForever]

Hello,

Thank you all for your replies and encouragement l appreciate it.

I thought l would give you an update. Since, my last post (yes only a few days ago) there have been some changes. My weight as it has been for almost 6 days now is still the same it hasn't shifted a single gram. I have become incredibly tired, l have no energy at all. Today, l have become really really hungry!

So, lm glad to say that l have phoned my consultant because a very kind family member has offered to lend me some money. Im waiting on the forms so will do my blood test asap.

In the meantime though what do you suggest l do. I want to stick to the old plan even though it seems to have halted because 1. It is keeping me mentally on track and 2. I not want any nasty detox's. But on the same token l am so tired and hungry!!

I look forward to your reply.

All the best
SF

[Annabelle Joy]

Maybe ease up a bit, SF. Increase the quantities just a bit. Have a look at the pre-Cohen thread here: . You might be better following that than trying to stick so closely to your old plan. All the forum members I can remember who have got a new plan and started over and made mention on the forum have said that they had more to eat on the second plan. I'm sure that doesn't apply to everyone, but larger quantities do seem to have been prescribed for a number of member who had problems like yours and went to a new plan.

AJ

[SlimForever]

Thank you Annabelle Joy. BTW, congratulations on your fabulous results... Well done!

I will have a look at that thread right away.

[anc]

Hi

I think you should see your doctor and in perhaps have a full health check including be tested for diabetes.

Be aware of your own health signals and how you feel

I was on the Cohen program last year and stopped due to complications that related to health issues I have (mostly) really severe constipation complicated by endo sacr issue on my bowel

I found the program good as far as wieght loss but not work killing myself over

I have recently been to a dietician and am eating a HUGE amount of food and losing weight - yes I had to shell out more $'s but money is no good to anyone if they are not healthy

In summary my opinion is that Cohens suits some (but not all) people

Good luck and stay healthy!

[SlimForever]

Hi Anc,

Thanks for your reply. I have recently had a thorough health check. Everything is fine l think it's the old program, like they say it will no longer work because the body chemistry has changed.

Good luck with your journey! Looks like it is going well for you.

[Kristine..]

Hi SlimForever

I have just completed losing 15 kilos using my 2006 program

It all started out OK and the loss was tracking the same as previously, for a few weeks.

As time went by, the difference between how much I had lost at the end of each week widened.

It has taken me 103 days to lose 15 kilos. Sure, there was Christmas in between and a few family functions so I did have a number of weeks when I didn't lose any weight and a couple of weeks I gained weight through making poor food choices.

and I am definitely not as flat across the stomach this time as in 2006

All in all, I was in a hurry to start and so used the previous program. I expected to be finished by about 14th December, but here it is 23rd January and I am starting refeed tomorrow. If I had waited a couple of weeks perhaps a new program would have got me there (completed) prior to Christmas.

However, I was never hungry then nor now, but if I was to do it again, I would get a new program.

So that's very supportive of your family to help you with this and the money, so that you can get a new program.

Don't underestimate the tiring which worry can cause. You are obviously wanting to lose the weight this time and unsettled because of the problems you are now experiencing.

In my experience, it is not possible to eat 'normally' and to just eat less of it.

Eating less 'normal' food got us where we are least normal, least happy. Normal food got me obese.

As you will soon have the new program, I would suggest you discuss this with your consultant. Just going back to normal eating will be yet another yo-yo. If I was waiting for a new program I think I would be inclined to stay with the current program until the new one arrived.

This program is very much about 'where' we are as well as 'what' we eat.

The discipline of the program is very real and very necessary. You have decided to use the strength of the discipline. It may help your tiredness if you can see things this way.

Cohen's is one of the very few things in my life I have jumped out of bed for. I can't wait to get out of bed and weigh myself each morning. Even when the same weight just looks back at me, day after day, I am getting to know my body better each day. I have realised that this particular body needs very little food but it needs quality food. Now that I understand this fundamental part of the 'Owner's Manual' I think I should be right from here on.


So I would suggest having a rethink and staying on the program if your consultant endorses this. You will be very proud of yourself for not 'falling off the wagon' and will swing more easily into the new program


Best wishes
Kristine

[SlimForever]

Hi Kristine,

Your message came at the right time! Thank you so much. You made some excellent points that l definately agree with. And, the one about worrying, l have been worrying about this a lot.

Tonight, I have been thinking about (whilst looking around the forum) increasing my protein portions until l get the new program but l just won't do that to myself, l rather be tired! It has taken me one program and so many months to finally get to this point. The determination button was dormant for such a long time and now that l have switched it back on it will have to stay that way.

I know myself well enough now that one little increase/ deviation spirals into something much greater. I looked at pre-cohens thread but l really feel that right now l need to stick to the old program until l get the new one.

Kristine, well done and all the best with refeed!!

Thank you all for helping me gain some clarity... This board's members are real gem's.

SF

[hexi2]

I spoke with my consultant about using my old program after completing refeed 8 months ago and while I am over the 3 -4 kilo guideline my consultant said the old program is fine HOWEVER the weightloss will be slower.

[Fifty2drop]

Hi SlimForever .. great to see so many replies..
I think , from my own personal experience, you have done the right thing..... try and relax now and be kind to yourself... I wish you all the very best on your new journey... I know that you will reach your goal..

TTFN
Chelle
TTFN

[SlimForever]

Thank you for your replies it has been very helpful. I am so glad that l am getting my new program this week. Being so tired is awful. I have a lot to lose around 40kgs so l definately need that new program plus l will the get the refeed too which l see if of paramount importance in keeping the weight off. The great thing is that l have changed my mentality towards the program and have found that it has had a huge effect on me sticking to it. It is a great program and it does work, as we can all see from here.

Again thank you all for taking the time to reply to my post. I hope that l can be of help too!

SF

[Blondie]

Hi all,

It's been a while. I am just deciding between whether I restart my program which I started Jan 2008 which I have my full program including the refeed, or do I go and pay the money again and get a whole new program???? Hmmmmm???? I am thinking that I need to get a whole new program, but just wanted some of you and your wise words of wisdom.

I orginally started the program Jan 2008 starting weight was 89kgs, got down to 62.7kgs started my refeed but then had surgery and didn't finish my refeed. Since then (April this year) I have not got back on my program and just started putting on weight again, I have weighed myself tonight and died when the scales said 76.4kgs, I tried telling myself "oh it's the end of the day. Come on!! Seriously made me realise I have not learnt anything before and I need to remember why I did this in the first place.

So.... my dilemma is... do I try my old program, or do you think I need to go do the whole new program. I just hate those blood tests, I am needle phobic!! I think I need to know that I am going to the clinic each month to be weighed so I am accountable. People think I'm crazy for considering buying a new program when I already have my program and my refeed program. What I'm concerned about is that maybe the old program won't work as well as it could and my hormones may have changed with my recent breast surgery.

BTW, how much is it nowdays for a program in WA?? Last time I paid $680.00 that was in Jan 2008.

I will call Trish at Cohens clinic Booragoon, but just thought some one may steer me in the right direction as well.

thanks again and wish me luck second time round. I would appreciate any stories you may wish to share with me if you are/have been in a similar situation.

cheers
Jeanne

[jacqui 59]

Hi Jeanne, I also started a program last year (june) and did not complete it....deviated and for the life of me struggled ever since. So this year decided to bite the bullet and not leave anything to chance...brought brand new program ($750) and the weight is dropping off.
I didnt stay on cohens long enough to receive my refeed last year so don't really know if that would of made any difference to my decision.

Jacqui x

[ConnieK..]

Jeanne,

As you know Dr Cohen advises a new program if you gain more than 4kg. Having said that some people have had good success with old programs. Pandora is using her old program I beleive. Hexi2 is also.

I guess you could start with the old and see how you go ... buy a new one if it doesn't work.

Connie

[pandora]

Hi Jeanne and as Connie said, i am now succeeding with my original 2007 program - even tho i have had so many false restarts - the difference this time is where my head is at. Having tried and failed so many times to get back to my goal weight of 52kg - i actually regained all weight lost and got back to 69kg.

All those failed attempts have not gone to waste as i now know why the program was not working - it was me and my mind monsters, excuses, desire to get back to eating the crap that made me overweight and the wine that contributed.

As for buy new program, not an option for me. I am just above normal BMI at my highest weight of 69kg - i am over 50 and my hubby will not agree to me paying that amount when he thinks i am fine! Clinic will no longer allow me to pay $25 for weigh in etc so i am on my own with this wonderful forum!

So even tho i have gained over the 5kg my clinic said might prompt a new program, my PERSONAL theory is, i still only got to 69kg so perhaps my hormones etc are not too far out of balance and that has proven correct as i have lost 5kg in 10 days and that took me 18 days first time around! Your choice but get yr mind into this and your body will follow. Pandora

p.s. the other point is, you have not returned to yr top weight so maybe your body is fine too???

[Blondie]

Thanks Ladies for your help. I called the clinic today and they said to try my old program for 10 days see how it goes. They suggested coming in again for the information session and revisit how I feel then. They said it is a mind thing and that I need to ensure i am in the right frame of mind firstly.

So a lot to think about.

[jacqui 59]

Hi Jeanne, Give it a go, Pandora has had awsome results by following her old program... I hadn't finished the program last year so didn't get refeed so no choice but have new program.

The weights of food this time are very similar with only minimal differences
eg (instead of xxgm of cheese this time xxgm but more veges) I also have 3 more meal options this time but thats about it.

Cheers Jacqui