Found old plan. Worried this diet's long term failure rate is high

[Ms. Jiggles]

Hello! I did this diet back in late 2008 into 2009 and lost a lot of weight and messed up refeed because I was so hungry and so ready to eat a more of a variety of foods that I ended up gaining back some weight. I really don't blame the diet for that but at the same time it is a starvation diet and a very strict diet with many limitations.
I restarted the diet in 2009 and lost some weight and my attempt at re-feed went a little bit better (not perfect) than the first time but I still ended up gaining my weight back during maintenance.

I remember feeling so excited at how fast the weight came off and really happy that I didn't have to exercise and I hadn't seen myself that thin in quite a few years and I was really happy. But it was so hard to stay that way!
I really don't know if it was me and my habits or this diet or a combination or what.

Now I'm considering doing this diet again but it really concerns me that a lot of the clinics have closed, the US forum/site shut down and there are a lot of people here who have failed on this diet and are trying to do it again.

I will come back and post whether I start with my old plan or not but I really don't think I'm going to purchase a new one. If anyone has any insight or any opinions I would appreciate it. Thanks

[Rhon]

Hi Ms Jiggles,

I also did Cohen's back in 2008 and lost a lot of weight. Unfortunately didn't get to refeed and over the years and many other fad diets have gained it back plus some. Definately not Cohen's fault but my own really bad choices and habits. I tried to join at the Perth clinic and get a new plan but was knocked back because of medication I am on so started with my old plan. I have lost 20kg in 10 weeks which is about the same result as last time. I am worried about re-feed as I didn't get that far last time and also worried about maintaining. For health reasons I have no option but to succeed. I am hoping my health will improve enough for me to come off my medication and then I can try to join again and get a new plan plus the re- feed. I feel fantastic and love this lifestyle change...I am also hoping I can keep it up and maintain at the end.

Good luck...we can do this..😊👍🏻

[allie_82]

Hi Ms Jiggles!

I just finished my re-feed program last week and am now onto maintaining the new me... it is very scary but I believe this amazing program gives us the tools we need to maintain! I have managed to drop 60 kilos in 13 months with the help of the Cohen's program and clinic staff and now it is up to me to use the things I have learnt to keep it off!

The biggest lesson for me has been that this 'eating plan' is a lifestyle change and we cannot go back to the way we were eating before or we will inevitably end up where we were before... I think ultimately that is what determines whether or not we are successful in keeping the weight off...

I read something the other day that said "if you eat what you've always eaten, you'll weigh what you've always weighed"... that statement really hit home for me... I think to be successful in any weight loss program we need to change our thinking, we need to realise that we must change our eating habits for life in order to maintain for life!

Only time will tell if I am able to maintain the weight I am at now... but I am going to do everything in my power to do it!!

Wishing you all the very best on your journey! I personally believe this program is so worth it

allie

[rettstar]

I practised how to maintain my weight before I started losing weight. Maintenance is the hardest hurdle. I learned that if I could keep my weight the same for a year, then I could lose weight and keep it off.

What I have found is I only gained out of the 40kg I lost 11 yrs ago, about 8 kg - I haven't put any more weight on that that.

Maybe practice healthy eating habits first and learn how to keep your weight the same before you look at Cohens. I think for people who have food issues like us as Allie has said, is to admit and accept that we can't eat the same as other people.

[Ms. Jiggles]

Thank you Rhonda, Allie and Rhettstar for your input and suggestions. You guys are motivating me to do this again! I have to be sure my mind is in the right place. I will post when I have made up my mind, one way or the other. Another thing I'm considering is whether I should diet during the Holidays. My first time on this plan I started on Halloween day and I managed to not deviate at all through the holidays, but it was tough going. I know I could do it again, but do I want to miss out on all the holiday goodies? A healthier body is worth all the missed treats... But will I be in a better mindset in January? I'm just thinking out loud... No need for anyone to try to answer that.. I will keep thinking for now.