Baz’s VLCD Story:
When and Why:
Baz’s VLCD Transformation
I purchased my first order at the beginning of January 2014 and I looked at the box wondering how many dresses sizes loss were in it. I kept looking at it until the 3 March 2014 when I actually started day. At the end of last year I was diagnosed with a long term neurological condition which meant I had to give up work I also gained more weight. When reading about the condition I read that being overweight could make the symptoms worse. I am also potentially facing neurosurgery in the next 12 months and I wanted to go into that at a healthy weight due to the risk factors related to obesity and surgery. This was the kick in the back side I needed to open up the box of products and get started.
Achievements so far:
Baz’s VLCD Transformation
My starting weight was 16stone 8lbs and I have lost 46lbs to date. My goal weight is 12 stone ish. I was wearing a size 20 at the beginning of the year and I am now buying 12’s and 14’s. I wanted to reduce the symptoms from my condition and to generally feel better. In terms of the benefits I have seen so far, where do I start… first it has reduced my symptoms and put me in healthier place should I need surgery. But I feel and look younger, can shop anywhere I like, have more energy and I actually like photographs of me for the first time in years. Oh and I can wear a dress all day without having to wear shorts to prevent thigh rub ha ha.
Support on The New You Plan VLCD programme:
Baz’s VLCD Transformation
I’d have given up weeks ago if it wasn’t for the SS group on Facebook, this has been my lifeline through everything. I have found that I’ve never needed to speak to the office for anything any queries I’ve had have been answered in SS group and my orders have arrived promptly without any problems at all. In terms of the advice what I would give to anyone starting out, just to take it a day at a time or even a meal at a time….. grit your teeth and get through the first week and its easier after that and not to look back on past failures just step forward into the new you. To stay on track, I think the SS group have been great to help me keep on track when I have floundered also my family have been extremely supportive, in fact my sister is now also doing the plan and it has brought us closer together despite living miles apart. My husband is really good at helping me refocus on my goals when I try to bargain with myself to plan a blip, preventing me from dropping off the wagon too often.
Baz’s Menu Plan & Refeed:
10) What is your menu plan while on TFR / and your routine? i.e. when you take your products and any tricks for hitting your water allowance.
I tend to feed myself every 4 hours I am a creature of habit. I have my first product either porridge or a shake between 9 and 10am. At lunchtime I have a bar if I am out and about or a soup when I am at home. At 6pm I have a meal or another soup and I save the best till last and have a chocolate shake every night between 9.30 and 10pm.
With the water I have 2 litre bottles that I refill. I take a bottle up to bed with me at night and I start sipping as soon as I wake. I try to have had 2-2.5l by lunchtime and 4-5l by 6pm and then anything else I drink is a bonus from there. The water flavours are great for helping getting the water down.
I followed the refeed plan closely for 6 days but then I kind of lost my way as I was away for the weekend and I gained a little weight. In the past this would have been the start of a spiral of weight gain. This time I came straight back to TFR and undid the small amount of damage in a couple of days. I think my thinking has changed and I know realise that to lose the plot then beat yourself up gains nothing just putting it behind you and stepping forward is what I need to do and will be the key to my success in maintaining the weight loss. I used the Momentum Maintainers group but it was very quiet compared to SS.
Exercise:
I have been limited in the amount of exercise I can do because of my medical condition but I have done a little walking and feel I have become generally more active as I’ve lost the weight.
Favourite product:
I like most of the products but specific favourites are the chocolate shake (hot or cold). Spicy noodle nosh and tomato soup.
Baz’s advice to anyone thinking of starting the plan:
What would be your advice for anyone who is thinking of joining the plan or is putting off getting started?
I would say just do it….. I looked at my box for 2 months if I’d started sooner then I’d be at goal now probably. I think I thought it was a sacrifice to start but as the weight comes off you realise how much it is worth it .