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Weight loss chat

A space to talk openly about weight loss journeys and challenges. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

Original poster

VLCD, Lighter Life, Cambridge Diet, etc

999 replies

Mudwiggle · 12/03/2013 12:09

Hi All

Wanted to see if anyone is doing one of these or thinking about it. (If there's already an active thread, I missed it).

I have done LL before, lost three stone in 10 weeks and maintained wonderfully until DC's. Eldest is now four and a half and I think I have probably tried everything going, you name it, I've tried it (Paul McKenna, Paleo, 5:2, Dukan, Weight Watchers, etc).

I know that this works for me, although I understand other peoples objections.
I get paid on Friday and will be contacting a CDC to start on Monday. By the time DS1 is five in June, I intend to be pre DC weight again! Grin

Anyone up for it? Or can give me some support or advice? TIA.

OP posts:
Purplehearts · 12/03/2013 20:05

Hi Mudwiggle, I'm so glad you started this, I am on my 2nd week of Cambridge and it would be great to have a support thread to keep us motivated! I lost 10lbs in the 1st week, I am finding it ok so far, don't feel hungry, though am worried that I am going to become very bored after a few weeks, just hoping the weight loss will keep me on track.

This is my 1st time doing a VLCD, like you I have tried everything else since dc1 was born 6 and a half years ago and have just never got back to my pre-baby weight - I am so hoping this time I will. DC3 is now 6 months old and I have 4 stone to lose.

Good to hear that you previously lost weight (3 stone in 10 weeks is fantastic!) this way and maintained, you hear so many people saying that you will put the weight straight on again when u finish the diet which is so disheartening. Is it Cambridge that you're thinking of doing this time, I believe it is very similar to Lighter Life.

Original poster
Mudwiggle · 13/03/2013 10:07

Hi PH

Yes I will be doing CD. The products get good reviews and I need to be accountable to someone in RL once a week, but as I've already been through the LL 'counselling', I'm happy to do without that this time.

10lb in the first week is amazing. You must be so proud. I found as time went on I didn't get bored as such, just found it easy to ignore food completely. Towards the end when I knew I was going to eat again soon, well that was another matter! Grin

I have 4 stone to lose too. It seems so daunting on other diets, but not on CD.

I once read something in one of my many, many diet books that gave the classic "you didn't gain this overnight so you won't lose it overnight", but went on to say "however if you did wake up overnight and find yourself a size 10, what would you do to maintain it?", well do that now! I intend to have all my maintainance plans in place before I even start. It's 12 weeks on SS for me, so I want to have completed 0-5k during that time and keep running afterwards too. That way I will have established good habits before I start eating again. Hopefully help with toning up too.

How did you find the first 4 days or so? I seem to recall they were the hardest. Does anyone know you are doing this or are you planning to avoid social stuff for a bit?

OP posts:
Purplehearts · 13/03/2013 19:57

The CD products are really good and I am enjoying them so far, there a good variety of flavours of soups and shakes. I was so happy lose 10 lb in the 1st week, its so motivating, that would have taken 3 or 4 weeks on any other diet.

I am finding it pretty easy to resist food atm, just hoping I can last for the full 12 weeks on ss then work my way through the steps. I wasn't sure when I should start exercising, am keen to do a couch to 5k program as well but worried it might make me hungry if I do it whilst on ss.

The 1st 4 days for me were fine, I had read that days 3 or 4 would be the worst but actually for me it was day 1 where I had headaches and felt dizzy and after that it was ok - I guess everyone is different though! I haven't told anyone I am doing this diet yet, only dh knows atm! I am avoiding social stuff for the time being which is hard but tbh it had got to the point where I wasn't enjoying going out and was struggling to find anything to wear :-( I will tell people when my weight loss becomes noticeable and they start asking but am nervous about telling people I am on this diet as it gets such a bad press - is that a bit weird?

Have you found a consultant yet? Are you looking forward to starting, you already seem to have a good attitude about the diet and plan for maintenance.

Original poster
Mudwiggle · 14/03/2013 18:45

I'm really looking forward to starting! I wandered round Tesco's today for a look for anything to enjoy this weekend (hoping to start Monday) and nothing appealed to me. That really is a first. Grin

I didn't tell any of my work colleagues last time and was amazed that no one asked anything. They just saw me drinking soup for lunch and thought nothing of it I guess. Obviously I got questions as the weight fell off, but an honest 'eating less' Wink made everyone nod and ask no more. Friends knew - and judged - but the results spoke for themselves. Think people found it harder that I wasn't drinking alcohol than that I wasn't eating.

Roll on Monday! Let me know how you get on this week - you're doing brilliantly.

OP posts:
Purplehearts · 16/03/2013 21:40

Had my 2nd weigh-in yesterday and lost 6lbs so thats 16lb's in 2 weeks, was estatic with that! I was hoping for 4 to make a stone so this was a bonus :-). As you say the results do speak for themselves!

Good luck for Monday, I'm sure you will do fine, will be good to have another mumsnetter on the diet - seems we are the only 2? Have had to turn down a few social engagements which is hard but I keep thinking its only 3 months of my life. I will enjoy these things more once I am at my goal weight!!!

TisILeclerc · 17/03/2013 07:26

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MrsSonky · 17/03/2013 20:35

Hello all

I'm on week 6 of Lighter Life and about 2st down. Has been fine so far. The first week I did feel a bit rough - headaches and tired. But perked up after that initial week.

The food packs are ok - just a bit monotonous. I've been out to lunch/dinner a few times with friends. Some people do find it uncomfortable that I'm not eating. I'm not that fussed. I want the weight loss more than the food (at the moment!).

Mud - so why aren't you doing LL again ? Did you do 'maintenance'?

Original poster
Mudwiggle · 17/03/2013 21:30

This is mad, but I am getting quite excited about tomorrow! Grin

Bloomin' 'eck Purple, 16lbs in two weeks. That is so inspiring. You must be so pleased. Grin

Welcome TisI and MrsS.

MrsS - I going for CD over LL simply due to cost and convenience. I didn't do maintenance, no. I definitely will this time though. 2 stone in six weeks is fantastic, well done. Funny that other people are more uncomfortable than you isn't it?

OP posts:
bobsnotabuilder · 17/03/2013 22:21

I did Exante after having DS and lost 5st in 5 months (making me less than I was pre-preg). Maintained totally until I got pregnant again although didn't gain as much this time!! Lost 40lbs in 12 weeks and got a little bit more to go.

bobsnotabuilder · 17/03/2013 22:22

Should also say I am now doing slim and save which is way better!

TisILeclerc · 17/03/2013 22:26

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

bobsnotabuilder · 17/03/2013 22:26

oh and couch to 5k while on a VLCD??!! Er no way!!!!! I don't think your will be able to handle it, you really are running on empty...

Original poster
Mudwiggle · 18/03/2013 13:57

Slight change of plan, now meeting consultant tomorrow night, so sort of low carb-ing to get ready.

Wow Bob, what an amazing loss. I know what you mean about 0-5k, but I was so full of energy mid way through LL when I did it years ago, I started a new exercise program no problem. Probably helped that there was so much less of me to lug around after a month or so. So I'll see how it goes, no pressure, just an idea.

OP posts:
giggly · 18/03/2013 15:54

Pulls up chair next to MrsSonkyWink

I did CD 18 months ago and lost 3 stones in 8 weeks but fell off the wagon after Christmas and never got back on.

Now moved down under and no CD but started Optifast which is the same. I have 2 shakes for breakfast and lunch a low carb diner and a low carb choc bar later, although have had 5 chips and some haribosBlush and its only day 4!
I now have a power plate which helps with the initial lack of energy for exercise.
I loved CD and if eating out would have the protien/salad menu. The only thing I missed was ALCOHOL, but loved the weight loss even more.

I am coming back to the UK in 16 weeks and have around 4 stones to lose so plenty of time, but would have helped if I had weighed myself before I startedBlush

pinkdelight · 19/03/2013 09:58

"oh and couch to 5k while on a VLCD??!! Er no way!!!!! I don't think your will be able to handle it, you really are running on empty... "

When I did LL last year, I talked to the consultant about this and he said it was fine. You're not running on empty, you're burning a big store of fat! As long as it's nothing too sudden, which couch to 5k isn't, then it should be fine.

Original poster
Mudwiggle · 19/03/2013 14:03

LOL at pinkdelight "you're burning a big store of fat". Harsh but true. Grin

OP posts:
bobsnotabuilder · 19/03/2013 20:14

You're braver than me then!!! No way I could do it!

Aspiemum2 · 19/03/2013 20:28

Ooh, perfect timing. I'm starting a vlcd tomorrow. I'm doing slim and save as it seemed pretty convenient to have it just delivered to home.
I have 10 month old twins and am finding it hard to get motivated.

I love the idea of not having to think about what I'm eating. No standing in the kitchen trying to pick something healthy and coming back out with a kitkat!

Dreading the 1st week though Sad. 6 stone to lose for my ideal weight but 4 stone for pre pregnancy weight

deewillow · 19/03/2013 20:46

room for one more squidgy bottom on this sofa?
I started the CD on sunday, so day 3 for me. First time I have tried this plan - so any CD experts out there feel free to offer advice/support.
Ok so far but am getting hungry late at night - it wakes me up! thinking of saving a shake for nightime? Im doing the sole source plus - so 3 x CD shakes/soups plus a small portion of protein (chicken/tuna). Ive never drank black coffee until this week - not too bad, but need the sweetner in it. No headaches yet.....bit tired. I have no scales in my house so I have no way of knowing how its going until I see consultant again on Sunday. hoping for a 4 or 5lb loss? look forward to sharing black coffee and encouragement with you all x

Aspiemum2 · 19/03/2013 20:49

Just reading my info and its saying I can have tea/coffee and have a 150ml skimmed milk allowance? Is this true (I have decaf if that helps!)

TisILeclerc · 19/03/2013 21:22

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Aspiemum2 · 19/03/2013 21:26

Yes slim and save. I'm the same, drink far too much tea. I switched to decaf a week ago to prepare for the diet but not sure I can abstain completely!

ShoopShoop · 19/03/2013 22:17

Please may I join? I'm starting Exante tomorrow - 50 lbs to lose .

Not looking forward to the inevitable questions from nosy colleagues at work. I wish I could hibernate for 6 months and come out looking slim and shiny.....

Ah well a best of luck everyone. Will report back tomorrow evening to say if Exente killed me or not :)

I'm really encouraged though reading the success people have had with VLCD - and the fact I've found other dieters on here!

MrsSonky · 19/03/2013 22:21

Evening Giggly not sure you'll want to sit so close, I have the worse wind since starting LL :-) Mud did you find your self windy on LL? It's even offending me, so it must be bad... (something about foxes and smelling own holes).

thinkfast · 19/03/2013 23:04

Watching with interest. Have at least 5 stone to lose and love the idea of seeing results quickly! The only diet that has worked for me in the past is low gi but lost weight at the rate of about half a pound a week and I can't face starting something where I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I have a few concerns about a vlc diet. Can you help:-

  1. Will I be able to function at work (busy stressful office job requiring lots of concentration)
  1. Will I get lose skin?

Am nearly 34 but have very dry skin. Worried it won't stretch back....