Anyone done a VLCD

[izzywotnot]

Just looking for some advice or experiences!

I am 5'3 and 11st 6 - so about 3 stone overweight (or over the weight I'd like to be...) gained gradually over the last 10 years (babies and biscuits)

Have been on and off WW but tbh I get fed up with after the first couple of weeks of losing 4 or 5 pounds and feel unmotivated. I am thinking of doing a shift it fast VLCD - having looked at several (online) I quite like the sound of Slim&Save (I'm not a rep for them!) just like the idea of choosing my 'meals' and it's not bad on price.

Just wanted to know if anyone has done this or another VLCD and has any advice or suggestions - is it impossibly difficult to work a diet like this into real life (family cooking etc.) and are there any (quite bad) side effects that no-one tells you?

Any and all replies appreciated, thank you!

I am a serial yo yo dieter. Have been up and down all my adult life. Last year I felt the need for one last crack at getting and staying slim. I did LighterLife as they have a counselling programme too.

I lost 4 stone in 4 months.

I held my weight steady for the following 3 or 4 months then had several difficult life events to deal with. Sadly I comfort ate and the speed with which I regained the weight was as fast as I'd lost it.

It's my fault I regained, not the fault of the VLCD.

There are some nasty side effects. Constipation, feeling cold all the time, feeling light headed to the point of almost blacking out several times and I lost quite a bit of hair. These were all temporary and resolved themselves and if I'd managed to maintain my weight loss I would have considered the financial cost and the side effects worth while.

I'm 5ft3 and want to lose 2 stone, preferably by next week...lol!

I've tried SW and WW over the years with varied results, depending on my motivation to stick to it.

I'm planning to go back to Paul McKennas hypnotic gastric band ( I don't work for him either). It is the only plan that fits into everyday life and all situations. It's more about eating when you are genuinely hungry, eating whatever you want, and stopping when you are full. Basically, listening to your body's signals. It takes a bit of getting used to.

I stopped doing it because it was working too well! I think I listened to the cd too much. I had very little appetite. I went back to SW but just felt deprived.

There's a thread on here, you'd be welcome to take a look and ask any questions

Whatever you decide to do, good luck.

Hi Izzy

I'm doing slim and save and have been on it nearly 5 weeks. I started at 13st 3lbs and currently 11st 10bs so have lost a fair bit quite quickly.

I wanted a quick fix as I go away in 2 weeks and none of my summer clothes from last year would fit, and I thought its cheaper to do S&S than buy myself a whole new wardrobe.

I have done Exante in the past but I find the flavours on Slim & Save much better and there's more variety. But be warned- it is HARD. Especially the first week. I have the determination because of my upcoming holiday but if it weren't for that I'd have caved ages ago. I cook dinner for my dc's and dh every day and it is a constant battle. However some people find it really easy- check out the forums on the slim & save website.

As soon as I finish this diet I will be going on to the Paul McKenna system which I have found brilliant in the past. It's just a slower rate of weight loss but far more enjoyable than any diet. If you aren't in a rush to lose the weight, I'd highly recommend PM.

The last thing I'd like to say is that you are NOT 3 stone overweight. Good luck with what you decide.

Thank you all for sharing your experiences and knowledge with me! I feel a little more confident now in going for it, I want to be able to wear a pair of skinny jeans before I'm too old!