Is anyone using New Direction products for weight loss?

msxra

I just started a weight loss program called New Direction. It is mostly liquids with constant tracking by a physician, dietitian, behaviorist, exercise specialist and nurses. I am pleased with the program so far but I would like to know if anyone else is doing this and how successful they might be.

badgirllaughing

liquids?? .. how can this be sustainable? You have to eat eventually. The best way to go is still just to have a lifestyle change and eat healthy and start to excerise regularly...

simona1972

The plan sounds similar to Optifast - I did that years ago. The idea behind it is to drop weight quickly and work with the doctors/nutritionists and behavior modification specialists to change your relationship with food. Once food is out of the picture [ie. liquids], you are expected to delve into the issues that caused the weight gain in the first place.

I stopped Optifast because it was SO expensive. In my group there was a man who was on his 2nd go around - he lost close to 300lbs. The plan wasnt long term - only 3 months. After that you did a re-introduction of food phase.

msxra

Yes, this is similar. The diet is customized for each individual. I have one meal a day and liquids or bars the rest of the time. I'm doing well. Its been four weeks now and I've lost 22 lbs. I have a long way to go but its a great start. I have and still exercise so my energy level is the same. Its expensive, but I feel my health is at risk here so the cost is justified. The meals are no more than my groceries. I would like to know if anyone else has done this program and have they been successful.

stax1967

I've been on the program since late November and I'm only averaging 1 to 1.5 lbs of weightloss per week. Its very hard to drink only liquids (800 calorie diet) and I occassionally cheat and eat solid food but I choose healthy foods when cheating. I'm disappointed in the cost of this program and wonder if other diet meal replacements would do the same thing for me at a much lower cost. I have 70 lbs to lose so I know it will be worth it in the long term, I just don't know if I can continue with the high cost and the deprivation of normal food (salads, proteins would be wonderful to eat again)!

Mchap25

Today was my first day. Since the 2nd "meal" my stomach has hurt and I have had nausea. Had the 3rd for dinner and ended up vomiting. Anyone else experience this? I will be calling the nurse in the morning.

elyelyse

I've been on the program since late November and I'm only averaging 1 to 1.5 lbs of weightloss per week. Its very hard to drink only liquids (800 calorie diet) and I occassionally cheat and eat solid food but I choose healthy foods when cheating. I'm disappointed in the cost of this program and wonder if other diet meal replacements would do the same thing for me at a much lower cost. I have 70 lbs to lose so I know it will be worth it in the long term, I just don't know if I can continue with the high cost and the deprivation of normal food (salads, proteins would be wonderful to eat again)!

i wish that people didn't feel the need to go to these extremes. Many people lose at that rate eating normal food, and a lot more calories. you don't have to feel deprived, you don't have to spend tons of money.

blodk66

It is not for the long term. Does not teach healthy habits for the long term. It does work, it is dramatic and rapid, but supervised. I hope this helps.

kdanielak

Blodk66 - are you using the New Direction products? I'm on day two and would really appreciate a connection out there.

kdanielak

Hi - Are you still using New Direction? How are you feeling? Is it working for you? I'm on my 2nd day. Struggling a bit, not hungry so much as a miss chewing something. I'm a Type II diabetic with rising choloestral levels. I've been desparate for a good kick start - that's why I chose this route.

nedmund

Hi there, I am in my 4th week of new direction and have lost about 15 pounds so far. I was on a 1,000 caloried diet - 4 supplements and 1 "real" meal (vegetable and protein). After a while you don't really feel hungry any more and get used to the 200 liquid meals. I have had a few days where I've "cheated". Also it is important that you exercise on this program - the weight will not come off if you don't exercise. I am happy with program so far. My goal was to drop 25 pounds for the 12 weeks of the program - and have 10 to go. Keeping fingers crossed. I am happy to meet other people that are using the new direction and hope we can encourage each other. :ohwell:

tfisher0915

I'm on Day 5 of New Directions. I'm hungry here and there but not ravenous like I thought I'd be. Today has been the hardest day yet - probably because I'm not at work so I have more down-time. I have my first group meeting on Monday and am looking forward to it. I would LOVE to make friends with someone else on the program to offer each other encouragement.

mahanaibu

I've been on the program since late November and I'm only averaging 1 to 1.5 lbs of weightloss per week. Its very hard to drink only liquids (800 calorie diet) and I occassionally cheat and eat solid food but I choose healthy foods when cheating. I'm disappointed in the cost of this program and wonder if other diet meal replacements would do the same thing for me at a much lower cost. I have 70 lbs to lose so I know it will be worth it in the long term, I just don't know if I can continue with the high cost and the deprivation of normal food (salads, proteins would be wonderful to eat again)!

You pay all this money and then don't follow the plan 100% and are disappointed? Spending the money alone doesn't get you where you want. Maybe this isn't the right plan for you. If you crave solid healthy food, why not follow a free diet like most people here and lose weight eating moderate amounts of such food? I'm not a fan of the liquid diets--I did the HMR liquid plan, three times, because itsrecord for LONG-TERM weight loss is terrible. My expensive mistake--but they do take off weight quickly if you follow them.

Rfreed75

I just started the New Direction program yesterday through Methodist. Today is definitely better, but still feeling somewhat hungry. I use 4 products a day for a total of 800 calories and have to drink 147 ounces of water. My energy level seems to be improving as the cravings subside. My first group meeting and weigh-in will be next Wednesday.

ceebeeluckee88

My husband and I started on monday!

Rfreed75

My husband and I started on monday!

How'd you guys make out after your first week? My first week is up tomorrow.

ceebeeluckee88

I dislike that I can't figure out how to "follow' threads you've commented on on this site... Everything seems to be going well for us so far Weight loss has started to slow after the first two weeks, but that is expected. We've started going to the gym... How are things going for you?

Mr_Knight

I just started a weight loss program called New Direction.

Isn't that a boy band?

shiraab27

just started this program...a few days in.

lorihoese

I've been on the plan for almost one week. I feel full 90% of the time. I was advised to not do physical exercise the first week to see how I do. So far, I feel great! I'm hoping to lose 70 pounds. and although the idea has crossed my mind to cheat, the cost makes it impractical.

bderiese

Today is my first day using New Direction. I'm more depressed than hungery. Eating is what I look forward to the most. Of course, that's why I have gained so much weight!! I'm going to do my best to stick to it. I want to be healthy again. I would love to hear from others about this product, especially the success stories!!

Slaintegrl

Definitely want to encourage you on your weight loss and definitely don't want to discourage you or anyone here from trying to lose and become more healthy, as that's exactly what I'm trying to do myself. I've never been on that specific program but twice in my life, I've done very similar programs - liquids with maybe one small meal a day, or a very restrictive eating plan. And yes, both were extremely successful. In both instances I lost huge amounts of weight! So why am I here today, trying to again lose a huge amount of weight? Because neither of those programs taught me better eating habits - how to eat the right kinds of food in the right amounts, how to deal with "emotional" hunger, or simply how to deal with day-to-day stressors. There was no follow-up. So, if you do stay with this program, please, please, please make sure that at some point you get some assistance in proper nutrition, proper portions, and managing your eating. You can't simply lose the weight on the plan, and then go back to old eating habits. Believe me, do that and all the weight will come right back, plus some more so that you end up weighing more than you did before you started!

SLLRunner

Today was my first day. Since the 2nd "meal" my stomach has hurt and I have had nausea. Had the 3rd for dinner and ended up vomiting. Anyone else experience this? I will be calling the nurse in the morning.

I am so against diets, and specifically VLCD. You are right in calling the nurse, but I'd do it now.

Getting sick is not a good sign. I will bet the products have soy products in them. I say this because your description matches my bodily reaction to soy. You might want to look into soy intolerance.

yellowdaisy3321

Definitely want to encourage you on your weight loss and definitely don't want to discourage you or anyone here from trying to lose and become more healthy, as that's exactly what I'm trying to do myself. I've never been on that specific program but twice in my life, I've done very similar programs - liquids with maybe one small meal a day, or a very restrictive eating plan. And yes, both were extremely successful. In both instances I lost huge amounts of weight! So why am I here today, trying to again lose a huge amount of weight? Because neither of those programs taught me better eating habits - how to eat the right kinds of food in the right amounts, how to deal with "emotional" hunger, or simply how to deal with day-to-day stressors. There was no follow-up. So, if you do stay with this program, please, please, please make sure that at some point you get some assistance in proper nutrition, proper portions, and managing your eating. You can't simply lose the weight on the plan, and then go back to old eating habits. Believe me, do that and all the weight will come right back, plus some more so that you end up weighing more than you did before you started!

With this program there is a ton of support and education, at least with my weight loss clinic. I see a doctor every week, have an EKG every 4 weeks, blood work every 4 weeks and attend a class with a behaviorist every week. We also see an exercise physiologist to help design an exercise program that fits our lifestyle and goals and a registered dietitian. When you get within 20 lbs of your goal weight the dietitian works with you to transition back to regular meals. Once you hit goal you commit to 18-24 mos of maintenance classes so most people are in classes/support group for 2 yrs post loss. My doctor has an excellent success rate for patients keeping the weight off for more than two years. There are many programs out there that give you "diet" food and send you on your way, but with a VLCD like New Direction it's important to be monitored by a doctor which is why the meal replacements are considered a prescription. It sounds like you would really benefit from a medically monitored program like this.

yellowdaisy3321

I've been seeing a doctor that uses the New Direction meal replacements for a little over a month. I'm down 25lbs in 31 days. My initial weight loss was really fast 11 lbs the first week and 8 lbs the second week. Now I've settled into a steady 3 lbs/week which is pretty average for women on the program. I'd love to keep up with others following this program.

mrjazzwoman

I started today. I feel really inspired. I too was worried that this was just going to be a diet, and that once I lost the weight I'd be right back to where I started: not knowing how to eat. The clinic that I'm participating in the program with requires that I participate in weekly groups with a behaviorist and monthly meetings with a dietician and NP. I do believe that it can be possible for me to be successful in this program, and after.

JoyD824

I am meeting with my doctor on Thursday to begin my physical and bod-pod check in and will begin the program shortly after that.

What I like about this is that ---- for me ---- this is with the guidance of a doctor, dietitian, fitness and a physicologist as well. I feel I will get and use the guidance they provide to make the difference for me.

Looking at the products and looking at the plan this is the same food as Diet Direct - but under the New Direction name and doctor guided.

I am intrigued to hear the results others are posting - keep up the great work and I will support you in return!

I am sick and tired of being sick and tired and that is my reason for taking this direction for me and my weight loss program.

taylob4

I just started this today! I would love to talk to other people doing this as well!

lback89

I just started about a week ago. It is hard, but I am doing well so far. What do you think about it at this point and are you cheating any or eating only their food?

lback89

I've been on the program since late November and I'm only averaging 1 to 1.5 lbs of weightloss per week. Its very hard to drink only liquids (800 calorie diet) and I occassionally cheat and eat solid food but I choose healthy foods when cheating. I'm disappointed in the cost of this program and wonder if other diet meal replacements would do the same thing for me at a much lower cost. I have 70 lbs to lose so I know it will be worth it in the long term, I just don't know if I can continue with the high cost and the deprivation of normal food (salads, proteins would be wonderful to eat again)!

i wish that people didn't feel the need to go to these extremes. Many people lose at that rate eating normal food, and a lot more calories. you don't have to feel deprived, you don't have to spend tons of money.

I disagree. That is not true for everyone.

yellowdaisy3321

I just started about a week ago. It is hard, but I am doing well so far. What do you think about it at this point and are you cheating any or eating only their food?

I've been on the program since Nov. Skipped all holiday meals, no cheating. I am more focused on losing the weight and learning to be better to my body than eating. We have a lifetime to eat food off the program, this is just a short term thing. I'm down 45lbs since starting, 66lbs since I started on my own 18mos ago.

I wish I could figure out how to get notifications from these posts I always forget to check. Hope you're doing well on the program.