Has anyone heard of the VLCD (diet) ?

That's pretty much it. After I read a bunch about it from reputable sources (NIH, FDA, ivy league schools, etc), I asked my doctor about it, who completely agreed with me.

Do you happen to have any of those sources handy? Would love to read them.

Just google "VCLD" and look for the sources from oxford, nih, fda, etc ... that's how i found them. Lost of very boring reading though.

surely you kept the links.....right? :huh:

FYI: It's completely possible to lose eight pounds in five weeks without starving yourself.

I'm sure there is. Except, I'm not starving. 800 calories, eaten right, is quite a bunch.

Mind opening up your diary for us to look at? I'm curious to know how 800 calories = alot

From a health stand point, I'd like to know what long term effects it has on your body.

You will lose weight, no doubt. But not really a fan of these types of diets. I could never do them personally, and just from someone with a medical background, I think about the effects this has on your kidneys and gut.

I have heard that these diets shouldn't be done long term anyways though.

Just google "VCLD" and look for the sources from oxford, nih, fda, etc ... that's how i found them. Lost of very boring reading though.

I tried Googling "VLCD" instead. Here's what I found as far as references from universities, government agencies or other reputable sources not selling the stuff...

Page 1

UCLA (http://rfoweightloss.med.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id=32)

"A VLCD is primarily for severely or morbidly obese individuals who must lose or wish to lose large amounts of weight as rapidly as possible in a safe manner. "

Page 2

National Institutes of Health (http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/low_calorie.htm)

"VLCDs are designed to produce rapid weight loss at the start of a weight-loss program in patients with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 and significant comorbidities."

"Use of VLCDs in patients with a BMI of 27 to 30 should be reserved for those who have medical conditions due to overweight, such as high blood pressure."

"Many patients on a VLCD for 4 to 16 weeks report minor side effects such as fatigue, constipation, nausea, or diarrhea. These conditions usually improve within a few weeks and rarely prevent patients from completing the program. The most common serious side effect is gallstone formation. Gallstones, which often develop in people who are obese, especially women, are even more common during rapid weight loss. Research indicates that rapid weight loss may increase cholesterol levels in the gallbladder and decrease its ability to contract and expel bile. Some medicines can prevent gallstone formation during rapid weight loss. Your health care provider can determine if these medicines are appropriate for you"

"Studies show that the long-term results of VLCDs vary widely, but weight regain is common."

"In addition, VLCDs may be no more effective than less severe dietary restrictions in the long run. Studies have shown that following a diet of approximately 800 to 1,000 calories produces weight loss similar to that seen with VLCDs."

"For most people who are obese, their condition is long-term and requires a lifetime of attention even after formal weight-loss treatment ends. Therefore, health care providers should encourage patients who are obese to commit to permanent changes of healthier eating, regular physical activity, and an improved outlook about food"

WebMD (http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/low-calorie-diets)

"Very low-calorie diets are generally safe when used under proper medical supervision in people with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. Use of VLCDs in people with a BMI of 27 to 30 should be reserved for those who have medical complications resulting from their obesity."

"To be healthy, we need a balance of foods from different food groups. It's quite difficult to get good nutrition in as few as 800 calories (even a dietitian would have trouble doing this), especially if one eats the same foods day after day."

"Also, once you go off the diet, you will likely regain your weight unless you change your lifestyle and commit to healthy eating, regular physical activity, and an improved outlook about food. By sticking to a long-term commitment, you can prevent your weight from drifting back up the scale."

Page 3

Nothing

I called it good after going three pages deep.

Dont want to comment and sound judgemental but I will say.....just because "MD" is in the title doesn't make their suggestions a safe thing to do...

Yes. I'm weight trainig too

WHOA WHOA WHOA.. hold up.. You eat 800 calories and you some how feed your muscles the protein and fat needed to repair them? You must have some sore muscles. I couldn't even sniff 800 calories and have the protein, amino acids, and etc to repair muscles efficiently. Your Dr. should know better then that even, especially your nutritionist. Mine yell at me all the time for not eating enough cals on heavy lifting days.

1. Since you had only 25 lbs total to lose, I don't think you qualify as morbidly obese.
2. You definitely need a new doctor...

Good luck with your gallbladder goals in 2012.