Should I try Dr Bernstein diet?

MRIgirl. This diet works. Yes it is costly, but the benefits are fast. If you stick to it tooth and nail you will lose 4-5lbs per week especially in the beginning. I only had 30lbs to lose and the last 5 are coming off very slowly but I have been cheating a bit. It has taken me 4 months to lose the 27lbs (but I did take 10 days off to go on a holiday) which is slower than advertized (but again, I have been cheating a bit). I am totally satified with this diet and with the cost. I tried to lose these 30lbs for years. I am 3lbs to my goal now. I was 149lbs and now am 122lbs. They wanted me at 105-110 which is kind of too low. But they don't push it. They asked me my goal. I said 119lbs and they were ok with it. If you are canadian it is tax deductable (over 3% of your salary). You have to budget for maintenance for a few months as well becuase going off it will just get you gaining it back. I started to exercise to tone. If you read this before December 31st then call them and sign up becuase if you purchase 8 weeks you get 2 free. Those people who call it a scam have never tried it.

oooh, you do the injections on yourself. I could never do that.

Yes of course it works. But Yes of course you will gain it back without dicipline. Less food intake is a must after you finish. Excercise as well. I think it is great way to get it off fast. Makes you feel good about yourself. I do have friends who have gained it back but they just went back to their old ways. You can do that as a treat but then have to be strict again to get it back off or do excercise. I expect I will gain some back. When I see the scale go up, i will go strict again until I get it off.

I have to reply with the following points:

- this diet works...but it is not easy. I lost 22 pounds in 8 weeks...at a cost of a little less than  $1000.

- it is NOT doctor "supervised" really..I saw the Dr twice in a 8 week period during which time he tried to convince me that I could loose much more weight than I wanted to.  Very annoying.

- the vitamin B shots were very unpleasant.

- they tried to take away a fruit serving if my results for that day were not good enough.  I refused to follow that recommendation as I know that would have made me very unhappy.

- after the first two weeks I cheated a little bit on Friday (after my weigh in) and Saturday...I was good on Sunday and my Monday weigh ins went very well

- I exersized almost everyday for ~ 45 minutes and drank lots of water

- my family doctor was not impressed with me trying this diet....but my cholesterol improved significantly and she ended up telling me to keep doing whatever I was doing.

So...in  summary....it works...but it is not all that fun.   It does teach you portion control and gives a thorough description of what foods are good and which are bad.  I increases the portion sizes a bit and ensured that I ate the snacks to make it a little less miserable.  note that I never made it to my goal weight loss of 35 pounds because i just couldn't make it to the weigh ins three times a week....and I hated the vitamin B shots.   

 

 

I'm a 28 year old female, 5'7 and started the diet weighing 183 pounds. I've been on this diet for 2 weeks and lost 9 pounds just like they promoted. Yes the diet is strict, yes the b12 shots are a pain in the butt (haha no pun intended) and its pricey. But can you really put a price on your health and happiness? People are complaining about how horrible the shots are, but I suspect that they are nothing compared to having a heart attack or having to inject yourself with insulin everyday. I have never herd the claim that the diet is 100% "doctor" supervised. And even on their website there are no such claims make. It is however 100% medically supervised, all staff are registered nurses, and nurses don't work FOR doctors they work WITH doctors. Think about any time you or someone you know spent time in the hospital. How much time was spent with the dr vs. the nurse? If you wanted to see a doctor upon every visit I'd imagine that would dive the price of the diet up significantly. Saying the diet is not medically supervised is a slap in the face to the nursing profession, they are as much a part of the medical field as doctors. Anyone (myself included) that has a significant amount of weight to loose knows that getting the weight off and keeping it off requires a total lifestyle change. Loosing weight will never be as easy as gaining it, no matter what diet you choose to go on. This diet is for those who want to loose the weight quickly and safely. You're not being starved on it, you are merely being kicked into a state of kitosis, and reducing your calorie intake, it may seem like small amounts of food but keep in mind that your body is literally eating itself. You take a multivitamin and there are lots of nutrient rich foods to choose from. Yes you are somewhat limited in what you can eat, but its about finding ways to tick your mind that you are eating deliciously devilish foods when you're actually eating something wonderfully healthy. I am pleased with the clinic and all the staff, they are friendly and totally helpful. I have 8 more weeks to get to my goal weight and I'm optimistic about the rest of my time on this diet.

You both should actually look at all the scholarly article about increased potassium intake and the effects on weight loss. The potassium is there to help build and improve muscles, as well as keep your organs in tip top shape. And no one asks you to eat 1-2 meals per day. You are given the amount of food allowed and how you choose to spread that over the day is your choice. My sister-in-law's mother was tiny, perfect figure and didn't have to watch what she ate. That was until she suffered a heart attack due to her horrible diet, so don't count on being the picture of health because you have a petite waist, it doesn't matter if your arteries are clogged with crud.

They are only interested in your $$$$$$$$$$$

Say it ain’t so!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  This is my story and will do my best to discuss facts as my knowledge level and emotion levels allow.

I joined the program and went in to do some research.  I listened to their pitch and the lady was not particularly knowledgeable about the info she was presenting. At least she did not read word for word like my fiancé got.  This is an alarm to me when the person who is supposed a nurse does not know the material. 

I got the $50 intorduction deal and with the special, at the time, I would have got the 1 week extra if I signed up for 4 weeks.  When I left that without signing they made sure they got their recipe book back before I left.  I make a point about this for a reason which I will explain later, remember they only care about your $$$$$$$$$.  They let me go and no further information was provided.  My reason for not signing that day was due to my life style I had to make sure I could keep up with their 3 weekly visits and such.

I figured I could make it work out and so the next day I signed up.  If I had signed up for the program that day I would have got that 5th week and would have received a $50 discount for signing up.  Well I was recharged the $50 and they did eventually get me the 5th week.  So now I paid $100 more than I should have and again I reiterate that they only want your $$$$$$$$$$$$.

The program is sold as medically monitored weight loss program that will help you do it safely.  After I sign up I go and do the testing they request.  Now I can say it does work and if you goal is weight loss and nothing else it does work.  I lost 11 lbs in 2 days.  WOW!  Lots of that was water because I definitely increased my water intake and the body definitely will release water when it gets if frequently.  In fact in a week I lost 20 lbs.  I am definitely not knowledgeable enough to say if healthy weight loss occurred or not but I can say it does work.  Again if the goal is weight loss then it works, healthy or not.

I am feeling like I am top of the weight loss world and feeling like I am going to hit my goal no time.  Then I get a call from the clinic stating I need to visit my family Dr.  There were some issues with my ECG, as it turns out they found an irregular heart beat plus I have a hypothyroid.  Their physician will not let me on the program until my family Dr says I can go back on it.  I meet with my Dr and he says no way and is very concerned with how he will help me.  He is concerned with a “Starvation Diet” and the affects on my heart.

So I go back with my Dr’s note and request my reimbursement and here we go.  They can not give it to me because they need to go to their regional manager for approval?????  WTF!  You guys told me I had to stop and now I have to weight for my money back.  They sure wanted my money immediately.  They finally get back to me and state they will take off money for the shots I used, which make sense, but will keep $54 for the recipe book and materials and a $30 charge for refunding my money!  WTF!  You are going to charge me money to give me my rightful money back!?!?!?!!?

So now I have paid $100 more than I should have plus they are charging me $84 for what?  As far as I am concerned “they stopped” me from continuing the program and now they want to charge me for this?  Now I am getting fed up with “their system” which is how can they into my wallet as far as they can. 

The lady I talked with suggested I make a complaint with the head people and ask for that $84 back.   I follow her advice and register my complaint.  They get back to me and apparently they got Dr Bernstein involved and he asked why I was kicked off the program?  He states that I should still be on it.

I reminded them they stopped me and followed their advice to talk with my Dr and my Dr says no way and I want my full refund and they must realize that the $84 is the cost of doing business.   I also suggested if they wanted me to stay on the program he himself could call my Dr and they could duke it out.  Funny thing the lady I talked told me “lots of Dr have problems with the program”.

Well Dr Bernstein has stated that they will keep the $84 and that’s it. 

I am still fighting for my money, but will state again they are only interested in your money.  If you have read this far I am sure you have made up your own mind and good for you no matter what you have decided.  Do not get me wrong there are people in the Bernstein world who honestly care about people, but the system is sold as a medically monitored program.  They found a problem, and that was in all honesty the best thing that happened, but they stopped me.  Now they want to charge me money to refund me what in my mind the cost of doing business. 

If they were not about the money they would have happily given me all proper money owing and told me to get better.

Sorry for the lengthy reply.

YES YES YES The Dr. B plan is certainly NOT a scam, nor is it smoke and mirrors. It works - if you work it. First the lifestyle change that is demanded of you - once you commit to the food plan- involves the following: weigh and measure food portions (that means plan what to eat, then shop specifically for your plans, preplan by preparing the ingredients - and - most importantly invest time and energy in becoming creative with your menu. Another important piece is creating balance. Consuming meals is portions that are equally balance throughout the day - is vital to the success of the program. In my option - vegetable and water consumption - are vital aspects of surviving and thriving. For example, regardless of what I choose for a side dish - I plan my veggies to weigh 120g at breakfast 9be it sauteed onions or cuc/tom salsa on the side of my omlette) - along with my bread servings; then at lunch I have 220g of veg 9ie stir fry, warm veggie stew or salad; and lastly in the evening another 120g of veg's with my dinner. Also with each mean I make every effort to consume 3 cups of fluids (i.e. venti herbal tea with breakfast and a thermos in my car -or on my desk with lunch - them another soup, or drink with my evening mean (3 cups worth). If I need it - I have a cup of something warm and soothing before bed. Between the fluid intae and the bulkage of veggies in your system THROUGHOUT the day - hunger is not present. If you ignore these two important structure-parameters - you set yourself up for failure. Throw in divided protein servings into your menu plans - and divided fruit servings are you are set to go. (Example - we need carbs to fuel us as we move throughout the day - but - protein oriented 9smaller portions) to support us as we slow down at night - to get ready for relaxation and sleep. (carbs+ movement fuel; proteins build and repair) ...you'll see that weightloss will occur while you sleep. Balance - throughout the day - becomes very important. The proteins, fruit and starch are easy to get . What most failed attempts seem to miss is the need to balance the bulkage of veggies, and water - and their balanced intake throughout the day. very important. Last but not least - with food as a crutch out of the way - and the need for exercise reduced (this is a low calorie program - which protect muscle mass with appropriate protein intake) execising vigorously (i.e. beyong a gentle swim or a walk ) can actually set you back by exhausting you. ...so with that in mind - with the food and vigorous exercise options needing to be cast aside - the final secret to the success of your outcome - is a shift in thinking re: what to do when you are not eating of battling yourself at a gym. The answer is sleep enough - to allow your body to do it's part losing weight releasing fat - is a highly energetic process. Rest well and let your body to it's metaboli job (reverse fat stores/release fall); and at oher times when you are bored/emotional and the food crutch is not an option - consider replacing the act of unnecessary food consumption - with a hobby such as relaxing with a good book; crafting; taking a dog ou for a walk of whatever else pleases you - in a non obsessive sort of way. In other words, balance out portions of everything you consume within this clinical food plan (expecially water and veggie intake), rest well to allow your body to do its job, and for your overall well being - distract needy thinking with activities andhabits that please you . With the rise in energy - it is a perfect time to incorporate healthy distractions that make life more fun. I highly recommend the Bernstein program. there is a reason why he's been around for years. My doctors recommends it, my family has changed their ways because of it (and maintained a healthy lifestyle for over four years now, and I continue to get support from it.) Best of L.U.C.K. (Luck , Learning under correct knowledge).

Eating food does not make you fat its your matbolism if you have a slow one then you gain weight if you have a fast one you don't the best way to have a fast matbolism is to eat a meal then go out for a jog in a couple of hours

I agree with you. I have been on and off this diet since 2001, and I am still over weight. I lost my gall bladder in 2010 after almost getting to my goal weight for the first time since 2001. I am now having serious digestive issues, where my upper abdomen swells even if I don't eat a meal. I am at a loss for words, and don't even know where to go now for help.

Wrong. It does work. I lost 27 lbs in 5 weeks. Did you try the diet? We're you not able to follow the diet? It's strict. Not for everyone but works. My husband and 2 friends also were successful.

Hi try the diet IT works. I start Jan 4 2013 @159.9 am only 5 feet nothing and to date have lost 20 lbs down to 138. It is not that hard just eat whats on the list and drink lots of fluids I'm talking like gallons. I was a sugar junky, and just started to use splenda. The real reward is that I tried on a few dresses from 10 years ago & they fit better today then back then and my jeans are getting huge on me. Hubby who is not on the diet has lost 15 lbs by just eating what I eat.

Hi try the diet IT works. I start Jan 4 2013 @159.9 am only 5 feet nothing and to date have lost 20 lbs down to 138. It is not that hard just eat whats on the list and drink lots of fluids I'm talking like gallons. I was a sugar junky, and just started to use splenda. The real reward is that I tryed on a few dresses from 10 years ago & they fit better today then back then and my jeans are getting huge on me

This diet is really great. I feel fantastic when I am on it. I find that if I eat lots of green vegetables, especially for breakfast, I feel fine, never hungry. It does require discipline - anything worthwhile does, and it is so worth it.

 

The Vitamin B injections are really helpful for depression. 

 

Yes, it is costly in one sense. But think of it as an investment in self-care.

Hi. I was on Bernstein diet and It works!!! I lost lot's of weight. I was motivated because of the money I was spending plus the injections plus I wanted to succeed. Having said that, I did re-gain all the weight within 5 years. It's tough because you're not eating a lot of food. I was weak, I needed to sleep more, my hair was falling out and I felt tired. Within 2 months I lost 35 pounds. People didn't recognize me. It was expensive. but worth it. If not for the money, I would do it again.