Hmm... I need to find out myself. I don't know what is the answer to that question. I'll do some poking around and get back to you if I got an good answer. You should email the people at Medifast as they probably can answer it..

You can do this! I was really afraid when I first started this diet...and I have only been on it for one week too, so naturally I understand your fears. I have been worried about it, but my clothes are fitting better than ever and I can feel my energy levels rising too. I miss the other food, and had a birthday party this weekend where everyone could have cake and pizza and goodies but me. And I made it! Believe in yourself...YOU CAN DO THIS!..

Take comfort in knowing that if you stick to the plan, it WILL work! The headaches and hunger should get better, if it hasn't already. It hit me about day 4. All of a sudden, around day 7 or 8, I realized for the 1 time in perhaps years, I was NOT HUNGRY! And I wasn't spending every waking minute thinking about my next meal! Also, I can't stress enough how important it is to drink that H2O! I struggle with this, especially in the winter, but hot herbal teas help and count!.

Scour these boards often! There is a wealth of tips, info, encouragement here!.

Best wishes! YOU CAN DO IT!!..

YOU can do this. Although there may be some challenging times ahead, the first week is by far the hardest AND YOU DID IT!.

Congrats and much success to you!..

I didn't have the headaches. But I did have the hunger. I felt like it was real because my stomach actually growled, like you said..

I can just say, you CAN do this. HANG ON... it is SO worth it!.

I spent about 30 years of my life being overweight and miserable. Low self esteem. No confidence.... no self respect..

It gets easier, PROMISE. If you go to my page (and many veterans) and look at our weight loss records, you will see there are several weeks with NO loss, or minimal, I even have several with GAINS! (OMgosh!) THAT hurt..

But I read the blogs, I was prepared to have a positive attitude. I KNEW I was doing right, and the weight DID come off. Stick to the plan, it is worth it..

Try and drink water and distract yourself when you are hungry, know that your next meal is soon... eat your meal slowly and drink water WITH your meal (16 oz) That was a key for me to help with the hunger..

Most of all if you have a low loss or gain week. STAY CALM, you will WIN the weigh in game in the end! Keep a good attitude, do NOT feel deprived. Don't feel sorry for yourself for having to suffer.... be HAPPY that you are gaining control, you have a tool that really works..

You can do it if I can! I didn't believe in it at first either. I laughed when I opened my box with a months worth of food and said, "Yeah, I guess I WILL loss weight if this is all I eat!" It gets better..

Good luck!..

Weighing in.....

267.5lbs -9.0lbs lost.

I can't believe it. Have to weigh myself again and make sure I'm not actually dreaming..

No, I'm not dreaming..

I just have to keep telling myself this is going to work. With all the help and support from the boards and reading the success stories I know I can do it. Even if some days when I really want that piece of chocolate I'll make a brownie instead..

Thank you everyone for all the great support and advice...

Congrats!! 9 lbs for the first week is great. My first week was about 4 lbs. You are off to a great start.....

Yep, there's your proof - 9# is awesome. If you stick to the plan as written, you will lose weight. Hang in there, you will love the results...

From what I have read so far in the scientific studies conducted of Medifast weightloss it is entirely normal for you to lose more in the first few weeks, which is great because it gives you a boost, you know your doing the right thing and your body is responding by thanking you. It is wuite possible that your weight loss will slow somewhat. You should prepare yourself for this and not allow it to discourage you towards the cheesecake. If after two or three weeks the scale has not budged then consult a nurtrition specialist to make some adjustments..

Regarding anxiety. For many years I had emetophobia (fear of vomiting) and to some extent I still suffer from it. The anxiety caused me to not eat for long periods until I was very very hungry, then I would binge. Even after I got the anxiety under control I still had the habit of binging a couple times a day. The only reason I am telling you this is that it CAN be overcome. Medifast help a ton b/c you eat a small amount, slowly six times a day, all the time eating or drinking water..

Regarding headaches, the runs, stomach growling etc. I had these problems on and off my first and into my second week. After that my problems have mostly subsided..

Regarding "pity parties" we (all of us) are here to listen and try to help each other. It is YOUR party and you can cry if you want to! (Lord knows I have).

Keep up the good work! Just think of all the outfits you will be able to fit into!..

Hooray! You did great! Spend some time on the recipe boards and do a web search on Medifast recipes. You'll be suprised at how many cravings can be met with something OP. You can do it! Nine pouns is awesome!..

I stressed a lot the first few weeks until I realized that as long as I did everything I was supposed to do, I didn't have to worry. My biggest concern became not whether the weight would come off, but would I stay on-plan every single day. As long as I did that, then whatever weight came off was going to have to be enough. All you can control is you; your body will react the way it's going to react regardless of your stress level. Take a deep breath and learn to enjoy the process...

Awesome job!!! Down 9 lbs is great!! You can do this-just think if you pass up that momentary urge for chocolate, you will feel a long lasting feeling of accomplishment and happiness when you see the difference in your body!.

When you get the urge, do something physical to keep your mind busy-take a walk, exercise, do household chores,play with your kids or pets. Aything that will kick your mind on to something else. YOU CAN DO IT!!-You already did :-O)..

What a great post. I haven't started Medifast yet, I just placed my first order yesterday but I'm going to copy your comment and tape it to my fridge. I worry-will I be able to stay OP..

Krlofl-what a great first week loss. Congrats...