I started Newcastle diet September 2011 for 9 weeks. Was 137kg at start, 115kg at finish. Had a break, weight stayed stable. Resumed Newcastle diet April 2012 for 6 weeks. Weight dropped to 95kg. Have regained some weight, now weigh 102kg, as I have needed two major operations and been immobile since December 2013. Operations were not due to or related to diabetic complications HbA1c has been below diabetic range since November 2011. Recovery from major surgery was easier than anticipated.
I found the Newcastle diet method much easier than others, and I have tried many over the years, due to the disciplined approach of eating nothing but the diet drinks and water. I chose to use Lipotrim, which does not include vegetables or any thing apart from the products and water. My goal was to reverse my T2 diabetes, which was achieved. I am aware that I have more weight to lose, and need to exercise more if I do not want to undo the good effects. As soon as I am able I will be exercising daily in water, as this is the only comfortable way for me due to disabilities. I will, with medical support, possibly repeat the Newcastle diet method, from time to time,as the fast weight loss is encouraging. In the meantime, I have been eating a diet of lots of veg, low carb and fat, with lean protein. Although Lipotrim was good, it was extreme, - no food at all apart from the products. In future, if I was to use Newcastle method I would replace Lipotrim with similar supermarket products.
Most important thing for me is that although I still am obese, (though less so than I was) I have been 'diabetes free' since November 2011.
Hope this helps.
Pipp
To add to my previous post, in response to the questions asked by Brunneria:
The effects on my health were:
Blood glucose levels became normal range within a week and have remained so
Blood pressure medication reduced
Asthma much improved, less use of inhalers
Less pain from arthritic joints
Better sleep quality and increased energy levels
Eczema flare ups which were out of control are now rare occurrences
Did I lose what I wanted?
I wanted to lose the diabetes, and after two and a half years I seem to have done so
Weight loss of 42kg was more than I could have imagined
I still have weight to lose, plus of course loose skin, but I am of an age and stage of life where that is not so important to me as the loss of the potential diabetic complications
I did - intentionally- lose the big, really big, clothes which was a bonus.
I also lost the feeling of being powerless to do anything to halt the diabetic decline, previously believing it was inevitable that the long term detriment to my health was out of my control.
Have I gained some weight?
Yes, but in the grand scheme of things I am not too concerned. Having gained 7 or 8 kg over the two years since I did the Newcastle diet programme still leaves me 35kg lighter than I was at the start. Also, my reason for doing the diet was not primarily for weight loss, but to sort my diabetes. So feel it was successful with the weight loss a bonus.
Has it affected my metabolism?
Not sure about this. If I eat more than minimal amount of carbohydrate foods I gain weight. However,
I regard this as a positive as it keeps me focussed on maintaining good diet. I believe that my previous "healthy" diet of high carbs - pasta, rice etc- had been a contributory factor in my diabetic status. Also I think it is important to use the time on the extreme Newcastle diet to reconsider eating habits. No use thinking of it as a quick fix. If after completing the programme you return to the same eating pattern you had previously then it is inevitable that you will regain the weight. Having dieted many times in the past I always regained all the weight and some in addition. This has not happened with Newcastle diet.
Would I recommend it?
Yes, with caution. You need to be motivated. For me, in addition to clinging to the hope of reversing diabetes, was the alternative medical advice to consider bariatric surgery. That seemed to be taking the control away from me, and I am quite mistrustful of surgeons. You need support, both from medical professionals and family/friends. I was amazed at the doctors and nurses who were sceptical, as they wanted to stick to the NHS protocol. I had to argue my case several times till I got their supprt. Also, it is amazing how people, even casual acquaintances think it is ok to comment on your rapid weight loss, and the fact that you are not eating meals. Even worse, so called friends who try to sabotage your efforts. Eg "surely it won't do any harm if you cheat and have just one night out for slap up meal and drinks with us?" I would suggest anyone considering it should think before hand about who they will tell, think about appropriate ways to respond to unhelpful people, choose a time when you won't have celebrations involving food, and if possible not too much other stress and if you feel determined enough go for it. I will probably use the method again in the near future, as I do still have a way to go with weight loss, and I do not want to be diabetic again.
I think the main reason people gain weight following dieting is that they return to old habits. For me, the time spent on total food replacement regime gave me the space to think carefully about how I had come to be in the state of being twice my recommended weight, with diabetes and other co-morbidities, and also to consider what I was going to do to prevent the weight gain after I stopped the diet. The rapid weight loss has been a motivating factor in working not to regain the weight because the transformation was so quick. I know gradual weight loss is recommended as the way for people to keep the weight off, but for me, the slow way never worked as a gradual transformation in appearance, comfort etc just did not motivate.
Finally I think it was Kate Moss who once said "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels". I would say "nothing tastes as good as diabetes reversal feels".
