I am a 62 year old retired physician, having weighed 205 lbs. (just under 6' tall) since 2001. Sports injuries have curtailed much of my athletics, so I know that at least some of my muscle had been replaced by fat. My waist had increased from 37" in 2001 to 41" as of this June. I have previously tried other food plans, but never successfully dieted.

The Isagenix program came up unexpectedly in a conversation with a martial arts instructor when we began to talk about weight control. I have been an habitual "snacker" and junk foodie forever, typically eating 2 "Little Debbie" cupcakes at breakfast and munching "Cheetos" and pretzels dipped in whipped cream cheese on a daily basis. I also typically drank 3-4 cans of caffein free diet "Coke" daily. Wine and social drinking have been a regular part of my life. My favorite dinners typically involve pasta dishes.

I started a 2 week Isagenix trial period (my wife and I split a 1 month "Cleanse and Fat Burning" package) on June 16, 2009. At that time I TOTALLY removed the cupcakes, Cheetos, pretzels and Coke from my diet. Additionally, we have tried to drink less wine and other alcoholic beverages. My daily exercising (golf, biking, etc.) has NOT changed appreciably since I started Isagenix.

I add 1/4 of a banana PLUS a small amount of peanut butter (and crushed ice) to the shakes which I make with 1 scoop each of the vanilla and chocolate powders; I don't add any additional milk products. I am hugely surprised that some people have been so revolted by the taste of the original shake powder, as both my wife and I find the shakes (prepared in this fashion) to be VERY tasty.

I eat raw almonds and cashews, fresh fruits, celery and carrots throughout the day whenever I'm hungry (including on "cleanse" days), and consume very little of the Isagenix snacks and Isadelights (dark chocolate candy), both of which help to satisfy my wife's chocolate cravings. I drink water liberally.

I eat a regular lunch or dinner (depending on when I drink the 2 shakes), but have avoided needless starches (bread, pasta) at those times. I continue to drink wine (although less often), but haven't had any mixed alcoholic drinks since June.

In the 6 weeks since I began to follow the Isagenix program I have (as of today, 8/1/09) lost 20 lbs. and 4" at the waist. Both my wife and I are now comfortably wearing clothing (stuff that was at the back of the closet) that we couldn't even come close to fitting into before Isagenix.

I feel great, with NO tiredness, bloating or bowel discomfort. I can't attest how much weight I might have lost (without Isagenix) by simply cutting out the crap I was eating previously. All I can say is that, for me, the structure that Isagenix provided has allowed me to regain some control of my body. How long will I stay with the program? Will I regain all or more of the weight if I stop Isagenix but avoid the needless calories? Only time will tell.

************PLEASE READ: A 3+ MONTHS FOLLOW-UP************

I am now a bit more than 3 months into the Isagenix program of 2 shakes each day + 1 sensible meal 6 days a week PLUS 1 "cleanse" day each week.

I have recently been a bit less restrictive in my diet, occasionally eating pastas, bread (with some butter) at dinner, and infrequent pretzels and desserts. I have allowed myself a more normal amount of wine and, rarely, mixed drinks.

I am solidly holding at a loss of 22-23 pounds (now weigh 182-3) and slightly less than 5 inches smaller at the waist. This seems to be a normal balance point for my height and body build. My stamina and strength remains unchanged.

More importantly, I have just received the results of my annual blood work. My cholesterol and triglycerides are well in the NORMAL range for the 1st time in over 20 years. All of my electrolytes, liver and kidney tests are normal and unchanged, as is my glucose level. My body fat ratio has fallen from 24% to 19.5% since beginning Isagenix.

Although I can't conclusively say that being aware of what I'm eating may have contributed to a portion of the 33% drop in cholesterol and triglyceride levels, the fact that the Isagenix diet has not (in ANY way) caused an imbalance of my other system functions has allowed me a great sigh of relief, as I felt that liver function tests may have been elevated given some of the ingredients.

Way to go, Isagenix! Just thought I'd share this follow-up with anyone who's interested!