Dr Bernstein review: rip off and does not work! 52

I was on berstein 2004 I lost 58 lbs in 10 weeks..awesome I was super excited until my hair started falling out in clumps. Fainted 2x I went to my family dr. and after Alot of tests he confirmed I was anemic and the diet put me into early menopause at the age of 35. All of this confirmed by my family dr to be a direct result of the diet. My Dr. wrote a letter to the clinic and with Alot of arguing I received a refund. This diet may work however it is NOT safe

Let me tell you my experience with Dr. BS. I was with them for several weeks. It started with their introductory 'consult'. The consult was between 30 and 45 minutes. The first 2/3 was dedicated to selling you a plan. The 'nurse' described various payment methods, schedules and options. Basically, a marketing presentation. Then, they got to their plan. It is a cookbook with a list of 'approved' things to eat. Then, a set of recipes to cook the approved items. Really, you could just buy this book or any 1980's fad diet book. It is the same ideas.

So...at the start they request you take a long list of blood tests and an x-ray. Blood tests sort of make sense. The X-ray never did. When I asked staff, including the franchise manager, nobody could explain what the x-ray was for. Then, each time you go in, they do a urine test and give you vitamins.

So, after a couple weeks, I decided to research further these tests and shots. I could not find any reliable source to support the claims. This made me suspicious of the whole plan...

So, after about 3 weeks, they demanded the x-ray. For what, I asked. No answer was provided. So, I said no. The manager then said I was expelled from the program. Really? I was paid up for 8 weeks. Fine, I said, if that is your attitude. Several days later, I received a call back saying they changed their mind. I could finish the 8 weeks. Guess the x-ray wasn't so important...

Further, I re-read reviews posted online. Positive posts had a common thread. People early in the program who saw early results. Critics were people who were in the plan for awhile and saw the long term results. I will not tell you my conclusions, read for yourselves with my comments in mind.

I think my experience speaks for itself...

I lost 9.6lb in one week.

Your experience sounds very much like mine. however I did take the clinic Dr's advise and went back to WW. And low and behold I am still losing weight, on a steady 1 - 2 lbs a week. without the frustration or insensitive remarks from the clinic where they practically accuse you of lying. This is working for me and I am not feeling so focused on nothing but what "can" I eat next? Anyone who struggles with there weight does knows what a difficult path it is to getting and maintaining a healthy weight. This may not work for the next person but it is for me so good luck jb4, i hope you find a path that works for you.

Your experience sounds very much like mine. However I did take there advise and have gone back to WW. And low and behold, I have lost more weight on a slow steady pace, but my point is given my weight history and the fact that I seem to gain back I feel this had been a great continuance for me and much much cheaper. There is nothing easy about losing or maintaining for those of us that have struggled with our weight for most of our lives. But so far this is working for me and I intend to keep at it. Good Luck jb4

I'm with Dr. Bernstein and have been for a few months, this is my second time being on it. I too have been paying for a month at a time, only to lose 12 pounds the first month, then 11 pounds the second. Not nearly what they advertise you should lose, nor what I lost each month the first time I was on it. When I ask about how little I lose, the nurses and the doctor always say not to look at the over all picture but by each week and not everyone is going to lose the same amount, but they are not the ones paying that $600 a month to lose the 20 pounds they advertise. I have just finished my month again and payment was due on monday. Due to my finances being tight, I decided that i feel quite comfortable at the weight I'm at and wanted to go on maintenance instead of paying for another month to lose very little weight. I was told that I had to lose more weight (at least get down to 150, which is another 11 pounds) and get to the weight that they had set for me before they could offer me the maintenance program. I thought I was there to lose the weight that I wanted and to get to an ideal weight that was comfortable for me? I told them that my body was just not going to get to that weight and that it would be a waste of my money cause I was comfortable where I was, but they said they wouldn't put me on maintenance unless I was at their goal weight that they had set for me. It seems to me that they are not there to help me lose the weight, only to keep me there for as long as possible to get as much money from me as they can. I wonder about the injections and the effect of them and if they are what they're supposed to be. Just saying...

I had the same experience, I was sticking to the program, I was always burning when they tested my urine and I kept accurate food diaries . However i was losing wt so slowly I became very frustrated and upset, I made the comment that if I only wanted to lose 1 lb a week I could do that at weight watchers for a lot less money and what did they suggest I could do to kick the program up. The nurse suggested I talk to the Clinic Dr about it. Results, the clinic doctor told me that perhaps Dr B wasn't the diet for me and I should go to WW and not come there any more! I was flabbergasted! Of course this was after they already had $1200 from me. Very unprofessional and very non-supportive! Clearly they don't care about anything but the $$$$.

DR B. diet sucks! SAVE YOUR thousands of dollars! Do not proceed with this starvation diet. I live in a small town there were 12 of us who i know of that were originally successful on this diet, 6 yrs later, only 1 of us has kept it off. I do not see anybody with long term results on here. I am a 2 times loser with dr B, first time 75 lbs lost, 5 yrs later almost back to my heaviest weight I again lost 50 lbs, only to gain with in a year. This diet is unrealistic. Even the nurses would tell me the same thing, would comment they could never do this diet. Interesting their posters in the clinics are the same people from years ago. What is their current status I wonder. As for the staff, some were more friendly than others, some could use the diet themselves. I recently went to Mexico and had the Gastric Sleeve procedure, no more starving myself like I did daily on Dr B. I am much happier than doing that diet. I have spent over $5, 000 on dr B ...waste of money, time and gas.

I have been on Dr. B for 3.5 yrs getting a tune up twice a year after Christmas and pre-vacations. I initially lost 65 lbs from Jan 2010 and my Dr wanted me to maintain 50. This weight loss did not meet Dr B goal weight for my 5'8 frame. By April 20, 2010 I was down 50 pounds and had hair loss(35-45 percent), terrible shin splint pains and very tired. I never eat beef or pork, but do eat chicken and fish. My own Dr did blood work that Dr B does not routinely do for ferritin levels. My ferritin level dropped to 9. I was put on iron right of way for the next 6 months. If you are wondering, hair loss is from lack of iron (ferritin level) and so is excess tiredness, so tired I just wanted to sleep after work, no energy to work out or do anything else. I really enjoy getting my tune ups, but now I know I need more protein with iron for my hair and blood and will monitor my blood work ups with both Dr. b and my own physician. I am up 15 pounds right now and plan to go back after Christmas. I am female, 57 and live in Canada. I have done the Weight Watchers for 20 yrs, Jenny Craig, LA Weightloss, TOPPS and many others and Dr B diet has worked the best for me.

Dr Poon has several clinics in GTA area all covered by OHIP treating obesity, yes it's a medically supervised low carb low fat process that works, but ultimately post-diet maintenance requires lifestyle change.
At least you don't have to take on a second mortgage to do it.

I really love the diet and it does work u just have to stick on to the diet but I really haste the most is that I have to write down what I eat and make I plan well I can't do this I work into a rest and is hard for me I watch what I eat but to write down and plan it at the same time no good idea

The diet works to get the weight off but the maintenance is about 1000 calories. If you don't stick to that you gain your weight back. Not worth the money, the starvation, the stress, etc..I lost 40 pounds on this diet but gained it all back. I would not return to it. Even the retired doctors they have working for their clinics are not in agreement of this diet! They tolerate it because they want to keep their jobs! The nurses are not particular good either. They know how to give needles, but you ask them medical questions that are simple and they can't give you clear answers! I too had to get my gull bladder removed because of this diet. NOT WORTH IT! follow Skinny eats and exercise several times a week with daily walks and you will lose the weight. Bernstein only works because it's a diet that consist of 500-800 calories a day.

This diet works but I has many long term side effects.
Also the nurses give you wrong shots sometimes. The actual shots give you burning sensation when injected. If you don't feel this, they are giving you something different.
I noticed this after being on dr b for 5 years
After 5 years, I lost lots of hair, regained more weight(you can't be on ketosis forever)
And my metabolism slowed down and have digestive issues.
Try weight watchers with exercise. It's slower result but it works without side effect.

I'm not too impressed so far. Made sure I came in 15 minutes early for my initial consultation, then they kept me waiting 10... Pleasant, but quite clued out RPN went over my history that I filled out - yeah, I wrote it, I know what it says. She could not answer any of my questions regarding nutrition. These people should be dieticians, not just graduates of some program that allows them to give needles. She explained the Dr. B program very poorly too, partly because of a strong accent. Come on, I'm paying for this, not OHIP. I expect exemplary service. NOT! Very annoying. Kept me waiting many times during the initial consultation process, while at least 5 staff member sat at desks yapping and laughing. Very unprofessional. Am quite disappointed, but plan to stick with for the anticipated whopping weight loss, then will go on my own version of a healthy diet.

I have been on the Dr B diet and lost 20 lb in 6 weeks. I got under stress, travelled and came home up 15 lb so went back to Dr B and had trouble losing 10 lb. what did I get at Dr B.? I got real medical supervision and a healthy "maintenance" diet "plan". The fact is that they don't promote an ongoing diet . Nor did their doctor promote me "staying on the diet". They monitor you and give you a boost with B12 shots, but leave you knowing how to eat healthfully with good nutrition. They taught me how to live well at a lower weight with more energy. Why did I fail in that while away and upon return to their program? If you want to talk as if dependent on a diet, then it is because I "cheated". If. You want to talk as an intelligent self-responsible adult, then i know i gain weight when I don't eat well: not enough water, not enough green vegetables, too much coffee and milk. I learned that my body retains 3 oz of water to store 1 oz of carbs. My body is smart... And it stores water to compensate for dealing with caffeine. So sure, the diet failed me when I had 1 cappuccino a day (skim milk)...as my body retained 2 pounds of fluid for that. When I stopped that one thing, for example, I Dropped two pounds in one day. It comes down to the question of whether Dr b gives you the chance for real healthy balance and weight reduction -- YES if you want to be healthy and trim. Some of us have more reasons to stay fat and complain than others. It is not about whether Dr b can make you something you are not. But can they help you know what is healthy and support you to get there... Yes. It is about you and me and who we know we are or can be. Let go the blame of someone else and we all might lose pounds overnight. Seeking realistic real help... Dr B is the real deal. And they have no interest in dabblers or people who want to pay for special food all the time...no interest in people on a diet treadmill going nowhere. So I disagree with the complaint because that complaint says NOTHING about the person and their own behavior which most directly affects their measured results, being weight loss. If you need someone else to do magic on you, then why not just stare in a mirror and tell yourself you look thin? Oh, yah, right, you can't get around the tired sluggish feeling of carrying extra weight and having a full gut. But if you want to feel different, live differently. If you want a medical assessment to ensure you don't have a hidden problem (ie the initial cost for which they charge) see dr b and learn their approach as a way to live well feel well. Want their b12 shots then pay to keep going to them. They won't keep you in their program if you fail to lose unhealthy extra weight. They will make other recommendations.

You should be able to know how my B6 and B12 they are injecting into your body...I would hire a lawyer and inquire about that. the diet does work but the staff have no sympathy if you do not meet your weekly goal. I was kicked off the diet for not meeting my weekly goal by 2 oz. It was my third miss but I had already lost 30 pounds in two months, I went traveling twice and missed my goals. It's difficult to follow a diet of almost no food when away on a trip! I am still going to enquire with a lawyer about the injections and the Dr. B team not revealing that information!

I tried Dr B over a year ago. I was doing well. I took a break for a vacation and never went back. I continued to loose some weight after that. I was half way to my goal weight when I stopped completely. The program has it's pros and cons. One of the biggest cons for me is the "bullying" I felt by some staff members and the Doctor in charge at the location I attended. the bullying centred around the fact that I did not follow everything "exactly". Yet I still achieved some loss. Weight loss is a "journey". It takes a lot for a severely overweight person to make the emotional commitment to make a change. "Bullying" is not something that works. I would go back if I could be assured the staff and doctor where not going to "bully" me. I just want to be treated like an adult who knows they may have "slipped" and understands what it takes to get back on track. So I don't loose the maximum in one week. here's hoping my loss is above average for the month...:)

I have a friend who went on the diet a few years ago. At the time, he was an inactive, obese 40-year old man. He lost about 50 pounds in about three months and told everyone he knew about the diet and he looked much healthier and younger. 18 months later he had gained all of it back. Now he's an inactive, obese 42-year old man. But at least he has a great facebook profile photo!

This diet considers a low glycemic index and low carbs., good for controlling insulin spikes and that helps stop weight gain and induce weight loss. They insist on 8 glasses of water, also good - helps in many ways. The injections are absolutely the key. Personally I did NOT stick to their diet because I am far too active to eat 800 kcal/day. When I questioned the kcalories they set out for me I was told by the clinics DR. not to worry because my body will utilize its own fat. Well, I was never hungry while on the program I felt like a million bucks and other issues such as low energy, depression and numb/tingling extremities went away. These injections, in my mind are the most important aspect of this program. The friend who initially shared news of her success with me in that it was the DR. B program, drank a considerable amount of alcohol while on this program and still dropped 60lbs. The nursing staff seem to be people who would not be likely to be hired in an environment where professionalism is necessary, the weigh scale out in the main reception area is completely unprofessional and disrespects personal privacy completely and absolutely you will be kicked out of the program if you ask too many questions or have your family DR too involved also asking too many questions. I kept a pre completed meal sheet in case I lost or forgot mine because once I did and they refused to give me my shot, it was an hour drive to the clinic and very expensive and the "nurses" are not only not sympathetic but lousy customer service skills and inappropriate conversations in the private offices, while administering your shots. The Shots are why I kept going I was lying on the diet form, and eating twice as much as they suggested still loosing 3-4lbs a week, but not aspartame laden and Fake foods even though they say sugar free they are nasty for your body. Like the Jello for instance. I am convinced the B shots are the real kicker, there is no explanation for such rapid results and 3 years now keeping it off. The most healthy feeling, energized and hopeful I ever felt was on that diet and still feeling very good.. Another blogger wrote about their friend being told by their family physician to have a gastric band put in place instead of this diet, well frankly I believe that, because the General practician (GP) family DR makes money from promoting their own services and prescriptions. I believe the serum tests used to evaluate ones appropriate B levels have a lot to be considered and I believe some individuals have conditions that do not allow them to absorb the vitamins which would be a good reason why the diet may have not worked for them, because "sticking with it" or even a starvation diet, does not turn out the rapid results people are experiencing with this diet. Lets hear about all the terrible side effects, I have read lots on this subject and cannot find enough common complaints as far as negative side effects? The truth is once we have fat cells they can be full or empty, if we react poorly to life or fail to plan smartly, easily those empty fat cells can become full, this would happen no matter what "plan you choose" You might choose the "healthy life style plan" whoo hoo, it will take twice as long and more people fall off because of that, in today's rapid results world. If you make crappy choices it will come back, yes true enough, however if it motivates you(the experience of feeling good and experiencing some results) Why not. Your right the GP's don't want to promote it, but ask them specifically why and take a long look at what they do promote.

If you want to lose weight all you have to do is eat healthfully, watch your "calories in:calories out" ratio by exercising regularly and keep away from fried foods (fats) and sugar. This is the diet and exercise plan I used 13 years ago and took off 80 lbs which I have kept off for all this time with little effort. All of the weight loss programs from Weight Watchers to Jenny Craig to Herbal Magic to Dr. B will help you lose weight all right - in your wallet. If you feel you need help, find a not for profit weight loss group or just get a buddy. Good luck to all.

And this is a man you all trust? Doesn't this explain alot to the ones that got kicked out of his program for asking too many questions. Doesn't this explain to the ones that never received refunds or there free weeks? Read below ~

http://misseye.wordpress.com/2007/07/04/stanley-k-bernstein-diet-doctor-or-doctor-death/

The first time I went on Dr. Bern was after the birth of my first child...in 1998 ! I lost 45lbs, was on top of the world !
Since then, I have been back and forth, on and off for 10 YEARS ! Gaining 20 back, losing it. Gaining 30 back etc. When I think of all the money I have WASTED on this diet I could cry. Yes, no doubt if you follow the diet and get the shots you will lose weight. But it will not LAST FOREVER ! It will come back on eventually. You see, they bank on the fact that when you start eating poorly again that somewhere in the back of your mind you think "well I can always go back to BERN" It is an addiction. So please if your reading this, really try to eat properly, stay away from fast/fried foods, and most of all GET UP OFF THE COUCH AND MOVE !

In reading most of these comments I just shake my head. A great majority of the comments agree with Dr. B's diet being that they lost a sufficient amount of weight they wanted off. Ok, so that's great, but then I read on how a good majority of you people have put that weight back on and are joining the program again. There is NO DOUBT that anyone on this diet will lose weight by starving themselves and there is NO DOUBT that anyone going off this diet will gain weight! I've read so many excuses to justify the weight gain such as depression, over-eating, not going on the maintenance program, poor choices in food and on and on, when all it really comes down to is you all STOPPED Dr. B's diet plan guide, STOPPED the B injections and whatever else you did while on this program. So as long as you all are going to allow Dr. B's diet dictate the rest of your lives and you can afford it for the rest of your lives then I guess it's a great diet? I still think not. Why do you all think you're taking Vitamin B6 & B12 injections? To metabolize the food you are allowed to eat? Perhaps, but also b/c you are not getting those vitamins from the diet itself. There are alot of food sources that give you sufficient B6 & B12 but since you're not allowed to eat you're depriving your body. Come on guys...broccoli, spinach & bananas just to name a few, are good sources of the B vitamins and are very healthy to eat and with a bit of cardio throughout the week, who needs to fork out $100's of dollars? I'd rather have the muscle in my body eat off my carbs I consume, than starve myself on a ridiculous diet where the body goes into starvation mode and starts to cannibalize itself. Yup, the survival mode in your body will do anything to survive so if it has to start eating your muscle then you're hooped and will definitely gain weight because what little food you put into it, it's going to be stored as fat since it doesn't know how much it's going to get for it's next meal. Your body is always thinking each meal is like it's "last supper". I'm not here to dissuade anyone from this diet nor can I BUT no need to justify weight gain to other things other than just being OFF Dr. B's plan. If this diet is such a healthy diet you can bet your family doctor would suggest this diet but most doctors I've spoken to, do not suggest this diet. It's a fad diet or yo yo diet putting it mildly. For obese people with a high BMI a doctor will sooner suggest the gastric band as opposed to Dr. B's diet? How I know this is because a friend of mine just had it suggested to her and had it done. That's moreso invasive and also some risks but apparently they think it's a heck of alot less riskier than Dr. B's diet, where alot of people end up under anaesthetic due to gall bladder surgery. No one has to agree with me. It's your lives but I just wanted to put it out there. I was researching this diet to find out for myself why most family physicians steer you away from this diet when I stumbled onto a few sites and just thought I'd share my opinion. Remember, this is just my opinion. No one has to like it. To the ones that gained their weight back, I'm sorry to hear that. It's like back to the drawing board or more like back to the bank. It's a quick fix and it does fix you quick but at the same time you start living your life under Dr. B's dictatorship. :( Have a great day all and good luck!

I have been on the diet for about a year and it works very well. I have lost over 272 lbs and as long as you follow it and make a decent effort to succeed, you will.
The above mentioned complaint and reference to a herbal diet, sounds more like competitive marketing chatter. Move on...

I went on this diet 9 years ago and lost 50lbs in three months. I have never felt so amazing. I kept it off until last year when my Husbands health went downhill and I stopped going out and being active so I could stay home and take care of him ( we are only 40).
It was hard the first week and with the results, it became easy. I stayed on it until reaching my goal weight..and as stated..kept it off for 9 years.
I live no place near a clinic now or I would be back there in a second. I am going back on with the plan I was on 9 years ago and doing it myself. Hope I can stick to it this time without the weekly check ins.

My point is..this does work and you can keep it off with good choices in food. I didn't start exercising until I was off the diet and I think that and good food choices helped me with the results.I capped any weight gain at 10 max..then did the diet for a week and lost the weight...never allowing it to be over 10lbs.

I am picking up the vitimans today and starting back tomorrow..I have gained back 30lbs ( again...in 9 years)and want it gone by my Dec trip.

Wow, if you cant lose weight on this diet your troubles are deeper than you think, you must of dropped a pound or two walking to your computer and typing that load of crap!

I am a 25 yr old guy that is quite heavy for my height. A few years ago I lifted weights very regularly and was very muscular. After college I stopped working out and tended to eat most of my meals at restaurants which lead to significant weight gain. I was told about the Dr. Bernstein program by my father. My dad went on the program some years ago and had great results; I think he lost in the neighbourhood of 70lbs. Our family has owned restaurants over the years and has grown very accustomed to eating meals out, which is the main reason why we tend to be heavy. The Bernstein diet is very strict but it really does work. When you are finished with the fat loss portion of the diet you switch to a maintenance program, which allows you to eat things that you like but in more moderate portions. The whole program is basically designed to baby sit you and ensure that you can reach your weight loss goals. I don’t know about the rest of you but if I am forced to be accountable for my weight on a day to day basis by going to the clinic it should make it a lot harder for me to slip up. I just signed up for the program and I currently weigh 255lbs and my goal weight is apparently 155-165lbs which seems crazy but we will see. When I was lifting weights I weighed about 210lbs with 6% body fat so I am pretty sure that their goal weight will be way too low for my muscle structure. Anyway I just came across this post and decided to give my two cents. The first day of the strict diet for me starts on Friday June 18th. I will try and keep you posted on my results.

I lost about 30 lbs in 2008 and this was after being over wight for about 10 years. The high blood pressure condition also vanished. Contrary to some people's alleged experience, the staff were professional and provided encourgement. When it was all done, I wowed pretty much everybody I knew. I kept it off for about 6 months and then gradually put the weight back over the last two years. I am back to my old weight and determined to take it off I am back. Second time around I am learning from my mistake and realize some lifestyle changes are required (which are positive - i.e. portions, sugars, etc.) for permanent results. So far so good, I just completed two weeks and lost 10.2 lbs. I figure it will take 5-6 weeks go get to my ideal weight. Also I am not cheating on my diet and it seems to work. This time, my wife also joined me to keep us motivated. If you can afford to spend some dollars for potentially long-term gains - health, confidence, active lifestyle, etc. The patients that were committed to the program are your best testiment. As someone else pointed out, may be the big bucks that you need to outlay is the motivation keeping the weight off.

Hello everyone, I'm not new to the program, this will be my second time around. First attempt I lost 70lbs in about 3.5 mths then lost my job and was forced to get off the program. A year and a half later I managed to put back on 45lbs, but honestly it was my own fault, I just stopped trying, I gave up on myself. So here I am again, but am finding this time around harder and have slower results...again, this is my own fault. My biggest down fall is night eating, always has been and always will be. So all day I follow the program very closely then lose it at night...then have the nerve to lie on my diet sheet, afraid to face the demons and looks back at the clinic. All this to say, I am yo-yoing on the diet, in ketosis for a couple of days, then out of ketosis the next few days. It's utterly exhausting and so wrong as I"m only cheating myself in the end. My weigh loss is staggering evidently and have only lost 21lbs in almost 2 months (so sad).
In any case, I'm not giving up yet, I have to keep going and just hope that one day soon I turn my bad habits around to get the most out of this program.
I too have love/hate feelings for this program, so I can empathize with all of your comments, positive and negative.

Thanks for letting me "get it out there"

One question: Why do they randomly ask for evening urine samples?

I started the program on Jan 16, I lost 19lbs by Feb19.
I have another 23lbs to go and hope to get there by the end of March.
I usually drop 3.5 -4lb a week.

Just one question, is anyone having a jealous spouse? even though mine is helpful in food shopping and preparation, he is doubtful that I will lose more weight!
I weigh 152lbs and working at doing to 135.

I have added 45mins gym/cardio 4 times a week, which seems to help.

all opinions are welcome-
thanks

I have read all of your comments and well none of you mentioned the maintenance program. I lost 45lbs d then gained it all back becasue I was bored and was eating our of boredom. I am a busy entrepreneur and have not time yet I find th time to be bored. I am looking at going back tomorrow (feb 16) as I want to lose 45 lbs again and more. Theyhave guarenteed that if i go on the maintenance program, i will keep it off. t really worked for me...I am wondring who is paying 600 as I pay 1150 for 4 weeks in Calgary. What a rip off...yet it works temporarily and I am looking for a kick off to begin then maintain it on my own? hmmmmm...

I started this program Sept 2009 and have lost and kept off 25 pounds. I am at a very happy weight and am following the maintenace program. I followed the program strictly for the 2.5 months without cheating and feel absolutely amazing. I have to say that it should not be classified as a "diet" but rather a "lifestyle program". I do believe if you are not true to yourself you will not succeed? I am 5'9 and weight 150lbs. I had a very good experience and feel that if you are rude and not follow the program you will get negative feedback. Do your research first and talk to clients in the waiting area. I allow myself to indulge but the whole purpose of this is to teach you what to eat and how much.
As well I think in my own experience with this program if you need to loose anywhere from 20-50 lbs it is attainable and maintainable but anymore it might creep up on you later on. I never experienced any hair loss or muscle cramping just a new me, let me know how you are doing as I would love to hear.

I joined the program 3 weeks ago. I lost almost 6 pounds in the 1st week, then 2.6 in the second and nothing in the 3rd. This week is week 4 and I just starting loosing again. I haven't cheated once and I've always had ketones in my urine. I was feeling cold and having muscles cramps so they upped my potassium and I'm feeling better. I've lost 10lbs and I feel like a different person. I just hope I continue to loose at a steady rate, or ill have to buy another package!

The diet has worked well I have dropped 90lbs but with that has come health issues. I recently had my galbladder removed due to numerouse attacks and visits to the ER now I have kidney stones. I have three free weeks with the clinic but I am really thinking twice about going back. The wieght loss is great but is my health worth it?

I tried Bernstien in 2009 for about 3-4 months and lost 30 lbs. I must say I was getting pleased with the weight loss but had concerns about hair loss, constantly being cold, being tired all the time and dry skin. I continued to complain to the Dr ( which spoke and understood very little English) and he kept saying, you are getting sick because you are cheating... well if, I'm losing the weight and passing the urine test each visit, , I don't think I'm cheating... I also inquired about the amount of Vitamin B12 and B6 I was being given as my doctor inquired - I was told, that was something I didn't need to know. Additionally, the Nursing staff was on numerous ocassions extremely rude. So, I complained to the head office.. Only to be told I was being kicked out of the program because I complained too much about the staff and I was inquiring about my in jections... It wouldn't have been so bad except I was told I was being kicked at upon arriving for my office visit in front of the whole office... So, yes the plan seemed to work ( but any starvation diet will work if you think about it), but Dr. Bernstein and his staff have no regard for the well being of the patients -- just ensuring that folks are losing weight with no complaints..(supressing the whole truth). He doesn't want any of his stats impacted... When I asked to speak with Bernstein, the nurse started laughing saying.. "He will never speak to YOU", he told us to kick you out of the program... With my Doctor's advice I am following up with a letter the Health Canada regarding the experience. For those of you who have had a negative experience with Bernstein, you should do the same. Blogs are a good way to vent, , but they won't acheive any changes in how the clinics treat people... I am off the diet -- by force :-) and just eating healthy, exercersing and guess what, my hair is growing back!

As a person who has struggled with the program for more than a year (on and off) I will say this - it works IF YOU STICK TO THE STRICT DIET. If you don't it won't work as well and not worth the extra money. So, try it for a month (will cost you about $600). If you find yourself frequently "slipping" don't spend any more money - it's not the right plan for you at this time, but if you can do it for the month - keep going! The staff in my experience are not particularly sympathetic - want a hug, go to Weight Watchers.

THis program does wonders, just be weary if you choose to step off their scales for the last time. I currently weigh 211 and (6'1") and i have the goal of 199 before my birthday in 3 weeks and with Dr. B i'll hit it!

This is neither good or bad. Every diet will work for some and not for others. I have purchased more diet items in my life and not one has worked out. It does not make it a scam. It makes it the incorrect item or program for me. My concern is the needles. This program requires alot of needles. If I could drive myself to the gym with such dedication, I could and would look like a model. IT is truely a self desire. If you eat burgers and fries everyday, what makes you think your going to remain a 100 lb person. If we gave 1/2 the attitude of what we want to look like to the tread mill or the sidewalk, none of us would need more than a little guidance. Check your veggie content to, if your buying frozen, your sodium is so high your retaining water and fluids that will puff you out. Good luck to everyone in your painseeking ways of looking thinner. I have chosen to make my life simple. Evening walk and eating right for me, and me only. I'm 5' and will never ever look like the 5'9 supermodel that they keep using in all the ads.

I disagree`I`have`lost` 88 pounds in 4.5 months. I eat more often then before just better chocies and measured food.Its changed`my life and gave me at least 10 years of my life. I have never felt so good . I am off my blood presure medication. I do agree it is very expensive. But my health and happiness means more than the money.I have tried many different diets and never had the sucess that I have had on the Bernstein Diet. I look good and feel good too.

I have read so much about the Bernstein Diet ...

It works because its a starvation diet - how the hell do you lose 50 lbs a month/two months -- are people that stupid to think its normal?

The diet is only 800 calories a day ...if even less...

So of course it "works" - starvation works and for those people that want it that bad -- good luck!