Mrs. Q. - My husband used the Medifast program and at 500 calories a day, the weight just fell off. He hated every minute of it, couldn't wait until it was over. At that time, it required a physical and the sign off of a doctor, and then weekly weigh ins and blood pressure taken - they made sure that physically you could handle it. That was 15 yrs. ago. Now he frets about his weight over a bowl of good ice cream. Billie - you and my hubby could go out to the ice cream parlour anytime. Be sure to bring me back some - something with chocolate fudge!