My Doctor who specialized in weight management put me on a 1200 calorie diet about two years ago straight away. Educated me on food choices. Basic nutrition, the weight loss was amazing. Sometimes it was hard.

He no where at all told me you have to cut calories gradually as if you were hooked on street drugs.

My choice with the 1200 calorie diet was better than choosing surgery for myself.

My doctor told me the losing is the easy part when you use the tools given to lose the weight. The hard part is always working to make sure you keep it off.

Everyone is different and finding the right way for their particular needs is important. Different ways of tackling a problem and making sure its a healthy way matters and of course achieving that goal.
I don't think less of those who use surgery, weight watchers or nutri system, etc. These are tools for you to use. If you get to your goal maintaining your health you are gold.

If one way doesnt work, then try another. Always research and having guidance from a medical professional who specializes in weight management would be a great way to start.

If you have insurance and you are over a certain BMI they usually pay for your weight management visits. They would rather pay for you to improve your health than to pay for the possibility of heart disease, diabetes and other health related illness due to being over weight.

There is so much out there that I dont know about and my doctor always surprises me with a new study that showed this and that.

It is a long confusing road and I wish you luck.