[KathyM]

http://www.optimumhealth.org/optimumhealth/aboutus/history.htm

I'm very concerned about my sister. As smart as she is, she's gullible - and desperate to lose weight. It used to be a small problem back in the '70s, but it appears the more diets she tried the larger she became. She's now considered "morbidly obese."

She signed up to attend a two-week "retreat" with this group called Optimum Health, on a strict diet similar to 2nd Century Jewish monks in Palestine. I'm worried about my sister's health. She's the only sibling I have. Do they really know how this will effect her heart, her blood sugar, her allergies, and asthma? My guess is NO.

I realize this is her choice, but if this place kills my sister I will be MORE than livid at them for preying on my sister. Have any of you heard of this place or know anyone who has attended one of their "retreats?"

[tonih]

Haven't heard of them, but there are angencies, watchgroups for this sort of thing. I think it would be worth some time on the internet to see what you can find out and good luck!

[KathyM]

I searched all over the internet, but all I could find were advertisements for this place. It troubles me that's all I could find.

Does anyone else have any ideas on how I can contact real people who have gone through this program who are not directly affiliated?

[lynn P.]

How much does this program cost Kathy? I haven't heard of it.

[KathyM]

She won't tell me how much it costs, which tells me it costs a lot. All I know is she is substituting her yearly extravagent vacation, which included visiting me, for this retreat.

[lynn P.]

I think your sister would be better off having bariatric surgery and this would be more effective. I heard colon cleansing isn't necessary to do.

[KathyM]

Thanks ((Lynn))

Not in this case. She's in her upper 50s and is more concerned now with feeling and being healthy rather than just looking healthy. I don't see how removing a section of her gut would make her feel whole or improve her health. If something goes wrong, you can't put it back.

Also, she has her heart set on this place.

[wanttoheal]

As far as cost, this might help: http://www.optimumhealth.org/optimum...asttuition.htm

I've never heard of this place, but I do think a more natural diet is healthier overall and raw foods can heal the body. It seems pretty expensive when you can find a lot of that kind of information for free, but perhaps it is the religious aspect of it. It might be also that it helps people because it immerses them into the lifestyle of healthier choices so that they are better able to commit to it afterward. It is time consuming to research and understand information. In that regard, maybe the price is reasonable.

I do agree that healing is a combined thing, dealing with mind, spirit and body. That said, looking through this website made me nervous, but that could be because of religious abuse in my background.

The best thing I can recommend is to listen to your sister without judgment. People are far more likely to open up and share information if they don't feel anyone judging their choices (I'm not saying you are judging her- that was just a general observation that I've found to be true in my own life).

Perhaps if you can get more information from your sister on how she feels about this, you will be able to have some peace or at least know what's going on.

My biggest concern would be the cult-like air about it, however, that could just be from my background as written earlier.

Good luck with all of this. Please keep us posted.

[KathyM]

Wanttoheal

I appreciate your response. I would appreciate it if no one else responds to this thread. Thanks anyway.

[ECHOES]

Kathy, I think I would look online for forums where weight loss, diet, retreats, religious cults, Scientology, etc. might be discussed.

Also also check the Better Business Bureau--sometimes the only place a person can find to make a complaint is there.

[ECHOES]

http://www.bbb.org/san-diego/busines...ve-ca-6001843/

The BBB report is A+ and no complaints in its 3 year reporting period.

It is a religious corporation, so that makes sense that Larry Taylor has the title president.

It definitely has the "Scientology" feel to it. I can find no religious information, only lifestyle, holistics, and a mention of hypnotherapy that would concern me. There sure isn't much on the net, also concerning.

I hope you can find more and I can understand your concern for your sister.

[lynn P.]

Originally Posted by KathyM

Thanks ((Lynn))

Not in this case. She's in her upper 50s and is more concerned now with feeling and being healthy rather than just looking healthy. I don't see how removing a section of her gut would make her feel whole or improve her health. If something goes wrong, you can't put it back.

Also, she has her heart set on this place.

Sorry Kathy - I only suggested this because you mentioned she's morbidly obese. They have come a long way with gastric surgery to make the stomach smaller. They no longer permanently make the stomach smaller - they temporarily reduce it and fix it later.

If she has her heart set on it, then she should go. Just tell her to stay away from any kind of colon cleansing that involves irrigation.