What you can expect from a CDC

[Diva]

First and foremost, it is important to note that every CDC is self-employed and is, therefore, entitled to run their business as they see fit so long as it fits within the CD Counsellor Code of Conduct that is drawn up and administered by CD Head Office.

This thread is to give you an idea of what you can, basically, expect when you visit a Cambridge Diet Counsellor as I know that many of you have been asking. This is my opinion, as a CDC myself, and not necessarily the opinion of every CDC!:

Support, Motivation & Advice: All CDC's are there to support you in your weight loss journey and to advise you on the best programme for you and, of course, to answer any of your questions regarding CD.

Information: Clients can expect to receive the Weight Care with Cambridge Booklet which outlines the ins an outs of each of the Cambridge programs as well as containing recipes, advice on healthy eating, exercise and, of course, success stories for inspiration.

There are also booklets on Sole Source, Information for Doctors, Frequently Asked Questions and many others that you can ask for.

Your CDC should also be able to give you information on all new products and services from CD.

Products: Your CDC should stock all products, as per our Code of Conduct. It is perfectly normal for a CDC to be temporarily out of stock of something but generally they should have a range of all products.

Pricing: The CD RRP, with effect from 1st July 2007, is £34.65 for a supply of 21 shakes & soups with a charge of £1.65 per sachet, £1.85 for each brik and £1.90 for each bar. Of course, the charge to men and 'tall' women (i.e 5ft 8 and over) will be more due to them having to have 4 packs per day.

However, each CDC will charge according to the individual service that they offer which may include formal counselling, etc.

As I said earlier this is my opinion of what you can basically expect.

Good luck

 

[Diva]

In addition to the above, Counsellors should also:

* Weigh you regularly - preferably weekly
* Take your measurements - at least monthly
* Record your weights & measurements in a Weight Loss Record Card
* Some Counsellors may even take your photo at regular intervals....I tend to do mine at the beginning and end of a client's journey so that they can see the huge differences

 

[Lovelyjoolz]

Am I being short changed???

Hi Diva
Thanks for the thread! But its raised a few doubts in my mind:
My counsellor neither weighed me or measured me when we had our first meeting last week. I'm also not seeing her again for two weeks. I thought this was standard!

J
x

 

[icemoose]

Hiya J

Ok your CDC MUST MUST weigh you otherwise they can't know what your BMI is and hence whether you are safe to do the diet.

Check this with your CDC and also check your medical record form you were given as that must contain your weight when you started?

Mike

 

[flirty40greeneyes]

Agree with Mike, weighing (and IMO measuring) is an intrinsic part of being a CDC.

Was to see her fortnightly your decision or hers??? I see clients weekly. fortnightly or monthly - dependant on what THEY want.

If she's not working with you and doing what you want, speak to her and if things don't get better - find another one who will.

 

[Diva]

Totally agree with both Mike and Beverley...your CDC is there to support you and give you tools to motivate you on your journey! I think your starting weight and ongoing progress qualify as "motivational tools!"

Have a word with her/him and if they are inflexible then definitely find another!

Good luck...

 

[Lovelyjoolz]

She took my weight from the medical form. My Doc weighed me the week before, so I guess she didn't see any need to weigh me again. She never offered to measure me though, nor did she mention measuring at all. I measured myself on Sunday night though, because I'm used to doing that on other diets I've been on.

In terms of visits, she just said that I could take away two weeks worth of packs, that way I wouldn't have to come back for two weeks. And to email her if I needed anything. I didn't question it because I thought that might just be the norm. I went out and bought a set of scales the same day so I could weigh myself weekly!

I think I'd be happier with a weekly weigh in to be honest, so I'll bring it up with her when I see her in a fortnight.

Thanks for eveyone's comments, now I know what other CDCs do, I won't feel unreasonable asking for more frequent meetings! Don't get me wrong, she's very nice, warm and friendly and gave me lots of advice. I just think that she's very busy because it took a while before I could get my first appointment with her.

 

[Lara]

I got charged £35.40 for soups and shakes. Got weighed first and second time but measured only first. As I lost weight I obviously can manage the diet - didn't really know what to say. I feel I have paid my money and that's that. Have to admit I came home and had an oat cake - could say I was a teeny bit not happy! :break_diet:

 

[Lara]

Sorry should have made it clear that CDC said "as I lost weight" etc.

 

[flirty40greeneyes]

I don't measure every week, but I always weigh my clients. I tend to measure every other week or every 3 weeks .... unless a client wants a weekly measurement.

But I will always sit down and talk through the highs and lows of their week with my client - it's up to them how long or short they stay!

 

[emmalouise]

I get measured and weighed every time I go. Its my only way of knowing how I am doing !!

 

[Coley]

I'm a monthly measurer simply because I don't want to be trying to squeeze out those extra 1/4 inches!!

 

[PowderedJourney]

Hi, I had my first meet with CDC last week, and am about to go for my 1st weigh in tonight.

My CDC only let me choose 3 flavours, so I got 7 of each.
I am getting pretty sick of drinking the same flavours every day, and was wondering if this was the norm???

I did LL last year and we had an order shhet which allowed us to choose as many diff flavours as we wanted.

Please help!!
Thanks
Yvonne xx

 

[debz32]

Hi, I had my first meet with CDC last week, and am about to go for my 1st weigh in tonight.

My CDC only let me choose 3 flavours, so I got 7 of each.
I am getting pretty sick of drinking the same flavours every day, and was wondering if this was the norm???

I did LL last year and we had an order shhet which allowed us to choose as many diff flavours as we wanted.

Please help!!
Thanks
Yvonne xx

Hi Yvonne - certainly not the norm for me ! CDCs are supposed to stock (& supply !) ALL flavours to customers - and to provide what YOU want - it's YOUR diet after all !

not sure why your CDC would've limited you to just 3 maybe you could ask ?

love

Debz
xx

 

[christie]

Hi, I had my first meet with CDC last week, and am about to go for my 1st weigh in tonight.

My CDC only let me choose 3 flavours, so I got 7 of each.
I am getting pretty sick of drinking the same flavours every day, and was wondering if this was the norm???

I did LL last year and we had an order shhet which allowed us to choose as many diff flavours as we wanted.

Please help!!
Thanks
Yvonne xx

OMG only 3 flavours, no there is 9 shakes, 6 soups, 2 tetras and 6 bars to choose from also extras like mix-a-mousse, water flavourings, veg drink and fibre 89.

Would ask why only 3 to choose from as we are supposed to stock all.

 

[PowderedJourney]

I have just got back from WI. My CDC wasn't in!!!! So her daughter "did me".
She said that the packs come in boxes of 21 and shouldn't really be split, but as a favour to her clients she splits them up into 3 x 7 and so the only way to get a variety is to buy 2 weeks! - which I did (££).
I only needed 2 bricks (cos I'm at college at the wkend) but I now have 7 banana ones.

Not really sure what to do, cos my CDC is quite old (sorry to be ageist) but then again she has been a CDC for 20yrs.

 

[CW Consultant]

Firstly, you should be able to get whatever flavours you need.

Secondly unless the daughter is a qualified CDC she should not be seeing you or 'doing' you.

It is a confidential service we provide and only accredited counsellors should do this.

You have three options really, either continue as you are, find another CDC or speak to Head Office regarding this.

I have been a CDC for 20 years. Under our code of conduct the full range of product should be provided.

Linda

 

[Debz]

I have just got back from WI. My CDC wasn't in!!!! So her daughter "did me".
She said that the packs come in boxes of 21 and shouldn't really be split, but as a favour to her clients she splits them up into 3 x 7 and so the only way to get a variety is to buy 2 weeks! - which I did (££).
I only needed 2 bricks (cos I'm at college at the wkend) but I now have 7 banana ones.

Not really sure what to do, cos my CDC is quite old (sorry to be ageist) but then again she has been a CDC for 20yrs.

I agree with Linda on this one. Whilst also adding a . However the daughter may be accredited.

My Counsellor (and also my sponsor) has been going since the beginning of the diet so has a wealth of experience to draw on. Don't let age put you off. But do go with a counsellor you feel comfortable with.

 

[LEJ]

Hi, I would just like to say on a positive note, i have a mum and daughter team, ( i see the daughter) they are great, this diet has been very successful for me, 1) My young councillor is great and an inspiration to me, I saw her weekly at the start but now happy to do every 2 weeks it fits in with both of us and she has become a firm friend, So a big thanks to Rachel for all her help. 2) All the councillors on the forums have been fantastic, and have found so many people who have found the forums so helpful so thanks to you guys too.

Lynn

 

[CW Consultant]

Yep mother and daughter teams are good my Amy joined me 18months ago and we work together now.

Amy has been around the diet since she was 2 years old!

2nd generation counsellor!