Has anyone tried weight loss counseling over the phone, instead of a group class? I read that it can be just as effective.

My experience was a lousy one.
My insurance company just loves to contract with companies to do this sort of thing.
Never mind I have access to a top of the line Diabetes treatment Center.
The insurance won't pay for face to face.
Of course that's a gripe for another time.

IN order to be compliant with my insurance company I have gone ahead and used that service.
But no more will I do so.

The reason my experience was lousy was:
The first person wasn't dependable. They'd set up an appt time and then not keep the appt.
Babysitting the phone is not my thing. IN fact it's a waste of time.
When she did actually call it was more about her than loosing weight.
Plus she always had excuses for not calling.
Finally she just quit calling which was fine with me.

Then someone else got my file and they begin to call.
Talked me into using them and that was the first and last call.

The third person just left a message on my phone with a number and extention to call.
Guess what that number and extension was for a different company.

For me meeting someone face to face is a whole lot better than talking to someone over the phone.

Wow! That sounds like a horrible experience! I have a friend who's hired a coach to help her make some changes to her eating and exercise habits. They speak regularly on the phone, and so far it seems to be working for her. It sounds like your insurance company needs to rethink their approach!

I guess my insurance company got lots of complaints because they no longer use that agency.
I didn't complain.

I'm glad it's working for your friend.

At least the insurance company listened to the complaints! I think we're going to see more and more phone consulting as a way to save money and decrease travel time.

Yesterday I remembered a good phone experience I had several years ago.
I really don't know how I could have forgotten about Susan and Jeffrey Joe.

Two people I met on a weight loss board started their own weight loss coaching business.
For about 2 years I chated with them on the phone once a week.
I also had a private room on their weight loss board where I posted daily
I did find their advice helpful.
They no longer are in business

I think the difference between the two experiences was that Susan and Jeffrey cared about their clients and to them it was more than just a job.
While the big shot companies folk didn't really care.
Their focus was on them and not the client.
Afterall the corporation got paid by the insurance company reguardless of their performance

That being said I still feel, for me, face to face is far better than the phone.

Thanks for telling us about that good experience using the phone. What came through loud and clear is that the weight coaches cared about you. I think that no matter how we access help - phone, web, in person - it's crucial that we have the feeling they care about us.