Everybody responds differently to the same stimuli, I'm sure with all your experience kiwibrian, your exactly right for you. I know that it takes me around 3 days and my carb-ups don't work well if I don't up my fat a little as well, since fat is carb sparing as well when dieting. Hey Kiwibrian, get somebody in your gym with a digital camera to take some pics-this way you can get some outsiders advice and you'll find it motivational as well. I'm thinking of buying one so I can post soon.