Can I tell you my story?

[Lowcarb4me]

Some of you might remember me. I started lowcarb in March of 2002. I have an underactive thyroid where I have levels tested every year and take meds for. I lost 45 lbs in 6 months. September of 2002 I stalled. I've not lost a pound since. In January of 2004 I decided to try CAD, thought it was going well, but was still doing this bouncing up and down in weight.

By October of 2004 I had gained 10lbs back. Mainly because I was tired of trying so hard and not getting anywhere. I then decided to give Weight Watchers a try. Here I am 3 1/2 months into it and I'm bigger than when I started! All told, I've gained back 20 pounds of the 45 I had originally lost :(

I have thought about going back to LC or a modified LC where maybe I could limit carb intake to Veggies/and maybe 1 fruit. No bread, no refined sugar. But I've heard that going back to LC a 2nd time doesn't always work for people. I'm just so frustrated that this weight is coming back on and before I know it.....I'm going to be back where I started.

I've been told, you're not eating enough, you may be eating too many veggies, you're not exercising, you're eating too much cheese, you're not drinking enough water. I love all the advice and I've tried giving up things, I've tried lowering my calories, nothing is working.

I don't know what I'm looking for here, I don't know what to do. I have thought about gastric bypass, I'm that desperate. I have done the calculations and according to my current weight, I would need to eat about 2800 cals a day to "maintain" my weight. Is it that possibly I need to eat a diet at least 1800 calories per day to see a weight loss? I don't eat nearly that much per day. My tolerance for journaling food is very low, I am not good at it, so when I say I don't eat that much, I am almost 100 percent certain that I don't eat that much.

I'm sorry to ramble but I would like to see some progress. I have a high school reunion this year, would love to have some pounds gone!

Thanks for listening.

[NewAttitude41]

Hi LowCarb,

I just posted my story as well and we both are starting over at the same time.

I am in my third week of Atkins but One important thing is that the variety of LC'ing has increased tremendously. You might want to take a look at some of the LC variations that are out there and see if it may fit a little better for you.

I've had to come a long way in my thinking to even begin looking into trying to lose weight again..... having health problems with being over weight has been overwhelming to me.

But I started reading several "Self Help Books" that deal with understanding and liking who I am as a person in-spite of my illness.... what's eating at me mentally that stops me from making healthier choices..."My original response was I'm sick da**it" LOL anyway (I was skeptical but it does help... it really does). I just got through reading a book entitled "When Food is Love" by Geneen Roth... this one did not hit on things I thought related to me but Hey ... it was a quick read and it didn't hurt.

Ok ... this says "Quick Reply" LOL what I'm trying to say is that your in the right place for support. Please settle on a plan or approach and make some concessions at the beginning. I know you mentioned journaling is not you cup of tea but it may help to track yourself for maybe a couple of days at a time until you get in the swing of things. What I remember from before ...is that when I or others would post what they had ate the veterans could tell you very quickly what you might have missed, or should stay away from that could be the problem ..."It can't hurt" (Something I keep telling myself to convince myself to try new things to help myself).

Anyway Welcome... Welcome .... Debra

[CushieButterfield]

I tell you, I hate food journaling but I do at http://www.fitday.com I just make myself.

I've been in a stall since the beginning of January, I've only lost 1 pound in three weeks and I was totally on plan. Then I cheated, silly me I thought it might jog me into losing again...it really just made me bloat. So I am really fighting to stay upbeat knowing that your story could be mine.

I don't know what to tell you to do because I don't even know. My thing is just going to be to stick with it and hope for the best...now in a couple weeks I'm sure that would change if I haven't lost by then.

I think of the GB as well. I don't have insurance anymore that would cover it. I did but decided against it after going in for the consult. It's such an individual thing so I don't think anyone could make that decision for you. It's not a totally magical thing, you do still have to work because I know a woman who had it done a few years ago and lost then gained. She still eats crap even though she knows it's going to make her sick. But if you stick to a healthy lifestyle then it can be a great tool.

Anyhow we're here for you. I hope you find the right path.

[sunny59]

welcome lowcarb4me, i know you will like this board, its a great support group here.

I am new here myself, been here for almost two weeks and have found it very helpful in me losing weight, and i know it will for you to. keep us all post on how you are doing and if you need anything we are here so just ask..

[Rob]

Welcome Back Debra! The second time I did low carb (after gaining back almost all of the weight I had lost previously) I didn't lose as quickly. But I lost steadily and am still losing 2 years later. Started at 310 pounds and am now 199. You can do the same thing I'm sure barring any other medical problems you might have - See a Doctor. You need patience to follow any "diet" long term. There have been many many weeks where I have reported no lost weight. Heck I've only lost 13 pounds in the past 5 months.That's not much more than an average of 1/2 pound a week. But if you follow the low carb life with as few slip ups as possible you'll one day arrive at a weight you'll be happy with. It doesn't matter when that date is. It matters that you are heading to a better palce health-wise. YOU CAN DO IT! Just the fact that you had the courage to make this post tells me you're serious about losing weight. Remember we are all here for you. Post often, ask advice, give advice. You knwo the drill - you've been here before.