After having low back multi level fusion surgery last Sept and not being active I started Atkins to lose some much needed weight.To date I have lost 60 lbs. During that time I was in and out of ketosis. I never wavered on the diet keeping my carbs at 20 or less.I can't seem to get back into ketosis and I worry with still eating the fat that I will begin to gain again.What do you think?

You might have stayed on induction too long. A very low number of carbohydrates for a long period of time can sometimes make your body adjust its requirements downwards.

The right thing to do is to go to OWL and start edging your carb intake up while trying to stay in ketosis. That's the OWL gameplan. Having a higher carb intake also gives you some wiggle room when you come to the times that you're having trouble staying in ketosis.

I wouldn't worry too much about the fat. In or out of ketosis, at 20 carbs per day, you're probably still doing very well.

Sixty pounds since September... last month or last year? I'm assuming last year. Sixty pounds in one year isn't too shabby, especially if you have trouble getting exercise.

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"Sometimes I think you have to march right in and demand your rights, even if you don't know what your rights are, or who the person is you're talking to. Then on the way out, slam the door."

Gordo, I'm sorry to hear that you have been on induction for so long. That really isn't good. I did induction for 3 months when I first started and now regret it. My body is much more carb sensitive and I think it's going to take some time to retrain it. I would assume the same is true for you.

I agree with Doc, fat is not your problem, carbs are. Go very slow and easy with your additions and DO NOT add any grain carbs yet. I think your body is probably too sensitive to them and a small amount may cause a quick gain.

Add only green veggie carbs for quite awhile followed by some nuts. After doing that for a many, many weeks, then you might want to try adding in 1 serving of a low carb bread or tortilla 1-2 times a week.

Don't try to immediately jump into lc breads 2-3 times a day, I think it would cause big problems.

Good luck.

Member since 2001
http://www.ilovelowcarb.com
Size 24(start lowfat)/Size 18(start LC)/Size 14/Size 8

Dr. Atkins recommends (or should I know say recommedED) that a person remain on Induction no longer than 6 months. (and that was if you have LOTS of weight to lose).

The advice give previously is excellent. Time to up your carbs sensibly... slowly... and enjoyably.

But KUDOS to you for being able to stay at 20 gms/day for so long! What control! And look at how far you've come! SIXTY POUNDS GONE!!!!

AWESOME!!

Michelle -- 208/196/140
Started Atkins 9/03
On my way to finding the new me.... WATCH OUT WORLD!!