Hi - moving over here from the Lap-Band forum

Hi all -  I found this site when I was planning on pursuing the Lap-Band.  I was there emotionally.  I was ready.  Then I found out Kaiser won't cover it this year.  (they did last year)  Some of the folks on the LB forum told me there was a non-surgical forum and gave me some wonderful support and advice.  If y'all are half as nice as they are then you're really great people!   I don't know what I'm doing at this point.  High Protein/Low Carb (Atkins) had always worked for me in the past.  I went from 292 down to 235 before I got pregnant.  Went up to 260 during the pregnancy and didn't drop a SINGLE pound after giving birth.  That started the weight loss depression again.  I went back up to 275.  About a year later I got back on track (Atkins) and lost about 25 lbs.  Then a Disney trip loomed on the horizon.  I wanted to eat whatever looked good while on vacation, so I started adding carbs back in so I wouldn't feel sick on the trip.  Came home ready to get back on plan, but, gosh, Halloween was just a week away.  Maybe I could wait a week or two - after all, my 2 year old can't eat all that candy.    Then came...the holidays.  Why bother getting back on plan with the holidays coming?  Yada Yada Yada.  January starts and we still have 'junk' in the house.  Well, we can't let it go to waste, can we?  Finished that all off and started LC again on 7 Jan.  Between Oct 1 and Jan 7 I put the whole 25 lbs back on.  Between Jan 7 and today I have not lost a single pound.  Tracking my foods in FitDay (I even got the downloadable version) and my calories are usually around 1200 (with a few days of 1500 range - like when I ate too big of a steak...)   I don't know what to do.  Weigh****chers didn't work for us (both DH and I tried it together).  We can't afford the places that provide the dinners pre-made.  And, obviously, eating low carb doesn't work for me anymore.  I don't know what changed.  I turned 41 in December - but otherwise that's it.   The past couple of weeks I've been quite depressed and have been letting DH buy whatever he wants from the store - and I've been eating it too.  There is a part of me that knows that is WAY wrong - I noticed I ordered veggies without thinking about it the other day at PappaDeaux instead of the starch side dish they try to force on you, but I didn't stop from ordering the fried alligator for an appetizer.  At least it's a step in the right direction. Well, that's my story - looking forward to getting to know y'all - and hopefully finding something that works to lose weight before my morbid obesity kills me. Robin

Hi Robin!  Welcome!!  I have found that the people on this board are extremely helpfull and friendly, I'm glad I have them for support!  I used to have Kaiser and they told me flat out the only type of surgery they will cover is open RNY, wich was ok with me cause I wanted the RNY anyway. Can I ask why you didn't? I'm stuck right now as a non-op, but always looking for more info on the different surgeries, so I would value your opinion.   If Atkins worked for you in the past, and you are being honest with yourself about what you are eating, then I dont' see any reason why it shouldn't work for you... maybe you are running on too little or too few calories? My understanding of Atkins was that you dont' count the calories, you count carbs...?? Also, I don't know what your fitness level is (mine's pretty low right now, let me tell you!!) But if you arn't working out, maybe adding in some walking or light aerobics gradually will help you get back on the losing side...I dont' know, just some thoughts I've picked up from the 'experts' here...definantly not me.   And, hey. Don't let it get you sad and depressed, I've been there done that and am currently battling my way back out of it again. I know when I get too depressed (usually about my weight ) I crave my comfort foods, carbs. And then I give into those cravings and feel guilty and more depressed, which start the cravings all over again. It's a terrible cycle, and hard to break. If you ever need someone to talk too, let me know!  Take care! And once again, Welcome to the board!!! -Heather

Thanks Heather.  First off, the gal at Kaiser said that NO WLS was covered this year.  Maybe it's just our plan or maybe it's Colorado or the entire Kaiser network, regardless, it's not covered for me.  As to my choice of Lap Band over RNY (had it worked out) - I just don't like the idea of cutting parts and moving them around etc.   You are right that we don't count calories on Atkins, but when I enter all my foods into FitDay, it calculates them anyway, so I always know where I'm at.   Fitness level?     errrh...  Actually, I have a Gazelle glider that I use a few times a week but I keep getting cramps in my feet (arch area) - doesn't matter what shoes I wear (Even tried it barefoot once) I get these horrible cramps.  I hang in there for 20 minutes, but that's all I can do.   With a 2 yr old, I'm not able to go to Curves (no child care there) and we can't afford a regular gym membership (not that I'd use it - I've had quite a few memberships in the past that I just wasted all the money on.)   Thanks for the welcome!  Looking forward to getting to know y'all better - as there is less of us to know. 

I hear you with the gazelle...  I actually own one myself...my problem with it is that (besides making my feet go numb (what is it about that machine?!?) my hips don't fit very well in it...not exactly a self-esteem booster, even though it's just me and my daughter... And as far as going to they gym, any gym goes, you're right. even if I could keep myself motivated to go, it's far too expensive, AND they rarely have childcare (the few that do, I wouldn't trust with  my daughter!) Have you looked into videos? I really like the CRUNCH line of videos, or  Leslie Steven's Walk Away The Pounds 1mile, 2mile, and 3 mile walks (I'm trying to work my way up to doing the 1 mile without wanting to pass out) GOOD LUCK!!! 

Hi Robin!  How about just eating in balance? What that statement has come to mean to me is don't leave any one food group out...all foods can fit in moderation. Well everything except deep fried alligator! LOL.... The USDA site mypyramid may help give you an idea. To me, most people get freaked out when they read 6-11 bread servings daily, but the rub is a serving is a LOT smaller than most people think!  One example is a half cup of rice is half the size of your fist - only a few heaping tablespoons, really. Bread slices can equal two serving if they weigh more than 15 grams.  The other thing about balanced eating is most people do not eat just plaino veggies and fruits with their meals. It makes a difference, it really does. Your body will beging to crave them and you may not feel weird cravings for sweets or salties as much. Reading between your lines, it feels like you guys go out a lot for meals. That needs to be curbed, IMHO, until you get a handle on how to eat for you to lose. I know from food tracking it makes it very hard to stay low on calories, certainly not impossible, but why make it harder thanit already is??? Spend your money on fresh or frozen veggies/fruits and try it for a week, make sure you eat as much as you can stand most meals.  Going out is expensive, period, these days a meal at McD's is about 5-8 bucks each, and you could buy some good filling food for the whole crew at home for that amount.  And of course, exercise daily, the other thing not many of us want to do. It takes a commitment in your belief system, just like brushing your teeth or showering, that it simply needs to be done.  I am so glad you don't give up, glad to meet ya! Keep checking in!!!!

Hey Robin, The folks here are very sweet and supportive. I for one have had surgery so sometimes I am reluctanat to respond because in a way I feel like I don't have a right to because I am different. Regardless of having surgery I still battle with day to day eating demons. I suffered with binge eating pre op and still find myself doing it to a degree now. I am always here reading and lurking though feeding off of others troubles and their solutions. Candy

aww candy...you do too have a right to respond...as of now you are on the same playing field as far as I am concerned.  I so appreciate your honesty about the demons because you help us all realize that needs to be reckoned with no matter which course one takes...stay with the old ways or move toward wls.

Your issues are why 75% (+/-) those w/ wls eventually gain it all back, and it is so appropriate to discuss them frankly and openly here.

Thank you Neecee. I always applaud anyone who does/trys to do it without WLS. It scares me how much I can eat now and I am only 2 yrs out. I believe with everything I am that I have stretched the opening that leaves the pouch(stoma) making it easier for food to flow out of it at a much faster rate. I have not checked into it because my insurance no longer covers anything WLS related and I could not afford a revision on my own. I know I probably have done this to myself eating to the point of misery(binging) on too many occasions. It takes daily discipline to keep my weight within a 5 pound increment. It feels like I am hungry ALL the time(just like pre op). In many ways I feel just like I did pre op and that is why I feel I can relate to all of you.  

 

Candy

Hi Robin  Your story sounds so familiar to me.  I am one of those persons that always started my diet on the first of the month, or starting Monday or starting after the holidays or starting after my birthday.  This last year I was at a pool party with my kids.  I was wearing all black as that was my favorite color and sitting in a chair that was way to small pushing 320+ pounds.  It was Oct. 22, 2006.  I took a look around me and decided this was it.  Since then I have lost 107 pounds.  I have not followed any set diet or joined any gym.  I eat whole grains, non-fat dairy, chicken, fish and a ton of fresh fruits and veggies.  I always eat breakfast.  Usually a carb too.  Weight control oatmeal, Total Cereal, Kashi Cereal etc.  I eat at least 4x per day.  I don't let myself get too hungry because I will lose it.  I am a food addict.  I would be lying if I didn't admit that I have lost it on more than one occasion.  I have binged on doughnuts and ice cream and Rice a Roni off all things.  I tend to sabotage myself everytime I get close to a goal and I also self destruct after a binge.  I have to fight the urge to give up and not go back to my old ways.  This time around though I had my binges and I forgave myself and moved on.  Right back on it the next day and I have continued to lose.  I started out walking around the neighborhood for about 10 minutes.  I am now up to doing a 1 hour walk or bike ride in the morning and a 1/2 hour walk with my kids in the evening.  I use 5 pound weights periodically but not as much as I should.  I drink hot green tea in the evening to help with cravings.  I do allow myself sugar free jello or judgesicles for a treat.  I hope some of this info helps you. 

 Welcome Robin, like Neecee I have been doing the pyrimad tracker at the USDA website.  I've found if you eat balanced meals you eat PLENTY food, I don't feel hungry all the time, I sometimes have trouble getting all those foods in a day.  The grains especially because I have never been a big bread eater.  I also have to work at getting enough dairy.  Fruits, vegetables, and protein....no problem.  Anyway, welcome and keep coming back, we love new victims, opps, I mean people....LOL, just kidding.