Not sure what to do.

maryannmiclat

Ok, so I talked to my doctor about my weight and asked him his thoughts on a 1,200 calorie/low carb lifestyle. He said that would be perfect and he usually eats between 1,200-1,400 calories per day. He told me that it will be harder for me to lose weight because of my genes. My brother was 400+ pounds before he had gastric bypass, my sister was close to 300 when she had lap band. I on the other hand refuse to use surgery as a "helpful" tool in my weight loss. My dad isn't overweight, my mom didn't pack on the pounds until after she had kids (That last of us being born almost 26 years ago), but she never cared to have her pre-baby body back. I have lost weight before; but sadly regained it. I lost it by restricting my carb intake to 25 or less a day. I just don't really think that is healthy. What are some thoughts on this? What has worked for those of you who have lost 100 pounds or more? Thanks in advance everyone.

sandhillcrane

I have not lost 100 pounds but I can tell you that restricting calories and exercising is working great for me! This is the first time I have actually counted calories. I have been on all kinds of diets in my life. The more recent ones didn't work. I am down 10 pounds in just over 2 weeks!
I wish you the best of luck! If I can help you, just let me know!

rbryntes

Umm. You've lost 18 pounds since May. What have you been doing to get that weight loss? Is it no longer working?

maryannmiclat

I have been watching calories and carbs. I haven't weighed myself in weeks. I'm fearful that the scale will say that I have gained.

Kimmer2011

I'm not at 100 pounds yet, and I still have a long way to go, but I'm really sticking to being healthy. Eat less, move more is my motto. I try to make good food choices most of the time, but I still have my splurges. It's slow, but we're talking about the rest of your life anyway, right? Surgery is not the only answer.

ninerbuff

I believe low carb is fine for short term, however I don't feel it's sustainable for life unless you're one of those that didn't eat a lot of carbs before uptaking a low carb diet.

gatorflyer

Not quite at 100 pounds yet, but does it really matter? I've been at this for a little under a year and have lost 95 pounds. I think that's pretty good. My secret has been hard work including regular exercise and reducing my calorie intake. In essence, changing my lifestyle. For whatever reason, it's easier for some people to lose weight than others. I don't really like that little reality, but regardless, it doesn't matter. I'm just worried about me. It would be easy to blame my genes for the fact that I've been heavy all my life, but the fact of the matter is, most of this journey for me has been about getting my head on board with weight loss. I think the bottom line is, I am responsible for my body, and if I intend to NOT balloon up again, I have to commit to this being a change in lifestyle, and maintain it.

rbryntes

I have been watching calories and carbs. I haven't weighed myself in weeks. I'm fearful that the scale will say that I have gained.

You're the only one holding yourself back. Weigh yourself and get it over with, and move forward.

maryannmiclat

You are right about that! I lost a bunch of weight a number of years ago by no carbs and I gained it all back and then some.

I believe low carb is fine for short term, however I don't feel it's sustainable for life unless you're one of those that didn't eat a lot of carbs before uptaking a low carb diet.

maryannmiclat

I don't agree with blaming the whole genes thing either. Thanks for the advice.

Not quite at 100 pounds yet, but does it really matter? I've been at this for a little under a year and have lost 95 pounds. I think that's pretty good. My secret has been hard work including regular exercise and reducing my calorie intake. In essence, changing my lifestyle. For whatever reason, it's easier for some people to lose weight than others. I don't really like that little reality, but regardless, it doesn't matter. I'm just worried about me. It would be easy to blame my genes for the fact that I've been heavy all my life, but the fact of the matter is, most of this journey for me has been about getting my head on board with weight loss. I think the bottom line is, I am responsible for my body, and if I intend to NOT balloon up again, I have to commit to this being a change in lifestyle, and maintain it.

NiciS72

I am on a low carb diet partly by choice, partly due to illness. I can no longer eat gluten like most folks. I tried eating the GF versions of foods, but they tend to be higher in calories etc. I have been working with my Dr. who specializes in weight loss to keep on a high protein (90g+per day) and low carb under 100 (trying for under 70g) per day. I find when I stick with it I don't crave the carbs and stuff I really shouldn't have at all. I still eat carbs, just the good stuff like fruits and veggies. It was hard the first few weeks, but now it's just a part of my lifestyle. Those people who say low carb is not doable for the long haul haven't tried it. Due to my illness I plan on eating this way for the rest of my life. I won't have to worry about an accidental exposure to gluten and getting sick.