Hi! My name is Ihi (pronounced ee-hee). I've done Keto before in the past, but unfortunately wasn't able to stick to it because I am weak and I love my carbs and sugars. But I really, really need to lose weight. I have PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and insulin resistant (not diabetic... yet). I am currently 412lbs. My heaviest weight was 425lbs a couple months ago. I have been trying to eat better and go to the gym. I got down to 408lbs, but I've been binge eating the last few days. I remember feeling satiated and less hungry when I was doing keto in the past, and I want to get back to that, so here I am.
My goal is to lose 13lbs by the end of the month, which would put me at 399lbs. I'd like to break the 400lb threshold. With as much weight as I have to lose, 13lbs should be a piece of cake so long as I can stick with it.

Anywho, I look forward to making this journey with you guys!

Hello! My name is Jenny. I've attempted Keto in the past, but fell off, just like every other diet. At the beginning of this year, I decided to get healthy! I've been going to the gym 3 days a week and "watching" what I ate - down 31 lbs since the 1st! However, I've been stuck for a few weeks. Last week, my doctor told me I was pre-diabetic and was pushing me to get a medicine that I needed to inject into myself every day. I refused and told him I could change this on my own, so here I am. I need to learn all the keto things!

Wow, listening to everyone makes me so inspired. I love how everyone is sharing best practices.

I weighed 351 in Jan - now at 343. been a struggle - not cutting calories that is easy, but finding what works for my body. Been seeing a bariatric specialist that has me on phentermine ( helps with my chronic fatigue) and victoza that balance blood sugars and suppress appetite very effectively. Been trying to lose weight for years - soon as I am not actively dieting I gain weight - I diet and I hold even. So excited by Keto. Son is in college and hubby 100% supports me and is pescatarian since for about 3 years.

Currently, I am a writer in Metro Atlanta. I was super active in my community until I got ill last summer - Drs think it is polymalgia rheumatica ( a rare arthritis that is like fibromyalgia for the joints - ie everything hurts everywhere) - I think they are wrong cause avg age is 76 and I am not there yet and all the symptoms don't fit. So I am seeing a new dr who suggested Keto-flex. I don't feel I have a good handle on it yet - not hitting my macros and still guessing. But since May 20th I have lost 7 pounds, so my body seems to like it. And Hell who does not love a diet that allows cheese, pizza (cauli crust), and chocolate chip cookies ( keto mix).

i discovered from taking responsibility for my care and my body that a large number of the medicines my drs had me on caused inflammation - yeah that's what you want to give someone who has inflammation problems ( CUT THEM OUT- NSAIDs like ibuprofen, aspirin, and prednisone ) - and that other meds caused lower metabolism ( CUT IT OUT ! - metoporal) and 2 even had a side effect of weight gain ( Sure we give that to someone who is obese and trying to loose weight ! Losartin {cozaar} and Atvorstatin {lipitor}) Some of them even increased likelihood of diabetes ( statins esp) ( james, might want to look at yours)

What I learned is you have to look at the side effects and the when to call your doctor details online - and webmd also has a page where you can enter the meds you are taking for interactions. Anyhow - after cutting a bunch of the meds to make me "better" I am felling better - more energy - clearer thinking and losing weight. Funny that.

I am from Gen X - I am skeptical with good reason. I will tell the doctors what I am willing to take and what I am not and why. My rheumatologist wanted me to get off predisone (yeah) and move to methatraxate (BOO). I just told her no - it was originally designed as a chemotherapy drug, it tears up your digestive system so bad that drs prefer you to take shots not pills ( of course, insurance only covers pills), you have to take folate to offset it, it causes people to lose teeth -- etc etc etc. I told her NO. She prescribed it anyway. I am new seeing a new Dr. Period. My body, my choice. I have to live with the consequences of what I do to this body - not the Dr and it is not the Drs money. Drs often forget they are a service industry and we are the clients ( not employees).

My biggest challenge is exercising. I like to exercise and go to gym and hike outside -- but it has been so long. Pain + no energy = No exercise. I have been in pain so long - knee issues started in 2017 - and dealing with low energy and fatigue for years. I have steep hill to climb for health. I am not so young anymore ( sigh) and I know that if I don't get this resolved in next few years that it will never happen and I have too much to do to find that acceptable. I have insane inflammation, swelling in ankles and feet, frequent issues with knees and ankles such that I often have to use a cane.

My diet mantra is NO SCOOTER cause I am terrified that I will end up in a scooter for life and if I do there will be no way to lose the weight cause I will not be burning calories.

Jelliqal

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JEN - I have been an addict of diet sodas for 40 years. I would drink a 2l bottle or more a day. 5 weeks ago I stopped buying diet coke. Period. Won't drink it. I have quit a few times - but this is it. You have to choose to put you first.
I drink sparkling water instead - often add extra lemon or lime to it. I get my cold fizzy drink that way.

I have a suggestion for your mother-in-law Sit down and talk with her. Tell her you need her help. Explain what you are trying to do. She can still fix starchy carb food for everyone but maybe serve it on their plates instead of putting the bowl on the table in front of you. And if she cooks like Paula Deen used to- well that butter and fat is good on Keto.

What would happen if you did not have a drink at night? drinks slow your metabolism. What could you do instead? Drink hot tea? Take a hot bath? snuggle to hubby and get a massage from him. Go sit outside and be in nature for a few minutes. Take a walk if ankle recovered. Do you have any hobbies? My hubby and I game as our stress relief. very satisfying to kill zombies and consider that whatever is bugging you this week. Get out of the house - away from food and do something else.

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Chessika ( love your name, can I use it in a story?) you have had many good suggestions on helping with cramps. My chiro suggested drinking 4 oz tonic water at night ( maybe with lemon). My reading about keto suggests adding No Salt to dishes - it is potassium. Tastes a bit odd so I suggest have it with something with a strong flavor ( like soups or beef) not something with a delicate flavor ( like eggs :P).

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