I need guidance from my WISH friends

[wovenwonder]

I just feel so frustrated. I feel like I've been a big cheerleader here on WISH and I watch everyone's banners change and here I am back to my 5 pound banner. I was one of the first WISHers to start the challenge back in January! It had taken me until JULY to get my 15 pound clippie and then I lost it after my surgery when I strayed from my eating plan.

I DO NOT do Atkins. But, I think it is a good plan. I'd say that I do eat pretty close to it most of the time. When I look at my journals [here on WISH] it depresses me even more. Look at how little I eat in a days time and the weight is just not coming off. Yes, I do have some indulgences --- but none too extreme and not too often. But eating low carb makes me feel better. I don't have headaches, indigestion PLUS a biggie is that my spastic colon has dissappeared. BUT, I really want to lose this weight.

I feel that I am a very committed person ---- really, who else would be sticking it out this long with so little results?

Maybe I'll give WW another try --- on my own. I think I still have the old books. Maybe a kind WISHer would be willing to email me the flexpoints info and current point level info. I think I'll still try to watch my carbs but maybe have something like a high fiber english muffin in the morning. If I begin to feel yucky -- I'll try low carbing again full force.

Don't change my plan yet Kath --- because it says 'controlled carb' and I still intend to keep them in control --- but watch the volume of food that I am eating more carefully thru 'points'.

This is SO HARD for me! I feel so committed to low carbing and it saddens me that it is no longer working for me.

 

[PartyofSix]

I'm sending you a PM missy!!!

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

Jody, you are so motivational to me and to everyone here. I wish I had your eternally optimistic outlook, and it actually hurts me to know that you are feeling so down.

Is it possible that you aren't eating enough? I haven't looked at your journal, but if you've been too low on calories for much of the time since January, your body is probably holding on to every bit of weight it can. Maybe actually increasing your calories will help your body shed the weight.

(((Jody))) It could also be that your body needs a slightly different way of eating. Hopefully, the switch to low carb weight watchers will be exactly what you need.

 

[kamgen]

Jody ~ HUGS to you honey!!! You mean so much to me and have helped me so much...don't give up now....I need ya!
I realize your frustration and I hope you can find a program that brings you the success you are looking for.

I am on WW and I do it on my own. I have been doing it on my own since Jan and I have found that it works for me WITH exercise. I would be happy to help you as much as I can! There are some great websites I use for info and there are so many WISHers that can help.

About eating enough...that is so true...I notice the weeks I eat under my points, I don't lose...crazy concept!

I know you can do this....you have been here for us, so we will be here for you....
You are already having health success so realize that is such an accomplishment.....

Hugs to you,
Kamy

 

[tiggerlover]

{{{{ Jody }}}}

I wish I had some words of wisdom for you Jody, but I really don't know what to say. I can't even help you with the WW stuff either because I still follow the very first 1,2,3 Success program with the old points. But I have to agree with addicted_to_WDW, it could be you need a different program, so maybe trying WW again will be the answer or even different program might be what your body needs to lose the weight.

 

[plutosmyfav]

Jody,

I can really relate. I do do Atkins to the "T" and my weightloss tends to be nearly non-existent. Then, I get so down, I give up and binge. I have learned that I can be in deep ketosis and not lose weight. For me, its not a huge mystery because even in ketosis my appetite is too big. I started weighing and measuring every bite I put in my mouth and discovered I easily eat 2200 - 2500 calories per day. I've tried WW many times but couldn't stay on it more than 2 weeks without a binge because I get absolutely ravenous. I get so frustrated to have such a huge appetite. Honestly, in anger I often refer to my self as a "freak of nature" . The other thing that really gets me down is how easily other people seem to lose weight from adding "moderate" exercise. I can walk 4 miles a day and not see any improvement. So, I spend 1 1/2 hours a day at the gym doing intense workouts I have PMDD (the intense PMS) which often results in unbelievable binges. My last cycle was 41 days long with 12 straight days of PMS, resulting in a 22 pound weight gain. That is no exageration. My ankles were swollen like balloons, I was so, so depressed. Of course a good portion of it was water and flushed itself naturally with TOM, but again, I found myself saying "no one lives like this--- what is wrong with me????"

So, I recently started a new strategy. I keep my carbs below 20, my calories below 1400 and I'm doing it by drinking 16 oz. of water with 2 heaping tsp. of psyllum husk fiber before every meal. I decided it is kind of an alternative to GBS. Instead of making my stomach smaller, I fill it up with sludge before eating. I've been doing this new plan for 2 weeks and I've lost 9 pounds during these two weeks.

I know this reply isn't exactly supportive in helping you through your frustration, I just had to jump in and vent mine. (I hope you don't mind). And maybe knowing your not alone with the intense struggle to lose the weight might be a little comfort?

If you are eating small amounts of food and not losing maybe you should see your doctor and have your thyroid checked. Try to rule out any medical condition, then keep plugging along. You have so many friends here at WISH you will keep cheering you on

Sundie

 

[mowsie dreamer]

A big, big {{{HUG!!!}}} for Wish's best cheerleader. One thing to realize is that you really have made some wonderful improvements in your health--no headaches, no indigestion, no spastic colon!! Those are wonderful things to have accomplished through diet! And don't forget your surgery--your body may still be adjusting to different levels of hormones. Since I am beginning to go down the menopause path, I am convinced that my losing pattern is affected by the levels of hormones that I have or don't have at any given time.

You know that I am on WW and love it and I will support you in anything you decide to do. But, since you like low-carbing and are very committed to it, I wonder if maybe tweaking your low carb plan might be an option before you go to the trouble of changing plans. Maybe buy the Atkins or South Beach diet book and follow that to the letter. Sometimes with these diets, little nuances make a huge difference in the amount of weight you lose.

The other thing is that I also am wondering if you are eating enough!! (Wouldn't it be wonderful to find out you can eat more and lose faster?)I did go have a peak at your journal and while I don't know a lot about low-carbing, it did seem to me that you are eating less than would be allowed on WW. So maybe increasing the amount you eat would help.

Jody, we are going to get to ONEderland and all of us are going to walk across that border together!! With a wonderful attitude like yours and the committment you have shown, it is just a matter of finding what your body will respond to. We CAN do this!!

 

[SeaShelley]

Jody, I really don't have anything more to add that what's already been said here by these wonderful people. What I do have for 'ya is a BIG {{HUG}}!

Hang in there!!!

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

{{{{{{Jody}}}}}},

I am so sorry you are feeling badly. I know exactly how you feel. I feel fantastic on lo-carb too, and I've decided that it is the program for me. BUT..... do you know that it has been 7 or 8 years since I first did Atkins and I managed to GAIN 60 pounds since then!!!! Oh yes....that's me. I finally figured out what was great for me and how to fix my tiredness all of the time and WHAT DO I DO??? I go on it for 2 weeks and off for 2 months!! And to make matters worse.....my husband sells Herbalife products and I love them, but like I said, I haven't been true to the program (until recently), so everyone can see that I'VE BEEN A BIG FAT FAILURE!! Talk about pressure!

You have been such an inspiration to me. I honestly didn't even notice what you have lost..... all I notice is a wonderful woman, who is taking on a struggle, the same one I have, and WINNING! You know why I say that? Because this isn't all about weight loss, though I understand that is one of our goals. But if you are like me, this might be one of the few years we haven't GAINED weight. AND we are eating healthy and taking care of ourselves.

I'm sorry this is so long, and I didn't want to blab about my struggles either. I just want you to know that you are not alone in your feelings.

I have A LONG WAY TO GO and I want you along with me, Jody. We can do this!! I think what you are planning to do sounds good. Part of this is finding out what works best FOR US. Not someone else, but for us.

Good luck, my friend. WE CAN DO THIS TOGETHER!!!

 

[plutosmyfav]

Originally posted by Mom of Sleepy, Bashful and BabyDoc
all I notice is a wonderful woman, who is taking on a struggle, the same one I have, and WINNING! You know why I say that? Because this isn't all about weight loss, though I understand that is one of our goals. But if you are like me, this might be one of the few years we haven't GAINED weight. AND we are eating healthy and taking care of ourselves.

That is such a great observation. To not gain weight is a success in and of itself. It means you have reversed a negative trend. Think of a big ship reversing direction-- it's no small feat!

 

[PAdisMOM]

Jody, I've often thought about how frustrated you must get. I've been watching your banner and I'm always hoping to see it go up. I think to myself, "Boy, she has more determination than I've ever had" I just want you to know that I really cheer you on mentally.

Maybe a change will be good. You can always change back. You have been "sticking to it" for so long, maybe it's time to alter a little bit.

I started WW this week after doing Atkins for 4 months. Like you, I like how I feel when I'm low carb, but I was getting frustrated with my stall.

So anyway, keep us posted. I'll be praying for you.

 

[sadeeyore]

{{{Hugs}}}

Jody you have such a great attitude. Maybe changing your eating plan will help. The other thing is it hasn't been long since your surgery. I know its hard but try and keep positive. We have got to aim at ONDERland

 

[catherine]

Oh Jody {{{{hugs}}}} for you. I don'y know what to say that hasn't already been said. You are such an inspiration to me and you have helped me so much with my weight loss since I joined WISH. I agree with the other WISHers, that following a different programme of eating might work for you. Several years ago I did WW with a friend of mine. She cheated every week and yet she would lose 2-3lbs, on the other hand I never cheated and if I was lucky I would lose 0.5lb. This resulted in me becoming fed up and cheated needless to say I would gain weight and become even more frustrated. Bottom line is that not every plan is suitable for everyone. I now do my own thing, which is tailored for me and it seems to be working for now. So you just need to find what works for you. You are successful you might not have lost all the weight that you would like, but look how you have changed your eating and in the process your health. You can do this I know that you can and we will be right here to help you, so come on let us be your cheerleaders!!!!

 

[Beastlover]

{{{{{HUGS}}}}} Jody!! OMG!! You are so awesome!! I feel so bad for you!!
I know how you feel! I felt the same way before I committed to Atkins!
You just have to decide which plan you feel best with!! We all will support you any way we can!!
You are such a sweet, supportive person, you deserve the best! I am so glad you came here to talk to us!!
Cheer up honey!! You deserve the best life has to give you!!

 

[AprilN]

{{{Jody}}}

I don't have any advice to offer, as I'm following neither WW nor Atkins, not to mention that I've only been working on making changes for 6 weeks now. I just wanted to make sure that you know that we're all thinking of you and rooting for you! I'm certain that you'll find the approach that works best for your body and your life.

{{{Jody}}}

 

[DoeWDW]

Jody, {{ hugs }} to you!! Can you tell from all these posts how much you're valued around here??? It seems as if you have helped, supported and inspired so many of us (me included!!). We are here for you!!

I think a tweak to your eating plan is the right way to go. Sometimes you actually will lose more when you add some carbs back into your diet. Please don't forget that all important dietary fat. We low-carbers need to have a pretty high percentage of our calories from fat, like 60% to 70%. Maybe you should put a day's worth of your menus into Fitday.com to see what your percentages are. I do best at 70% fat, 20% protein and 10% carbs.

I also like the idea of having your doctor check your thyroid levels.

Jody, try to stay strong! You'll find the answer for you! I just know there are more clippies in your future!!!

Keep us posted!!

 

[disneygals]

{{{ Hugs!!}}} and support for you!! I also don't have any advice. I have been trying to lose weight for years, started here in May, quit, started back in Sept and still don't have a 5 lb clippie!

I believe that you need to let your body adjust to surgery, too!!

Good Luck!!

Vivienne

 

[tlgoblue]

Jody, Many good points have already been made. Thyroid, eating plan, not enough calories. The very best thing you are doing is keeping your resolve in the face of the doldrums. You asked for our guidance, and that is so great. You are WISH royalty, and we are so grateful for your support. Whatever you need, you just keep on asking. Together, we'll get you through!

{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}

Keep the Faith!
Tracy

 

[wovenwonder]

Thanks so much for everyone's kindness. Also thankyou for all the PM's w/guidance and support. I'm sorry that I didn't reply to them all but this board is running so dang slow for me today --- I am taking it all to heart though and trying to come up with something that will work for ME.

I've also spent some extra time on the lowcarbfriends board today to try and figure somethings out. I don't post on their to often but I was lurking today.

Somethings that my WISH friends have brought up are:

My trips to the shore seem to cause gains for me - well, guess where I am going again this weekend! I will relax and enjoy myself and probably have a few too many drinks BUT it will be one of the last trips of the season for me. I've been sticking to rum and caffeine free diet coke for drinks. I will watch my eating better down there this week.

Eating out alot - I actually eat something out almost every day. I work out of my home and my outlet during the day is to stop out for my famous chicken cheese steaks [no roll]. As hard as it is going to be -- I am going to cut down on the eating out mid-day drastically. I don't generally cooked weekends but I will try to make better choices when eating out --- I do eat more when I eat out then I do at home.

Not eating enough - My journal looks pitiful but I am really not hungry. I am going to try and change what I eat though and eat more volume of food with less calories/fat and see how that works. I picked up some high fiber english muffins today and may give them a try. I'm going to then try to stick to grilled meats and low carb veggies for lunch and dinner. I don't get enough veggies right now. I am also going to focus on limiting the amount of cheese I eat. Looking back, I think I have cheese everyday -- and sometimes numerous times a day.

Thanks again to everyone!

 

[tlgoblue]

GO JODY!!!!!!!

See what we mean? You are incredible! Keep at it sweetie! You have made MY day and I am all smiles for you and because of you!

I hear ya about the shore. I have one more seasonal visit to The Island! Already, Grandma is pestering me about what we are going to eat. She wants to make Beef Stroganoff! Yea, that's what I need, pasta, beef and gravy! And like you, I'll probably have too many drinks, although I have been bringing wine and having that with dinner. It has helped a bit. (They don't drink wine. They are old school: Manhattan, Scotch, and Whiskey and water!) I am going to really try not to eat the myriad of goodies she keeps "for the kids", like anything and everything that ends in "itos". Never a good choice, but I'm a salsa hound. Good luck to you Jody. I'll be sending lots of motivation and strength your way!


Keep the Faith!
Tracy