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Just one more example of how different our bodies are. We've all got to find what works for us.

I don't believe this is true either. Back in 2008 I was devoted to following Atkins and lost fairly easily from 220 to 180 through strict adherence. You eat a lot of fat (I chose healthy fats like olive oil, black olives and avocados much of the time) and I noticed a huge drop in appetite and a huge increase in mental alertness and energy. It all fell apart when I quit smoking in 2009---I still sort of followed Atkins but started eating processed carbs more as well as potatoes and rice as well as other carbage. This resulted in gaining over 100 pounds by 2018. Processed carbs, starches and fruits are my nemesis and I just have to avoid them. This is not true for everyone but it is for me.

Thank you @Orchids&Dragons And you as well @Chrisb428 That's exactly what I did when starting this journey. I read tons of posts. Even ones that i did not think would have to do with me but wanted to all all experiences. I learned a lot and feel I went into this well prepared. Thank you to all of you here for your knowledge!!!!

I eat a ton of carbs and my diet is extremely fat restricted. I eat less than 20g of fat per day. I've lost weight pretty steadily eating at least 3 generous servings of fruit a day and lots of whole grains and veggies including brown rice and potatoes. I'm going to have to increase calories to prolly 1600 to stop my weight loss here pretty quick:) Fat restriction works very well for me.

I agree, something is flawed here. For what it's worth, back in the 80's or 90's Weight Watchers had a fat-and-fiber stage. The plan was very low fat, at least XX fiber (I don't recall the amount). Other than that, you could eat pretty much whatever you wanted. I gained weight on that sucker. Fat isn't my temptation. It's salty/crunchy like pretzels, many of which are fat-free. I was in heaven, except for the whole gaining weight thing.

Hello! So obviously, I'm new here. I just wanted to say hello, and add my 2 cents. I'm 5'8, and my current weight is 360lb. I can't say for sure that this is my highest weight, as I'm pretty sure I've lost some weight since January, but I never weighed my self, so I can't be sure. I guess it really doesn't matter though, 360lb is high enough, don'cha think! Lol. I've been fat (said not as derogatory, but as a factual statement), almost my whole life. I had the few years pre-puberty as skinny, but once 11 or 12 hit, that was over. I am lucky enough to have gained confidence in my self in my early 20's. Loving myself, body and all. So I never tried all the questionable fad diets and gimmicks that are out there. However, I was aware that a lower weight would be healthier in the long run. Obesity runs in my family, and my Nanie (my Mom's Mom) died from complications due to being obese. I knew I didn't want to end up in the same situation as I got older, so I did try calorie counting and exercise. While it was semi successful, I just wasn't able to lose much, nor keep it off. I knew I needed something more powerful, and lasting, for me to make weight loss work. So I've always been interested in bariatric surgery. Due to many circumstances, surgery through health care (Canadian here), was just not an option, and money for pay myself surgery, was just as unlikely. However, after a few family members went through they're own surgery, seeing how helpful surgery really was for weight loss in individuals who haven't been able to do it on their own, some of my family decided that they wanted me to have this chance, and put things in motion for me to be able to do this. Fast forward to now, a few months later, I have a surgery date of September 5, going to a surgeon in Mexico, the same one that one of my family members went to. She is confident enough in her experience to have set me up with them. In fact, she'll be traveling with me, to help me out. I'm excited for this journey, and a little nervous, I've never had surgery before, but I know this will be good for me. While I've been lucky enough to have remained relatively healthy, with only sleep apnea as an issue I have, I know that won't last as I get older if I don't do something now. So that's my story so far. I'm loving being able to read everyone's story on here, and hope to add more to this great community!

Congrats! And good luck. Ask for a scopolamine patch for nausea before surgery - works amazing. For pain, ask for paracetamol in an IV 1000mg - also works great. If pain breaks through that they will give you a narcotic like dilaudid, but likely you won't need it. You will be incredibly thirsty and have a dry mouth from the surgery, ask for biotene swabs, ice chips if allowed. Yes, you will mourn some food loss, and food volume - you will adjust and be fine. If not - seek counseling, seriously we all have food issues. But you WANT this surgery, NEED this surgery, and you will be successful - follow the surgeon's plan. Good luck.

I'd be flexible as the occasion calls for, why lock into something that is not your core belief for weight loss alone? Now if you subscribed to the ideology that's totally different... IMHO VSG2017 HW 249 SW 238 CW 169

Congratulations! Way to go!

Just adding some progress pictures! First is me on March 12, 2018. The second is me this morning (July 14, 2018!) over 60lbs down!