ElfiePoo

Let's face it...the primary 'relationship' in our life was to food and all other relationships revolved around it. Some people grieve over the loss of that relationship but I don't see it as a 'loss'. I see it as a relationship that had to change. I still love food and that's never going to change. What has changed is that it is no longer my primary relationship. I can get together with friends and family now and I don't need to have a plate in front of me to enjoy their company. I can go to the movies without getting a big bucket of popcorn. I don't need to buy the munchies for long car trips. None of that happened overnight and sometimes it still rears its ugly little head but I'm getting better at squashing it down. So don't grieve the loss...just change the relationship. .

Fran, What kind of carbs are you eating though because that's the main thrust of what Bernstein is saying and why he eliminates all grains, starches and fruit - the "type" of carbs (not just the amount) are important as well for those who have impaired systems. You might try that, if you haven't already, but it does take a week to 10 days to get the carbs out of your system. .

Dr. Bernstein talks about people who still jones for carbs despite eliminating them from their diets and he had a couple things he tried. Not all worked across the board with everyone, but each one found some success with a certain portion of his patients. One was self-hypnosis. His suggestion was to seek out a medical hypnotist by calling the psychiatric board. Not every one can be hypnotized. Another is a medication called naltrexone. He said when taken in small doses (4.5mg) it blocks the endorphin receptors for about 8 hours. The brain compensates by making more endorphins the next day when it wears off. So you take it at bedtime and when you wake up (and it's worn off), your brain is now producing more of these endorphins than it usually does. It creates an appetite suppressing effect that controls carb cravings...similar to what happens to runners. I'm actually going to ask my doctor about this when I go in on Thursday. Another is Hoodia although he warns that you have to be careful where you get it since it's not regulated and you may not actually be getting more than a pinch of hoodia in the capsule. He does list where he gets his. He underscores all of these, though, by saying that carbohydrates are an addiction for those with impaired metabolic systems and as long as you take 'just one bite', it's like taking 'just one drink'. The presence of these carbs in your system will pretty much ensure you'll always have to deal with the cravings. Anyone who already deals with problems with hypoglycemia would do themselves a favor and lower their risk of becoming insulin resistant and/or full blown diabetic (because hypoglycemia is not the opposite of diabetes...it is one of the precursors) by reading "Diabetes Solution". I wish I had this book 40 years ago. .

Hi Fran, Yes I am a Type 2 diabetic but am now off all medications. However, the insulin resistance takes a lot longer to reverse. Dr. Bernstein's "Diabetes Solution" is an *excellent* source book. I finally understand why weight loss is so slow when you're insulin resistant and why insulin resistance causes us to hold excess belly fat. I feel better knowing I have an active plan to work on rather than just 'waiting' to see if it reverses itself. Although every time I read through sections of his book trying to get a handle on this, I can't help thinking, "Life shouldn't be this complicated." .

Unfortunately, these sites are making several assumptions that skew their belief that we don't need magnesium supplements. They're assuming that everyone is able to eat foods typically high in magnesium. Since I don't eat grains, fruits or starches, that leaves me a much smaller 'pool' to choose from. They're also assuming that these foods actually contain the amount of magnesium they are reputed to have. As studies over the last decade are proving, magnesium levels are declining in these foods because the soil they're growing in has been over-farmed...thank you corporate farming. They're also assuming that the person is not taking medications or has some type of medical problem that hinders their body's absorption of magnesium. I did, however, find a few naturopathic sites that answered my question...and I went back to Dr. Bernstein's book and read more thoroughly. Apparently excess magnesium is not a problem for people with healthy kidneys and is eliminated through the bowel so one way of telling if you're taking more than your body needs is loose stools. On my last blood work, my serum magnesium levels were normal, but based on Dr. Bernstein's book, I had her also test red blood cell magnesium. That came back as low. But thank you for taking the time to try and help. .

Heather...you sell yourself short. I've followed your posts and your success has nothing to do with 'luck'. It has to do with you having reasonable expectations of the band and changing your relationship with food. Sure...some people are failed by the band, but some also have problems because they get their bands so tight they can't eat without getting stuck. Sadly, too many people were sold their band under a false bill of goods. They believed it would physically restrict how much they eat and so they keep getting fills until that happens...even if it means they have trouble eating normal food. .

Morning ladies (cuz I think that's all that's here now that Bob has disappeared into the sunset). I spent an hour this morning pulling up the dead husks of last year's asparagus and vegie Patches. I think I can call that my 'strenuous' activity since I was out of breath and whooped when I finished even though last night's downpour made the dirt soft and the job 'somewhat' easier. I may still do my hour of Richard Simmons <blech...exercise> since the goal here is to make me more insulin sensitive...but I'm not going to feel guilty if I don't. If the rain holds off I may even go back out and do some hoeing and raking in preparation for planting my gardens again...even if that doesn't happen for another 6 weeks. So I did step on the scale this morning despite saying I wouldn't and I'm up 2 lb. (haven't changed my ticker yet). The more I read about insulin resistance and how it works and what it does to the body's ability to burn calories, the more I realize how I got to be 330 pounds in the first place...but it still doesn't make it any easier!! Does anyone know anything about magnesium and/or the dangers of taking too much? One of the things the Diabetes Solution (DS) talks about is that most adults are magnesium deficient...not only because we don't eat enough foods high in magnesium, but because the magnesium content of the foods is entirely dependent on the nutrients in the soil. Studies over the last 10 years show that the nutrient quality of the soil has been steadily declining as a result of corporate farming practices. Anyway, Dr. Bernstein says that they believe one of the causes of insulin resistant (in those genetically programmed for the diabetes gene) is low levels of magnesium and that insulin resistant will cause magnesium levels to drop even lower so it's sort of a vicious cycle. Several places recommend 900mg of magnesium daily but no mention of whether excess magnesium is potentially a problem. If anyone knows, would love some information on this. .

Don't get too frustrated at your weight loss so far. My surgeon warned me that weight loss quite likely will slow for the 6 weeks post surgery because our body is healing. Plus, if you had a liquid diet for any length of time, once you go back on solid foods it's pretty normal to stabilize out and not lose for a bit. We can argue until the cows come home about whether or not there is such a thing as 'starvation mode' but I'm not even going to go there. Instead I'll just say that we all have a point where we lose weight the most efficiently...and all we can do is tweak our diet until we find that point. If you're not doing it already, I'd record everything you eat in fitday.com (or something similar). That way it gives you a starting point for tweaking. Some people do well on 800 calories. Some do better on 1200. Some do well just counting calories. Some of us have to count carbs as well. So, ok...I'm going to go 'there' ...studies show that people lose faster on a low carb/high fat diet than they do on a low carb/low fat diet, so you might try that. As for the fill...my surgeon said 'hunger' was the only reason to get a fill, so if you're not hungry and you can still eat the foods you need to (protein and vegies), sounds like you're at your sweet spot.

No special diet for me either. .

It's whatever weight you consider your starting weight. .

At my seminar someone asked if people had the band taken out after they lost their weight. The surgeon said some do...and gained all the weight back. It makes sense. If the band eliminates the hunger, then the hunger will return when the band is removed.

Generally, anywhere below 60gm per day is considered low carb. If you're looking for faster results and/or looking to control blood sugar levels if a diabetic, then drop below 30gm. I eat 30gm or below per day and do not eat any sugar, grains, starches or fruits (per Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution). I eat 2 scrambled eggs for breakfast. Some mornings I'm just not hungry and don't feel like eating so somewhere around mid-morning I'll drink a low carb (4gm) Protein shake and then eat lunch at my normal time. Again, since I'm trying to keep my diabetes under control I eat at the same time every day. For lunch and dinner I eat 3-4 oz protein and 1 c. vegies - only 'green', non-starchy vegies (green Beans, broccoli, asparagus, artichokes, salads, etc.). Lunch is usually a salad with cheese, chopped hardboiled egg and some type of deli meat (ham, turkey, etc) and full fat blue cheese dressing. Dinner is usually just grilled, roasted, pan fried, etc. protein and steamed or roasted vegies. Many low carbers get a bit fancier with their menu, but I find I'm more successful if I keep it clean and simple. I try to keep my fats at least at 50% and sometimes that means eating bacon for breakfast and cream in my coffee. I do this because studies show that lipid profiles improve about twice as much on a low carb, high fat diet as they do on a low carb, low fat diet and more weight is lost. Both Gary Taubes and Dr. Bernstein explain why this works. Plus, the fat combined with the protein helps with the hunger.

I'm 54, mom to 3 adult sons, 2 cats and 2 ferrets. I'm a 'constant student'. I think I've been in school, taking at least 1 class every semester since I graduated from high school. Love books and love learning. As a result I hold several degrees, a master and a doctorate. Currently I'm halfway through a program on naturopathic and holistic medicine and finishing up a program as a master herbalist. I'm also the founder and owner of a 16 year old essential oil import company that sells essential oils to pharmaceutical companies, naturopathic doctors and aromatherapists. I'm not holding my breath for grandchildren since my two older sons and their wives are in one state or another of working on their masters or doctorates and focusing solely on careers. Normal for mid-20's and they have time but I am looking forward to being a grandma some day.

Sometimes we can still be eating too many calories...or too many carbs...even though we're eating much less than we were before surgery. If you aren't doing it already, I'd recommend tracking everything you eat in something like fitday.com so you have an actual record. Then you can tweak your diet until it starts working for you. Even then, then weight loss may be slow. If your calories seem right (generally believed to be 1000-1200 for women), perhaps start tweaking your carbs. Many people who drop their carbs between 30-60gm per day start losing more rapidly. .

I tried to find the report I read a couple weeks ago that said the failure rate is about 60% in the first 5 years but they also included bands taken out due to erosion, slippage and other problems so not sure what the percentage is for bands that just failed due to age. My surgeon said he predicts roughly 10 years, give or take but that these weren't designed for a person's lifetime. .

I agree...if someone doesn't want to believe in it...despite the science that backs it...that is their business. I guess what bothers me...and the reason I keep coming back and 'standing up' for low carb is for all those people reading who may be on the fence. If all they read is that it's a 'fad diet' with no disagreement from anyone, then they might believe it's actually a fact...instead of just uninformed opinion. If someone chooses to eat grains, fruits and starches...and their body can handle them...then that's great. What I don't understand is why some feel the need to almost rabidly convince others that anything different is a 'fad'. No...it's not a fad. It's just different and for those with metabolically impaired systems, may be the only thing that resolves their insulin resistance and keeps them from progressing to diabetes and/or gets them off their diabetic medications...as it did for me. All I'm saying to these people is...enjoy your fruits, grains and starches...but please understand that the elimination of these food groups does not make our diet a fad diet anymore than a celiac's diet which excludes all wheat and gluten. It just is what it is for our health...and we are still eating a nutritionally sound diet. Dr. Bernstein's "Diabetes Solution" is a good source if you want the 'science'. .

"NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – An older kind of Lap-Band weight-loss surgery could lead to severe complications over the long haul, Belgian researchers said… The surgery works by placing a silicone band around the top portion of the stomach to restrict food intake. It has become an increasingly popular option in the battle against obesity, but some experts have worried about its safety. The Belgian team found that as many as half their patients, followed for at least 12 years, needed to have the band removed in that period. And in more than a quarter, the band had gnawed its way through the wall of the stomach.'"

Mousek, Yes, I can only eat the low carb vegies. Think 'green' and non-starchy. Asparagus, green Beans, broccoli, brussel sprouts, baby spinach. Lots more...about 80 different types of vegies. Yesterday I had an artichoke with vinagrette for lunch and roasted asparagus for dinner. Today I'm having broccoli for both lunch and dinner. .

So then, if I understand some of you correctly, you believe a fad diet is any diet you believe is 'wrong'? By labeling a WOE as a fad, you are judgmentally stating that it is an unhealthy way of eating that just cannot be sustained long term. I won't get into the other diets become I am not that familiar with them, but Atkins can be sustained long-term and it is a healthy way of eating. I lost my weight on Atkins but have tweaked it a bit to follow Dr. Bernstein's diet...which actually is more restrictive...in order to maintain normal blood sugars without insulin. On Atkins, as long as I stayed below my critical carbohydrate level (which varies by individual)...which for me is around 45gm...I'm allowed any carbs. Unfortunately, that still wasn't enough to discontinue my medications. On Dr. Bernstein's diet, I am allowed no grains, no fruits and no starches. I can only eat 'green' non-starchy vegetables. I no longer take insulin as a result. Dr. Bernstein is a highly respected expert in diabetics and runs a clinic where he has been treating Type 1 and 2 diabetics successfully for decades. He has science behind him to back up his diet. .

Conveniently, your tv 'doctor's skewed the definition in order to spin their own point of view. A fad diet is not something most people can't stick with. By that definition, you'd have to include every diet known to man including Weight Watchers and all the other traditionally accepted diets. A fad diet is a diet that cannot be sustained long term because it is nutritionally deficient. Atkins, is not nutritionally deficient. In fact, his diet is very similar to Dr. Bernstein's diet for diabetics. If you would like the science behind why a diet containing no grains, no fruit and no starches is nutritionally sound, I suggest you get his book. Unlike your tv 'doctors', he provides all the science to back up his statements.

Keep reading...still a bit of hype here. Studies are showing that saturated fat isn't a problem either...although it is correct about the trans fats being a problem. A high fat diet (whether they're the 'good' fats or not) is still bad when combined with a high carb diet. If someone chooses to eat a diet high in carbs, then they will have to watch their fats...even the good fats. A high fat diet when combined with a low carb diet (and we're talking less than 60gm per day), however, has shown to be very beneficial. Check out the following books for details... "The Great Cholesterol Con" by Dr. Malcolm Kendrick "Why We Get Fat" by Gary Taubes "The Diabetes Solution" by Dr. Richard Bernstein

I pulled one off this site, so you might try here. I've never found a ready made one that was truly low carb and/or that was actually palatable so I just make my own. .

The reality is that most of the world views fat people as lazy, weak, stupid slobs lacking in pride and self-control. Sadly, some of these people are fat themselves. Most have their own demons but they don't see this as a character defect...as they do obesity. I agree with others that you need to speak to someone, no names necessary, because their behavior was very unprofessional. They can 'think' what they like, but should keep their mouths shut. It's called 'sensitivity training' and doesn't just apply to race, sex, religion or the handicapped.

They're not suggesting that eating these things will cut down on fat. They're saying you will lose weight. Sounds like they're basing this on the belief that the body doesn't store excess Protein. The problem with this theory is that if someone has a metabolic disorder (e.g. hypoglycemia, diabetes), excess protein will act like carbs in creating a glucogenic response which affects their insulin resistance which will actually slow down their weight loss. That's the problem with taking bits and pieces of information from the low carb diets like Atkins without really understanding how they work. First, what you're doing is basically Atkins induction except you aren't getting your 2 cups of salad per day, he's limiting you to lean meat only and is allowing you 'unlimited' cheese. Even Atkins, a diet that is high fat only allows you to have 4 oz of hard cheese per day because if you eat excess fat you will not lose weight. In fact, many people gain when they allow unlimited cheese. Excess cheese also tends to constipate many people. The idea of unlimited lean meat and eggs is a bit misleading as well. Even Atkins does not suggest you can eat unlimited amounts of protein and still lose weight. He just made the assumption that when people got the carbs out of their system (usually takes 2 weeks), the appetite suppressing effects of ketosis would set in and they would naturally choose to eat less. This would offset the excess calories they tended to eat during induction (as a result of carb withdrawal and physical cravings). You can improve on what your doctor gave you *and* improve your nutritional intake just by limiting your cheese to 4 oz of hard cheese per day and adding in 2 cups of low carb vegies (salad and any 'green' non-starchy vegie)...and will most likely lose more weight. I eat like this all the time - 2 scrambled eggs for Breakfast, 3-4 oz protein and 1 cup cooked vegies for lunch and dinner. .

According to my surgeon it would take long-term abuse to stretch your pouch. .