1 year blood work...

Hey Kerri! Congrats on the excellent bloodwork! That's awesome! You know, the whole carb thing just has me baffled. The whole story surrounding them and how they affect us is just so dang complex and confusing. I did Atkins several times and kept my carbs under 20 per day for a long time and the weight just flew off - but then add just one day of carbs in there and POOF I'd swell right back up like a tick. BUT since I've had this surgery, it seems like i go on these long bouts of low carb/high protein eating and gain 1-3 pounds. (Keeping in mind that I've been the same weight for months now). Give me a couple of days of eating carby things that i don't ordinarily eat and BLAM my scale goes down. I just don't get it!! AND it fixes any issues I have with going #2. hmmmm.... So, I've been experimenting with the carbs. I'm learning some interesting things on how certain carbs affect me. I can eat fruit or veggies several times a day and these carbs have no negative impact on me. I still have a flat (albiet wrinkly) belly. I can go to the bathroom. I don't gain. I don't feel bad. I don't get a bloated belly. If I get on a kick where I eat toast of any kind, crackers of any kind, low-sugar biscotti, any of the OTHER carbs - my scale still doesn't move BUT my belly gets bigger around the middle. It's like a dough belly - all puffy with extra rolls hanging over my pants. And, I go #2 less often....but not yet a problem. If I get on my high protein/low carb 100% faithful kick - I gain anywhere from 1-3 pounds, still have a flat wrinkly tummy and I have serious issues with #2. So, in my mind - the carbs that grow from the soil are okay. The carbs that to be processed into something edible are BAD. OR (another analogy) if you can soak it in a sink of water and it retains it's shape and doesn't get all gooey and gross - it's okay. If you soak it in the sink and it breaks all up or swells all up - it's a bad one. But having said all that - I DO think there's something to mixing it up. If you keep the same exercise routine and food routine - I think your body just adjusts and expects it and stabilizes right there. I think mixing it up jolts your metabolism and keeps it on it's toes. The world according to Pam - or "Pamisms" as my mother calls them.... Hugs, Pam

Hi Pam~ Hey, I've been thinking about you and wondering how you were feeling post ps op. Is everything well? Isn't figuring all of this out complex? What works one time, might not work another time. I was oh so faithful to the no sugar/ white flour rule for 13 months. Now, it seems to be helping me to include some of that in my diet. You're probably right about the floating/sinking/ gooey rule about carbs. All I know is that once this food is gone, I'm not going to purchase anything that could be a temptation to me. Back to all sugar free and little flour. I probably will still add in a little more fruit, which I haven't been having. Hope all is well with you! Did you get everything straightened out with your kids? Hugs, Kerri

I had a friend who when she was stuck and not losing anymore.. went on vacation and ate some of those frosted animal cracker cookies. you know the ones that are pink and white and have little sprinkles on them? She started to call them magic cookies because she would lose a couple of lbs on them every time. I think it is the shock to the system and will kick start your body if it has felt deprived in anyway. It is just hard for me to stop once i start it. I have fasted for spiritual reasons a couple of times lately and i have noticed after just even skipping the two meals my desire for food is lessened and i seem to be better in control of eating when i do start eating. Not to mention i think it gives my pouch a rest and my bowels to catch you with everything. I eat less for a few days after it. Definatley worth my time and effort. Paula

Hi Paula~ Thanks for your imput. Maybe you're right about your body reacting to something it's been deprived of. I know how you feel about trying to stop once you've started. Even with my indulgences these last 2 weeks, there were still things that I wouldn't touch because I knew if I did, it would be all over! Any more follow up with the tribal govt.? Hugs, Kerri