Boy we are different!

I'm 5'5", and got as low as a 6/8, but was told I looked like a scarecrow, so my body wasn't agreeing with that proportion. I must admit I was sad to see that single size digit change, just because it was a goal of mine. I got over it, though. I also get more compliments now, though, so that's saying something.

I've actually gained 25 lbs, which is 14% of my EWL. With the average regain at 15-25%, I feel great about it for being 12 years out.

So if you are able to eat over 3000 calories, why are there so many people still overweight who had the DS? Is it too many carbs? Are carbs the only thing that matter? Just curious.

In my opinion, with the DS carbs are all that matters - as it relates to weight gain and weight loss. Staying healthy requires lots of protein, lots of fat, and a fine balance of carbs (both simple and complex). I eat at least 3000 calories a day (I do not count calories so this is just a guess). The majority of my calories come from protein, but I also eat carbs. After 14 years I know exactly how my body reacts to different foods. Too many carbs cause gas and bloating. If I'm willing to live with it for a day, I may overindulge, but absolutely not on a daily basis. I love pasta and pizza and bread and cake and cookies. What I've learned in my 14 years is that everything is OK in moderation, but the focus is also protein.

The DS, like every other weight loss surgery, is a tool. How you use the tool will help determine how successful you are.

High protein and fat foods are also very high in calories, but those are sustaining calories that my body needs. Simple carbs are the only thing I keep in check, and even they aren't taboo in my life...just something I'm mindful about. I eat plenty of veggies with reckless abandon, but also eat a good sandwich as an afternoon snack with real (gasp) unaltered white bread.

Even people without a DS have a lot of trouble gaining weight on a ketogenic diet, for instance. It is very hard to store any fat if insulin levels are low. Even if you don't lose weight at high calories, there are people who have done n=1 experiments where they are eating 3000-5000 calories a day, are overweight, but are eating close to no carbohydrate. Even after a month they do not gain much. Of course, ketosis occurs at an energy defecit so you also have a caloric advantage which is slight.

I have seen DS patients gain weight *****vert to a version of the standard American diet that made us all obese, including drinking tons of sugary stuff, etc. I'd argue even the DS is prone to user error, though it certainly lasts very well when up against it. It remains the most efficient and durable operation despite that. However, like all the other surgeries, even the DS will not compensate for severe disordered eating or behavior.

Most DSers were SMO when they opt to have surgery. I was at almost 500 lbs. Technically I fall into the overweight category of BMI at 6'1" 195 lbs. This however does not account for loose skin, and just general body makeup.

A successful weight loss procedure will lead to a lose of 50 percent of excess body weight. Most DSers statistically lose and keep off 80 percent. I lost 100 percent of what I wanted...300 lbs. I did have a regain and then lost it again with some low carbing, now I'm back to my whatever I want to eat diet

How long did it take you to lose weight with the low carb and how much did you lose?

I lost about 300 lbs. Most of it was lost at 1 year, but it took me about 1 1/2 years to get to goal. My lowest was after plastics...I weighed 182, people thought I was sick. I look much better at about 195.

Scott

If you meant the regain...i gained about 25 lbs...I lost it within a couple of months of low carbing and a bit of exercise.