Diet ? What works?

WW is a great program.  Definitely a smart choice.  If you don't have the ability to portion control yourself, I would go for Atkin's, because there is no portion control on that diet, just carb control. 

What works?  IMO and the opinion of many in fitness, diets don't.  Oh, sure, they'll get the weight off temporarily.  Many ways to do that if you want it temporary--diets, pills, surgery-->all will encourage regain because the calories were too low. IMO the best and longest term way to weight loss is exercise and healthy eating and appropriate calories. Diets, pills, and WLS often have calories too low that folks lose but it's a fools gold because it worsens their metabolism, making that when they return to a normal intake of 1800 calories (for the average active woman) they gain it back and then some because the body thinks it needs significantly less.  And it does--you've trained it that way. Best way--exercise (1 hr day daily) at a level of intensity and frequency that it is really moving (and there are ways to do this in spite of current health challenges, such as size or disability).  Easy (like walking) doesn't do much in less you were so inactive that you were almost bedridden.  Weight training and cardio alternating days.  Intake--if you're obese (i.e., not just 25/40 lbs, then studies show low carb works best for more obese people as if you're obese, you're also likely carb-sensitive.  (ETA carbs aren't bad, just counterproductive to weight loss.) ETA calories no more than 300-500 below your BMR when also accounting for exercise output as well. To conclude:  don't buy the snake oil just because you want it quick and easy.  It isn't if you want it to last and not be a struggle.

Diets, pills, and WLS often have calories too low that folks lose but it's a fools gold because it worsens their metabolism, making that when they return to a normal intake of 1800 calories (for the average active woman) they gain it back and then some because the body thinks it needs significantly less.  And it does--you've trained it that way. There is no scientific validity to WLS or any other intervention PERMANENTLY slowing a person's metabolism.  That's why in many medically-supervised programs, there is a gradual increase in caloric intake. I respect you jerseygirl, because you are passionate about your pursuit to lose weight in a manner that is healthful and works for you.  However, calling other medically-approved and proven interventions for treating the disease of obesity "fool's gold" is a bit judgemental, don't you think?  I mean, I've read your blog and several of your posts so I know that you are/have been where many of us are/have been regarding our weight.  Nothing is fool's gold until it stops working for you, or more importantly, YOU stop working IT...no matter the intervention, the bottom line is ALWAYS eating sensibly and physical activity.

Nothing's ever permanent, you can restore your metabolism with the right calories, but if your body due to WLS restricts you to a VLCD you're stuck in what it does to the metabolism. I respect people's choices to choose and/try a variety of methods.  I just don't think WLS is appropriate except for extreme cases (and like you I have a right to my opinion) and I think anything that does a VLC program is going to wreak natural havoc. THere have actually been a lot of articles about this.  Studies--I'd have to check PubMed, but articles yeah.

mommy, you doen said it....argue with results - which will vary from person to person. WLS does not work for all. Slammin weights 6 hours weekly at the gym did not work for me. I worked with a perpetually slim lady who when she began gaining, she drank slimfast for one meal a day.  She kept off her wieght her whole life that way. NEVER worked for me.  An ex-SIL lost 60# after her baby by eating one sleeve of saltines + one yogurt every day...water...that's it. Now,  i could never do that for more than three days, but she did.  PS: she is still very skinny 25 years later.  What works is what works.   You may quote me.  LOL

You and I probably have a similar body type. I am 5'6'' 255....was 276. Everyone has given great options! My mother has done TOPS before worked wonderfully for her its also pretty cheap. All she did was watch what she ate and walked everyday. So YES walking can work for exercising you don't have to torture yourself to hours a day in the gym. After a while you'll have to increase the distance of teh walking. But any exercise will help burn calories, they even have chair aerobics I believe Shari did before her surgery to get weight off. WW I have heard so many things about them that it is a good program to follow. Atkins heard and have seen results on many people, it works....didnt work for me because well I like pasta, potatoes, and bread lol. I can't just eat meat, cheese, eggs. South Beach is a good one too.  Currently what am I doing? I personally have a prescription diet pill from the doc. Which suppresses my appetite, gives me energy boosts, and I think it might have fat burner in it...I am not sure on that. Since I am not hungry I have a very low calorie intake. And I exercise with TurboJam DVD's like 3-4 times a week I plan on going back to the gym soon to work out for a half an hour 3-4 times a week. I have lost a tremendous amount of weight in the past two weeks.  Basically, you need to find what is right for you. What works for you. Don't torture yourself! You want to do something you know you will stick to and won't just give up on. :) Good luck and welcome to the site :)

What about just doing the WW online?  I believe it's a lot cheaper than going to the meetings.  For help with motivation/accountability, keep coming here but also check out TOPS. Now what helped me lose my first 40 lbs was counting my calories and exercise.  Right now I'm on the WLS path and just started my liquid diet. Insurance companies can definitely be a pain, but it is your employer who decided to add the exclusion.  The simple reason is cost.  It's ridiculous how much it not only costs us each paycheck, but also how much our employers kick in to help pay the premiums.  Have you considered finding a job that has WLS covered in their insurance plan?  I know it seems drastic, but that is what I was considering when I started my journey in September.  Now if you love your job and are paid well, then stay.  Sorry strayed off topic, that wasn't your question. I hope you find the tool that works best for you, Melinda

Okay, My husband is paying for me to get the Lap-Band.  WW didn't work well for me before because I didn't balance my diet well.  I need the quidance of the doctor's office.  I have my appt w/ the surgeon.  We are paying out of pocket. Fool gold--BS.  It might not be your answer, but it is a tool that might save my life and that is the choice that I need to make.  I think saying all wls is wrong, is well wrong.  It is a choice.  Simply that.  I can lose weight without any problem but my problem is maintaining my loss. As for the exercise, I am very limited due to my fibro and my back.  I need to have back surgery, but can't until I lose this weight.  So, I was in a cycle.   We were planning on remodeling the kitchen, we are just delaying that by a year and unstead paying cash for the Band. Thanks for everyones advice. After looking at everything, I was really impressed with Tops and the goverment site for the food pyrm.  But, accountabilty -- i need to see someone face to face -- to be bagged and tagged at the scaled and to be accounted for it in that sense. Thanks, Kim Kim

TOPS? What the hell is that, and why don't I see it on the TV like Bally's, Weigh****chers, and NutriSystem??!?!?!

Mainly because they don't screw you over w/ fees.  The annual fee is $23.00 and then there is the local fees.  I don't know the cost. The website is  www.tops.org  which mean, taking pounds off sensibly.  It isn't a gym like Bally's.  It is a weight lose program that follows the food exchange.  It is very healhty.  You can print off a lot of info off there website, under TOOLS.  I hope t his helps you! I wish you luck on your journey. Hugs, Kim