Many questions

I have been researching the WLS.  I am still doing research.   I have 2 friends who did have the surgery and they both are doing great.  One friend is half her size now in just a few months over a year.  She has shared much of the nutritional information she has learned. I keep remembering the weight I lost just by closely monitoring and controlling the steroid-induced type 2 diabetes.  I had given up on ever getting the weight off.  Then it started to come off as I worked to control glucose levels.  I gave it an extra push and I lost 10 pounds per month until I stopped after 7 months.  Can someone lose weight non-surgically using the same dietary guidelines that post-op patients use and using the same type of lab monitoring?  The WLS is a tool, right? I did learn about protein shakes and I like them.  I learned about protein bars and I keep them with me for when I am out and I get hungry.    One friend needs to lose weight rapidly and the doctor recommended WLS.  I am helping with the research for it.  I am also considering WLS for myself if I can't get the remainder of my weight off and keep it off. Where do I start concerning nutritional weight loss to see how it will work?  If my friend is ready to try dietary weight loss, maybe we can both start there while going through the hoops to pursue WLS the doctor had recommended.

You'll get a variety of responses. Some of us here use tools (like pills and WLS), some are on programs, some restrict calories.  Some can do the same WLS guidelines and make it work.  I tried via restricted calories and I couldn't lose weight.  That's when I realized that dieting wouldn't work for me in general. If you go to my blog, you'll see I'm doing something very different.  Diets didn't work for me.  RAISING my calories, you read right, along with exercise worked or rather is working.  I won't detail it further, it's here on this board and my blog. Good luck in your adventure.

Jerz -  thanks for this very non-judgmental, inclusive and reasonable post.   It is EXACTLY what everyone has been encouraging you to do more of :) (just in case that got read wrong there was zero sarcasm and 110% a compliment)

It's what I've always done, Viola.

no...... the tone of this post was very different.   thanks for that

Written in the same tone I always write in.  How YOU perceive it may differ.  See, I've always said others make other choices.  I never denied that.  I have also said that there are options.  However, I still feel that a) low carb works best on obese people and b)healthy eating and exercise is the only thing MOST effective in the long run and one must eat to lose to avoid yo-yoing.  That opinion will not change.

"Can someone lose weight non-surgically using the same dietary guidelines that post-op patients use and using the same type of lab monitoring?  The WLS is a tool, right?" Yes, of course... because it's a major caloric reduction. I don't think it depends nearly as much on the protein vs carbs things. If you consume the same amounts of protein and other items as a post-op then you're probably going to be eating less than 1000 calories a day. "Where do I start concerning nutritional weight loss to see how it will work?  If my friend is ready to try dietary weight loss, maybe we can both start there while going through the hoops to pursue WLS the doctor had recommended." Why not see a nutritionist?  They can recommend a healthy balanced diet for you that is sure to help you with your goals.  Otherwise look through the last day or so of similar posts to yours. There should be plenty of ideas on how to get started.  Also just start a search on the web about "Eating Healthy" or something similar.  I just found the site below from Australia. Appears to have some good content. Perhaps you could even start there?  In my opinion, the key is balance. http://www.eatwellbeactive.qld.gov.au/eatwellbeactive/default.asp

Hi Loretta: "I keep remembering the weight I lost just by closely monitoring and controlling the steroid-induced type 2 diabetes.  I had given up on ever getting the weight off.  Then it started to come off as I worked to control glucose levels.  I gave it an extra push and I lost 10 pounds per month until I stopped after 7 months." I'm curious as to why did it stop? Did controlling your glucose level include exercise? If not what about doing 20 - 30 mins of some kind of activity. This may help some. I have nothing against weight loss surgery, just a suggestion. Tangent: I need to write a disclaimer in my signature, cause I'm tired of saying that...LOL

"Why did you stop?" I stopped because family members were concerned that rapid weight loss was dangerous.  I also added foods back that used to shoot the glucose levels up and discovered that my body handled it better after the weight loss.  Then the extra sagging skin was another new issue for me.  I had lost weight more slowly in the past and I never knew that "problem" existed.  Now that I know more and understand more about it, it would not be such an issue.  My friend had just had the surgery later the same year and that is when I began to learn more about WLS. I guess I will never know if I can do it and keep it off unless I try it one more time before I go to WLS.  I have decided it is time to get the weight off and keep it off, whatever it takes.

I am kinda sorta doing the WLS diet...like you, i depend on many bariatric foods as tools especially during my workday (I have a very busy, fast paced job).  Thye taste pretty darn doo to me! Those products in general have come a long way. I incorporate fresh fruits/veggies as much as is possible along with those protein soups, drinks, bars.  I limit the calories to about 150-180 each mini-meal, try to eat every 2-3 hours.   At supper, i have a WW-like supper.  i eat all foods:  hamburgers, enchiladas, just in moderation or light portions. Usually...LOL...I have my moments.  I trade off desserts (for the most part) so's I can suck down light beers and /or vodka w/fresca mixer on a couple weekend nights.  It works for me...slowly, but something i can seriously say I would stick to indefinitley. When my suppers are truly smaller portions and my weekend food does not get out of hand, I will lose 1/2 a week.  I exercise at least 5 days a week (one hour sessions), and a large session on weekends. Faithfully. For YOU, I need more information: what type of work do you do?  How will healthier foods happen every day for you? Do you currently exercise? Is fast food an issue? Do you have other health problems that will hamper weight loss issues?