Things I'm learning

Since this particular thread is about non-surgical issues I figured, since I've had some success (80 pounds in 12.5 months) that I'd share a few things I've learned along the way. I have learned that knowing one's BMR (Base Metabolic rate) is one of the two critical numbers to know in order to lose weight. The BMR is the number of calories you would burn on a daily basis if you did nothing more than lay in bed 24 hours per day. This number varies by age, height, and current weight There is one online BMR calculator that seems to be reasonably accurate, at least in my case, and it can be found here http://www.exercise4weightloss.com/bmr-calculator.html. Why is this critical? Every 500 calories that one ingests BELOW that BMR number represents one pound lost. Obviously, the second critical number to know is how many calories you are consuming. Just as keeping a budget helps you control spending, knowing what you are putting in your mouth helps you control you weight better. At the weight loss clinic I attend, we use the myfitnesspal.com diary. It tracks calories and other critical nutrients to help you lose weight. More later.

Your BMR rate needs to be accurately measured by a particular machine that measures oxygen expended during rest. Using an online calculator, my BMR was quoted as 1534 calories per day, whereas my actual correctly measured BMR was 1873. That's quite the difference.

If your weightloss clinic doesn't offer a dexa scan (for body fat calculation) and BMR measurement, might I suggest you find somewhere that does? You will have to pay out of pocket, but I only paid $150.

It will at least give you true information to gauge your progress, rather than plucking a number off the internet.

I really don't understand the obsession with bone density (what DEXA actually measures according to a variety of web sites) vs. the machines we use at our clinic that actually measure BMR and a variety of other significant measurements, including BMI, fat mass and muscle mass. I don't get my numbers from an internet source. In fact I get very little information from the internet, instead relying on the professionals with expertise in the area of weight loss, and even though my "team" includes 5 different individuals involving 4 different aspects of weight loss their recommendations complement each other. I'm confident in the program I'm on and on the information I've received. I have ALL of the information I need to be successful and NONE of it comes from the internet.

A complete dexa scan measures bone density, fat and muscle. Bone density is important as we get older, but honestly, it's generally a problem for skinny people, not those of us who have been overweight.

You cannot talk about fat percentages or BMRs if they've not been measured properly and standing on a fancy scale doesn't cut it. Your program are using all the tools available to them, they're just not the best available.

I have a picture of my skeleton, fat and muscles from a dexa scan and I mouth breathed into a machine for 15 ish minutes to get an EXACT measure of my BMR. It's the gold standard. If you're happy with less, then that's ok too, but you cannot compare your information to mine, that's all.

I'm trying to give you good information and advice, using facts. I'm not schilling for any program or company or the internet.

At this point in my journey I don't NEED exact numbers, and likely never will. My BMR and fat percentage are doing exactly what they are supposed to do as my weight decreases. My ideal weight range today is only a couple of pounds different than when it was measured 35 years ago so I'm not too worried. I suppose your scan is a good thing if it helps you, but as one on a medically managed program I don't see then need for it, especially right now.

And that right there is part of the problem. Did you do any research before you started? How do you know they are using up to date information if you haven't checked? Most of us have done extensive research and don't trust blindly. Everything I've done and do is backed by science. Maybe you're not a science person... don't believe in global warming, or are you a Flat Earther?

Liz

Liz,

Our nutritionist got her MS in Nutrition just two years ago from Baylor University. Our fitness trainer graduated last year from IU with a degree in Kinesiology and two professional training certificates, our office manager was himself a patient who had surgery, and the other two medical professional on the staff have a combined 40 years specializing in weight loss. I have individual appointments regularly with all four and not once have they ever contradicted each other. As for the "research" you do, University studies have shown that 71% of the content on the internet is complete BS and that was BEFORE social media became a deal. Here's some additional statistic, that percentage increases dramatically when it comes to weight loss and proper nutrition, and personal experience has taught me that. Their teaching also rings true with what I learned in college. Fact is, the body hasn't changed how it processes food, and the foundation to weight loss will ALWAYS be calories consumed vs. calories burned. To be completely honest, there is only one number I pay attention to from our clinic's "fancy scales" and it's called "body weight". Other wise I track my food intake and my exercise on myfitnesspal.com. I really don't need any other tools, and it's my opinion that you really don't either. I appreciate your input though.

I'm the research specialist in my office, it's a large part of my job... That being said most people I've chatted with on the boards know how to do correct research.

The thing is I don't think you're listening. A good percentage of the people on the boards already track their food, exercise, and have done the emotional and mental work to keep the weight off. Some of us go to regular support groups, see our nutritionist, and get our vitamin levels checked. I would even go a far as to say about 30% or more have done a program similar to yours.

For some people, such as myself, I did the same type of program run by a major university that had fantastic results. 85 pounds down I got extremely sick and couldn't move much, put a lot of the weight back on over the course of 18 months. Once they diagnosed my heath issues and I got better and could move. I went back to the program, but my BMR was messed up from different diets and exercise I done to lose weight. Even eating less then 1,200 cal a day I would gain weight. I had other weight related issues and needed the weight off fast BUT how to do that when my BMR was basically broken? Well, I researched the problem and found out is was more common then I or my doctors realized. If I had the correct weight loss surgery, one that is actually used in Europe to treat Type 2 Diabetes, I would lose the most of the weight, the other health issues would decrease, and I would never become Diabetic.

I wasn't looking for a quick fix, this has been just as much work if not more then when I did the other program. I still track everything I eat, plan my meals out a few weeks in advanced, watch my micro, and exercise DAILY! When I go out to eat, I search online to see what I can have, I might even call ahead to see if they will let me order off the children's menu (not often because it's normally not very healthy). I eat no bread, pasta, rice, or high carb fruit. My meals are protein and vegetable based. I don't drink soda, only coffee, tea, and water.

I'm sure you've learned that not everyone doing your program is successful because they don't don't do the work? Well, it's the same with weight loss surgery. You have to do the hard work and keep at it. It's not a free ride, HELL it's not easy BUT if you put the work in both physically and mentally it will help you get to your goal. It's a tool, like anything else.

You came here judging us for taking "the easy" way out instead of doing the hard work. We just need more will power, better doctors, etc... What you don't know is we've (most of us) know what your saying can work sometimes, it failed us and yes, we put the work in too. Things break (BMR), people get to a point where surgery is the only option. You're judging them/me/us for doing what we feel is BEST for US. Get off your ******g high horse and realize that we are all on the same side, the one trying to get healthy and have some grace to realize WLS has saved lives. IF you can't understand this, I feel sorry for you.

Liz, please show me where I indicated that WLS is easy because you won't find it. It's very hard. I was just speaking with one of our patients this evening before class and she was telling me that after multiple attempts to "fix" various issues she is going to have to have her surgery corrected and is starting almost at square one. In our orientation seminars we always stress that surgery is NOT the easy way out and I have never said anything to the contrary. I am exceedingly blessed to have none of the issues so many morbidly obese people deal with: no diabetes, no hypertension, no cholesterol problems, no joint issues, none of the health issues normally associated with people who weigh what I weigh, and the reason I demanded to be put in our Weight Loss program was because I knew exactly how lucky I was/am and I was smart enough to know that I was on borrowed time. Just from talking with our surgery patients and attending support groups I know how hard it is. I opted for the Medically Managed Program our clinic offers because I had to learn how to have a healthy relationship with food and exercise. I absolutely can commiserate wu=ith people such as yourself with so many issues that it makes an already hard task that much harder, and I can sympathize with you and genuinely feel sorry for your situation.

you stated it in general discussion forum, you know, "microwave"!