HELP!!!! Can't seem to get going....

Hello everyone,

I have been flip flopping every year on my weight. Over the past year and half I put on 56lbs. I didn't do all this to gain everything back. I'm still 89lbs down. I need lots of support and have NO support groups close to home. I have been told I should do a pouch shrink, keto diet and then a regular diet. What are your thoughts?

From what I understand that whole pouch reset is bunk. There doesn't seem to be any science behind it and it seems very hard to stick to!

can you go back to basics with your protein and liquid goals?

I'm looking into trying Keto plan. I guess that would work with the protein and the liquid goals are not an issue with me. Thanks for responding.. Angela

Pouch reset is bogus. You cannot physically shrink your pouch. There's no sense in going back to a faddish liquid diet since it doesn't teach you anything.

Some people swear by keto, others don't have much luck with it. It's really calories that are the bottom line.

Your best bet is to go back to basics and eat like you did immediately pre-op. About 800 calories, 60+g protein, under 25g carbs. Weigh, measure, and log EVERYTHING.

Is everyone different on the basic calories protein and carbs? I have tried like 3 different calculator's and got different amounts. I want to make sure I do the right amounts for my weight and height..

It's impossible to determine your base metabolism rate without testing. 800 seems to be the most common guideline given by bariatric clinics to their patients, so that's what the usual recommendation is around here :)

I had my RMR measured at a shade under 1800 calories. I lost 60lbs on 1200 calories per day last year. I did keto for 3 months then switched to low carb (50g per day) which I still do.

It may be worth the $100 to be tested. There are often Groupons available to get it done cheaper

For reference, I'm a 6ft, 56 year old female

I'll also chime in that pouch resets are bogus and will only leave you hungry and more likely to binge. As others have said, what is proven to work is high dense protein and low carb and LOTS of fluids (120 oz+). The dense protein will help you feel full longer. Also many of us have found that 64 oz of fluids just isn't enough to be well hydrated and to help your body to release fluids and fat.Work on increasing your fluids to at least 120 oz/day or more.

As for Keto, I know that it's really popular and there is some scientific evidence that it can help folks to lose weight in the SHORT TERM (a few weeks). After that strict Keto is hard to maintain and the high fat isn't heart healthy, etc. On the other hand, high protein, moderate fat and low carb actually works for the long haul and is good not only for weight loss but for total health.

Regarding support, online support groups like OH are ideal because you can check in wherever you are and whenever you are available. You could try some of the FB groups but many people have not found them to be balanced and helpful.

If you need a "reset" of some kind, search on OH for AMAW or CAMAW information. It is how many of us restart our plan when we need to make changes.

I will also add my personal opinion that more movement and exercise will help you to get better control over your life. The opinion is mixed about whether exercise helps or hinders actual weight loss since burning off the calories in a cookie can be pretty hard. That said moving your body more will help your overall health, help you to be more conscious of how you use and feed your body and help you to have more strength and endurance. JMO and experience.

What is AMAW or CAMAW?

Angela please read my response about Keto up in the "Questions for vets" thread for today. I've looked into it also, and it does have some merit but I'm not quite comfortable with all the hype, as well as the very high fat content. Elements of it take us right back to our post op eating plan, and if it helps get you there (throw out the sugar and carbs) that's fine.

I'm a fan of doing whatever works!

I am driving an hour to a support group this Thursday night. I may not be able to go regularly but I need to be in that space once again. I used to find a LOT of help on the OH boards but they have slowed down a lot over the years, and I have not found any replacement for what these used to be. The grads board is slow...my state board is slow...but honestly I think people get out a few years and either need less support or give up to their regain.

I once did the 5DPT and it was effective in resetting my eating in some ways - again, cutting out the sugar an carbs and overall intake, but it certainly does not shrink the pouch. It's more like a restrictive diet for 5 days, and you may lose a couple of pounds along the way.