Help! Weight Gain

Molly, It is interesting!  I have been amazed at how differently I am reacting to food.  And, how little it takes to make me satisfied now.  Believe me, it's all good. Patty

Hi Victor, I'm 3 years out and gained back 7 lbs, enough to get my attention!  Understanding WHY eating carbs caused me to crave more  -- helps understand why I need to stay away from them. - As carbs break down, they convert into sugars (like glucose) - as sugars are digested, your body releases insulin to counteract the higher glucose levels - the body NEEDs to stay in balance, so depending on how much glucose is present, a corresponding amount of insulin is release to try to keep the balance in check - at the same time, the body is using the sugar for energy  - so between the body's metabolism & the attempts of regulation of the blood sugar by the insulin release, the sugars released from the carbs are depleted - the body NEEDs to stay in balance, so now that your blood sugar has dropped again, you're HUNGRY because your brain thinks you need more sugar. It creates a negative feedback loop. Carbs release sugars faster than proteins -- and when it is readily available it is used by the body, that sugar is used first for energy.  So you eat carbs, spike your insulin level, the sugar is depleted as quick energy and your blood sugar drops. Now you want more carbs! As an example, do you remember in the old days when you ate a donut , you would be ravinous in less than an hour? Seriously, you would be MORE hungry than you had been before you ate the donut? Eating a donut converts to QUICK sugar, the body uses it up first because it is readily available, the insulin level is raised to counteract the higher amount of sugar and then the blood sugar level drops dramatically. Now the body senses it is out of balance again - so it wants more sugar. Causing the hunger, causing the craving. By eating proteins,  they are digested slower  - thereby providing a more level distribution of sugar/insulin reactions.  - You have the sense of staying "full" longer and you don't have the dramatic swings in your insulin pump - you can "turn off" those unbearable carb cravings. Sorry if this was a long response, or redundant - if you google information about the glycemic index of foods, you'll see what you're eating and the relationship of how fast or slowly it turns on your insulin pump reaction. It helps me understand the interactions of foods and MY body, I hope it helps you too!

Hi Regina,

Thanks for the clarification.

I'm trying to plan now ... to avoid regain ... in advance. :)

This is my question. You know when you see the US food guidelines and you see 2-3 portions of meat, milk products etc.? Well, under the category Starches like bread, pasta, etc ... is like 11 portions a day!

So I wonder .. with you long term wls folks HOW can it be that you eat only a few (if any starches) a week and be healthy! If carbs are so addictive we HAVE to avoid them! 

So WHITE CARBS = THE DEVIL but then .... we are missing that entire food group that we see in that US food chart.

Can someone help me with this?

I'm not a nutritionist, I just know what works for me. It's really best to consult a professional for diet planning - especially if you're new to the game. Not all carbs are "BAD". And your body needs some carbs -- it's just a matter of learning what makes up healthier choices. The glycemic index of foods gives you an idea about how fast foods digest and convert to sugar. I avoid most processed foods, white breads, & most starchy foods like potatoes etc. I can not tolerate pastas of any kind (outrageous gas!) so that makes it easy NOT to eat!  I can tolerate some grains like couscous in small quantities. I am not a "no carb" proponant, I get "carbs" from other food sources -  fruits and vegetables and some whole grains. The other thing I forgot to mention is if your body does not have "quick sugar" to use as energy -- then it goes looking for sugar and will break down FATS to use instead & convert to sugar for energy instead. Otherwise if you have "quick sugar" available for your body to use -- it will use it FIRST and store what it doesn't use into more FAT!! So it makes sense to NOT eat foods that convert quickly to sugar so that your body will use fat first!

 This past weekend I started back on the Protein Shakes and discontinued most if not all carbs.  I have noticed the cravings are not as strong.  Thanks for all the wonderful advice.   Now if I can just stop the Coffee>>>.  Again Thanks