HELP! HELP! Gaining and frustrated

Hello All,

A little background:  had VSG in July 2010 so almost 3 years out.  Got to about 135 where I stayed for quite a while.  I got a little carried away over the holidays and got up to about 139.  At the first of the year, I got myself, what I thought, was under control.  I started working out regularly and started concentrating on protein first.  As of today I am up to 143.  I am journaling and staying right around 1100 calories, I'm keeping my carbs down below 100 and trying to keep protein up.  I'm not always good with the protein but I have started incorporating a protein shake.   I've increased my workouts and am averaging 5 days a week, some days 6.  I'm doing cardio and weights.  My weight seems to be inching up daily.  My weight will go down one day and then jump up the next. My clothes are getting tight and those negative, scary thoughts are starting to take over.  

Please help!

A few things I noticed.

The carbs are more of a maintenance range, not a weight loss range. I keep my carbs under 30 and I'm still in the weight loss phase.

Also, you said you don't focus on protein. Protein is important to helping your body lose weight. It is also important to muscle recovery after you work out. A rule of thumb for protein is 3/4 to 1 gram of protein for every pound you want to weigh (your goal weight).

The last thing you didn't talk about is water/fluid. You should be getting in a minimum of 64 oz. Really your water/fluid intake should be more like 100 oz since you are working out so much.

Some other small things:

Protein should always be first

Carbs should come from veggies first. IMO, if you want to lose weight, I would stay away from "white" carbs

Try dropping your calories below 1000

Good luck.

First of all, lots of hugs. I started going up and started noticing that some of my pants were getting tight. I started tracking my food and realized that my calories had increased and my physical exercise had also decreased. I started cutting some food items out and my trainer tweaked my exercise to incorporate more cardio with the weights and made it more HIIT.  Making the nutritional changes and changing my exercise routine have helped me to lose about 3 lbs during the last month, which is fine with me. I am within a lb of my goal weight.

i'm not sure what to tell you. My calories are between 1000-1200, with 1100 being more the norm. I have never been a carb nazi and my carbs average between 65-100, with 80 being the usual amount. I tend to eat more carbs on my cardio days and the carbs are from healthy sources.

have you had your metabolism checked out? Is your thyroid okay?

Many people advocate 800 cal and drastically lowering carbs. That isn't something that I want to do, but if what I was doing wasn't working , I might consider it.  I recommend seeing your doctor and having some tests done. Also, if you are going through menopause, I wonder, if that might be a factor.

If you are working out with weights, I would make sure that you are getting 100 grams of protein per day. A protein shake can help you to reach this number.

we are all individuals and different things work well for someone and not so well for others.

Hugs,

Gail

"Many people advocate 800 cal and drastically lowering carbs. That isn't something that I want to do, but if what I was doing wasn't working , I might consider it."

I'm with you on every part of this. 

I should also say that I am VERY carb sensitive. I consider myself addicted to carbs. I stay away from bread and most "white" starches and sugars because of this. I just can't have one.

I have to be a carb nazi or I just can't stop.

If you can handle carbs, then stay on the plan that works for you.

Not all carbs are created equal. My carbs do come from veggies, some berries, dairy, and small amount of sweet potato or oatmeal a few times/ week. I don't eat pasta, rice, bread, etc. my carbs are higher because I am in maintenance. During the weight phase, after about 6 months, my carbs were about 40-50/day. I do exercise a lot, so I'm sure that some are burned up through exercise.

Yes, I also get almost all of my carbs from veggies. I've stayed away from fruits only because when I tried them early on, they triggered a carb eating frenzy. Even some veggies get me (carrots, celery). Sucks because I love carrots.

I plan to introduce fruits (mostly berries) back in when I get to maintenance.

Because you say I'm trying to keep upon protein but aren't very good.  Try upping the protein and reducing the carbs.

Because you are working out, you need the protein (people will argue that you might need cards too) but with working out you definitely need protein for muscle repair and also lots of water.

Gotta keep playing around with it to find your right mix, much success.

Ms Shell

When my weight starts to inch up, I go old school all the way.  I don't like it, but I need it and it's what works for me.

1) Calories under 800

2) Protein over 80

3) Carbs under 40

4) Drink like a fish

5) Eat 3-5 planned meals a day, no snacking.

I do this for a few day and the pounds come off again.  It's what I know, it's what I do and it's what works for me every time.

Hugs, and I get the frustration in a big way.  I hope you find what works best for you.