Question:
BMI 29/30 how to start any diet can usually only last for 2 pounds

Does anyone have any advice about how to start any real weight loss? I lost on Atkins 10 years ago, but now can't lose more than 2 lbs before I'm bingeing. Weight Watchers won't work for me b/c too food focused for minimal benefit. I exercise 4 or more times per week, but am still gaining - 15 pounds gained this summer.    — trmit4 (posted on July 20, 2009)

July 20, 2009
It sounds like your mind playing games with you. Bad habits are deeply entrenced.It's not going to be easy to break them.I don't mean to sound cruel or nasty, but you have to decide how important diet. I'm afraid that if you have problems with dieting now, what's going happen after wls.
   — Kathleen W.

July 20, 2009
What is you current weight because your BMI in kinda low to be approved by insurance without co-mo problems. You also need to see a nurt. to help with your eating habits and psy. to help you to understand the underlying cause of your binge eating.
   — kasshe1437

July 21, 2009
The reason why wls works for us is this: You really have to do a lot of soul searching and ask yourself why your bad habits are there. Also, you really need to severe your self from the food. You have to cut all ties with the love of food. Remeber you need food to live, you don't live for food. If you can journal each day, write down what you ate and your emotions at the time you ate, then look back and check what you wrote. You will be amazed that you are eating for all the wrong reasons. In order for wls to work, like I said you need to be in touch with your emotional side and cut your ties with food. I think you really need to put your mind to it, because the surgery is just a tool to help you lose weight. It takes the weight away, not the emotional issues that are underlying. I hope this helps you really think about your eating habits. Best wishes to you.
   — Kristy

July 22, 2009
Well Tracy, I am 2 months post op with RNY and I feel you exactly. I think it depends on your age and co-morbidities. When I had the surgery I was far from perfect or having my eating under control. I have previously lost 40 pounds on Atkins and was never able to do it agin. My number was 3 pounds. I would start a diet and get to 3 pounds and not be able to maintain. I needed a kick in the pants and a way to assist me in controlling my eating. When I started trying to get WLS my BMI was 30, by the time I was able to afford it my BMI was 40 because of the yo yo dieting. Loose 3 gain 5 loose 5 gain 10. So to make a decision for the surgery you do not have to be perfect but if you follow the program post surgery and be scared of getting sick or having complications you will follow the plan. So don't yo yo, try to follow a sensible diet plan and if all esle fails speak to your doctor and determine what is right for you. Good Luck.
   — sallie H.