Question:
Post Ops, Seeking Opinions on Using Atkins to lose the last 20 pounds?

Hi everyone. I am almost 3 years post op. Believe me, I am happy with my weight loss and success, however, I am still about 20-30 pounds away from my ultimate goal of 137-147 pounds. Some people at work are thinking of joining together in support and working the Adtkins diet (sp). I want to join them, but I am wondering if it is safe? I don't know that much about this diet (and believe me, I thought I wouldn't have to diet again, but alas). Is it safe to get those last few pounds off, or should I just stick to what I have been doing? Any thoughts would be appreciated.    — enjo4 (posted on July 21, 2003)

July 21, 2003
a LOT of WLS patients live on some version of the Atkins diet and most of us have to diet to lose the last of our weight. Heaven's most of us have dieted through the whole thing - intentionally or not. Portion control IS a form of dieting, high protein is a version of dieting, limiting carbs, etc....I don't think you necessarily should eat a high amount of fat - though I agree with Atkins that you should avoid low-fat items as they generally have more carbs/sugar than their full-fat counterparts. Good luck to you and congrats on all you HAVE acheived!
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 21, 2003
I use the Atkins induction diet whenever I hit a plateau and it definitely works; follwoing an Atkins-like program has helped me to lose over 230 pounds in 9 months. Also, I tend to follow the Atkins ongoing weight loss (OWL) regimine (which allows for some fruits and vegetables) to maintain consistent weight loss. Most of the studies that I've reviewed indicate that Atkins is safe and that, for most people, increasing fat intake (given that they are high density fats) does not increase cholesterol. In my own experience, my cholesterol has always fallen while I was on Atkins.
   — SteveColarossi

July 21, 2003
You may want to check into the South Beach diet. I haven't tried it, but the word is that it's something you can live with for a long time, better than Atkins. Just another option.
   — Leslie F.

July 21, 2003
Erin, I don't necessarily have an answer for you, but I started the induction phase to Adkins just yesterday. I have a friend that pretty much follows these guidelines at her doctors suggestion and she's lost about 80lbs on her own over the last few years doing this. It's not easy to stick to, but I'm hoping to lose my last bit and it does seem that most folks on this website follow it to some extent at their doctors instructions by saying protein first, then veggies then carbs which of course, veggies have carbs. Anyhow, let me know if you do and how you do on it.
   — Tparker

July 21, 2003
Hi, I'm with you! I started doing Atkins with my hubby about a month ago. He needed to lose about 40 pounds and I just wanted to lose the vanity pounds. So far I've lost 5 with about 5 to go and he's lost 20. Oh, I'm almost 2 years out too. I defintely find this the easiest diet to stick to as you can actually EAT! Good luck!
   — Lucky Gal U.

July 21, 2003
I have pretty much been doing Atkins since surgery and I find the only thing to be careful about is making sure that you drink a ton. It can be rough on the kidney IF you don't drink enough. The super low carb portion of the diet is only the first two weeks and then it is a little more "normal". Good luck. :)
   — Carol S.

July 21, 2003
I'd recommend Atkins or the South Beach diet. South Beach is lower in fat and seems healthier (to me) long-term, but is similar. Both are based on low glycemic index foods and getting those insulin swings under control. I would do whichever works for you. Both have worked well for me... as a matter of fact, I started the Atkins this week to lose those few pounds I gained over vacation and to get the carb monster back under control.
   — mom2jtx3