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TimBowen
Thu, May-17-18, 07:53
Hello folks,

I'm a British (Welsh) bloke of 61, trying to reverse a recent doctor's diagnosis of 'Type 2 Diabetes' and all the concerns that tend to go with that.

I'm a fully convinced 'believer' in the science of Ketosis and 'Low-Carbing.' I proved this to myself back in January to July 2011, when I lost 86lbs in weight during that 6.5 months. Yeah pretty spectacular eh?

The problem was...like many of us, having found the perfect method to control my weight, I was seduced back to the (carb/sugar) 'dark side' by my complacency. Resulting, in the meantime, to revert back to becoming heavier than I ever was before.

At the start of this diet (1st May) I was 325lbs, I'm now 318lbs, so I've made a reasonable start in only 2 weeks. However, I'm all too aware I'm not losing the weight at the same rate as before...age?

Anyway, the 'long and the short' of it is...I'm back trying to maintain my discipline again. Annoyed with myself, that I never continued with the lifestyle of 'low-carb eating' back in 2011 onwards. And my weight issues and health consequences, wouldn't have resurfaced like they have!?

Anyway I'm positive and motivated! And I will succeed again! :)

If anyone wants to 'link up' feel free to contact me.

Best regards,

Tim.

JEY100
Thu, May-17-18, 10:46
:wave: Welcome back Tim

Knowing that being in ketosis is a "glory" will make it easy for you.

Don't miss the Diabetes sub-forum here for specific questions related to T2. http://forum.lowcarber.org/forumdisplay.php?f=45

Also information on Low Carb diets for T2 diabetes from Dr. David Unwin https://www.dietdoctor.com/dr-david-unwin-diabetes-times
http://healthinsightuk.org/2014/11/13/high-fat-low-carb-diet-for-diabetes-a-gps-tale/

Dr. Eades has some good tips about why LC may seem harder the "second time around" https://proteinpower.com/drmike/2014/01/05/help-low-carb-dieters/
Yes age, but also people tend to remember the later phases of a LC diet. Try a re-start using strict induction rules get back into ketosis, become fat-adapted and control cravings.

You have found a great forum for information and support. Maybe join a buddy group, or read success stories, etc.

All the best,

Grav
Fri, May-18-18, 02:07
Welcome Tim.

86 pounds in under 7 months sounds pretty amazing. I'm not sure exactly where I was at after 7 months, but I know it took me just on a year to lose 100, so you were definitely quicker than me, first time around.

The fact that you've already succeeded with LC once before should be all the proof you need that it can work for you again, although your mentioning that it seems a bit slower the second time around is a comment I read a lot amongst those who do start again. I wouldn't let it bother you too much. It's not a race, you know it works, you'll get there again in reasonable time I'm sure.

Good luck!

SilverEm
Fri, May-18-18, 03:38
Hi, Tim. :) Welcome! I wish you continued success.

TimBowen
Fri, May-18-18, 03:55
Thank you both, for your welcome, web links, advice and empathy, it's genuinely appreciated.

I was most interested to read about the 'second time' around 'syndrome.' Although I haven't read the advice in the links provided yet. I'm not too worried though,

I've set myself '1 full year' on this diet (until 1st May 2019) to achieve my 115lbs weight loss. While it's undoubtedly ambitious, it does mean only losing 2.211lbs (or 1kg) per week and that should be an achievable target, you'd expect??? I'm expecting, having maintained the 'diet' for that length of time, I'd be more inclined to continue 'eating LC' as a permanent lifestyle choice.

Actually, this is not my 'second bash' at LC dieting. Ever since regaining most of my original weight, I've made a number of failed attempts, to recapture the relief, excitement and confidence, in having proven LC diets 'work' for me.

My wife is completely unconvinced by my almost religious zeal in 'selling her the science' behind LC eating. With us regularly needing to make different meals each evening, well it became a significantly demotivating factor with continuing. (My wife is not affected by being overweight)

I shall certainly, 'delve deeply' into the forum history, for advice and tips and asking whether a particular food is 'allowable to maintain 'ketosis.'

The problem for 'us Brits' though, is with the names/products identified on US based forums. examples of which would be US rutabaga to UK swede, plus, US scallion to UK spring onion. So to get around that, I only tend to use the most basic (non processed) of foodstuffs. Eating as naturally as I can, trying to ensure what's on my plate is all 'acceptable food' helping to maintain 'ketosis.'

Anyway, enough from me for now. Onwards and Upwards eh? :wave:

JEY100
Fri, May-18-18, 05:47
This forum is based in Canada, and has a section for U.K. members. http://forum.lowcarber.org/forumdisplay.php?f=35 (see post on two nations divided by a common language, aka the sticky on language differences at top of section :lol: ) Two moderators are Canadian and Australian, Grav who answered above is from NZ (check out his success story!) and I lived in the U.K. six years and able adjust terms and grammar when needed. :)
Have you found DietDoctor as a resource. If you join for a free month trial (very easy to stop membership) you get access to high quality talks and films including many on diabetes. Maybe watching some of those together with your wife would help her understand why low carb is best for your health. Here is one example, membership not needed for this one. https://www.dietdoctor.com/lchf-diabetes-full-presentation-dr-eric-westman

TimBowen
Sun, May-20-18, 03:31
I'm really encouraged, having found this forum, how much advice and information is available here to expand our knowledge/experience about living a permanent 'low carb' lifestyle.

The problem for me though, like many newbies no doubt, is knowing where to find/access the specific information required at any given time. For me, at the moment, I'm a little confused about what levels of protein, and fat I should be consuming at my 'stage' of the diet?

I realise I'm at the start of my diet of course, but where do I obtain specific advice about each stage, regarding consumption levels? Currently, my primary interest is in losing weight. From what I've learned, that advice would be modified once I reach my target weight and from then on, I'd only need to tailor that advice to maintain that weight.

Even though, as I explained in an earlier post, I've successfully lost weight on a 'Ketogenic' based diet back in 2011. There wasn't much 'learning' involved then. As I simply bought pre-packed meals, catering to placing my body into a state of ketosis. That company's advice was provided, but I felt it was mainly aimed at their system.

I considered doing that again, but felt, if I'm to live the LC lifestyle, I need to learn how to do it effectively, when having to make my own food choices. When I go online to learn about the science, the various ingredients and eating advice. It doesn't always relate to losing weight, often it's more related to 'the lifestyle.' I'd love to be able to separate those two advice pools.

Currently, I'm concerned, because of my slow weight loss, that I'm taking in too much fat, or 'unseen carbs' in foodstuffs at this early stage. (Yes, even though I use mainly basic, non-processed foods, I do read labels about carb content if necessary)

Because I work long hours, it doesn't always allow me to spend too much time 'digging' this information out. What I think would be a real help, is a list of 'acceptable' basic foods that I could 'mix and match,' not to become bored in a culinary sense and also, most importantly, still stay in ketosis...and to lose weight at a consistently better rate.

No doubt these sentiments/questions are expressed/asked by the vast majority of new starters. If anyone could provide a couple of helpful links that would be much appreciated. Thanks.

JEY100
Sun, May-20-18, 05:24
What I think would be a real help, is a list of 'acceptable' basic foods that I could 'mix and match,' not to become bored in a culinary sense and also, most importantly, still stay in ketosis...and to lose weight at a consistently better rate.
Here is a clinic diet with a list of foods that worked for me and thousands of other obese people over the past 20 years. I recommend this one by Dr. Westman, also in the back of Why We Get Fat. Super Simple. Eat only what is on the list of permitted foods (no nuts, alcohol) and follow the limits for vegetables (3 cups), 2T cream, 4 oz cheese. You will be under 20g total carbs without having to count them. Mostly eat real food proteins and the fat that comes with them.

https://www.dietdoctor.com/se/wp-content/2014/10/no_sugar_no_starch_diet.pdf The only minor difference between this copy and the Clinic Plan, is that the Clinic limits Cream, Mayonnaise and Soy Source to 2T, not 4 as listed here.

Above is based on what Dr. Atkins used in his clinic around 2000. The Atkins Induction list from 1992 book also works, top of Atkins forum. http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?t=236482 This gives a you a bit more flexibility than the diet used for clinical trials.

Yet more generous is the LCHF plan on DietDoctor. https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb

Scroll down to this new folder. Print on two sides, triple fold, carry this with you for list of foods allowed. He doesn't mention limits on fat and dairy but the basic food lists are here, an Eat this, Not that approach. https://www.dietdoctor.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Low-carb-for-beginners_folder_1803.pdf They are all simple and work, the rate of weight loss may depend on your metabolic health, medications, etc.

TimBowen
Sun, May-20-18, 11:27
Hello Janet,

Thank you so much, those links will be invaluable to me setting off with eating the right foods in the right portions.

It's genuinely appreciated.

Grav
Sun, May-20-18, 14:09
Janet's lists are really good, as her posts always are.

Here's another one for you, from realmealrevolution.com (https://realmealrevolution.com/download-banting-list/). This is an updated version of the original list that I personally got started on. It's a bit more detailed, but is laid out in such a way that best to worst goes left to right, so you can work out for yourself how much variety you can personally allow yourself while still losing weight.

Another point worth making is that you probably want to make your doctor aware of what you're doing, especially if you have any other pre-existing conditions, and particularly any that require medication. I remember helping another lady I know a while back who's about your age; she was on a cocktail of daily meds and had recurring appointments with her doc every few weeks. A year later, not only had she lost 20kg, but she'd come off all but one of her meds, and now only needs to see her doc every few months. So if you can relate to any of that, then definitely make sure your doc knows what's going on as well.

TimBowen
Mon, May-21-18, 10:21
Hello Grav,

Even though I've just been diagnosed as having 'Type 2 Diabetes,' with the diagnosis being made at the end of April, (some three weeks ago) I'm not on medication of any kind.

Hopefully, I don't intend to be on any medication either...if I can possibly avoid it? I told him I intend to entrust my reversal of this diagnosis, to my Ketogenic Diet plan.

When I told the Doctor this was my preference and plan, particularly when I think I showed him I had some past experience and a basic knowledge...not only did he not argue against it, he was mildly supportive. Which did surprise me somewhat, as I expected it to be challenged? Saying he'd allow me 3 months, before retesting my blood sugar levels again, to give the diet time to work.

I'm now eagerly trying to learn (online) all I can about various aspects of Low-Carb diets. For me though, the only confusion comes from slightly different advice being offered from different diets plans.

Compounded, by not knowing if the advice offered, is meant for people like me in the 'Induction phase,' or intended to be for those in later stages, or not even weight loss related, just 'lifestyle' advice?

I've been most interested in the Dr. Berg Channel on YouTube, which provides a whole range of specific, plainly spoken truths, in 'bite-sized' video lengths, that will prove invaluable to me as my knowledge grows?

As I have to admit to being disappointed with my weight losses during these first three weeks. Losing 5lbs, then 2lbs, then on weighing again today, only 1lb. So that's a miserable total of only 8lbs in the first 3 weeks!?

Which is nowhere near as successful as my first go at the Ketogenic Diet, back in 2011...when, in my first week, I lost an impressive 15lbs! If I'd lost 8lbs over 3 weeks in two/three months from now, I'd be delighted! But with much of the loss to date, probably being attributable to 'water loss,' it's not impressing me! I must be doing something wrong???

This time I'm not buying the 'Natural Ketosis' food packets, I'm buying my ingredients from local supermarkets, in 'designing' my own Keto version, using basic foodstuffs from 'acceptable food' lists.

The good news is though Grav, it does appear I'm losing inches off my belly, so that's helping to keep me motivated currently. I will persevere and I will succeed, I just need to tweak one or two things probably?

However, comments about people not losing as much on new diets, as in previous attempts, does stick in my mind at the moment. Is this what's happening to me I wonder?

Grav
Mon, May-21-18, 15:17
Our circumstances are all different. Age can be a factor, gender can be a factor. Some of us have more weight to lose than others. Some of us have T2D or other conditions like hypertension, dyslipidemia, chronic inflammation. There will naturally be some variations in the different plans you will find, as we all naturally vary ourselves. But you should be able to identify the general themes running through them all: get your carb intake as low as you can tolerate, keep protein moderate, eat the right kinds of fat to satiety.

Precisely what you will eat in order to achieve that is ultimately up to you. There may be some things you could eat but simply don't enjoy eating. Or maybe you'll read about something that you can't get so easily in your area. The way I personally started was to comb my local supermarket, checking labels on everything and only grabbing stuff that had no more than 10g of carbs per 100g going by the labels, in addition to certain vegetables that of course don't come with labels at all. Then I had to think about what I could make with the ingredients I'd come home with, just as it sounds like you're doing as well.

There are no shortage of recipe ideas online if you know where to look (Diet Doctor (https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/recipes) is a good start). YouTube channels like Dr Berg can be a pretty good learning resource as well. Virta Health (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbkeZcRugU8bUcOKwBIHjsg/) is a newer channel with some good up-to-date scientific information, and there are plenty of other longer presentations around the place once you're ready to dive a little deeper.

It's good news that you have a supportive doc from the beginning. Not all of us are so lucky, but the reaction of pleasant surprise is fairly consistent down the track. :) If he's given you a few months, that will probably be enough time to allow for a fresh HbA1c to indicate how much progress you've made in the meantime. So now's definitely the time to get started.

Again, try not to let the relative lack of progress on the scales this time around bother you. There are plenty of other ways you can be tracking progress, and you already mentioned waist circumference as one of them. Various blood markers will be useful to get checked the next time you see your doc, and between now and then you may notice your appetite start to change as well. These are all good indicators. Just gotta be patient.

If you're sticking around, maybe consider starting a journal here, so you can write about your journey as you go?

TimBowen
Tue, May-29-18, 09:53
Hello again Grav,

Thanks for your recent reply.

I haven't come back to you earlier, as I've taken up your advice to learn about the various advice on offer, in trying to explore and find reasons behind my uncharacteristically slow weight loss, over the last two weeks in particular. I've taken up much of my free-time doing just that.

Then last Tuesday, I came across a 'blinding flash of brilliance.' I hit upon what I hope to be THE 'rocket fuel' for my 'Ketogenic vehicle,' to enable me to get out of 'second,' to thrust me into 'top Gear!?'

I began reading about OMAD (One Meal A Day) used in conjunction with a Ketogenic Diet and it really got me excited about the chances of maximising my weight losses.

And even though it advises to adopt a gradual introduction into OMAD, I couldn't do that as...'I don't do gradual'...LOL

I ploughed headlong into it, reading and immediately 'seeing' the advantages, not only to my weight loss results, but also with the 'Double Whammy' beneficial effects with my whole body generally.

I was 'sold' on it instantly!

Yesterday, when weighing (on a Monday as usual), Monday 28th May, I found I'd lost 5lbs, when only incorporating OMAD into my 'Keto regime' for 6 days. Meaning since 1st May, I've now lost 13lbs in total! That's much better eh!? Suddenly my motivation has resurfaced with a bang...a big bang as well! LOL

Since then I've been trying to read anything that presents any new OMAD advice, but I think I've got the 'jist of it' already?

I'm currently keeping meticulous records about my Diet, so I can start a journal too, like you Grav. If it helps to motivate others to succeed, then why not eh? However, I won't start it yet, I'd rather see a bit of success achieved first, before nailing my colours to the mast and failing for some reason later on and letting people down.

However, it's true to say I'm currently highly motivated, I feel like I have found a 'top coach' to advise/support me all the way to my 'Gold Medal,' to achieve my '15 Stone' target (or 210lbs).

Talk is cheap they say and they're right. But once I (hopefully) achieve the 210 target, maybe I'll aim to go lower? With OMAD in my team, how can I go wrong? LOL

TimBowen
Tue, May-29-18, 10:05
By the way Grav,

How do I edit and upgrade my forum profile information, I'm referring in particular my current weight.

JEY100
Tue, May-29-18, 10:28
Grav should be having sweet dreams in NZ now ;) so I'll answer. :)

Go to the second dark green bar, USER CP on far left. Click any part of the profile or signature, etc, change what you want, just remember to hit SAVE down at bottom of page.

Congrats on that loss!. If you want to learn move about OMAD or other versions of IF, good info is hiding in this long standing thread about Dr Fung.
http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?t=472377
.

TimBowen
Tue, May-29-18, 12:55
Thanks Janet, you're a gem.

Just been on my Profile and altered my current weight.

Thank you for the link, I will ensure to read it tomorrow.

I found the various YouTube videos explanation's of the science behind OMAD fascinating during this learning process. My old version of 'Fasting all day' was always something I found relatively easy to achieve, but the problem was, I'd break that Fast by eating inappropriate 'high sugar content' foods to ruin any of the good 'fasting effects' I would've achieved.

But because I'm used to it, I've now incorporated OMAD into my Ketosis diet Plan and, so far at least, it's working brilliantly for me.

Thanks again Janet.

Grav
Wed, May-30-18, 01:21
Grav should be having sweet dreams in NZ now ;) so I'll answer. :)
Thanks Janet. Yeah, I'm typically unconscious at that hour; I don't usually have time for posting during the week except in my evenings when everyone else is unconscious instead. :lol:

Tim, really glad to hear you've found a connection with intermittent fasting. I laughed at "I don't do gradual"; not everyone can dive into fasting like that, myself included. It took me over 2 years of lowcarbing before I finally adopted 16:8 at the start of this year, dropping to two meals a day.

But it sounds like you're getting some great results with OMAD, and as long as the hunger isn't too much of an issue for you between meals, I figure you might just have figured out what going to work best for you. For things to have "clicked" for you like that so soon will be really exciting, I bet.

13lb inside of a month is more than I ever managed during my own journey as well (think my average was 9 or 10?). Congrats on your newfound success, long may it continue!

As Janet already mentioned, Dr Jason Fung is something of an authority when it comes to fasting. He's featured pretty heavily over on Diet Doctor (https://www.dietdoctor.com/intermittent-fasting) as well, if you're up for a little more reading on the subject.

TimBowen
Mon, Jun-25-18, 03:09
I'm a little reluctant to make this posting as it may come across as gloating...it isn't intended to be.

I'd prefer to think of it as helpful motivation for my fellow strugglers with a similar 'implacable enemy' to fight...our weight!

But today I'm 300lbs again, meaning I've lost another 4lbs, making it a total of 25lbs lost in 8 weeks,on the Keto/Omad Diet!!!

This is now making me increasingly confident, that when my doctor takes my bloods again at the end of July...he can confirm that 'Food has been my Medicine' 'curing me' of his recent Diabetes diagnosis?

Still got a long way to go though. Still got 104lbs to shift.

However, I was reminded of the saying, "Necessity is the Mother of Invention." To my mind in being on this diet, that saying should be tweaked somewhat, to read "Necessity is the Mother of Motivation!"

I'm focussed and on a roll and while I still have a long way to go, I'm fired up by being on the road to where I want to be, a 'Slim Tim' once more!

Susky2
Mon, Jun-25-18, 05:47
It's more boasting than gloating, and there's nothing wrong with boasting about accomplishments like that. Nice work, and keep on.

I'm shooting for 300 before too long. It might be a push, but my 57th birthday is in just a little over three weeks, with maybe 15 or so pounds to go. I might try a little 16-8 IF for a bit, but we'll see how this week's weigh-in turns out. Even if I don't make it then, it will be soon after, and we'll both be in twonderland.

bevangel
Mon, Jun-25-18, 09:09
today I'm 300lbs again, meaning I've lost another 4lbs, making it a total of 25lbs lost in 8 weeks,on the Keto/Omad Diet!!!

Woo hoo!!! Congratulations on reaching a magnificent milestone! Nobody here minds at all when you brag/gloat a little bit. We celebrate with you and cheer you on! :cheer::cheer::cheer:

Too bad your doctor didn't give you a script for blood glucose monitor so you could track your blood sugars regularly. I'm betting that you have already made significant strides in getting your T2 diabetes under control and, nice as the weight-loss is, ensuring that you don't lose toes or eyesight (or worse) to diabetes is even better!

My hubby (now age 67) was diagnosed with T2 diabetes in February 2014. Our efforts to control his BG with diet alone led us to LC/ketogenic WOE. We've stuck with it ever since and his HbA1Cs remain perfectly normal. His doctor took him off metformin a couple of years ago... closest thing to a "cure" possible. Meanwhile, we have so many friends -and family members - who are moving inexorably down the the path of "diabetes is a progressive disease" and having to take more and more medications. Why? Because fear of eating fat has scared them off of even trying a low-carb approach.

Even tho I don't know you, I rejoice that you're on the path to health again! Every success story becomes one more data point that may SOMEDAY help convince a diabetic that I personally know and love that the "eat low fat" advice that he/she has bought into is just deadly.

Welcome to the forum and I'll be cheering your progress...both weight loss and blood sugar control!

JEY100
Tue, Jun-26-18, 02:50
Great job Tim :clap: Round decade numbers and entering the Twos are such a mental boost.
There has been much going on in the UK around LC and Diabetes just since to restarted. Did you see the BBC special on "beige' carbs...mostly the last 15 minutes on Dr Unwin and a small study on diabetes. http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?t=480472
A low carber who reversed diabetes and a diabetes practice nurse addresses Parliament.
http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?t=480512
And the NHS approves use of a Low Carb Programme for Diabetes!
http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?t=480510 Now this is the plan designed by Dr Unwin which has more flexibility and carbs than any of the plans I linked, but there are options in the UK plan to personalize carbs even lower. The excitement isn’t the exact plan itself, but that the NHS approves using a LC Diet to manage and reverse diabetes...maybe before any medications are tried. At least your wife will see it is a medically approved method to lose weight and help diabetes, whether convinced by the science or not.
Keep Calm and Keto On. :)
Btw, we have many members here with families who do not eat LC. The easiest is making a protein and veg both can eat, while the non LC adds a potato or bread. Can make stews or meat pies, pick out potatoes or remove crust. We have so many recipes here or scroll through the DietDoctor photos to find recipes you might both enjoy.

Grav
Tue, Jun-26-18, 13:27
25lb in 8 weeks is great going. Can you imagine where you might be in 3 months? Christmas? This time next year?

This will be a very exciting time for you; I remember it well. Keep up the good work!

TimBowen
Wed, Jun-27-18, 03:35
Wow, what a lovely and encouraging set of replies, thank you very much, it's genuinely appreciated.

To be a bit morbid for a short while...I can't tell you the massive boost to my confidence this diet has generated in me again already. After experiencing too many years of 'hating myself' and becoming reclusive, because of how people who knew me previously show their 'disbelief' with how much weight I've continued to pile on, since 2011 when I ended my Ketogenic diet last time. And I'm sure Grav as a bloke can verify, while women are more subtle and understanding, men just come out and say it straight! Bloody hell Tim, you fat b**steward, Or singing, "Who ate all the pies" etc. etc. And it hurts like hell.

I used to cope by being the comedian of the group, the 'fun bloke' the 'life and soul,' even though, I only wanted the floor to open up and swallow me, to just take me away from those much slimmer friends.

And I won't even mention how, as a man, how devastating it is to your body hatred and 'performance' in the bedroom. I constantly worried whether my '7 years younger' wife, would want to stay with me because of it.

Most of you that have been classed as 'morbidly obese' can perhaps relate to those feelings of shame and total embarrassment. Because I must be a 'lazy loser' right, to allow myself to get into the weight/state I did!?

It didn't matter that I was building an excellent reputation throughout my agency area, as a most successful foster carer, it didn't matter that, I was starting to build a exciting construction business that promised to generate the secure retirement income I wanted, to help safeguard my family's future. I was as 'fat as hell' and so...was a complete and utter failure!

Nothing, I realised gave me solace! Nothing could make me 'happy!'

Why couldn't I do anything about it? Sincerely, I don't know? I've asked myself that question 1001 times over the years. I think it was down to making 'starts' to a diet, then a 'family birthday,' or a Family holiday, or Christmas, or whatever...would come along and rob me of my motivation and each time I failed to lose the weight, it simply compounded my emotional despair!

So in the end, to protect myself from re-inforcing my belief that indeed, I was just a 'cowardly loser,' I wouldn't even start another diet.

Indian or Chinese tonight everyone?

Anyway, let's hope those desperate emotions are now to be confined to my past. Yes, I've only lost 25lbs, but each pound I lose, helps put me into a position that could reverse my recent diabetes diagnosis. I think the diagnosis was like an icy bucket of cold water poured all over my complacency. Having reached that very low point for me, it was time to 'get myself sorted!'

And so, here I am, fighting the good fight, with all you splendid soldiers fighting alongside me...how can I possibly fail this time!? Don't worry, I won't!

Sorry folks, I just needed to unload that, losing weight is not just confined to the physical, it impacts equally on the emotions too I feel.

So thank you Susky2, BevAngel, and as always, Janet and Grav too. Joining this forum has been a major help, I'll have to start reading other people's success (or struggle) stories, and offer support to them too.

Tim.

Susky2
Wed, Jun-27-18, 06:59
Tim, I'm right there with ya, buddy. I just hit the 25 mark myself, and I'm going to keep on pushing!

For what it's worth, I keep loose tabs on a guy named Jonathan Bailor, who promotes a lifestyle that is somewhat similar to the low-carb approach (his "SANE" concept is a little more flexible, but he says that LC and keto can fit perfectly well within his plan).

Bailor goes on to describe the unnecessary shame and embarrassment that society seems to burden us with. He's an open critic of people like Jillian Michaels, who bullies people about their weight. He says that societal "blame" for being overweight is both inhumane and counterproductive.

This is from one of his podcasts:

...let's keep in mind that the number one approach to lose weight is shame-based. Go to a gym and have someone scream at you?! The most well-known personal trainer in the world is popular because she screams at people and shames them and makes them feel terrible on national television. And the most popular company in the world that "helps" people lose weight puts people together in groups and does public weigh-ins so that we can shame people into losing weight.


Funny that you mention the relationship with the wife. The last time I did this successfully, my wife (who is also morbidly obese, but refuses to make the changes with me) started worrying that I was going to jump ship, and she's said that she notices other women eyeing me up. Hahaha! It feels good to be admired, but a good marriage is about more than physicality. Anyway, there are definitely a lot of emotions in play, and I really appreciate you bringing it up.

If you are self motivated to improve your health and to feel better, you're totally on the right track. Keep on keepin' on!

(And by the way, if it's Chinese, I'll have the moo shu pork (without the pancakes and plum sauce). It's tasty and it fits the lifestyle quite well!

Grav
Wed, Jun-27-18, 12:38
You know what Tim, your last post reads to me like the beginning of a pretty awesome success story. Have you considered starting a journal? Might be a worthwhile exercise to track the improvement in your mindset as well as your appearance.

And I'm sure Grav as a bloke can verify, while women are more subtle and understanding, men just come out and say it straight! Bloody hell Tim, you fat b**steward, Or singing, "Who ate all the pies" etc. etc. And it hurts like hell.
Actually as an adult, I haven't had to deal too much with that sort of thing at all when I think about it. Perhaps because one of my coping mechanisms has historically been to keep to myself, stay inside, work an office job, don't go out in public. To a large extent I'm still like that, but the confidence is slowly growing now at least.

School on the other hand, yeah you pretty much nailed it.

Most of you that have been classed as 'morbidly obese' can perhaps relate to those feelings of shame and total embarrassment. Because I must be a 'lazy loser' right, to allow myself to get into the weight/state I did!?
Totally. "It's all about the calories, don't you know? Calories in, calories out. Just eat less and move more. It works for everybody else, so if you can't do it, it's your fault." Pretty much the story of my life up until 2015.

Gotta say, it feels pretty good to be proving all of those people wrong, as you're also now discovering. :)

TimBowen
Thu, Jun-28-18, 04:30
This is directly intended to be in reply to male members Susky2 and Grav, but, of course you ladies are free to read it too. LOL

We've all three of us touched on the 'shame and embarrassment' aspect of our weight gain and the emotional trials and tribulations we've experienced because of it. But just imagine for a moment if you were female and facing those obesity problems?

We blokes get it so much easier than the ladies don't we boys? We are not judged anywhere near as negatively as women who are significantly overweight.

How many times do you see in TV, magazines or newspapers, successful women in their chosen fields, facing horrendous levels of scrutiny...to open mockery, because successful they may well be, they are the target of negative articles/items because they are "Fat."

I mentioned my occasional pain at judgemental friends' comments, but it probably/certainly would pale into insignificance when compared to the pressures faced by overweight females. When women are constantly judged by how slim and 'hot' they are!

And not only by males! I've heard numerous women passing negatively personal comments about TV personalities, or worse, even their own friends/acquaintances. So really even though, I've been very conscious of my weight, for a woman, those feelings must be magnified several times over?

I suppose this is supported by how many lady members we appear to have compared to males?

So girls, some of us guys do understand honestly.

TimBowen
Tue, Jul-17-18, 00:24
to Grav, or any 'seniors,'

You've mentioned me starting a journal, but how do I start one? What area of the site?

Are journals intended to be written - 'post diet,' when you've achieved success and reached target?

Or is it usually meant to detail 'the journey' and the trials and tribulations we all experience 'along that road' to reach what we hope/feel is an acceptable weight for each of us?

I'd appreciate someone providing a 'pointer or two' regarding this, if possible please?

JEY100
Tue, Jul-17-18, 04:05
Amazingly enough, in the Journals section. :lol: not to worry, the sections in this forum aren’t all that easy.

http://forum.lowcarber.org/forumdisplay.php?f=36
Read the top two "Stickies" or pinned posts about how to write them, then a Journal button will show up on your posts. Journals can be a list of what you ate or your thoughts on the meaning of life. More the journey though, because....

Then there is also a Success and Milestone section. http://forum.lowcarber.org/forumdisplay.php?f=86
I’ve not quite figured out the difference, and why one is a folder behind the other?, but again a button will show up on your posts if you have done one.
Ken and Grav are experts how to write in both a journal then record a success story too.

Grav
Tue, Jul-17-18, 13:35
What Janet said. :) Basically a journal is a thread for you to record your individual progress any way you like, a milestone is a major accomplishment along the way, and the success story is for when you've pretty much achieved your goal.

I was already about 40% of the way to goal when I first registered here and started my journal. I did it because I wanted to discuss the subject more than my friends and family were prepared to listen by that point, so it was as much about giving them a break as anything else! I really just wanted an outlet to help keep me on track; I still had such a long way to go, and as a lifelong fatty this was all very much unknown territory for me. What better way to discover this new me than one day at a time?

Whatever you want to write in your own journal is up to you, subject to the rules Janet linked to, of course. I have no regrets about having started mine.

TimBowen
Wed, Aug-01-18, 00:59
Thanks both for that, I really should have looked before I asked that question eh? LOL

I just wanted to announce a mini achievement of mine today...

I have now lost 42lbs (3 stones) in 3 calendar months!

I am now 30% of my way to my target of 140lbs (10 Stone) in a calendar year. May 1st 2018 to May 1st 2019.

I'm hoping, even when my weekly losses start to slow up somewhat, I'll have enough 'calendar' left over, to achieve my goal?

Today, I'm feeling very pleased with myself. LOL

JEY100
Wed, Aug-01-18, 04:13
:clap: You should be pleased. Your success has a good visual of three large stones shed from your body and left behind in a garden. :lol:
It is great to have a goal to shoot for, but what will you do if you "only" lose 8 stone? Every stone lost puts you on the road to health improvements. You can certainly meet your weight goal but setting a fixed date for when that happens may not be encouraging for you along the way. Rather, how is your blood sugar? Have you been able to get off medications? From your introduction, there are more important goals than a number on the scale next May. :idea:

ImOnMyWay
Wed, Aug-01-18, 20:29
Thanks both for that, I really should have looked before I asked that question eh? LOL

I just wanted to announce a mini achievement of mine today...

I have now lost 42lbs (3 stones) in 3 calendar months!

I am now 30% of my way to my target of 140lbs (10 Stone) in a calendar year. May 1st 2018 to May 1st 2019.

I'm hoping, even when my weekly losses start to slow up somewhat, I'll have enough 'calendar' left over, to achieve my goal?

Today, I'm feeling very pleased with myself. LOL

As you should be! You're doing amazing! Keep up the good work. And keep us apprised of your journey. We want to hear more! Maybe start that journal?

TimBowen
Thu, Aug-02-18, 03:45
Thanks again Janet and you too ImOnMyWay.

I've noticed a 'strange coincidence' IOMW, I've just looked at your stats on your posting and I've now lost the exact amount you hope to lose, to achieve your final target. Believe me, if I can do it...so can you too.

Janet, while I understand your thinking, what if I do fall short of my target? I have considered that possibility. As I mentioned in my initial post, my doctor's diagnosis provided the motivation to 'get stuck into' this diet. I'd put it off for waaayyy too long.

Admittedly, I haven't returned to the doctor yet to check my blood sugar levels, (he said to leave it 3 months to give the diet a chance to 'work it's magic' LOL)

I'm fairly confident I've reversed that diagnosis, by the weight loss I've achieved. However, to have that officially confirmed is something I intend doing soon...and will report the results on this forum when I do.

So should I only lose '8 stone,' I'll be seriously 'disappointed' in myself on the one hand. But I will at least be 8 stone lighter, and so, that'll signify a major improvement on where I was at the end of April. But I also don't intend to fail in my quest.

Also Janet, fortunately, as I'd only just been diagnosed and told him immediately I intended to go down the Ketosis and OMAD (One Meal A Day) route, he didn't prescribe any medication. It was always my intention never to accept any, as I've read some horror stories about the potential side effects. His concerns were also allayed somewhat, by the knowledge I already had about the ketosis process, having lost over 6 stone (85.5lbs) back in 2011.

With regards 'Goal setting,' (setting dates) I'm a bloke and we are wired that way I think? Well, at least I am! It's a real challenge to overcome. Yes, losing 140lbs in a calendar year is certainly an ambitious target no doubt. But keeping stats and meeting mini targets, like I have this week, provides me with further motivation, to fuel the fight. It gives me yet another positive element to the weight loss process.

Beating or achieving my target when I weigh on a Monday, provides me with 'one heck of a buzz!' I walk on air for the whole day!

It's like following the sports scores, every Monday when I weigh...and wonder if I'm 'on target'...have I 'won' this week etc etc. I think blokes would identify with that male motivation. I've always been 'goal orientated.' And as a salesman for much of my working life, I tend to follow the 'Failure to plan, is planning to fail' mantra. Hence my 'goal setting.'

Although, fitting into my old clothes in the 'forgotten half' of my wardrobe is certainly another 'highly satisfying' landmark. LOL

I can't remember if I mentioned but I've started to Fast recently and find, probably due to the OMAD routines, that I'm able to do that without any problems. Recently, out of curiosity, I tried a '100 hours Fast' and achieved it too (4 days and 4 hours of not eating). Only drinking 3 litres (approx. 6 pints) of water each day and the occasional cup of tea.

Having read up on the science behind 'fasting' not only does it help with your weight loss figures, but it also provides your body with a significant boost with clearing the junk out from your cells. (Google 'Autophagy' for the low down on this) Or, I've included a website regarding the benefits of 'Fasting' should anyone be interested?

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fasting-benefits?utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=authoritynutrition&utm_content=2018-07-30

Anyway, enough 'waffle' from me today. I just wanted you all to know I'm aware of the concerns expressed, and just like 'Miss Pi' I also hope 'I'mOnMYWay' to my target weight.

Hopefully, by my birthday in April...what a great birthday pressie to myself that would be eh? LOL

thud123
Thu, Aug-02-18, 06:21
Beating or achieving my target when I weigh on a Monday, provides me with 'one heck of a buzz!' I walk on air for the whole day!
And here in lies the danger. When you start missing your theoretical targets, and you will, I've seen so many that are no longer here start make changes, waffle, despair and disappear - some times reappearing heavier or expressing unnecessary shame.

Even if you do hit your goals or even exceed them, The buzz of weight loss will wear off.

I found it helpful to stop dreaming about the future and just do what I can do today and not attached too much to the result. Today, right now, is the only time you can do anything about your future - I'm sure you will find your way :)

This coming from a bloke that had a similar path that needed following. I even went as far, mid journey, to eliminate my "goal" weight. When I did that, I was free from the cycle and new vistas opened.

I wish you Well Tim Bowen!

ImOnMyWay
Thu, Aug-02-18, 08:24
Thanks for the shout out, Tim, and for the article on fasting. Informative and thought provoking.

I seem to have naturally gravitated towards intermittent fasting - not deliberately, but sometimes I don't eat my first meal of the day until late afternoon, and I find it hard to eat more than two meals a day. Still, I wonder if I'm decreasing muscle mass by doing this. But I don't feel weak.

Anyway, I recommend that you view your scale readings as just one source of data. It's just one metric of how to measure your progress, and can be deceiving. You can be making progess even if the scale doesn't go down, or even if it goes up! Speaking for myself, my weight can vary a couple of pounds per day. That doesn't mean that I've gained a couple of pounds of fat overnight. Useless to obsess over what the scale says. Sometimes I just put it in the closet, and pull it out once a week or once a fortnight.