Do you watch more than just calories & protein?

Northwest_Nance · 07-01-2008, 08:57 AM

So, I've lost about 34 pounds since mid-March. Ten pounds lost while researching surgery just because I was so disgusted with myself (that weight fell off almost effortlessly, like the first few pounds usually do). Ten pounds lost on pre-op diet. And about 14 pounds lost since surgery on May 15th (most of that lost in the first few weeks of post-op diet).

But the last couple of weeks, I've only lost a couple of pounds. And for about ten days now I've been fluctuating up and down by 3/4 of a pound. I am totally frustrated.... I am exercising, I haven't had a potato chip or any kind of snack in months, haven't eaten between meals; I'm counting calories, and getting my protein in. I was doing 800-900 calories a day and I decided maybe the problem is, that wasn't enough calories. So I upped it to around 1100-1200 calories a day. Still no good results. I could see if I weighed a little less, weight will come off slower no matter what I do. But at 5'1" and 220 pounds, I shouldn't be struggling to lose weight when I think I'm doing all the right things.

Over the last 20 years, I lost 100+ pounds three times. One of those times was on low carb. I'm thinking that just may be the route I have to go, and I'm going to give it a test run starting today. I do see there is a whole thread on here for people doing low carb. I just wondered what your experience has been.... has counting calories been enough for you (assuming you are getting in all your protein, of course)? Or have you had to go further than that and count carbs, or fat grams, or sodium?

neveragain · 07-01-2008, 09:09 AM

See, here's the thing. I like to be really nit picky about it, so I count just about everything. Also, I would go over why I say this again, but Jacqui would yell at me again

(juuuuust kidding. haha). At any rate, High protein, low carb diets are incomparable in physical health benefits on JUST about anyone. Atkins is a little hardcore for me, so I would go with South Beach if I were you. It's very well rounded and has a great philosophy. Good luck!

Oh, and I would start exercising. You can't argue with the effectiveness of the fitness.

Bozzj · 07-01-2008, 11:31 AM

you know i don't count much of anything...i just use common (weight loss sense).

for me, i don't want the diet to be a "diet"...

so i: avoid, bread, pasta, rice and desserts

I eat: wasa crackers (1-with tuna salad or whatever on it if i need bread), protein, veggies, and every now and then- potatoes.

I make sure my portions are small...i carry dole fruit cups with me everywhere and i whip that badboy out if i'm hungry. Literally, i was driving yesterday and took it out for a snack lol.

I try to eat fish at least 2x a week..but not more than 3x...

Often times i crave breakfast- so i make turkey bacon instead of real bacon. With all of that said--i don't count up my cals..i guess i haven't had to as of yet. I just make sure i'm staying under 1000ish and i do that by eating 4-6ozish of food x3 daily (and a snack if i need it).

***Susan*** · 07-01-2008, 11:42 AM

I have only just started monitoring my caloric intake for the first time since being banded. I was not losing and have found that to monitor my calories has really given me some great insight into what I am actually doing. I probably won't count them forever though, I have no interest in doing that. I will do it just until I get a better idea of the contents of foods I eat on a regular basis and what I should avoid.

I have never monitored my protein intake. I honestly believe that if I am eating a healthy, well-balanced meal, then that should take care of the protein for me.

JonathanLA · 07-01-2008, 12:11 PM

I don't monitor my calorie intake but I do monitor my carbs, proteins, and fats. I try to keep my carbs reasonably low and am averaging about 85 per day. I also try and get at least 75 grams of protein per day. I like to keep my fat per meal under 4 grams.

You're probably in one of the band cycles where the weight stays the same for a while. Give it some time. All of a sudden it may just come off pounds at a time. This is what has happened to me and I've read similar stories by many, many others here. There was a time a few months ago when my weight stayed the same for a long time but I kept noticing that my pants were looser and I was having to go down more notches in my belt. I was loosing inches around my waist but not actual pounds. I have no idea how this can be it eventually caught up and then I'd lose 10 pounds in 2 weeks.

sizzlingseven · 07-01-2008, 12:17 PM

i start every meal with my protein option, and because I eat slowly, before you know it I'm done. I try to eat low carb, and I definitely find that the weight comes off faster when I control my carbs along with my calories. Give it a shot!! you've got nothing to lose... except fat! :)

Hastings · 07-01-2008, 05:25 PM

I watch calories, protein, sodium, fat, and carbs. I also watch fiber because I have a family history of colon cancer and fiber is important.

I don't freak out if I miss a day, I generally keep an eye on it, though.