Am I expecting a miracle?

(Kate ) #1

Hey guys, first time post here. Its gonna be a doozy but please bare with me.

Prior to May 3rd, I would come home and immediately start drinking alcohol (I go into work around 4-5am and am off around noon-1pm). After consuming a lot of empty carbs and calories, I would then consume a very unhealthy dinner and fall asleep. May 3rd is a significant date because that is the day I attempted suicide. Fortunately, the attempt was a failure. Because of the suicide attempt, I was Baker acted in a mental health facility for 4 days. Ok so long story short, while I was in the facility, I decided to stop letting life beat me up and take control! One thing I want to do is lose weight! I was 189lbs. and in the almost 3 weeks I’ve been on keto, I’ve only lost 5lbs. So I am expecting better (faster results) because I have completely changed my life style. I am no longer drinking, and i am doing the keto diet; along with intermittent fasting. I am not sleeping near as much, and I am exercising. Oh. And of course, drinking LOTS of water. So with all this said, does anyone have any advice to help me see better results? Or am I on track and kinda hoping for a miracle? Thanks everyone for hearing me out, and sorry for it kinda being a downer there in the beginning. I just felt the back story was relevant. Thanks in advance.

(Allie) #2

Congrats on the massive changes you’ve made so far, and try to see the victories already won. It will take time for your body to heal but you’re on the right track and taking massive steps along it.

With water, don’t force it, just drink to thirst as too much will actually harm your progress.

#3

I can relate to the part where you drastically change your woe and lose little or nothing, I had that too, multiple times. It was simple in my case: I ate too much. It may be more complicated in yours but there are little info anyway.
How much and what do you eat? The majority of the 5lbs is probably water as we usually lose almost or more than this much water in the beginning, some people way more, having more muscles or bigger water retention for some reason?
3 weeks isn’t much time. I understand you expect bigger changes but it doesn’t always happen right away. Be patient, you will need that. You have just started and with your past, it’s especially advisable just taking it easy. Do keto, get used to it but don’t stress about your weight and calorie intake or so many restrictions… Do it in a somewhat comfortable way and you will see. It’s quite possible that it will be different later. Fat adaptation can be very powerful… Things get easier as you form new habits. You can change the style of your keto for better results. But don’t make your life harder now when you can’t be sure you don’t get the results some time later.
It’s so new to you and you abused you body before, it’s probably a huge step in the right direction but fat-loss results may come later.

(Kate ) #4

Thank you, you’re right. I should be proud of the little accomplishments. I am going to remember that. And there is a possibility I am over doing it with the water.

(UsedToBeT2D) #5

Your on track. Sounds a lot like my story. Expect about 1 lb per week weight loss, which is a good sustainable rate. It will take several months for your body to fix itself from the alcohol abuse.
And yes, it is still a miracle…your life and health are getting better.

(Hyperbole- best thing in the universe!) #6

I’d also be cautious with too much exercise in the beginning. Unless you were already working out. Too many changes at once can increase cortisol an slow weight loss. Many people don’t recommend increasing activity until you are fat adapted (able to get your energy from fat) which takes most people one or two months. Activity is often the result of feeling better, not the cause.

I don’t know in your specific situation, but sometimes when people don’t see dramatic weight loss at first it is because your body is prioritizing more important but less visible internal healing. It is frustrating, but good in the long run.

In any case. I’m so glad you are here, and hope you find the support you need in your journey to health.

('Jackie P') #7

You are doing a momentous thing, giving up carbs and alcohol, you are amazing!
I am so sorry that it took such tragedy to bring you here. It’s hard to make great changes without support. You will find it here, particularly on the Keto front. Maybe try some online blogs/sites for the alcohol. :hugs: I wish you well.

#8

I’m with you. I’ve been what I call an inveterate drinker for 30 years. While I consider ‘life’ an ultimate gift I have wondered many times what’s the point of it all. I’ve been single for over 15 years and most people would say I should just get out more.
I recently lost my job. Not because of the booze but due to a slow erosion of my physical health and, I guess my sanity, too.
I started keto about two weeks ago and in all honesty I can say that I’ve lost about 2kg. Which is, in all sensibility, bugger all.

BUT
With the exception of my really bad hip ALL my achy joints have gone,
Any alcohol withdrawal I was expecting to get haven’t materialised,
my blood pressure seems to have gone down on it’s own (i.e., I haven’t taken any tabs in the last two days)
and my mood is much lighter, considering I don’t have a job.
My sleep seems to be better. I measure that by how much water I drink during the night. For the last few nights I haven’t had any, suggesting I’ve slept right through.

I’m my humble opinion, the keto diet is A LOT more than weight loss. It’s almost a philosophy, a way of life. But, after only 2 weeks, that’s a bit early to tell.
Keep going, you’ll get there.

#9

You’re going through a lot of cleaning out and exercising, most people are UNDER hydrated, don’t overthink the water thing. To drink enough to be harmful or flush yourself to the point of an electrolyte problem isn’t as easy as you think.

(Andrew Broombaugh) #10

My thoughts are with you! You can keep control!

My two cents… as others have said, don’t overdo water intake because electrolyte depletion can be unbearable and weight loss is more of a side effect of the repair you are doing to your body. Your body will lose weight when it feels healthy enough to do so. It was years of poor habits that got us this way so it will not be a 1 month fix.

Keep calm and Keto on, you’ve got this.

(Keto Koala 🐨) #11

Love, I can RELATE!!! Ok, I attempted suicide a few times earlier this year… yes I have been in mental health facility’s many many many times. When I first started Keto…5 months ago today, I had Major trouble sleeping. Like I was lucky to get three hours a night. Your not a downer, your being real!!! Respect for that. Your brave and I understand SO much. At first of course you lose water weight, but keep up your water and your doing intermittent fasting??? Me too. OMAD. I started with three, then two, then one. I’m not one usually to give advice, what the hell do I know!!! But be proud of yourself love. My brother killed himself and it ruined our family… You were strong and didn’t die, like me. We can do this ok. I’m proud of you. Just keep at it, you will see results…i did.:heart:

('Jackie P') #12

:disappointed_relieved: Bless you @Bubby1, what pain you have had. I so hope we have helped you a little here :relieved:

(Keto Koala 🐨) #13

@CrackerJax Your a wonderful woman… of course you have.:smiling_face_with_three_hearts: Where would I be without you all. Your a cool chick. I like you.:heart:

('Jackie P') #14

Awww! I like you too😘

#15

Hang in there! It’s worth it. It took me more than a month to see significant weight results. In the meantime, enjoy the increased energy and the decrease in brain fog, aches and pains, etc. Be extra strict at the beginning – it’s worth it – but don’t get discouraged. If you fall off the wagon, treat yourself to steak and eggs.

(Susan) #16

Welcome to the forum, Kate. Big hugs to you, and I am glad that you were not successful in the attempt. You should be very proud of yourself that you were able to stop the alcohol, that is a victory in and of itself. Your body has a lot of adjusting to do, after years of eating the carbs and sugars. You will get there; just keep up the good work. I agree about not worrying about the exercise quite yet. Walking is good but don’t worry about too much at once. Drink until thirst, cut out some things that cause distress for some of us (such as artificial sweeteners, nuts, or too much dairy --they all cause stalls for me and for some others). You are doing great – just keep your carbs at 20 grams or less and you are right on track doing the IF already, so I am sure soon enough you will see more results. Your body is transforming into a better way of eating though, so that is great.

Please post any questions that you might have, and we all wish you the best in your new Keto lifestyle =).

(Deborah Hoare) #17

Hi Kate,
welcome to an awesome group! I’m so glad you’re here and have been able to make such a massive decision whilst in hospital, and stick to it out of hospital. You are so strong!
Regarding the “lack” of weight loss - it could be that your body is changing shape and you just haven’t noticed it yet, especially if you’re exercising as well. The changes (quit alcohol, keto diet, exercise, and I don’t know what else) would all be quite stressful to your body to begin with, which, to my mind, would cause the release of stress hormones (cortisol) which may be stopping some of the weight loss. With time, your body will adjust to this new normal and relax more. Then you might find yourself getting this new body. It’s actually fun watching the changes.
Love and light to you, and just keep putting one foot in front of the other. even if you have the odd backwards step, just brush it off and keep calm and keto on.
xoxo

(Peter minahan) #18

Hi, after 3 weeks and lost 5lbs very good!
It takes about 2 weeks (give or take) for your body to go into ketosis.
You can buy a finger prick monitor.
You have to be strict with your carb intake
Your body is a strict task master at this, you’re either in ketosis or not.
So in actual fact you actually lost 5lbs in one week!
You will lose more if you keep on keeping on. I, personally can drink what I like and still be in ketosis, but staying away from added sugar in alcohol.
I don’t need to do any exercise as I have health issues not related to keto or weight.
If I need to snack salted roasted peanuts are a goto for me.
I reversed my T2 diabeatease my doctor was gobsmacked. When I told him about keto and intermittant fasting he nearly choked :joy::joy::joy::joy: Just keep doing what your doing he said not wanting to hear any more!!! Keep at it you’re doing fine, let your body do its job. :pray::heart:

(Jeff S) #19

Welcome aboard @Kate89.

I think all you need now are just patience and hope, because with the radical changes you’ve made, results and improvement are inevitable.

#20

Congratulations on having the strength to go on with your life. No matter how bad things get, better days are coming. As far as Keto is concerned you’ve had many responses so I may be saying something others have said. Be sure to track what you eat so you can be sure you are not going over your macros. There are apps and I wrote everything down in a notebook too. It helps to physically see how much protein carbs etc you have during the day.