Hi
Not quite sure to describe where I am really with my journey in Keto and weight loss. I did Atkins many years ago, and lost some weight, but got frustrated and bored when I hit a stall. Over the years played with Low Carb and Slimming World, and typically lost some weight only to put it back on with some extra. Last year after having a health check up and was told I was pre-diabetic I decided once again to take the low carb route to health. I equipped myself up with a blood monitor, ketostiks and followed what I could remember of the principles of Atkins/ Keto way of life. Weight loss was minimal, but I did start to feel better, and my follow on blood tests showed a large improvement in my hba1c, bringing me back into normal range.
I suppose I did start to relax a little, adding in a bit of sweet potato here and there. Occasional pizza, sandwich for convenience and if it was someone’s birthday at work it would be rude not to have a small slice of cake.
Then February this year, whilst having a working from home day, I had a major dizzy spell, fell and hit my head… I had in the weeks previously, been feeling exhausted, even as soon as waking up. I was out of breathe easily, having heart palpitations, and my joints were painful. My weight bothered me, but I didn’t know where to start to fix the problem… My last attempt at Low carb, although reducing my blood sugars, did not have a significant weight loss attached.
I should add into the equation I’m female, 51, have had bouts of depression (was on Seretaline last year) and probably going or have just gone through the menopause but not experienced any hot flushes.
So off I went to my doctors. More blood test, This time something else flagged up – Ferretin, was high My GP repeated the test to confirm and this flagged up that also my Gamma GT was high. Whilst waiting for further tests, naturally my first instinct it to research on Google. This only added to my anxiety starting to blame myself for every glass of wine I have ever drunk. That in my head had to be my fault. I must add I like a glass of wine. I don’t drink to excess but must admit to having most nights up until this point a glass or two of wine. I rarely touched spirits except on holiday as they didn’t agree with me.
So I started to research Keto, trying to find out where I was going wrong, why wasn’t it working for me? Why don’t the Ketostix change colour. My first port of call was Diet Doctor. This was great, however I need to be able to ask questions, and there wasn’t anywhere to do this. I joined facebook groups on Keto, but they all appeared focused on the US, which is a big switch off for me. I tried Dr Berg, whose videos are really informative, but I would need a second mortgage to be able to afford all the many gadgets and supplements he was pushing.
So far, I have gained knowledge, and know I need to focus on my health first and the weight will follow. I must add at this point I have lost 9lbs in 4 months, so it’s a start, but should be more. I don’t have any support, or anyone I can discuss my fears, joy or frustrations with… My hubby has never had weight issues. My eldest daughter is a nurse so believes in calories and low fat. In addition she takes after her dad and in the words of my dad, I’ve seen more fat on a butchers pencil than on her (shes about a uk size 6-8).
My best friend lives by Slimming world, but does have weight issues and yo-yo diets, lives on fruit and low fat yoghurts. But at least she understands a bit of my frustrations.
So after Ultrasound tests, I now have my results. None Alcoholic Steatohepatitis
My GP (young and slim) suggested loosing a few pounds would help (no shit Sherlock). Cut out the carbs she says. I have I replied. Don’t eat cake she says. I don’t eat sugar was my reply. Have you thought about weight watchers. It was this point all my respect for my GP went out of the window. Doesn’t she know the two don’t go together? Slimming world don’t promote Low carb. The push their own pre-packaged merchandise ready made meals, chocolate bars and focus on low fat, not real food. Argh
Why am I here? Well I need support from like minded people who follow my beliefs. Who know the way of Keto, its pitfalls and obstacles. Who have struggled with weight and believe that Low fat diets are not the way. Live in the UK. Can offer suggestions and friendly advice.
I have a longer journey than most. To get to my ideal health weight I need to lose 65lbs. I know my liver needs fixing and Diet Doctor/Dr Berg/Dr Berry all tell me that Keto is the way.
