Not losing weight, but... I can't complain either. Is that bad?

(clane) #1

So a little history here: I’m a keto newbie - I started what I no know is called ‘lazy keto’ the begining of March 2018. I’d been thinking about it, but a nasty bout of food poisoning ssent me from 4 days of not eating straight into ‘time for Keto’

I’ve not lost any weight, but is it bad that I don’t really care?
For probably 2 decades I’ve suffered from digestive issues - ‘dumping syndrome’ for those that want to know. It’s horrible and has such a heavy impact on daily life ’ where is the closest bathroom’ is always on your mind .

About a decade ago, I had my gallbladder removed - this just made things of so much worse. Afraid to eat when out at family dinners – . the fear is real - most days afraid to eat at all, but hunger won, and then of course… the constant bathroom runs for the next 2 hours… sigh.

Anyhow - I went on drugs, doctor prescribed diets. nothing worked. Most days were a real struggle.

In walks Keto and me being brave enough to try …one more time.

Hello new world.
No pain, no panicked runs to the bathroom. I actually felt brave enough today to go for a walk with my husband this evening… you know… enjoy the world outside where I was actually farther then 100 feet from a bathroom.
I’m still learning and my husband ever so patiently eats my sometimes ‘not that great dinners’ as I learn a new way to cook. He is my hero on that front.

My main issue I’m trying to overcome now is… because of so many years being leery of food, I’ve become a non eater. Yet still packed on the weight because ‘starvation mode’ So… I’m trying to get the calories in, but I can’t even come close to them any day - so how do I get over that hurdle? Any advice?

Explain blood sugar crashes, please?
(Ron) #2

My only thought would be “baby steps”. The keto lifestyle is one of patients and this falls right in line I believe. You are on the right track by working on raising your BMR (metabolism level). Sounds like you have some work to do so it isn’t going to be a quick fix. I would suggest to just eat until you are full THEN eat a few more bites every meal or day (what your eating schedule allows). Do this every day and your BMR (Basil Metabolic Rate) should gradually increase. Don’t restrict you caloric intake if it seem like it is getting to high for comfort. You need to force your body to learn how to burn those higher calorie amounts. This will give you a better baseline to start the weight loss process.
Sounds also like it is going to take your body some time to correct the lifetime of damages it has sustained so your mindset of being “OK” with that is AWESOME. So many just starting expect results immediately setting themselves up for disappointment.
You are doing great and I’m sure you have heard this but KCKO!
And Welcome!

(Jay AM) #3

Hello! And, welcome. Dumping syndrome is awful and I have it too. The things no one warned me about after my gall bladder removal are numerous. Though, keto hasn’t been the cure for it for me unfortunately. I don’t expect it to be either. I take an enzyme supplement with ox bile most days and hope for the best. It often works better than not taking it. Sometimes I don’t take it and don’t deal with DS but, the opposite for all angles is also true. Taking it and getting DS, not taking it and not getting DS. I drive a semi truck professionally and yeah, DS does control my life. If it’s going to hit me, it happens within an hour so I always make sure that I’m driving in areas I can easily pull off after my first meal. Once it happens or doesn’t happen, I’m good for the rest of the day usually which is nice.

I’m glad keto has given you freedom so far. As far as eating more, Ron has it right. Add more fat to your meals to help add calories. Though, I don’t recommend liquid calories like bullet proof coffee (coffee with usually butter/cream) without a trial run near a bathroom.

#4

@Clane

Well done for being willing to risk keto.
And i completely agree, the non-scale victories make it worthwhile.
Donkt worry about the weight at the mo. You have plenty of time to test different tweaks and variations to fine tune things.

(Jerrett Scott) #5

You are right, it is brave of you to start again. To get off the ground, dust yourself off and set your sails into uncharted waters is an accomplishment in itself. KUDOS TO YOU!!! Keep going, and know that there are always someone looking on here who is willing to listen and help if they can.

(You've tried everything else; why not try bacon?) #6

Welcome to the forums! A lot of people go keto for the weight loss, but the real benefit is metabolic health, as far as I’m concerned. I found that after a year of a ketogenic diet, all my blood work was normal, and my blood pressure and pulse were in the normal range for the first time in years. There was some weight loss, which is a lovely perk, but I still have a belly, and if I never lose another pound, the metabolic benefits have been so great that I don’t really care. I no longer qualify as pre-diabetic, yay! :bacon:

I should warn you, however, that I’m still waiting for those extra three inches and for my hair to go blond, lol! :smile:

(Candy Lind) #7

And WELCOME! May your NSVs be legion and your life be lengthened! :+1:

(clane) #8

So small update - everything is going well - I keep getting asked by family members how much weight I’ve lost. I don’t know… I don’t care. I don’t own a scale:) But my feet have gotten skinnier, does that count?
I feel amazing… although I’ve been challenged the last week with some odd afternoon crashes where I just bail and go have a nap. Not sure how to sort that out… quite yet.