okay I did weigh in the end – 20lbs in 28 days.

Weight loss is slowing a lot – from reading the forum plateaus seem quite common in week 4/5 … I’m going back to basics & making sure I weigh & record everything. To get to absolute final goal I need to lose another 67lbs; I want to have a really good few weeks now if I could lose another stone that would be brilliant.

I am finding the eating plan really easy – no carb cravings, no alcohol cravings, not really hungry … when I’ve gone over (twice) it is because we’ve been socialising. I’m eating lots of veggies, eggs, cheese, some fish, nuts & yogurt. Lots of mint tea!

On Monday I weighed under 11st. 10st 13 lb. Last evening I ate late and for some reason after that I snacked on crackers hence this mornings weigh in is 11st 2lb.I am not surprised and I don’t like it. This is the first time that I have had a binge type snack this year. I am back in line and I shall not eat until about 11 and therefore have a decent mini fast.
This evening I will be going to a quiz that includes a fish and chip supper so during today I will get some activities in although I am somewhat limited because of my painful hip. When it is suppertime I shall only have half the chips and no batter. As dessert is a choc ice I will take a pear for me. Plan made.

whoops – sorry, congratulations on the ankles too.

I don’t really think about my ankles too much. Probably because I have (had – they’re getting there) ginormous calves. When they are slim enough to buy the perfect boots, maybe I will turn my attention to ankles!

have a good day
I’ll see the sea later – off to Dorset this afternoon!

That’s good news Yowzer, and something to work on which will keep GP happy…am also not good when stressing . it affects most of us am sure

Where is Lucky and Gavin? Hope you guys are doing ok

Any ideas on this folks? how do you add a picture on here? I have a photobucket account….ta

Hi LouLou007. I am sixty two and three-quarters. Enjoy your new start in life. It is great that your husband will be with you from the outset. Support each other and travel this new journey together. X Sandie

Hi Lucky
have you recovered from your weekend? Glad that you had a brilliant time!
come back – but don’t tell us any more about your yorkshire puddings – GBBO is hard enough!

rather than needing to post things twice, you can always look back of your own posts by going to your profile and clicking on ‘replies created’
you can also find other people’s posts in this way too, if you recall seeing something interesting and remember who it was by, but not which thread.

Snoop – re avocado.

Just got a really lovely ketogenic cookbook written by two ladies who used low carb whilst they were being treated for cancer (some research about the benefit of low carbs slowing growth of cancer cells, which could be v helpful if proved correct)

Anyway, saw a good recipe for a rich salad dressing of puréed avocado with some chilli pepper mixed with yoghurt – you could experiment with spices and I thought might be good with some finely chopped spring onion – works over salad but they were suggesting over cooked broccoli. Sounds yum to me. Very rich.

Made me hungry! 🙂

Don’t forget the ankles Frog! (I know I am a lucky woman)

wow Billingebabe – beach and a border terrier – sounds like heaven 🙂
– not to mention looser trousers!

Can I just mention again to those worrying about fasting sugars (apart from have you read all the threads about it? Use the search box) – OH’s medics all say “liver clears out sugars overnight so often high readings” , fasting blood ls therefore notoriously unreliable as overall BS measure, exactly the reason why HbA1c tests used to get a more long term measure.

Bill1954 here (hi Bill!) gave fasting bloods up and measured before and after meals. But read his “this has to work for me” thread.

Hope that helps guys. 🙂

Morning both – congratulations on getting to pre-holiday weight Verano.
And Krysia – a stone in a month or less (3/4lb is just a poo away 🙂 ) – that’s brilliant, well done
I didn’t lose anything yesterday – but I was surprised I lost so much the day before – I think I just have incredibly slow metabolism!

I’m off to Dorset today for a few days – will try & stick to very BSD!
the friend I’m staying with is very good at cooking in line with my diet, so should be OK

Many many variable results from fasting bloods – use SEARCH as Frog says

And CONGRATULATIONS on your weight loss – be pleased not panicked.

🙂

Please don’t panic. No need – and no problem with water weight loss as you have seen.

Keep on keeping on – and ditch the low fat dairy (see my earlier post)

I guess that proves the logic of NICE recommending against home testing then.
Use the search box for the numerous pre-existing threads on fasting blood sugar.

I’ve never tested myself, relying on the longer term HbA1c tests, which give results for a longer period. There are many threads and conversations on here about the reliability (or not) of fasting bloods tests – use the search box in the top right hand corner.

Aria – I always have a border terrier/ terrorist with me who is obsessed by balls & likes swimming. Usually Climping beach.
Deb – I didn’t link my sweats at night to alcohol consumption but they went away by the second or third night. Don’t think I was drinking enough to get dizzy when I woke up, initially thought that was my blood pressure but because of all the thirst & loo trips thought my BS might be high.
Don’t know if others here tried the 5:2. I did & failed miserably. I am finding 800 calories easy to do on daily basis and seeing quick results really helps my motivation. Bra now does up on middle fastening, trousers looser and more room for my thighs.
Best of all – I spend many happy hours admiring my slim ankles.

Hi everyone. My first day was yesterday and my glucose monitor didn’t arrive until 12pm yesterday so today was my first fasting blood test ever.

OK having a semi panic now. Have just woken and taken a fasting blood test at home and it’s 6.2. This is pre-diabetes. I did a test yesterday 2 hours after breakfast and it was 5.3 so I presumed I was OK.

I have also jumped on the scales and am now 18st 11lbs.
In one day after weeing loads I have lost 5lbs.
I understand this is water but isn’t it too much for my first day? And then to wake to a 6.2 blood sugar test! I’m in a panic now.

Please can anyone advise. I went on this diet as I’m ludicrously overweight and have failed every other diet out there. I didn’t think I was pre-diabetes yet. I thought it was years away…….

Thank you.

I have put this post on my diary on here too as a reference to look back on.

Love mine!

I make an omelette in it, and it is absolutely delish…. ( ibought an accessory pan tho for this ) well worth it

OK having a semi panic now. Have just woken and taken a fasting blood test at home and it’s 6.2. This is pre-diabetes. I did a test yesterday 2 hours after breakfast and it was 5.3 so I presumed I was OK.

I have also jumped on scale and am now 18st 11lbs.
In one day after weeing loads I have lost 5lbs.
I understand this is water but isn’t it too much for my first day? And then to wake to a 6.2 blood sugar test! I’m in a panic now.

I’m going to write this as a seperate post to ask for advice.

Well done Verano for the weight loss. Your holiday weight has come off so fast. I think that dropping calories too low for one day is ok and must be helping with the weight loss.

The blood sugar level is annoying. My blood sugars were swinging up too much even in the week before they suddenly become normal. In fact they were running a bit higher than normal that week which was why it was a shock that I no longer needed insulin the following week.

I feel that perhaps there is a tipping point where when enough fat drains out of your liver and pancreas they can start working properly again. Until then – even if you have lost a lot of that fat – the fat that is still there seriously impairs how they work. These thoughts are not based on any scientific evidence and are just me trying to make sense of what happened to my own blood sugars. In the last three weeks fasting blood sugars have gone no higher than 4.9 and they no longer swinging up high after meals like before.

This morning have dropped 1 1/2lbs since Tuesday so have just got 3/4lb to lose to get to one stone lost since 3rd Sept. A bit faster than my first stone which took 4 months to lose.

Fantastic food yesterday and still not many calories. Could have done with a piece of fruit, to be honest, to up the fibre, especially as I had room for it in the calories and carbs.

Figures for today:
83.9kg
-0.4 kg
Overall change -4.6 kg
691 cals
31 net carbs

All the weight put on at my parents is off, along with a little bit more. Even if I don’t hit my mini goal for the end of this month, I will before we head to Gibraltar.

Antigone, it’s not easy to make good food choices when you’re on holiday with other people. I found it very hard when I was with my parents. I cringe at the thought of some of the things I ate with them, just to be polite (I was amazed at just how unpalatable I found chips, for example). Good luck.

Mental4ever, there is a YouTube video for the OXO spiraliser and for lots of other spiralisers too. You might find they will give you inspiration. The OXO one, if I recall rightly, says you can do carrots (if they’ve got a large diameter – 1.5 inches comes to mind), beetroot, apple and squash. I imagine you could also do parsnips, potatoes and sweet potato if you’re eating those. Might be hard work with a hand-held one though. On the downside of spiralisers, we’ll be spending a fortune on courgettes this winter when they’re more expensive, as we had them for lunch and supper (OH even requested them instead of spaghetti, though he did have lots of bread too).

On the poached egg and avocado front, I didn’t think my OH would go for that either. Mushrooms or tomatoes maybe, but not an avocado. I presume they do actually go together, but it’s not what people are used to for breakfast. Maybe if you omelette the egg, it might seem a bit more conventional.

DAY 3 of 7

Yesterday
Calories 614
Carbs 24.5 g ….. net 16.2g
Just wondering if maybe thats too low?????

Anyway this morning I’ve dropped another 1.4lbs so just 0.6lbs to get rid of my holiday surplus so really pleased about that.

When this week is over I’ll be with you Frog and upping my carbs maybe to 40g and then 50g I think.

My fasting BS was 7.3 this morning so really unhappy about that. But will wait and see what happens over the next few days.

Have a good day.

HiLouLou007 i am also 63 and have never lost any serious amount of weight ever, but you will find this diet very easy, i started in June and have lost 25lbs, almost at 2 stone, so amazing for me. If you can google the Daily Mail there are some good recipes on the health beat Diabetes page. Good luck

Hi Kristin, I have a similar thought to you regards prevention of diabetes. Also my sugar addiction and eating way too much. Like Shalimar, I tend to eat to emotionally support myself, whether I have had a particularly successful day or awful day!

I agree that it is the food & drink consumption, recording in a diary for one week usually brings it home; exercise is important and try to work towards daily routine, starting 2-3 times a week initially; your ‘little me’ ego will be chattering constantly in your head, to distract you, so yes meditation / mindfulness is useful, again daily is what to work towards. I have done meditation for about 3yrs now, mainly to deal with life’s stressors; it really does help, just 10-20mins.

Most importantly, be kind to yourself, you have had decades of honing these habits; they are not going to instantly disappear. Baby steps and recognise you are moving in the right direction. With the support of these forums and the nuggets of advice from Dr. Michael ‘s BSD; we will all get there.

It is good to have goals, as it states intention to yourself – have it written down so you can see it every day, with a feel good picture.
Good luck!

Hi. I’ve been meaning to post for ages but I’ve been really busy at work. I too have pretty much fallen off the wagon but luckily not put on any weight. .I’ve been ‘BSDy’ for the meals but failing on the crisp, chocolate and wine front.

I’m 50 on Monday (totally distraught and in denial) and am going to various parties and going on holiday next week. I’m going to start again properly after that although I’ll continue to avoid bread which gives me stomach ache. I’ve also got a friend doing BSD now which is good.

So I suppose the next goal would be Xmas. A stone off by then? Possibly going to Rome between Xmas and New Year so that would be a good incentive.

Hi Avila,

Thanks very much for your reply – well done on your weight loss. It’s encouraging to here of your success. May I ask if you were doing the low carb med style diet, or the low calorie/5:2 diet?

Hi,
I have been lurking (stalking) the forums on this site for a while and I was wondering if you would mind if I joined here? Lucia I have now read just about your whole story in the last week or so and I have enjoyed your posts hugely. Such a positive inspiration!

Currently having a prep week prior to OH and intend starting on the 800C lifestyle change next. I’m newly retired and 63 years old (though that sounds way too old to me – its like weight, if I don’t look in the mirror I mostly feel fine) and need to loose 16 – 20 kg (sorry I’m Aust and been using Kg, mL etc for most of my life). OH is joining me on the plan, mainly to support me but he needs to loose 10kg too. Monday is D-day. Mondays are such a good day to start something. Always keen, determined and strong on Mondays!

Good wishes to all in their journeys, keep supporting each other and learning along the path to new health.

Hi C. Lynne
I don’t know – I go away for a few days (to a very wet Auckland) and come back to check to in on your thread, to find out that you’ve hit the DM and that the weight is still dropping off! Congratulations to you and must have been hugely scary at the same time! 100lbs is a very neat number, but in the long term – which is where we’re all heading for; is finding that magically state of ‘normality’ and staying there.

My Auckland visit meant not being able to weigh every day and being very aware of what I might be offered to eat and then eating out, what might be good on the menu. Found it relatively easy to stick to, thanks to your shared experiences on here. Happy to find the scales reporting in at 71kg only another 0.8kg to reach 50lbs gone! (start of Week 25). Its difficult to describe how I feel, very light, very active and that’s with only half of what you’ve achieved. Perhaps you feel like floating? Found myself in a conversation with several others at work yesterday, where I mentally noted that I didn’t feel the need to adjust my clothes, adjust my posture or suck my stomach in. Heading towards normal in my head at least. Six kilos to go to my first BMI normal target.

Interesting to read peoples’ thoughts about Turmeric. Hubby and I having been taking it for a couple of years, they are high strength capsules (Now Foods, Curcumin, 120 Veggie Caps(650mg)) from a USA website called iherb.com we’ve found it very helpful. We also take Vit D and Vit K and magnesium, seem very reasonably priced compared to NZ.

Looking forward to your next weigh in on Saturday and to read how everyone’s getting on with BSD!

Cheers
blue1919

Today:
167lbs this am
765 calories
70 carbs

Working on eating habits in the home with everyone. Super busy day schooling, so that helped me resist the urge to nibble. Mental4ever, you’re holding fast in spite of a few days away. Doing great to have only added a pound. It will soon be gone!

that sounds nice Igor – I love fish with lentils.

Kristin … good for you to try and nip things in the bud … before you possibly get diabetes.

So far i have had my ups and downs with the 800 BSD plan … but i have stayed away from breads, chips/crisps, chocolate, cake … even sweet potato fries with chipotle dip!! A Kaiser roll and butter still sounds wonderful.
I need to stop buying liquor that i like. (p.s. i don’t like the tast of most liquor). The liquor store has moved to the mall where my gym/fitness club is located so i’m there quite often. I have to just nip THAT in the bud.

I have learned a number of lessons with the BSD plan …. and one is that if i get upset or stressed i do tend to eat to much AND turn to some alcohol. I am going to have to try mindfulness and meditation.

The BSD plan involves 3 points … the food, the exercise, and getting one’s head straight. It’s clear they all go together and that i have work to do on all three fronts!!

How’s the week going?? Hoping all is well with you and your family and you’re getting good sleep.

still having my ups and downs … really swollen feet but i’ve taken some steps that will help.

Finding lots of helpful hints in these forums!!

Hi Yowzer

At least your blood pressure is going the right way! – so that’s good news.
As well as stressing about getting away on time, “white coat syndrome” can cause BP to rise. My GP practice has one of the “do it yourself” machines in the reception area, so that you can do it while you’re waiting. Mine is always in the normal range now, so if I’ve done it in reception and give them the print out, they don’t always bother to do it again.
I did one of those 24 hour blood pressure test things a few years ago – the biggest stress was organising to collect and return the thing, as the service had just been outsourced to a private provider who had a rubbish phone system so impossible to get through to them – and I have vague recollections that there was a transport strike, so I had to walk there. No distance at all now, but I was still really anaemic, so three miles was a real endurance test. It’s a bit inconvenient, but although it’s called 24 hour, you don;t need to leave it on through the night. Another thing with it was that my cat, Muji (this was pre Froglet) really disliked the noise, and first just looked startled, then started hissing when the BP cuff started inflating.

All resolved eventually when a consultant reviewed the huge list of drugs and said “stop taking those, and the blood pressure will go”, so that got rid of two lots of medication, and there was another one that I’d been left taking way beyond when I should have, so the list reduced very quickly.
I caught the second episode of that “Drug Free Doctor” program last night – it was really good, must be on iPlayer – worth watching.

And brilliant news on the cholesterol, well done.
Very interesting about the trans fats
I thought they’d been banned in the UK – but on googling, there seem to have been a couple of calls to ban them, including from NICE, but no action.
They recommend low fat everything on DDCC

Hello. I started the 800 plan today. I am a huge eater and have 100 to lose. I am not diabetic as of yet but have high bp and have hypothyroidism. I have to admit I am starving today. I hope this will soon go away and I also have a huge headache. I am thinking the carb withdrawal as I was a HUGE carb aholic. Not sweets. Just breads. Pasta. Potatoes in any form… Oh and alcohol. I will admit I was a nightly wine drinker as well. Awesome to see so much success. Is it possible for me to lose 100 lbs on this plan. If love to lose a majority by Mid March for a vaca! Thanks and nice to meet you all!

I laughed at the restaurant Sunshine Girl – in the UK I really like cote restaurants – they have a brilliant fixed price menu, and easy to choose BSD friendly from it. A friend who is veggie always suggests that we go there – then is fed up with the veggie selection – happened about 3 times so far! Each time I remind her that she should have ordered from the standard menu rather than the prix fixe.

Last time I went, I had a smoked salmon starter, which came on sourdough. Carefully ate the salmon, left the sourdough – and then ate it before they cleared my plate away. Was only tiny, and quite thin, but I was cross with myself!
Shame that you didn’t have a nicer time though – hope the company made up for the bad food!

I’m having 50g of carbs as my top limit, but aiming to be below it. Today not quite as good as yesterday; 51g of carb and 822 calories, but happy enough with that.

GBBO without eating was hard – I should have made some jelly!

Hello everyone who has responded
Billingebabe – Captainlynne – Yowser49 – lifeafter50 – and all the other ‘poster’ girls here.
I wasn’t going to weigh myself until Id done a week but couldn’t resist. 1.3 kgs in 2 days – over the moon – that’s 2lb 8oz in UK speak!

It isn’t even really that hard, although its early days. But, I feel very motivated this time to do something about my health and I am encouraged by everyone’s support here so THANK YOU all

About 4 months ago I stopped drinking alcohol because of the hot flashes I was beginning to experience. Within 3 weeks they stopped almost completely – and now I rarely have one – It felt wonderful to no longer be going to bed and as my head would hit the pillow I’d get a hot flash (followed by countless others during the night). I only occasionally have a glass of bubbles now. I think breaking that habit has been helpful… I thought if I can cut back on my alcohol consumption – which was very much in moderation – I can do this. AND I CAN!

I live in South Australia and we had a massive blackout across the city last night and as I had pre-prepared our meal not having electricity for 12 hours was no problem!
bye for now Debs

Hi Abisaysyes,

As an Aug 1st starter this should be week 8 but 3 and bit weeks of walking behind the wagon instead of riding on it. I am still down from my start point and climbed back on the wagon this week.

You can get it going again, as yes wiser too…

Hi passionfruit,

I didn’t reach diabetic but high risk, I put on a lot of weight on psych meds too.
Not sure about the diabetes being induced by the meds directly but thought it came from the weight side effects of the meds – in which case should respond the same way as most type 2 ???? That’s my theory anyway.

As someone following this plan whilst being on psych meds (Sertaline and Quetiapine) I have lost almost 2 stone over 8 weeks (16 to 14; I am 5ft 10). That included some days ‘off plan’ as in Totally Off – the depressed lets eat a whole (serves 4) cheesecake was a classic.

So can you lose weight on this plan whilst still on meds that give you the munchies – yes you can. The full fat is filling which helps, as does banning temptation from the house – and trying to avoid accidental shopping. That is a risk factor for me…

Found some inexpensive magnesium pills (with calcium and vitamin d also). First drug store was 2 times as much.
Tried Turmeric for the first time … dumped some in the soup this morning … Turmeric is supposed to be great and anti-inflammatory. Much better than taking a pill.
Got email that my new BIG yoga mat and fitbit zip arrives Friday

I had my ovaries out and a hysterectomy when i was in my mid thirties. The surgery was no problem. I never did get to have children … but it wasn’t something that was an obsession for me. I’ve been on a low dose of estrogen … and over the years i’ve taken less and less of those (i am aware of the supposed risks … but i always thought that since my estrogen level was zero after surgery a low dose wasn’t going to be a problem for me). Bioidentical hormones are available now … and actually if you still have your ovaries you wouldn’t need hormone replacement.
I could probably switch to herbals now … a brand called Estroven has worked somewhat in the past.

Me … i am for hysterectomy …. and as for the downtime … maybe that could be a good thing. Too me it was worth it … short term pain for long term gain.

It’s all been okay in the end for me.

Hi Doordie
I hadn’t realised that you were in the US – I’ll stop whinging about the NHS so much
But do look at mooncups – they are definitely available in the US, and while they won’t stop or reduce flow, they make it tons easier to cope with – just the feeling that you can move away form the bathroom for ten minutes can be quite life changing!

You can get Mirena in the US, and it really isn’t complex – I had mine put in under a general anaesthetic when another procedure was performed, but it is usually done under local – and often in GP surgeries or family planning clinics rather than hospitals, so it is likely to be available.
If your Doctor isn’t very well informed, do read thru the info yourself.
Essentially it’s a contraceptive coil, but the hormones are distributed very locally to where they are needed, unlike an oral contraceptive, but stop you having periods in the same way. I think some women still bleed lightly, but mine stopped straight away, until a v light bleeding a couple of weeks ago – so four and a half years.
http://www.mirena-us.com/index.php

My consultants wanted to do a hysterectomy – I resisted because it’s so invasive and the downtime – and the typical bloke response of “doesn’t work, don’t need it, cut it out”. Don’t do that with their penises do they?
To prepare/research I bought a book on the subject which contained such gems as “before your operation, teach your husband how to use the dishwasher” “buy yourself a pretty nightie so that you feel glamorous when visitors come”

I really hope that your appointment goes well tomorrow, and that your doctor comes up with some solutions.

Thanks Igorasusual. I’ll check out my carb levels as I’m using My Fitness Pal to keep count of everything.
I’m hoping the headaches get better. I’m used to the fasting headaches, which usually get better once in a rhythm. I drink tons of water so I know it’s not dehydration. I’m prone to headaches anyway, so it’s always a challenge. Here’s to some serious weight loss!

Hi Amb63 – I’m sure you’ll find the records useful – there should be instructions on how to access on your GP’s website.
the diabetes nurses at my GPs seem pretty clueless – a worry when only some of the nurses are “diabetes trained”

still, shouldn’t moan – someone replied to a post last night about the comlpex web of the US healthcare “system” – made me appreciate the NHS a bit more!

The weirdest thing that I have learnt on the BSD is that my husband is now paying attention to what he is eating. He has lost just over a stone and is heading to 17st. He has said that, “I have had enough to eat” and he has said, “I am thinking about what is on my plate” and he has said, “If it tastes real good that I don’t need so much to eat.” And he has also said, “I have never eaten so much fish.” Yes Lucia all of that is weird.

Hi Cole 62, it really does help to log in daily. I have found it such a boon. The advice is priceless and knowing that everyone has bad days as well is empowering, lets you know you aren’t the only one that gives into temptation.
Didimarks, Ihave found that going out for a meal has been relatively easy, in 8 weks you will know the diet really well and be in a new routine of eating so I think you will be able to cope very well.
Today – lunch was salad with butter beans and cheese and oil and lemon dressing. Dinner – salmon with nut crust and oven roasted veg. Greek yogurt and berries.
Went for a nice walk this evening to clear my head, work stressful and have got the builders in – very, very stressful!!!
How are all you newbies doing? Will be great to hear yor progress.
Sleep tight, a new day tomorrow, 1st day of the rest of your healthier, slim inside (and out) life! xx

Day three over and in the bank weighed this morning 19st 7 another three pounds. Felt ok today,but hungry but predictable 2 boiled eggs, carrot and coriander soup chicken salad. My skin feels really soft, let’s hope things are improving.

Well done everyone who lost weight today and kept to 30 carbs and under.

Sunshine-girl it was a shame the restaurant was so bad but Verano is right – it maybe saved you from yourself.

Was quite hungry by late afternoon but had losely farm cottage cheese mashed up with half an avocado and salt and ate it with a piece of red pepper and some sugar snap peas – very yummy and very filling. So did 28 carbs and 748 calories today.

Hi there passion fruit

If you put med-induced diabetes into the SEARCH box (top right) you will find, in addition to your post, some others which discuss medical treatments inducing diabetic effects.

Hopefully some might be useful for you? 🙂

Thank you !
* Yes, I always drink water – always thirsty – even slip out of bed at night for it.

* I have thought of a hysterectomy, but everyone says it goes so much easier, if you are closer to menopause, ( peri, or at least showing some symptoms ). I, sadly, have none of that. Also, I am concerned about the “down time”. I knew someone, ( a lady vicar – so not likely to lie, or exaggerate ), who had a hysterectomy , and it went badly – almost three months bed/sofa-ridden, and six more months before she was back to her old self. My life couldn’t take that :-<