Desdemona

I have a suggestion that you MIGHT want to consider 32 BMI and an intense relationship with food is a concern. Personally, I have had a GREAT experience with the Lapband. I got it in March 2008 at 43 BMI. I'm current 26 BMI. My first 5 years was consistent losing and then holding steady at 30 BMI. Then - there was a 4 or 5 yr period when I slowly gained 30 lbs and just couldn't stop myself from eating. Then I went on a medically supervised Liquid Protein diet. It worked. Stopped my cravings in their tracks. The band, that I thought had stopped working, kicked back in and was a great help. After the liquid diet, I found foods that were low calorie, nutritional and I never let that craving bear come back. So far, so good.
As to the band -- I read a lot of research (in fact - I AM a medical researcher) and I don't believe there is any evidence that the band causes cancer. Now -- having said that -- I DO think that having it too tight, or slimming or engaging in certain practices is flirting with CA and other health problems. I also believe that there are MDs who are not properly trained. I also think that the band can be problematic for someone who has a good surgeon and who does everything right. There a risk - that it will need to be removed --yes. So far, I have been fine. No problems -- never --- but I can't swear that it will always be that way.
But -- now-- after saying all of that --- I'd recommend that at 32 BMI - you first try a medically supervised liquid Protein diet. You are overweight but not morbidly obese. It would be cheaper, non-invasive and just as fast of a weight loss. If it doesn't work -- try surgery. Best wishes

I have a suggestion that you MIGHT want to consider 32 BMI and an intense relationship with food is a concern. Personally, I have had a GREAT experience with the Lapband. I got it in March 2008 at 43 BMI. I'm current 26 BMI. My first 5 years was consistent losing and then holding steady at 30 BMI. Then - there was a 4 or 5 yr period when I slowly gained 30 lbs and just couldn't stop myself from eating. Then I went on a medically supervised Liquid Protein diet. It worked. Stopped my cravings in their tracks. The band, that I thought had stopped working, kicked back in and was a great help. After the liquid diet, I found foods that were low calorie, nutritional and I never let that craving bear come back. So far, so good.
As to the band -- I read a lot of research (in fact - I AM a medical researcher) and I don't believe there is any evidence that the band causes cancer. Now -- having said that -- I DO think that having it too tight, or slimming or engaging in certain practices is flirting with CA and other health problems. I also believe that there are MDs who are not properly trained. I also think that the band can be problematic for someone who has a good surgeon and who does everything right. There a risk - that it will need to be removed --yes. So far, I have been fine. No problems -- never --- but I can't swear that it will always be that way.
But -- now-- after saying all of that --- I'd recommend that at 32 BMI - you first try a medically supervised liquid Protein diet. You are overweight but not morbidly obese. It would be cheaper, non-invasive and just as fast of a weight loss. If it doesn't work -- try surgery. Best wishes

I have a suggestion that you MIGHT want to consider 32 BMI and an intense relationship with food is a concern. Personally, I have had a GREAT experience with the Lapband. I got it in March 2008 at 43 BMI. I'm current 26 BMI. My first 5 years was consistent losing and then holding steady at 30 BMI. Then - there was a 4 or 5 yr period when I slowly gained 30 lbs and just couldn't stop myself from eating. Then I went on a medically supervised Liquid Protein diet. It worked. Stopped my cravings in their tracks. The band, that I thought had stopped working, kicked back in and was a great help. After the liquid diet, I found foods that were low calorie, nutritional and I never let that craving bear come back. So far, so good.
As to the band -- I read a lot of research (in fact - I AM a medical researcher) and I don't believe there is any evidence that the band causes cancer. Now -- having said that -- I DO think that having it too tight, or slimming or engaging in certain practices is flirting with CA and other health problems. I also believe that there are MDs who are not properly trained. I also think that the band can be problematic for someone who has a good surgeon and who does everything right. There a risk - that it will need to be removed --yes. So far, I have been fine. No problems -- never --- but I can't swear that it will always be that way.
But -- now-- after saying all of that --- I'd recommend that at 32 BMI - you first try a medically supervised liquid Protein diet. You are overweight but not morbidly obese. It would be cheaper, non-invasive and just as fast of a weight loss. If it doesn't work -- try surgery. Best wishes

Will be 10 yrs St. Pat's Day. Lost 90 lbs. Never had a complication. Never abused it. Went to a teaching hospital w/very experienced surgeons. Have read all the studies over the last 10 yrs. Has the worst outcomes and the most complications for all the WL surg but the complications are more minor than the others and band is only 1 that is reversible. I had to learn a lot and be very persistent. Took me longer to lose. There's no guarantee that you won't need/want a revision with any of the WL surgeries - see the other forums and read about them. I have friends who have had bands, sleeves, and by-passes who have all regained everything and given up. But I have friends who have bands, sleeves, and by-passes who are doing fine. My best advice is to pick the one that sounds best you and then work that program. It's not easy - but I'll tell you this: 1 don't have high blood pressure anymore. My cholesterol is great. No pills. No medical problems anymore. Joints don't hurt anymore. Climb stairs. Had several cosmetic surgeries and love buying great vintage clothes. Love having so many people tell me how good I look. Walking on the edge of the ocean at 66 yrs. Just pick a WL surg and then dedicate yourself to it body and soul. Best wishes.

Oh my dear ---- I'm so sorry. I mostly want you to know that there are people out here to read these posts and definitely - hear you and get it. I'm also here to tell you to never, never give up. I'm 66. Got up to 43 BMI when I got the band in 2008. Got down to 32 BMI and stayed there for 5/6 years and then gradually gained abt 30lbs -- so abt 50% of what I lost. Like you - I just decided to bite the bullet and find a way because I just couldn't bear to put it all back on. I didn't get a conversion surg. I went on a medically supervised Liquid Protein fast. Took 4 mons and lost slowly due to age -- BUT I took the 30lbs off and more. Am now 26 BMI and have been stable there for 10 mos. I had my band adjusted and my band (that I was convinced didn't work anymore) really was a blessing in helping me through the liquid fast. It just really kicked in again. I had an arm lift 2 mos ago and I have a TT coming up in early March. Listen to me --- YOU CAN DO IT! Don't beat yourself up. The past is the past.

Will be 10 yrs St. Pat's Day. Lost 90 lbs. Never had a complication. Never abused it. Went to a teaching hospital w/very experienced surgeons. Have read all the studies over the last 10 yrs. Has the worst outcomes and the most complications for all the WL surg but the complications are more minor than the others and band is only 1 that is reversible. I had to learn a lot and be very persistent. Took me longer to lose. There's no guarantee that you won't need/want a revision with any of the WL surgeries - see the other forums and read about them. I have friends who have had bands, sleeves, and by-passes who have all regained everything and given up. But I have friends who have bands, sleeves, and by-passes who are doing fine. My best advice is to pick the one that sounds best you and then work that program. It's not easy - but I'll tell you this: 1 don't have high blood pressure anymore. My cholesterol is great. No pills. No medical problems anymore. Joints don't hurt anymore. Climb stairs. Had several cosmetic surgeries and love buying great vintage clothes. Love having so many people tell me how good I look. Walking on the edge of the ocean at 66 yrs. Just pick a WL surg and then dedicate yourself to it body and soul. Best wishes.

Will be 10 yrs St. Pat's Day. Lost 90 lbs. Never had a complication. Never abused it. Went to a teaching hospital w/very experienced surgeons. Have read all the studies over the last 10 yrs. Has the worst outcomes and the most complications for all the WL surg but the complications are more minor than the others and band is only 1 that is reversible. I had to learn a lot and be very persistent. Took me longer to lose. There's no guarantee that you won't need/want a revision with any of the WL surgeries - see the other forums and read about them. I have friends who have had bands, sleeves, and by-passes who have all regained everything and given up. But I have friends who have bands, sleeves, and by-passes who are doing fine. My best advice is to pick the one that sounds best you and then work that program. It's not easy - but I'll tell you this: 1 don't have high blood pressure anymore. My cholesterol is great. No pills. No medical problems anymore. Joints don't hurt anymore. Climb stairs. Had several cosmetic surgeries and love buying great vintage clothes. Love having so many people tell me how good I look. Walking on the edge of the ocean at 66 yrs. Just pick a WL surg and then dedicate yourself to it body and soul. Best wishes.

Banded 10 years ago in central NY. Happier than ever. Lost 65 lbs out of the 90 lb goal shortly after banding but then stopped losing and hovered there for 5 yrs. Then -- slowly gained 30 lbs by gradually eating bigger portions and too many goodies. Tried several times to get a hold of myself but just couldn't. I really couldn't feel my band much anymore. Finally - went on a medically supervised 800-calorie liquid fast a year ago. Whoa!-- that good ole' band just kick right in there again! I'm not sure I could have done it without it - but all of a sudden - my band said -- HELLO THERE!!!!!! Lost the 30 lb regain and then just kept going till I got to the original goal. I learned a lot losing the 65 lbs after getting the band but I learned a lot more this past year about how to get to 25 BMI and maintain it. Just finished my plastic surgeries ------so far - so good. Whew! What a 10 yr journey!

Will be 10 yrs St. Pat's Day. Lost 90 lbs. Never had a complication. Never abused it. Went to a teaching hospital w/very experienced surgeons. Have read all the studies over the last 10 yrs. Has the worst outcomes and the most complications for all the WL surg but the complications are more minor than the others and band is only 1 that is reversible. I had to learn a lot and be very persistent. Took me longer to lose. There's no guarantee that you won't need/want a revision with any of the WL surgeries - see the other forums and read about them. I have friends who have had bands, sleeves, and by-passes who have all regained everything and given up. But I have friends who have bands, sleeves, and by-passes who are doing fine. My best advice is to pick the one that sounds best you and then work that program. It's not easy - but I'll tell you this: 1 don't have high blood pressure anymore. My cholesterol is great. No pills. No medical problems anymore. Joints don't hurt anymore. Climb stairs. Had several cosmetic surgeries and love buying great vintage clothes. Love having so many people tell me how good I look. Walking on the edge of the ocean at 66 yrs. Just pick a WL surg and then dedicate yourself to it body and soul. Best wishes.

Banded 10 years ago in central NY. Happier than ever. Lost 65 lbs out of the 90 lb goal shortly after banding but then stopped losing and hovered there for 5 yrs. Then -- slowly gained 30 lbs by gradually eating bigger portions and too many goodies. Tried several times to get a hold of myself but just couldn't. I really couldn't feel my band much anymore. Finally - went on a medically supervised 800-calorie liquid fast a year ago. Whoa!-- that good ole' band just kick right in there again! I'm not sure I could have done it without it - but all of a sudden - my band said -- HELLO THERE!!!!!! Lost the 30 lb regain and then just kept going till I got to the original goal. I learned a lot losing the 65 lbs after getting the band but I learned a lot more this past year about how to get to 25 BMI and maintain it. Just finished my plastic surgeries ------so far - so good. Whew! What a 10 yr journey!

Banded 10 years ago in central NY. Happier than ever. Lost 65 lbs out of the 90 lb goal shortly after banding but then stopped losing and hovered there for 5 yrs. Then -- slowly gained 30 lbs by gradually eating bigger portions and too many goodies. Tried several times to get a hold of myself but just couldn't. I really couldn't feel my band much anymore. Finally - went on a medically supervised 800-calorie liquid fast a year ago. Whoa!-- that good ole' band just kick right in there again! I'm not sure I could have done it without it - but all of a sudden - my band said -- HELLO THERE!!!!!! Lost the 30 lb regain and then just kept going till I got to the original goal. I learned a lot losing the 65 lbs after getting the band but I learned a lot more this past year about how to get to 25 BMI and maintain it. Just finished my plastic surgeries ------so far - so good. Whew! What a 10 yr journey!

Oh my dear ---- I'm so sorry. I mostly want you to know that there are people out here to read these posts and definitely - hear you and get it. I'm also here to tell you to never, never give up. I'm 66. Got up to 43 BMI when I got the band in 2008. Got down to 32 BMI and stayed there for 5/6 years and then gradually gained abt 30lbs -- so abt 50% of what I lost. Like you - I just decided to bite the bullet and find a way because I just couldn't bear to put it all back on. I didn't get a conversion surg. I went on a medically supervised Liquid Protein fast. Took 4 mons and lost slowly due to age -- BUT I took the 30lbs off and more. Am now 26 BMI and have been stable there for 10 mos. I had my band adjusted and my band (that I was convinced didn't work anymore) really was a blessing in helping me through the liquid fast. It just really kicked in again. I had an arm lift 2 mos ago and I have a TT coming up in early March. Listen to me --- YOU CAN DO IT! Don't beat yourself up. The past is the past.

Will be 10 yrs St. Pat's Day. Lost 90 lbs. Never had a complication. Never abused it. Went to a teaching hospital w/very experienced surgeons. Have read all the studies over the last 10 yrs. Has the worst outcomes and the most complications for all the WL surg but the complications are more minor than the others and band is only 1 that is reversible. I had to learn a lot and be very persistent. Took me longer to lose. There's no guarantee that you won't need/want a revision with any of the WL surgeries - see the other forums and read about them. I have friends who have had bands, sleeves, and by-passes who have all regained everything and given up. But I have friends who have bands, sleeves, and by-passes who are doing fine. My best advice is to pick the one that sounds best you and then work that program. It's not easy - but I'll tell you this: 1 don't have high blood pressure anymore. My cholesterol is great. No pills. No medical problems anymore. Joints don't hurt anymore. Climb stairs. Had several cosmetic surgeries and love buying great vintage clothes. Love having so many people tell me how good I look. Walking on the edge of the ocean at 66 yrs. Just pick a WL surg and then dedicate yourself to it body and soul. Best wishes.

Will be 10 yrs St. Pat's Day. Lost 90 lbs. Never had a complication. Never abused it. Went to a teaching hospital w/very experienced surgeons. Have read all the studies over the last 10 yrs. Has the worst outcomes and the most complications for all the WL surg but the complications are more minor than the others and band is only 1 that is reversible. I had to learn a lot and be very persistent. Took me longer to lose. There's no guarantee that you won't need/want a revision with any of the WL surgeries - see the other forums and read about them. I have friends who have had bands, sleeves, and by-passes who have all regained everything and given up. But I have friends who have bands, sleeves, and by-passes who are doing fine. My best advice is to pick the one that sounds best you and then work that program. It's not easy - but I'll tell you this: 1 don't have high blood pressure anymore. My cholesterol is great. No pills. No medical problems anymore. Joints don't hurt anymore. Climb stairs. Had several cosmetic surgeries and love buying great vintage clothes. Love having so many people tell me how good I look. Walking on the edge of the ocean at 66 yrs. Just pick a WL surg and then dedicate yourself to it body and soul. Best wishes.

Oh my dear ---- I'm so sorry. I mostly want you to know that there are people out here to read these posts and definitely - hear you and get it. I'm also here to tell you to never, never give up. I'm 66. Got up to 43 BMI when I got the band in 2008. Got down to 32 BMI and stayed there for 5/6 years and then gradually gained abt 30lbs -- so abt 50% of what I lost. Like you - I just decided to bite the bullet and find a way because I just couldn't bear to put it all back on. I didn't get a conversion surg. I went on a medically supervised Liquid Protein fast. Took 4 mons and lost slowly due to age -- BUT I took the 30lbs off and more. Am now 26 BMI and have been stable there for 10 mos. I had my band adjusted and my band (that I was convinced didn't work anymore) really was a blessing in helping me through the liquid fast. It just really kicked in again. I had an arm lift 2 mos ago and I have a TT coming up in early March. Listen to me --- YOU CAN DO IT! Don't beat yourself up. The past is the past.

Will be 10 yrs St. Pat's Day. Lost 90 lbs. Never had a complication. Never abused it. Went to a teaching hospital w/very experienced surgeons. Have read all the studies over the last 10 yrs. Has the worst outcomes and the most complications for all the WL surg but the complications are more minor than the others and band is only 1 that is reversible. I had to learn a lot and be very persistent. Took me longer to lose. There's no guarantee that you won't need/want a revision with any of the WL surgeries - see the other forums and read about them. I have friends who have had bands, sleeves, and by-passes who have all regained everything and given up. But I have friends who have bands, sleeves, and by-passes who are doing fine. My best advice is to pick the one that sounds best you and then work that program. It's not easy - but I'll tell you this: 1 don't have high blood pressure anymore. My cholesterol is great. No pills. No medical problems anymore. Joints don't hurt anymore. Climb stairs. Had several cosmetic surgeries and love buying great vintage clothes. Love having so many people tell me how good I look. Walking on the edge of the ocean at 66 yrs. Just pick a WL surg and then dedicate yourself to it body and soul. Best wishes.

I have a suggestion that you MIGHT want to consider 32 BMI and an intense relationship with food is a concern. Personally, I have had a GREAT experience with the Lapband. I got it in March 2008 at 43 BMI. I'm current 26 BMI. My first 5 years was consistent losing and then holding steady at 30 BMI. Then - there was a 4 or 5 yr period when I slowly gained 30 lbs and just couldn't stop myself from eating. Then I went on a medically supervised Liquid Protein diet. It worked. Stopped my cravings in their tracks. The band, that I thought had stopped working, kicked back in and was a great help. After the liquid diet, I found foods that were low calorie, nutritional and I never let that craving bear come back. So far, so good.
As to the band -- I read a lot of research (in fact - I AM a medical researcher) and I don't believe there is any evidence that the band causes cancer. Now -- having said that -- I DO think that having it too tight, or slimming or engaging in certain practices is flirting with CA and other health problems. I also believe that there are MDs who are not properly trained. I also think that the band can be problematic for someone who has a good surgeon and who does everything right. There a risk - that it will need to be removed --yes. So far, I have been fine. No problems -- never --- but I can't swear that it will always be that way.
But -- now-- after saying all of that --- I'd recommend that at 32 BMI - you first try a medically supervised liquid Protein diet. You are overweight but not morbidly obese. It would be cheaper, non-invasive and just as fast of a weight loss. If it doesn't work -- try surgery. Best wishes

I have a suggestion that you MIGHT want to consider 32 BMI and an intense relationship with food is a concern. Personally, I have had a GREAT experience with the Lapband. I got it in March 2008 at 43 BMI. I'm current 26 BMI. My first 5 years was consistent losing and then holding steady at 30 BMI. Then - there was a 4 or 5 yr period when I slowly gained 30 lbs and just couldn't stop myself from eating. Then I went on a medically supervised Liquid Protein diet. It worked. Stopped my cravings in their tracks. The band, that I thought had stopped working, kicked back in and was a great help. After the liquid diet, I found foods that were low calorie, nutritional and I never let that craving bear come back. So far, so good.
As to the band -- I read a lot of research (in fact - I AM a medical researcher) and I don't believe there is any evidence that the band causes cancer. Now -- having said that -- I DO think that having it too tight, or slimming or engaging in certain practices is flirting with CA and other health problems. I also believe that there are MDs who are not properly trained. I also think that the band can be problematic for someone who has a good surgeon and who does everything right. There a risk - that it will need to be removed --yes. So far, I have been fine. No problems -- never --- but I can't swear that it will always be that way.
But -- now-- after saying all of that --- I'd recommend that at 32 BMI - you first try a medically supervised liquid Protein diet. You are overweight but not morbidly obese. It would be cheaper, non-invasive and just as fast of a weight loss. If it doesn't work -- try surgery. Best wishes

I have a suggestion that you MIGHT want to consider 32 BMI and an intense relationship with food is a concern. Personally, I have had a GREAT experience with the Lapband. I got it in March 2008 at 43 BMI. I'm current 26 BMI. My first 5 years was consistent losing and then holding steady at 30 BMI. Then - there was a 4 or 5 yr period when I slowly gained 30 lbs and just couldn't stop myself from eating. Then I went on a medically supervised Liquid Protein diet. It worked. Stopped my cravings in their tracks. The band, that I thought had stopped working, kicked back in and was a great help. After the liquid diet, I found foods that were low calorie, nutritional and I never let that craving bear come back. So far, so good.
As to the band -- I read a lot of research (in fact - I AM a medical researcher) and I don't believe there is any evidence that the band causes cancer. Now -- having said that -- I DO think that having it too tight, or slimming or engaging in certain practices is flirting with CA and other health problems. I also believe that there are MDs who are not properly trained. I also think that the band can be problematic for someone who has a good surgeon and who does everything right. There a risk - that it will need to be removed --yes. So far, I have been fine. No problems -- never --- but I can't swear that it will always be that way.
But -- now-- after saying all of that --- I'd recommend that at 32 BMI - you first try a medically supervised liquid Protein diet. You are overweight but not morbidly obese. It would be cheaper, non-invasive and just as fast of a weight loss. If it doesn't work -- try surgery. Best wishes

Oh my dear ---- I'm so sorry. I mostly want you to know that there are people out here to read these posts and definitely - hear you and get it. I'm also here to tell you to never, never give up. I'm 66. Got up to 43 BMI when I got the band in 2008. Got down to 32 BMI and stayed there for 5/6 years and then gradually gained abt 30lbs -- so abt 50% of what I lost. Like you - I just decided to bite the bullet and find a way because I just couldn't bear to put it all back on. I didn't get a conversion surg. I went on a medically supervised Liquid Protein fast. Took 4 mons and lost slowly due to age -- BUT I took the 30lbs off and more. Am now 26 BMI and have been stable there for 10 mos. I had my band adjusted and my band (that I was convinced didn't work anymore) really was a blessing in helping me through the liquid fast. It just really kicked in again. I had an arm lift 2 mos ago and I have a TT coming up in early March. Listen to me --- YOU CAN DO IT! Don't beat yourself up. The past is the past.

I agree with Texas Rose. It sounds like you may be a little swollen from -- maybe dehydration? Or because something has stuck. A day or 2 of liquid is worth trying.

I had band surgery in March 2008 and I had to eat very light for a good year after (and more importantly ------COULD eat light!!). That's exactly how I lost so much weight! The stomach is doing a lot of healing the first couple of months --- and even the first year -- after surgery with both band and sleeve, The lighter the diet -- the better it can heal and not be stretched out. Letting it heal right in those months after surgery will make a major difference in success for years to come. It can be a little hard to eat so light after we have been used to plowing up food for years. But --- trust me--- it's GOOD if you can't get much food down the first few months after surgery. You'll LOVE your new jean size. Over the years on this board --- I have found that those people who were able to accept a new relationship with food -- were the ones who lost most weight and found new lives. It's quite a change and not everyone can do it. Those critical weeks/months after surgery feel very odd. Anyone who finds that they just can't eat much (regardless of which type of surgery they had) will also get to fully apprecaite how little food a person needs and how much they were eating before. Best wishes.

I had band surgery in March 2008 and I had to eat very light for a good year after (and more importantly ------COULD eat light!!). That's exactly how I lost so much weight! The stomach is doing a lot of healing the first couple of months --- and even the first year -- after surgery with both band and sleeve, The lighter the diet -- the better it can heal and not be stretched out. Letting it heal right in those months after surgery will make a major difference in success for years to come. It can be a little hard to eat so light after we have been used to plowing up food for years. But --- trust me--- it's GOOD if you can't get much food down the first few months after surgery. You'll LOVE your new jean size. Over the years on this board --- I have found that those people who were able to accept a new relationship with food -- were the ones who lost most weight and found new lives. It's quite a change and not everyone can do it. Those critical weeks/months after surgery feel very odd. Anyone who finds that they just can't eat much (regardless of which type of surgery they had) will also get to fully apprecaite how little food a person needs and how much they were eating before. Best wishes.

I had band surgery in March 2008 and I had to eat very light for a good year after (and more importantly ------COULD eat light!!). That's exactly how I lost so much weight! The stomach is doing a lot of healing the first couple of months --- and even the first year -- after surgery with both band and sleeve, The lighter the diet -- the better it can heal and not be stretched out. Letting it heal right in those months after surgery will make a major difference in success for years to come. It can be a little hard to eat so light after we have been used to plowing up food for years. But --- trust me--- it's GOOD if you can't get much food down the first few months after surgery. You'll LOVE your new jean size. Over the years on this board --- I have found that those people who were able to accept a new relationship with food -- were the ones who lost most weight and found new lives. It's quite a change and not everyone can do it. Those critical weeks/months after surgery feel very odd. Anyone who finds that they just can't eat much (regardless of which type of surgery they had) will also get to fully apprecaite how little food a person needs and how much they were eating before. Best wishes.

I try to aim for 20 but I'll bet that I often have closer to 30. I think eveyone is probably different and needs to find their own way. All I can say is that when I eat more than 20 to 30 carbs a day - I get wicked cravings for all kinds of food and then I'm off and running. If I keep my carbs low --- I don't crave often and if I do go over a bit for 1 day -- it's easier to get back on the wagon the next. It could partly be that I'm in my 60s, that I'm a very short woman and I'm not very physically active---(still work hard but mostly sitting). Maybe if I moved more or was taller or younger -- I could eat more carbs. All I know is if I stay that low --- I have no problem with Portion Control or keeping calories low. If I go over that amount of carbs -- I get hungry and also have bad cravings. All of my blood tests, blood pressure, and pulse get really good when I stay low carb. They go up when I eat more carbs. I also have more energy, stay more even in mood and sleep better. I also lose weight with it as long as I take it easy on nuts and cheese. I eat half of an Atkins frozen breakfast, take a thermos of coffee with cream/Splenda with me in the AM, maybe an Atkins snack/light meal bar or 100 calorie pack of cinnamon or coco covered almonds for lunch, an Atkins dinner with 1 low carb flax Tortilla (Mama Rico's). In the eve -- I might have homemade low carb egg custard (made with egg whites) with flavored Spenda suryp and Cool Whip or an Atkins candy bar. Nice hot Chai tea as needed. Pickles, oives for treats. Works for me. I think that when American's are eating high carbs --- it's mostly sugar and starch (and usally with a fair amount of fat). I don't know of any nutrution book that says that sugar, crackers, Cookies, bread, Pasta and chips are good for a person. I don't think we are missing any important nutrition at all by staying away from that stuff. Low carb does not discourage most veggies. Corn, potato and Beans are not exactly on the low carb diet but they can be eaten (especially Beans and other whole carbs) once the weight is lost. It's also true that during the losing phase - it's better to stick with berries for fruit becase they are so low carb. it's a good way of getting fruit in without getting high carbs and sugar. I do think that I need to be stricter in low carb than many other people because of my size, inactivity and metabolism.