I am researching the DS. I have gained backed 38lbs. I cannot gain another pound. I am struggling big time. I am gaining weight eating less than 1500 cals a day at this point. Eating 900 cals a day for so long must have ruined my metabolism. My restriction is ok, but I need more help.

I am not looking for people to tell me to eat Protein first then veggies.

I am looking for people with experience with the DS, or people that know people. Thanks!

If you haven't, you may want to try posting on the DS message board here:

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/ds/

I would bet there are lots of folks there who have experience with revising to DS. Good luck to you!

I am researching the DS. I have gained backed 38lbs. I cannot gain another pound. I am struggling big time. I am gaining weight eating less than 1500 cals a day at this point. Eating 900 cals a day for so long must have ruined my metabolism. My restriction is ok, but I need more help.

I am not looking for people to tell me to eat Protein first then veggies.

I am looking for people with experience with the DS, or people that know people. Thanks!

Dr. Ashmore, a clinic's PhD - he does their psyc evals.....and speaks at one of the support groups I attend. He says that all that 'messing up the metabolism' is not founded on fact. He says it's urban legend, a myth. He said that unless we are in a POW prison, our bodies are not going to go into starvation mode. I never 'bought that' anyway, but many people do.

I cannot eat more than 1300 for more than a few days or I'll gain. At 1200 for more than a couple of days, and I'll lose. It is a fine line between losing, maintaining and gaining. I think you just may need FEWER calories to maintain, and about a hundred less than that to start losing again. You can do it!!! Good luck!

Dr. Ashmore sounds like a quack; from my medical viewpoint based on what you've mentioned. I regret if you like him; his information is not medically correct.

I've seen numerous posts re: doctors saying starvation mode is a myth. Are they all quacks??

Before looking for a second surgical intervention, really she would need to do the above to make sure it's not bad habits and lack of exercise that caused the weight gain. Her body has already hit 129 therefore it will be easier to get there again. The DS surgery is not if you can't handle eating healthy and exercise. Because having the DS will cause worse issues regarding absoption of cruicial vitamins and minerals. If a person continues to eat poorly, their health will really suffer. Stick to the non-evasive treatment plan as mentioned above of changing eating habits and exercising consistently 4-6 times a week. Good luck. Really, this is something that you can fix. It's just you putting in the effort.

Most physicians, psychiatrists, or psychologists are not educated regarding nutrition. They are not taught it in medical school. I want to see the research evidence based data.

Interesting article re: starvation mode:

http://caloriecount.about.com/forums/weight-loss/truth-starvation-mode

And a blog post that is thought-provoking:

http://fattyfightsback.blogspot.com/2009/03/mtyhbusters-starvation-mode.html?m=1

Research evidence based with a large cross sectional population.

Those articles are good read. Let me ask you this, if physicians were so up on their knowledge of nutrition, then why are the majority of Americans obese or morbidly obese? Why do we have the highest numbers of hypertension, diabetes, hypercholestermia, or Metabolic Syndrome?

Common sense: If you don't meet your body's nutritional needs, it will breakdown muscle due to low circulating electrolytes (rhabdomyolysis) -this is the most severe in which I believe that psychologist said POWs experience. However, you can experience lesser degree with muscle wasting (loss of muscle mass) which gets replaced with fat cells. Hence, with less lean muscle mass with higher percent of body fat, metabolism slows which slow weight loss. Increase metabolism (increase muscle mass), faster weight loss. Hmmm...why is it that professional fighters know this secret and physicians don't?

Side bar off the subject: Why is it now that you will start to see exercises that MMA fighters have been doing for years now being seen on the biggest loser or some infomercial as the "newest greatest weightloss program" LOL...I've been doing those exercises for years. Just like these articles saying that low metabolism or low caloric intake will not put a body into "starvation mode". Maybe it's the wrong term that has been used for years, but if your body can't sustain too few calories, it's just that...it will break down whatever you call it.

Thank you for the opportunity to provde feedback.

Sincerely,

Jen

Most physicians, psychiatrists, or psychologists are not educated regarding nutrition. They are not taught it in medical school. I want to see the research evidence based data.

When I see people say "Most_________ (fill in the blank)" I want to pull out my already thinning hair. It is such a generalization it makes me crazy. In addition, most american's are not obese or morbidly obese..according to the 2010 census those numbers are 35%, which is not the majority.

If this journey has taught me anything is that we are all different and unique..what works for the OP may not work for you or me or someone else. It is up to each of us to educate ourselves and decide upon that course of action based on what we feel works best for each of us.

From the article,"Well there is no doubt that the body slows metabolic rate when you reduce calories or lose weight/fat. There are at least two mechanisms for this.

One is simply the loss in body mass. A smaller body burns fewer calories at rest and during activity. There’s not much you can do about that except maybe wear a weighted vest to offset the weight loss, this would help you burn more calories during activity.

However, there’s an additional effect sometimes referred to as the adaptive component of metabolic rate. Roughly, that means that your metabolic rate has dropped more than predicted by the change in weight."

I think I mentioned that above.

sorry, majority as compared to other countries...my bad for not being specific.

PS 2010..old info we are in 2013 almost 2014. Need updated info.

Ok, I've given my input for Phatgal, not for others to challenge every single word that I've written. I don't have time to banter and won't argue point for point. I was asked a question and answered. Otherwise, I'd have to charge for billable hours for my medical experise (I'm giving basic information..not medical advice).

Agreed, people should do their own research. But becareful where you get your information from. Make sure that it is from actual research evidence base data from typically large Universities or project that has a large cross sectional population for accurate data. Most research will say that more research will need to be done in that area.

Thanks for the opportunity for feedback.

Building lean muscle will definitely help you burn more calories and optimize your metabolism. I think strength training is an integral part of any weight loss program. One "side effect", though, is the scale may go up or not move for a while. That's totally ok, though--that's GOOD weight

As an aside, I think the American obesity problem has less to do with uneducated doctors and more to do with cheap, commercially available diets that are unhealthy (processed foods), the American lifestyle (long work days with little time for meal prep), and declining physical activity.

You got it Hathery! On target with strength training, cardio, activity in general, healthy eating, etc. They are the the crime fighters to obesity and poor health, and makes way for a healthier lifestyle & longevity.