Winterjade
Posted: Oct. 1 2008, 14:34 ET

Hi Everyone,
   I had my consultation today and was disappointed by the answer I got from the nurse. My Question was: As I understand it If I go above 140lbs I will have 2 weeks to get under or I will have to go back on strict. But what if my body is changing with the added exercise (gaining muscle and what not) so I may be over 140 but I have a smaller waist and more defined muscles?

Her Answer: Sorry but if your above 140 you will be back on strict doesn't matter how great you feel or how satisfied you are with your weight. She stated that these are her parameters that they get from the big guy himself and it pretty much states if you fall between these weights (I am 115-125) then you can not be over said amount and be on maintenance.

I find it a bit too black and white. Of course I will be following program and shouldn't go above the threshold, but it just seems weird to me to lump people together, Even at the beginning of the diet I said 115 (even 125) was too small and I would be happy around 135 (which is where I am now) It just seems that they are forcing me into a category. And I very well may end up there as I gain more lean muscle and continue with my success but They should take into account more than what shows on the scale


Well there was my 2 cents, don't get me wrong I am extremely happy with my progress and the nurses are wonderful, this is just something I thought that we could discuss to get some other views

Thanks Jenn

NPacheco
Posted: Oct. 3 2008, 08:15 ET

Hi Winterjade,
I can totally relate to your frustration.  Even though I'm on week 14 of maintenance (which translates into everything in moderation), they still mark up my diet sheet like crazy and don't look at the fact that I need to eat more on the days that I go to the gym or that my weight is staying steady even with the increased food.  I thought that maintenance would have a bit more give and take -- and I do get that with one particular nurse -- but overall I find that they don't give you as much guidance as I had hoped and that they are very black and white about it.  Basically I go now to the clinic for the weigh-in, and the doctor's visits but I use my own scale, DailyPlate.com and the maintenance book to guide me in my eating decisions.

AngelaM
Posted: Oct. 3 2008, 09:29 ET

Hi, Winterjade and NPacheco, I'm a new member using the Dr. B Forums and really appreciate being able to read about others experience.  I don't have anyone around me who's done this diet and everyone has opinions (mostly negative).  I'm in my 2nd week of maintenance and totally scared of putting weight back on.  I made it to the upper end of my recommended goal weight but feel I look much too thin (naked is not pretty). I'd like to gain back about 5 lbs, but will it go all over or end up on my belly!  Like you two, the nurses scare me with their notes on my food intake (though I did nibble on a few things I shouldn't) and I was kept on another week of 'week 1' maintenance even though I did not gain weight!  I'm making the effort to do what they say but eventually can I safely add a little weight to my skinny frame so I'll look less wrinkly (upper arms and thighs) in a bathing suit next summer? Or is it just the fact I'm turning 60 next month, that is the real problem with my appearance?  Will some weight training and daily walking fix the problem or is this something I'll have to live with (punishment for getting too heavy in the first place!)?

AlisonA
Posted: Oct. 3 2008, 10:09 ET

I know this isn't a Dr.B - based answer, but I can tell you my mom went through a similar feeling after she lost weight when she was a little older.  Her face gets quite thin (always had fabulous cheekbones) so she likes to be a little higher (no more than 4-5 lbs) than her optimal weight had been when she was younger.  That said -- she definitely benefits from walking (keeps the weight off her lower half) and I'm trying to get her to do light weights, it would probably help toning.

NPacheco
Posted: Oct. 3 2008, 11:29 ET

I agree with Alison.  Especially as we age we lose muslce so even do some light weights and high repetitions can help with that.  Also I see by your ticker that you've lost 45 lbs (CONGRATS!!!) so the skin may be loose for a bit just with adjusting to less weight.  Give your body a chance to adjust to this new weight and try some weights to help with the toning.  The maintenance plan is really good in the beginning just so that you don't slide backwards into bad eating habits.  You want to get your body to accept increased food slowly and not do it too rapidly.  See how you look and feel once you hit the 12th week and then re-assess.

Winterjade
Posted: Oct. 3 2008, 14:39 ET

Although I have yet to start Maintenance (I start Monday) I am not really stressed about it, I have throughly read Brians post about calories and equating it to a bank...It was really helpful (unfortunately ZI do not know how to link it...) I cant see my habits changing from what they are now except I will be eating more veggies and a bit more protein...I have increased my exercising and will take note of my caloric equasion when I want a treat. I also signed up to Mydailyplate to keep track of my intake. Even though I know that maintenance is the hardest part of the life change I am excited to journey through it

As for the excess Jenn (lol) I have a lot and being naked is not as pretty as I would hoped, but I also know I was heavy for a long time so I have promised myself to wait the 2 years it can take for my skin elasticity to come back before doing anything drastic, just like the diet, have patients besides I am so cold all the time I am not really showing any skin lol