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Low carb didn't change my life. It saved my life.

11/7/2012

46 Comments

 
Meet the Old Lynne
Picture
Lynne, in all black.
I remember starting my first “diet” and attending my first Weight Watchers meeting at age 10, and for almost 40 years, I battled constantly with my weight. I was an expert at losing the weight, but could never keep it completely off for long, and like many, found myself caught in a vicious “yo-yo” weight loss cycle. I was always at odds with the scale. Always at war with food. And always hungry.

For almost 40 years, I tried every diet that came along in search of the magic bullet that would make me thin, keep me thin, and satisfy my constant hunger. I restricted food, weighed my food, and counted calories. I attended meetings, weighed in, and kept food diaries. I popped diet pills, drank weight loss formulas, and ate protein bars to curb hunger. Over the years, I’d go for weeks at a time eating nothing but cottage cheese, or grapefruit, or rice cakes, or low-fat yogurt, or Special K cereal with skim milk, or Diet Coke and gummie bears (they’re low-fat, right??). In a final act of desperation, I signed onto a very expensive, hospital-based, medically supervised weight loss program, which required that I drink nothing but protein shakes (taking in under 800 calories a day) for six months. I did that twice. It “worked” - both times. I spent a lot of money – both times. I lost a lot of weight – both times. But consuming only protein shakes for the rest of my life was not a sustainable solution for me.

The diet gimmicks worked for a while – especially during my high school years (while in marching band) and college years (as a performer in live shows and parades at Walt Disney World for four summers). In my twenties and thirties, I fluctuated between 124 lbs. and 150 lbs. But as I reached my forties, things started to change. I couldn’t keep the weight off. And by the time I reached my late forties, I had gained 200 lbs. I reached my highest weight…at 5 feet 4 inches, I weighed 324 lbs. And I was afraid.

I continued to struggle with food and went through periods of “all or nothing”…starving myself (“nothing”), and when that wasn’t working, I would eat whatever (“all”), because it just didn’t seem to matter. I couldn’t lose the weight when I was starving. I couldn’t lose it when I was eating a low-fat diet and exercising like my physicians prescribed. I was beyond discouraged. I was exhausted from extremely stressful situations in my work environment and at home. And I was struggling to balance the challenges of being the primary caregiver for my mother (who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes) for eight years prior to her death in 2010. 

As I cared for my Mom during those years, I witnessed how type 2 diabetes ravaged her health and destroyed her once full and vibrant life, until complications from the disease took her life at age 74. My wonderful Mom taught me how to live. But her greatest gift to me was showing me that type 2 diabetes and the litany of complications that accompany it were not the way to die.

I knew that I had to do something, but had no idea what that “something” was. Eating a low-fat diet and exercising more – as my doctors prescribed – were doing nothing more than making me hungrier, sicker, and fatter. I was exhausted all the time. I felt like a complete failure. 

Until November 5, 2009, when I had the great fortune of finding and coming under the medical care of Eric C. Westman, MD – Founder and Director of the Duke Lifestyle Medicine Clinic at Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, and internationally known researcher and expert in the clinical use of very low sugar/very low starch nutrition to manage obesity and to prevent and reverse diseases – including type 2 diabetes. 

Before meeting Dr. Westman, I had no idea that everything that I’d learned about diet, food, and nutrition was wrong. I had no idea that the “low-fat diet” that the “experts” had been telling me to eat was precisely what was making permanent weight loss virtually impossible for me. Most importantly, I had no idea that low-fat dieting was silently setting me up for the very same things (type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity) that ultimately caused my Mom’s death.

Thankfully, my Mom’s story won’t be mine, because in the three years since implementing Dr. Westman’s very low sugar/very low starch approach (from November 2009 to current, September 2012), I have lost 185 lbs. and kept it off. Thanks to Dr. Westman, I have learned to eat a well-formulated very low sugar/very low starch diet. I enjoy beautiful, fresh foods every day – eating right at or under 20 g Total Carbs a day, comprised of optimal protein (chicken, beef, poultry, pork, seafood), good fats (olive oil, coconut oil), full-fat dairy (butter, heavy whipping cream, cheeses), eggs (yolks and whites), very low sugar fruits (blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries), and non-starchy vegetables (lettuce, kale, spinach, onion, tomatoes, green beans, squash, zucchini, broccoli, bell peppers). 

I am 51 years old, weigh 139 lbs., and have more energy than I did thirty years ago. My arteries are clear and my blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and A1C levels are all beautifully normal…all of which are hard to believe for those who don’t understand the science behind very low sugar/very low starch eating. But it is true. 

I have the best health of my life and my healthiest years ahead…because of Eric Westman, MD, and others who know the science and understand that very low sugar/very low starch foods are the most powerful medicine we have. We can heal broken metabolisms and prevent and reverse a myriad of health conditions by simply eating beautiful, fresh very low sugar/very low starch foods that truly nourish us on all levels. 

We can’t exercise our way out of a bad diet. But we really can heal ourselves with the right one. I am thankful for Dr. Westman and for his work with very low sugar/very low starch nutrition. To say that it changed my life is an understatement. It saved my life. And I’m thankful for finally finding a wonderful way of eating that is sustainable, healthy and right for me. I am no longer at war with food. No longer at war with the scales. No longer at war with myself.

Meet the new Lynne
Picture
What was the biggest challenge to adopting a carbohydrate-restricted or paleo diet?
I'll never forget the day I went to particular appointment to see my doctor (Eric C Westman, MD, MHS, (founder-director of the Duke Lifestyle Medicine Clinic, Durham, NC, and President-Elect of the American Society of Bariatric Physians (not surgeons :-). At that appointment, Dr Westman told me, "Lynne, you have to eat fat to lose fat"...I couldn't believe it! Had a hard time wrapping my head around that one...but it's true. From that point on, I made a conscious effort to include more of the good fats in my diet. And the pounds melted away. 

What advice (if any) would you give to someone interested in trying a carbohydrate-restricted or paleo diet? Were there any obstacles that you overcame that could help future dieters?
My advice would be to immerse yourself in the real science out there that supports low-carb living. Read books by authors like Eric C Westman, MD (The New Atkins for a New You), Drs Steve Phinney and Jeff Volek (The Art & Science of Low-Carb Living, and The Art & Science of Low-Carb Performance), and of course, Gary Taubes (Good Calories, Bad Calories, and Why We Get Fat & What To Do About It). 

Search the web and enjoy the myriad of low-carb websites and low-carb recipes...there is no reason in the world to be hungry or bored with food when you low-carb...check out some wonderful recipe sites and bloggers, like Linda's Low-Carb recipes, Jamie Van Eaton's Your Lighter Side blog, Chef George Stella's site and amazing success story at Stella Style. Real food is delicious!! And it's made a 185 lb weight loss sustainable and permanent for me. 

Dr Westman says that low-carb living isn't a weight-loss diet...weight loss is a nice side benefit (true!!), but that the real magic is happening on the inside...with prevention and reversal of diseases and major improvements in a number of health markers, like cholesterol,triglycerides, and blood glucose levels,to name a few. I see insulin dependent/med dependent diabetics coming completely off of meds and insulin every day when they are under the care of Dr Westman...in essence, he is curing diabetes...totally reversing it...every single day. Miracles. I just wish more in the medical community knew and understood the real science behind low-carbing. (Ironically, Dr Westman teaches the only course in an American medical school (here at Duke University School of Medicine) that addresses the use of ketogenic diet to address obesity and to prevent and reverse disease. It is an elective for our medical students. one of these days...I hope Dr Westman and other physicians like him will get the respect deserved and that courses like this will be mainstream). 

I help Dr Westman lead the Low-Carb Support Group here at Duke...as a patient, group member, and group coordinator...I know how important it has been to me to surround myself with others who "get" low-carb. We have a wonderful group here in Durham, NC, that meets with Dr Westman monthly...we'd love to have anyone coming to the area join us! Click here for more information.
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46 Comments
Patrick Larson link
11/6/2012 08:54:30 pm

Truly inspiring! Wow. Sending to my mom!

Reply
Larry link
11/6/2012 09:05:01 pm

Yes it is! Written beautifully.

Reply
Lynne
11/15/2012 02:23:55 am

Thanks so much Larry, for all you are doing to get the word out there re: delicious, nutritious, life-saving low-carb and Paleo living. Thank you for providing a wonderful forum to share our stories...pictures are worth a thousand words, and all the stories posted from folks around the world are such an inspiration to me!

Lynne
11/15/2012 02:25:12 am

Thank you so much, Patrick! It's been nothing short of a miracle for me, no doubt about it. Hope you and your mom are doing well!

Reply
Mary Anne link
11/1/2013 02:53:45 am

Hi Lynne
My friend, Walter sees Dr. Westman and I had the privelage of meeting with him a few weeks ago at his appointment. I would love to meet you. Your story is so inspiring and I would love to explore the idea of having you share your story with my group. We are women who have 50 or more pounds to lose. A handful of them are doing paleo and I just think what you have to say and share would be very powerful. Please contact me so we can chat!!

Nick
1/11/2014 12:13:47 pm

Lynne,
I'm new to low carb but you website has inspired me. I realize that this lifestyle requires support and is love if you would cheer me on. Thanks in advance for your encouragement
Nick

monique
2/22/2015 06:59:35 am

are still on the low carb program and did you count calories at all? I have read that you eat too many calories even on a low carb of 20-50 , you will not lose weight. I really would like to hear from you since you have already tried and succeeded. thanks!

Reply
AlB.
11/7/2012 04:03:27 am

Very inspiring. Your dedication and commitment truly show! And, for the obligatory question: did you count or monitor calories at all once switching to a low-carb approach?

Reply
Dana
11/7/2012 11:55:21 am

I don't know about Lynne, but there have been times I've tracked my intake just to see what I am eating, and at various points I've found that at almost 3000 calories a day I was losing weight fine but, if my calories drop too low past 2000, I stall or stop with weight loss.

I don't think it's because my body's "going into starvation mode." Starvation mode is ketosis. Rather I think that at that low of a caloric intake, I'm not getting enough micronutrients to keep everything working properly, including the endocrine organs involved in fat loss. That, and maybe the human body does a sort of a stop-loss thing with protein when calories get too low just because it's obvious not enough protein's coming in. But as obsessed as nearly everyone in bariatrics is with counting every last calorie, we may not find this out for sure for a while.

(Or so I am guessing... do we need a central website to monitor all the research? I'm starting to wonder.)

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Lynne
11/15/2012 02:39:11 am

Hi Dana - not counting calories here, but I do know that if I don't eat right at or slightly under 20 g Total Carbs my weight loss may plateau/stall.

Lynne
11/15/2012 02:36:06 am

hi AIB - thank you so much for your kind comments, and great question, too! I've not counted calories in the three years since I started my low-carb lifestyle. As long as I eat right at 20 grams Total Carbohydrate (I count Total Carbs, not Net Carbs), I lose weight. Counting Total Carbs is what works best for me. At this point, I hardly think about it anymore, because my food routine is established, and I pretty much know what I can/can't eat and know counts in my head, so I find that this is one of the most wonderful things about a long-term, sustained way of low-carb eating...I don't have to worry about food, or carb counts...it just "is" for me. And being freed from the worry about all of that is one of the most wonderful gifts I've found in all of this. I find that the hunger switch is on permanent "off"...I automatically eat less and have a greater sense of saeity/fullness eating a high fat/moderate protein diet. Thanks for your question!

Reply
AlB
11/28/2012 12:59:13 pm

Lynne, thank you for your response. It's both inspirational and motivational to know that you can acquire this level of health without being a slave to a food scale and calorie counting web sites. Thank you for taking the time to respond!

Janet Huffstetler
11/7/2012 04:51:01 am

Absolutely inspirational since the first day I met you! You keep us all going! What a story! So happy to have you as a friend!

Reply
Lynne
11/15/2012 02:41:09 am

Hi Janet! You have to know what a total inspiration you are to me, too! What a story you have to tell, as well! Thank you for being such a blessing and inspiration to me and so many others!

Reply
Linda Griffin
11/10/2012 01:20:56 am

Lynne, you are my inspiration. Your story is amazing, sounds like mine, an adult life time of dieting, I was a lifetime member of Weight Watchers in 1973.... but since May 2011, I now know the answer, the low carb lifestyle is a life saver, I lost my extra 60 lbs and have continued to maintain that loss since February 2012. Congrats on your weight loss and maintenance.

Reply
Lynne
11/15/2012 02:43:47 am

And hi and thank you, too, Linda!! As with Janet (above), you have to know what a total inspiration you are to me, too! Your story is such an amazing affirmation of the beautiful, health-giving benefits of low-carb living, too! Thank you for being such a blessing and inspiration to me and so many others, too!

Reply
dean
2/5/2013 01:47:13 am

You look fantastic. Congrats.

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Lynne
2/5/2013 01:50:28 am

Thank you so much, Dean...low-carbing has been and continues to be nothing short of a miracle for me (over 3 years now). Thank you for your kind and supportive comments!

Reply
Sunshine
5/16/2013 06:37:58 am

I'm trying to adopt a similar eating plan and found your story when looking for "medical success stories". Thank you so much for the inspiration.

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Lynne
8/20/2013 09:02:18 am

Hi Sunshine - thank you so much for your very kind words...and your kind inspiration, too! We are all in this together...not alone. Keep up your wonderful work...it really becomes easier, I found, when the carbs were "gone"...I've been low carbing now for almost 4 years (since November 2009 to current (August 2013), and it has been the most delicious, nourishing journey. I'm hoping that you're finding this to be true for you, too! Best and warmest wishes, Lynne

Reply
Bruno R.
8/13/2013 08:40:54 am

Lynne, your story has inspired me a lot. I'm going to follow the duke diet as of tomorrow morning (my son is turning 10 tomorrow - a nice start date). I am a 39 years old guy and have been fighting with my weight since my teens. I'm doing this. Thanks for the inspiration.

Reply
Lynne
8/20/2013 09:21:00 am

Hi Bruno...how fortunate your wonderful young son (hope he had a great 10th birthday, by the way!) is to have a great dad who is caring for his own health...that's a strong role model right there! I'm so proud of you and for you! The "Duke Diet" is a bit different from Dr. Westman's Ketogenic Diet (so if you're interested in going very low carb...be sure to check out Dr. Westman's resources and information...google his work). And if you'd like to join Dr Westman's Facebook support group...we'd love to have you! (See my response to Moira below..be sure to search and request an add for "The Low Carb Support Group". (Not "Low Carb Support Group"...that's not us, there's another group out there by that name). I'm so proud of you and for you...and excited about the best years of your best health ahead. You can do this, My Friend! Thank you for your wonderful inspiration and very kind words. We are all in this together! All the best, Lynne.

Reply
moira Eastman
8/20/2013 08:33:09 am

Lynne,
thank you for your story. It is inspiring. I've known for years that the only way I can lose weight is low carb. So a low carb diet brings my weight down, then I forget and start eating the mainstream way, and my weight balloons. I read the first Atkins book, and it worked for me. Then I was worried by the bad press I saw on Atkins--and went off it--and put on weight. Then about 2002 I read an updated Atkins and was incredibly impressed, and lost 35 pounds. Then, about 2010 or 2011 I read Gary Taubes--which answered all my questions and truly inspired me. It is only in the last couple of weeks I've come across Dr Westman's work. this is a breakthrough. I can see I've been pretty much 'low carbing', but not low enough for me. That is, I'm not getting the benefits of Dr Westman's very low carb diet.

Thank you for your story, and your photos. Truly inspiring

Reply
Lynne
8/20/2013 09:12:13 am

Hi Moira! Thank you so very, very much for your wonderful comments and for your very kind support! I have shared your comments with Dr. Westman, here in Durham, NC, as well. It truly is amazing, isn't it, once we find that breakthrough. I know I'll be forever grateful! If you are ever traveling to this part of the U.S. (not sure where you are?), we have our "live" support group with Dr. Westman that meets each month...would love to have you with us! And if travel to our part of the world is not possible, we have a great support group out of Dr. Westman's clinic on Facebook...please join us there, too! You'll find a great community of people who are eating the way you do now...Dr Westman's very low carb diet (I've been eating right at or a bit under 20 g Total Carbohydrate daily for almost 4 years now, and absolutely love it!). Join us Dr Westman's Duke Lifestyle Medicine Clinic's "online" support group on Facebook by searching "The Low Carb Support Group". Send invitation request in for the group, and I'll add you! All the best, and I look forward to hearing how you are doing with your low carb lifestyle! Lynne

Reply
Bryant Ford link
8/22/2013 11:11:30 pm


Wonderful and inspiring stories you have here. I am very glad that I was able to read on this blog for it keeps me motivated in having a <a href="http://www.dietrinecarbblockersecrets.com/">high protein low carb diet</a>.

Reply
Moira Eastman
9/13/2013 11:45:10 am

Dear Lynne,

Please, do not publish my whole name with this.

I did not realise your reply was there. thank you so much!

I live in Australia, so live contact is impossible, but I'll check out the Facebook option.

my daughter is diabetic. The VERY low carb has made a huge difference to her. I think it is saving her life. Also, have some other friends I'm introducing to the concept. It's taking a while, but I think we'll get there. People are often totally shocked at the idea of very low carb and high fat.

Oh, very recently, since your email, I had a heart attack--the 'broken heart disease' type. I suffered an extreme stress situation. I won't go into it.

[Takotsubo (stress induced) cardiomyopathy is also known as broken heart syndrome or transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome. The clinical presentation, which mimics acute myocardial infarction, is preceded by intense emotional or physical stress. Recurrence of apical ballooning syndrome seems to be rare. We present a case of recurrent takotsubo cardiomyopathy precipitated by relatively mild physical stress. There was full recovery with conservative management. This suggests that there are presently unknown patient-specific characteristics that predispose patients to takotsubo cardiomyopathy.]

I received incredible medical care for which I am extremely grateful. But it was interesting. Not one item on my breakfast tray would I normally eat. [margarine, skim milk, cereal, toast, jam, fruit, no protein, no butter, no cream, no cheese.) This at top hospital.

Also, the angiogram showed my arteries were all clear. Nurses said to me 'What? You are 73 and you have normal arteries?' It sounded like they had never seen it before.

Thank you for your email and support. I think what you and Dr Westman are doing is fantastic!

Again thanks and love,

Reply
Moira Eastman
9/13/2013 12:21:11 pm

Dear Lynne,

Please, do not publish my whole name with this. I do not want my name published with my comments about the hospital!

I did not realise your reply was there. thank you so much!

I live in Australia, so live contact is impossible, but I'll check out the Facebook option.

my daughter is diabetic. The VERY low carb has made a huge difference to her. I think it is saving her life. Also, have some other friends I'm introducing to the concept. It's taking a while, but I think we'll get there. People are often totally shocked at the idea of very low carb and high fat.

Oh, very recently, since your email, I had a heart attack--the 'broken heart disease' type. I suffered an extreme stress situation. I won't go into it.

[Takotsubo (stress induced) cardiomyopathy is also known as broken heart syndrome or transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome. The clinical presentation, which mimics acute myocardial infarction, is preceded by intense emotional or physical stress. Recurrence of apical ballooning syndrome seems to be rare. We present a case of recurrent takotsubo cardiomyopathy precipitated by relatively mild physical stress. There was full recovery with conservative management. This suggests that there are presently unknown patient-specific characteristics that predispose patients to takotsubo cardiomyopathy.]

I received incredible medical care for which I am extremely grateful. But it was interesting. Not one item on my breakfast tray would I normally eat! [margarine, skim milk, cereal, toast, jam, fruit, no protein, no butter, no cream, no cheese.) This at top hospital.

Also, the angiogram showed my arteries were all clear. Nurses said to me 'What? You are 73 and you have normal arteries?' It sounded like they had never seen it before.

Thank you for your email and support. I think what you and Dr Westman are doing is fantastic!

Again thanks and love,

Reply
Karen Harger
9/13/2013 02:23:50 am

Thank you for sharing your story. I lost weight on Dr Westman's plan but I have got off track and I am struggling to get back on. Your story and your before and after pictures are truly inspiring to me. I want an after picture and know I have to stay dedicated to the lifestyle to make it happen.

Reply
Moira Eastman
9/13/2013 12:24:28 pm

Dear Lynne,

I did not know your reply to me had come. thank you so much.

Can i send a comment with a nom de plume rather than my own name?

Best wishes and thanks,

Reply
Mary Seltzer
9/27/2013 03:01:48 am

Lynne, your story is amazing! Congratulations!

I have been on 20 grams or less of carbs since July 10, 2013 and getting frustrated and discouraged. It took 20 days to get into ketosis and I have been in ketosis ever since---No grains, sugars, fruits etc measured by ketone stixs and blood ketone meter. Before ketosis, my fasting blood sugar was 85/86---no medications. Now it's between 90 and 115. And I am not losing very much weight. I've only lost 4 lbs in 2 months.

I have been overweight all my life and lost 70 lbs many times. In 2011, I lost 60 lbs with a low carb, low fat diet and then weight loss came to a complete stop. I still have 55 to 60 lbs to go and need to get rid of imflammation, too. Any help or suggestions?

Reply
Lynne
9/27/2013 03:32:21 am

Hi Mary and thank you so much for your kind words! I'm not a clinician, but a couple of things and questions come to mind, based on my own experience: Are you Counting Net carbs or Total Carbs? Is it possible that some extra carbs are creeping in? Are you eating a lot of protein? (Too much protein can raise blood glucose levels. I have been able to break stalls by upping fat intake, lowering protein intake a bit, and by sticking with a little under 20 g Total Carbs daily. And I stay away from anything with soy in it...and nuts of any kind, and flax seed will stall me in a heart beat). What about artificial sweetners? (I'm pretty sensitive to them, so I notice that I need to limit them, as they will raise my blood glucose level). What's happnening with thyroid levels? (Has your MD looked at that for you lately?). And I know perimenopause/menopause and certain medications can slow things down dramatically, too. Wondering if any of these or combination may be part of the plateau for you? Dr. Westman tells those of us under his care here at Duke that a low-carb diet is not a weight loss diet....weight loss is a fabulous side benefit of this way of eating. It really is an anti-inflammatory way of eating, so that is the good news. And the weight will come off...I found that I just had to tweak/lower protein intake, increase good dietary fat intake, drink more water, eliminate anything with soy in it, severely limit use of artificial sweetners. There is a great pod cast that addresses somethings that may be of interest to you at Jimmy Moore's "podcast, "Ask the Low Carb Experts: 1: Weight Loss Obstacles with Jackie Eberstein, RN" (Dr Atkin's nurse manager who worked in clinic with him for almost 30 years, from 1974 to 2003). It's here at this link: http://www.askthelowcarbexperts.com/2012/01/1-weight-loss-obstacles-jackie-eberstein/ . You may also find more information that may be helpful at Jackie's site... http://www.controlcarb.com/ Don't let this temporary stop in the weight loss discourage you! Best wishes to you and thank you again, and keep me posted! All the best, Lynne :-)

Reply
Martin
8/6/2014 05:10:27 am

Lynne, thanks so much for this great resource! When you stay soy causes problems, does that include soybean oil? For example, many salad dressings include soy bean oil and I'm wondering about that.

Thanks!
Martin

Reply
Mary Seltzer
9/27/2013 06:24:51 am

Lynne,

Thanks for you fast response!
I am counting total carbs. I have not had anything with soy, nuts or flax. I do not use any sweetners except once in awhile a packet of stevia, which I haven't used for about a month.

I just looked at my records and from the 20th through the 25th of September my lowest protein was 52 grams and highest 84 grams. 56, 61, 52,72, 68, 84. My total carbs were 16.5, 14, 17, 16, 8, 5 grams.

I went through menopause about 15 years ago quite easily and am on no medications except thyroid. The bariatric MD in 2011 found I had a TSH of 26. Drs have worked with that since. My last labs showed TSH at .51, Free T3 at 2.9, Reverse T3 at 14 and Free T4 at 1.1.

Actually my present MD is the one who told me to go on the ketogenic diet. #1 to help with pain in my lower joints and #2 to lose weight. He told me to get Ph paper and test my PH. I can get my salvia up to 7, but my urine remains at 5.5.
There has been no relief in pain in the two and one half months. And he wants me to eat nearly all organic and grass-fed, which I have.

I think I listened to Jackies weight loss obstacles program, but I'm going to listen to it again! I've been using sour cream, cream, butter and cheese. Can dairy hinder results? I've been using coconut oil, olive oil too What is a proper protein amount? Jimmy Moore said that he eats between 80 and 100 per day.

Thanks again!

PS I live near Washington DC. Does Dr Westman take patients outside of Durham?

Reply
Mary Seltzer
9/27/2013 06:25:10 am

Lynne,

Thanks for you fast response!
I am counting total carbs. I have not had anything with soy, nuts or flax. I do not use any sweetners except once in awhile a packet of stevia, which I haven't used for about a month.

I just looked at my records and from the 20th through the 25th of September my lowest protein was 52 grams and highest 84 grams. 56, 61, 52,72, 68, 84. My total carbs were 16.5, 14, 17, 16, 8, 5 grams.

I went through menopause about 15 years ago quite easily and am on no medications except thyroid. The bariatric MD in 2011 found I had a TSH of 26. Drs have worked with that since. My last labs showed TSH at .51, Free T3 at 2.9, Reverse T3 at 14 and Free T4 at 1.1.

Actually my present MD is the one who told me to go on the ketogenic diet. #1 to help with pain in my lower joints and #2 to lose weight. He told me to get Ph paper and test my PH. I can get my salvia up to 7, but my urine remains at 5.5.
There has been no relief in pain in the two and one half months. And he wants me to eat nearly all organic and grass-fed, which I have.

I think I listened to Jackies weight loss obstacles program, but I'm going to listen to it again! I've been using sour cream, cream, butter and cheese. Can dairy hinder results? I've been using coconut oil, olive oil too What is a proper protein amount? Jimmy Moore said that he eats between 80 and 100 per day.

Thanks again!

PS I live near Washington DC. Does Dr Westman take patients outside of Durham?

Reply
Mary Seltzer
9/27/2013 06:26:32 am

Lynne,

Thanks for you fast response!
I am counting total carbs. I have not had anything with soy, nuts or flax. I do not use any sweetners except once in awhile a packet of stevia, which I haven't used for about a month.

I just looked at my records and from the 20th through the 25th of September my lowest protein was 52 grams and highest 84 grams. 56, 61, 52,72, 68, 84. My total carbs were 16.5, 14, 17, 16, 8, 5 grams.

I went through menopause about 15 years ago quite easily and am on no medications except thyroid. The bariatric MD in 2011 found I had a TSH of 26. Drs have worked with that since. My last labs showed TSH at .51, Free T3 at 2.9, Reverse T3 at 14 and Free T4 at 1.1.

Actually my present MD is the one who told me to go on the ketogenic diet. #1 to help with pain in my lower joints and #2 to lose weight. He told me to get Ph paper and test my PH. I can get my salvia up to 7, but my urine remains at 5.5.
There has been no relief in pain in the two and one half months. And he wants me to eat nearly all organic and grass-fed, which I have.

I think I listened to Jackies weight loss obstacles program, but I'm going to listen to it again! I've been using sour cream, cream, butter and cheese. Can dairy hinder results? I've been using coconut oil, olive oil too What is a proper protein amount? Jimmy Moore said that he eats between 80 and 100 per day.

Thanks again!

PS I live near Washington DC. Does Dr Westman take patients outside of Durham?

Reply
Dr. Jenna
11/27/2013 06:21:08 am

Great story and believe me, so many Americans can identify with your story. Especially women. I am a doctor and list over 200 pounds myself. I am still working to lose more. It amazes me the level of bad medicine concerning what makes us fat. It really is all about the hirminak imbalances created by over consumption of carbohydrates and sugar. Myself I wish oractioners would wake up.

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Rebecca
1/7/2014 09:21:57 pm

Do you still have a live meeting here in Durham?

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Pat North
2/1/2014 12:55:02 am

Dear Lynne!
I recently read Womams World with your story...congratulations to you for a wonderful story...continued sucess on your journey. Is there a book coming out with your story?
Jeff does stay in touch with Derrick.
Blessings,
Pat

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Raheja link
4/6/2014 09:28:50 pm

Oh my god... that is a very remarkable. Salute to ya courage on not giving up. :)

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Sonija Gierman
4/17/2014 02:02:48 am

Lynne, Your story is inspiring! I am struggling with being very overweight. When I was in my teens I was a model weighing 98lbs in a size 0. struggling then with anorexia. I was raped and then life changed and I found I gained weight after my 20s/ i have asthma, had it since I was a baby. so I struggle with being on steroids frequently which packs on lbs. I am 44 yrs old, 5ft5 and weigh 294. I did the low carb atkins years ago and dropped 60lbs and kept it off for 4 years then I lost my mom to suicide and then a year later lost my dad to a freak accident (5 surgeries in 5 days leaving him quadriplegic he gave up in the end and went to be with my mom), grandma and best friend. all the weight came back and then some. I am at my heaviest now and find it so difficult to get motivated. Any advice? I have a 12yr old son and a wonderful husband that I want to be around for for a long long time.

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Jennifer
8/30/2014 03:36:31 pm

Lynne, I was wondering if you had the issue of excess skin after losing 185 lbs. I myself have about that much to lose and have been on every diet imaginable.

I started following the paleo diet in January and after 3 months (and no cheating) had only lost 10 lbs. I then sort of switched to the Blood Type Diet for Type AB. That diet took me off of my coconut oil and chicken and pork. I have finally given up because I feel as if my choices are so limited. I want my meat back and have started back on my coconut oil.

The reason I asked you about the excess skin is that is one thing that concerns me in losing that much weight. I don't want to have to have some surgery to remove excess skin.

I have been diagnosed with Type II diabetes and have PCOS and metabolic syndrome. This sounds like something that would definitely be beneficial to me.

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Alyssa
11/24/2014 08:05:22 am

This is truly amazing! I am so happy for you, Lynne. Just recently (a few days ago) I came across a low-carb, low-sugar website and read everything I could, word for word.. and it just MADE sense! There really is a science to it and what it does for your body. I have been overweight my entire life. In my late teens I shed quite a bit of weight, bringing me down to about 155 pounds. At this weight, I felt great and looked good, but in the past 5 years I have gained nearly 70 pounds (most of which has accumulated in the last 16 months) I am not sure how it happened so quickly.. Needless to say I am very unhappy and feeling awful about myself, physically and mentally.. HOWEVER. 3-4 days ago I made a choice to follow through with this low-carb, low-sugar diet and I can't even begin to describe the change ALREADY. I have way more energy.. I am NOT hungry.. I am enjoying the food I am eating. And I have no desire to stop eating this way. I firmly believe that this will work for me. Even though it has only been 4 days, I feel like this way of eating has benefit me tremendously. I can not wait to weigh myself one month from now and see what I have accomplished. I hope it is OK, I sent a request to join The Low Carb Support Group on Facebook. Thank you so much for this story. It is inspiring.

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leigh
3/29/2016 09:27:30 am

Hi Lynne,

I have a story like most of the folks who have responded to your blog. I just started a ketogenic diet....hearing that people have really had success in this type of eating gives me hope that I will not continue the cycle of weight loss and then gaining it all back.

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Kristen Shavatt
6/10/2016 10:18:06 am

Very inspiring. Thank you!! You look great by the way!

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Alan
6/22/2016 10:15:38 am

Hi Lynne,

This is very inspiring, thanks! I've been doing low carb for quite a while and all my health markers have improved significantly. One science/research-based website I use often for inspiration is 'authoritynutrition.com' because they are pro-low-carb and offer lots of evidence to support the benefits of it. (I'm just a guy doing low-carb and in no way affiliated with the website)

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Allison link
4/30/2019 01:23:19 pm

Thanks, this is so inspiring to see how low carbs affected you!

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