Starting over & frustrated

[aberger]

OK, I've been on and off about every diet in the world, but I seriously committing this time to low carb. As a Type I diabetic, it always seem to make the most sense for me (I take about 1/2 the insulin I used to when not on low carb). I guess I am just having a frustrating beginning... I've been doing so well eating wise for a solid week and no significant weight loss. Yesterday, I was down FIVE pounds and sooo excited, but today I'm practically back to where I started. Is that even possible? I've also been exercising a lot more than usual, could that explain my ups and downs? I really want to do this this time and to do it right, but I often find myself struggling in the beginning when I don't get the results I am hoping for.... I think I need to be more long-term focused, but it's hard in the beginning. Any tips from some of you who have had long-term success? TIA!

[Elizellen]

Sorry to hear you are finding it tough to get started this time. Extra exercise CAN cause weightgain as the muscles retain water (I think) from what I have read, so it could be that.
You do know I hope that our weight will always fluctuate throughout the week even when we are not on a diet, which is one reason sometimes we suggest here that you only weigh once a week or longer between to avoid getting frustrated by the ups and downs.

Maybe if you like to post some of your menus in our 'Review my Menu' forum someone can spot a possible 'staller'?

Also it would help if you can add some info to your signature like gender, height, current/goal weight so we can see how far you have to go. This will save others having to keep asking. To do this click on the 'User CP' link at the top of every page and choose 'Edit signature' then type the info in the box that opens up, then save it.

[aberger]

Thanks for your tips - I do think I gained some water weight from the exercise b/c today (my official weigh in day) I was indeed down 5!! I'm so excited. What made me even more excited was that my BMI is down one. That is exciting as I really need to get mine down. I do know about weight fluctuation but sometimes that scale calls to me! I'm going to try to be better about weighing too often. Thanks too for the suggestion to add some info to my signature - that's how I figured out my BMI was down!

[Creek]

I don't know whether this applies to you, or not, but a word of warning about aspartame. It is very important for diabetics to avoid aspartame because it causes a blood sugar reaction identical to sugar.

It's very frustrating that most doctor's do not warn their patients about the effects of aspartame. Even in the hospital, with a diabetic menu, the kitchen sent up Equal packets on the tray!

Aspartame is used to sweeten most diet sodas and most "no sugar" foods. Read every label.

[jende]

I also think muscle weighs more than fat so if you are gaining muscle, that could account for the weight gain. (??)

[RoxyRobin]

Hi Aberger! In quite less than one year, I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, with glucose fluctuations. Through advice on this forum, I left WW, joined Atkins, omitted asparatame from my diet and..... I lost 9 pounds the first week, 2 pounds since Sunday, and.. my glucose is at 115!!! Two weeks ago it was 266! I eat 20 or less carbs a day, using Fitday to track all that I consume. As I finish Induction and move to OWL, will adjust again. YOU can do it!