Desperate days

[Surich]

Hello, I have rejoined after a number of years jogging along on Ramipril and Dapagliflozin. I was diagnosed as Type 2 10 years ago, initially lost weight and went into remission that didn't last and then I put weight back on. A year ago it was decided to change the Ramipril to Sitagliptin but the new combination caused me many problems and also damaged my right eye. I have ARMD anyway and have had many injections in my left eye. At this point I realised I needed to take control of everything and after a serious discussion with the DN at our practice I came off all medication and went on a carefully controlled low carb diet. I lost almost two stones and my AC1 went down to 49. I felt ok but then it was discovered I had a prolapse which has meant making sure that I get enough of the correct nutrients to enable gentle bowel movements. Needless to say after an initial examination at the hospital nothing has been done to help me so far. My weight has slightly gone up and I have trouble keeping blood sugars lower. I have a CGM and monitor them but sleep is a real problem and although I stay generally within range I have plateaud for about 3 months and need to find a way to lose weight again and get my life back. I find Keto too extreme and the low carb diet has stopped working
I should add that I am 80 years old, mother of 2 children and grandmother to five.

 

[Surich]

Diagnosed 10 years ago with Type 2 diabetes, now 80 years old and on no meds due to a very bad reaction to a combination of Sitagliptin and Dapagliflozin. Came off all meds, lost almost 2 stones in weight on a low carb diet but have plateaued for about 3 months.
Just been diagnosed with a prolapse which is causing me some problems not least the need to put food into my diet to help with gentle bowel movements. I try to avoid drugs of any kind, they all seem to affect me badly. Tried Fybogel but it wasn’t very effective.
Blood sugars are a little higher although within range and I have put on about 2lbs but I am not very active. I use a CGM.
I really need some advice as to how to continue to lose weight despite the continuous discomfort the prolapse causes.

 

[KennyA]

Hello and welcome.

I found with a very low carb diet (~20g/day) that weight loss was entirely inconsistent. In my case weight loss followed my BG returning to normal - so in my case at least weight loss was unnecessary to achieve normal levels.

Over the years that followed I plateaued constantly. Long periods (months) passed without any weight loss, although nothing had changed in my diet. During some of these although weight was constant I was still decreasing in size - everything from waist and collar size to my watchstrap. And then I'd lose four or five kilos in a couple of weeks for no apparent reason.

I seem (six years on) to be settled around the 85kg mark - it goes up and down a bit, but since taking up fairly strenuous exercise again I have noticeably gained some muscle, so that would increase weight in any case.

 

[Rachox]

I have found over the years that a low carb diet doesn’t give me enough fibre to keep ‘regular’. I have added psyllium husk powder to my diet at breakfast time and a couple of capsules later in the day do the job.

 

[Surich]

I have found over the years that a low carb diet doesn’t give me enough fibre to keep ‘regular’. I have added psyllium husk powder to my diet at breakfast time and a couple of capsules later in the day do the job.

I’ll try that, thank you. It could be more effective than Fybogel

 

[Surich]

Hello and welcome.

I found with a very low carb diet (~20g/day) that weight loss was entirely inconsistent. In my case weight loss followed my BG returning to normal - so in my case at least weight loss was unnecessary to achieve normal levels.

Over the years that followed I plateaued constantly. Long periods (months) passed without any weight loss, although nothing had changed in my diet. During some of these although weight was constant I was still decreasing in size - everything from waist and collar size to my watchstrap. And then I'd lose four or five kilos in a couple of weeks for no apparent reason.

I seem (six years on) to be settled around the 85kg mark - it goes up and down a bit, but since taking up fairly strenuous exercise again I have noticeably gained some muscle, so that would increase weight in any case.

 

[Surich]

Hello and welcome.

I found with a very low carb diet (~20g/day) that weight loss was entirely inconsistent. In my case weight loss followed my BG returning to normal - so in my case at least weight loss was unnecessary to achieve normal levels.

Over the years that followed I plateaued constantly. Long periods (months) passed without any weight loss, although nothing had changed in my diet. During some of these although weight was constant I was still decreasing in size - everything from waist and collar size to my watchstrap. And then I'd lose four or five kilos in a couple of weeks for no apparent reason.

I seem (six years on) to be settled around the 85kg mark - it goes up and down a bit, but since taking up fairly strenuous exercise again I have noticeably gained some muscle, so that would increase weight in any case.

Interesting that low carb results were inconsistent. I tried Keto but being in ketosis was difficult to maintain at a steady rate. I will still stick to low carb because I can at least keep some control over sugar levels. But it is limiting, any fruit is a no no as it spikes sugar levels and even a new potato is a problem as is a whole wheat slice of bread. I’ve tried some of the keto/low carb options but really don’t like them.

 

[KennyA]

Interesting that low carb results were inconsistent. I tried Keto but being in ketosis was difficult to maintain at a steady rate. I will still stick to low carb because I can at least keep some control over sugar levels. But it is limiting, any fruit is a no no as it spikes sugar levels and even a new potato is a problem as is a whole wheat slice of bread. I’ve tried some of the keto/low carb options but really don’t like them.

I wouldn't say inconsistent. Loss overall to the effect that I lost around 90lbs in about three years from 2020 to 2023. Rate of loss was what varied, but here I am (using the waist/height ratio) maintaining it and somewhat lighter than expected for my height.

Fruit, bread, and potatoes have not been part of my diet for over six years. Happy to go without, as it means I also don't have those diabetic symptoms.

 

[Outlier]

I find lots of green leafy veg plus olive oil and butter on top of them keeps the guts healthy. Would that work for you.

 

[Surich]

I wouldn't say inconsistent. Loss overall to the effect that I lost around 90lbs in about three years from 2020 to 2023. Rate of loss was what varied, but here I am (using the waist/height ratio) maintaining it and somewhat lighter than expected for my height.

Fruit, bread, and potatoes have not been part of my diet for over six years. Happy to go without, as it means I also don't have those diabetic symptoms.

An impressive achievement, it certainly gives me hope, not that I have a choice, must just persevere and I do agree it is worth staying away from the foods that cause problems. Just need to get the prolapse sorted now. It’s a bit like knocking down skittles! I do have an appointment at last.

 

[Surich]

I find lots of green leafy veg plus olive oil and butter on top of them keeps the guts healthy. Would that work for you.

I’m not very good with green leafy veg but do use olive oil and butter. Love cauliflower and broccoli but I am prepared to try anything except Kale! Will give it a go and let you know results.