Ask Kimmer!

[Kimmer]

Originally Posted by HP

Hi Kimmer, thanks for answering my question earlier...how did you gain all your wisdom? Experience, research, trial and error? Oh and if I can be nosy(ier) I know you said you would be 48 soon, how old is your AFTER picture in your avatar? (Where you look FABULOUS by the way)

How have I learned? Hmmm, experience, tears, research, screaming, trial & error, back to square one ... so, all of the above.

I think I pay more attention to low-carb and its intricacies than most other people (I guess other people have lives ). I've been fascinated ever since I did Stillman's at 16 and lost so much weight in 2 weeks I had to stop because my pants were falling down and I didn't have money to buy more (welfare mom).

Thank you for the compliment! The "after" photo is at my 46th birthday dinner with a special friend and his parents. Retin-A for 20 years has been very good to me, LOL, although things are changing ... happens.

[Kimmer]

Originally Posted by netmage

Kimmer,

Your note mentions total carbs vs. net... Are you also including fiber in that total count? or are you just trying to make sure to include the hidden carbs in those evil SA's...
-Tim

Absolute total carbs, including fiber (hey, no SAs! ).

Colleen, the carbs can add up but it doesn't matter. Why? OK, let's assume a person is drinking quarts of tea, diet soda and a couple glasses of Crystal Light. Let's assume it comes in at 15 carbs (it won't, but let's say it did). The calories would only be 60 for the entire day! It's nothing.

If you want to see how 0 carb drinks add up, go to Fitday and enter larger quantities (say 32 oz). Coffee, tea, diet soda, Crystal Light, broth ... carbs.

This is the point I try to make about it's a calorie/carb balancing act. The lower your calories, the higher your carbs can be (talking maintenance).

HP, feel free to jump in. I welcome anyone to share their experiences or better explain what I feebly try to say.

[Kimmer]

Originally Posted by HP

Sorry, one more question...in reading your posts you say how drastically lowering calories isn't as bad to the metabolism as some would claim (as well as skipping breakfast - unless like you say they are skipping breakfast to gorge at lunch) but there are also people on this board that post doing the rollyeyes thing and saying you are damaging your body/ruining your metabolism, etc. Is this one of those subjects where you guys just agree to disagree?

-Heather

I have an appointment right now, but I'll post about this when I get back OK? It tends to be a long answer and I would welcome everyone's feedback/questions, too!

[HP]

Holy crap! I thought you were like late 20's at the most (not that 46 is ancient or anything). Okay, one last question and I'll give you a break for a while. How do you feel about liposuction? My stomach has never been great but after gaining alot of weight after moving in with my husband (then fiance) about 10 years ago and then having a baby and c-section in 2001, well let's just say - yuck! I swear my upper stomach looks like an accordian with all the tiny little stretchmarks covering it and my lower part is even worse. I have that overhang thing going, but it's not just skin, it's fat too. Can tummy tucks be done only if it's excess skin you're talking about and not fat? (I assume you have to be close to your ideal weight to even think about having one of those done).

-Heather

[HP]

No problem, take your time. I know I'm bombarding you here, so I'll try to take it easy on you

[Puppy]

Kimmer has left the building. Stay tuned

[colleen44]

Kimmer- Wow I never realized, although one serving is zero carbs , if I put in 100 servings in it does add up to 456 cals and 15 carbs, I guess I just assumed fitday wasnt that smart!!

I guess I wont worry about it then. I was just wondering if I was hurting myself by drinking so much crystal lite. I'll try to keep it under 100 servings though

[RobinB]

Originally Posted by Kimmer

Thank you for the compliment! The "after" photo is at my 46th birthday dinner with a special friend and his parents. Retin-A for 20 years has been very good to me, LOL, although things are changing ... happens.

Does anyone know how old Kimmer was when she first lost the weight?

[colleen44]

Originally Posted by HP

Holy crap! I thought you were like late 20's at the most (not that 46 is ancient or anything). Okay, one last question and I'll give you a break for a while. How do you feel about liposuction? My stomach has never been great but after gaining alot of weight after moving in with my husband (then fiance) about 10 years ago and then having a baby and c-section in 2001, well let's just say - yuck! I swear my upper stomach looks like an accordian with all the tiny little stretchmarks covering it and my lower part is even worse. I have that overhang thing going, but it's not just skin, it's fat too. Can tummy tucks be done only if it's excess skin you're talking about and not fat? (I assume you have to be close to your ideal weight to even think about having one of those done).

-Heather

ok, not answering fro Kimmer but I hope you dont mind my comments. I have never shared this on this board before but I had liposuction about 4 years ago when I was 135 lbs. Maybe it was my doctor that I used (although he was world renowned and I wont mention any names) AND IT CAME BACK. Regardless of what they say fat cells WILL come back. I had lipo in my belly and my sides. The belly part came back but it did help with getting rid of my love handles. I'll let you make your own decision but to me is was a waste of $5000 bucks. You have to maintain that weight to the T if you want it to stay off and I didn't at first. But now at 135 (which 134 was my pre-vacation weight) I still dont have the flat tummy I had at first.

[Narcosis]

Originally Posted by HP

or anything). How do you feel about liposuction? My stomach has never been great but after gaining alot of weight after moving in with my husband (then fiance) about 10 years ago and then having a baby and c-section in 2001, well let's just say - yuck!

I'm not Kimmer, but I've thought about it too.

I've seen a lot of great results on the Discovery Health Channel. When they suck out the fat cells, they never come back. I have indentations and scars on my stomach from wearing an insulin pump (which I no longer use). I also have had 2 sections. There is only a couple of inches of my lower abdomen that I ever let peek of out clothes and that is from my C-section scar to my navel.

I am also thinking about my saddlebags. Even at my thinnest weight, I've always had a pocket on each hip that sticks out. I would like to take those and have them inserted into my butt which tends to get flat.

And while they are at it, they can put some fat back into my 48 year old face. They do all kinds of things now with removing fat here and putting it there.

I do know of a cheap way to temporarily get rid of mushroom tummies in tight jeans. First get a panty shaper like Spanx or Lipo in a Box in a skintone color. These things cover up your tummy to your bra and usually have french cut legs that don't press and cause VPL (visible panty line). Then get some long tank tops. I buy Jockey or Fruits in men's tall sizes (because I'm tall with a long torso). The men's are cheap and they work. Make sure you have the tank over your shaper and tucked well into the jeans to cover your tummy (which is now smoothly encased in the shaper) and prevent Plumber's Butt. The best top to wear over the tank is lyca-cotton type that is very fitted and nipped in the waist and is fairly short. Leave the first 2 or 3 buttons on the top undone so your tank will peek out in the front and your waist is buttoned and nipped in. You should have an inch or two of tank showing on the bottom. But your rolls will smooth out and your curves will show in the low-cut jeans. Lippo in a Box is expensive but it flattens out with the least amount of fabric.



Susan

[Narcosis]

Originally Posted by colleen44

Regardless of what they say fat cells WILL come back. I had lipo in my belly and my sides. The belly part came back but it did help with getting rid of my love handles. I'll let you make your own decision but to me is was a waste of $5000 bucks.

Don't they just suck out the fat over your muscles and tuck in the skin? Everyone has a big mass of fat around their livers called omental fat. It's the stuff that causes insulin resistance. It can give you a larger than desired tummy and the only way to lose that is to lose weight all over. Did your fat look the same when it came back? It is interesting to note that your love handles did not come back. Physiologocially, you're not supposed to be able to create new fat cells.

I don't think liposuction is a "cure" for a fat tummy inasmuch as a treatment for stomachs that been stretched out and scarred.

[colleen44]

I felt very fat then at 135 pounds before the lipo and I felt flatter after the lipo but for some reason now I feel like my belly is worse - go figure. Yes my sides are still pretty low fat (I wont say fat free)

[Narcosis]

Originally Posted by colleen44

I felt very fat then at 135 pounds before the lipo and I felt flatter after the lipo but for some reason now I feel like my belly is worse - go figure. Yes my sides are still pretty low fat (I wont say fat free)

I took this from a page on tummy tucks and explains it better

There are two layers of fat, actually THREE if you count the deepest, visceral fat, or omentum. There is the normal, extra-abdominal fat layer which is commonly removed in liposuction, there is a more dense, superficial fatty tissue which is less commonly removed although patients with loose skin may benefit from superficial liposuction, and lastly the visceral layer which in my unprofessional opinion, shouldn't be touched. The visceral layer is the deepest area of fat (sometimes called intra-abdominal fat) which surrounds and covers the intestines and other lower body organs in the torso. It can be quite prominent in those who are obese, have typical apple-shaped body types due to diabetes and those who have HIV and are on Protease. This protuberance which can be very pronounced is often referred to The Protease Paunch" It is thought that in male patients who have marked abdominal fat, the majority of this fat is omental. Proper diet and exercise is essential in regulating the amount of omental fat. However, hormonal disorders or fluctuations can have an effect as can some medications (such as Protease).

The greater omentum is a thin and transparent membranous sac (also called the peritoneum) which houses enlarged adipocytes within its membranous pockets. The smaller omentum lies between the stomach and liver and also contains adipose tissue. There are also other, smaller membranous sacs of adipose tissue throughout the viscera. Omental fat can become very distended, however it is still very dangerous to attempt liposuction of this area due to risk of puncturing or otherwise upsetting the lower digestive organs. The Omenta is very important and is not only an energy storage unit, it also protects, insulates and lubricates the organs to shield the delicate tissues from friction injury. Most liposuction procedures target the extra-abdominal layer of fat and not the omentum.

http://www.tuckthattummy.com/anatomy.htm

Unfortunately, where we gain weight is in large part genetic. How tall are you? 135 pounds is not heavy unless you are extremely short. I think there is too much emphasis on having six-pack abs. Women have enough body issues to deal with!

Susan

[dlslds]

Originally Posted by RobinB

Does anyone know how old Kimmer was when she first lost the weight?

i think she first started on Dr. Stillmans Quick Weight Loss when she was 16 y/o
if you are refering to that astonishing amount in kimmers stats it seems like it was in latter part of 2000 or early 2001 that she made up her mind to lose it or live with it.

sorry Kimmer if i was off on the exacts dates

[bsktlvr]

Kimmer I would LOVE to know how you got the HMO to pay for the tummy tuck and breast lift?! I am wanting both as well. In fact my DH and I were just talking about it this morning. He says do it, but I know that we cannot afford that $8000 or so. I am down 78lbs, with 20-25 to go. My goal is to have it off by the end of May. I am doing "hard core". By that I mean no processed meats, no cheese/dairy, no artifical sweeteners (no diet pop) and lots of water. I am basically not hungary at all.

Thank you kimmer for answering all the questions. You're Great!

[kellysue24]

okay kimmer, woke up this morning at 201...whoo hooo...however STILL hungry...I have the sticks and still not much...what is going on? When will the hunger and cravings stop? plus what do I do for the boringness of this diet? I am bored to death already and it's been a week...what do I do? Does it not matter what I eat as long at it's Low Carb-i.e. legal food, and doesn't make me go over in my calories?

[mysweetavery]

I have a few questions about the m/e fast. First, I have been trying to use only lean meats. I bought some turkey sausage links & have been having 2 for breakfast. I noticed that maltodextrin is an ingredient. Is this OK????

Also, this has probably already been asked somewhere, but can you use the m/e to "jump start" ketosis & then transition successfully into Atkins or do you have to go back through induction? I was afraid that if I started adding a minimal amt of cheese or butter after M/e that it would cause a halt in weight loss. Should weight loss continue at a rapid pace or should it halt with the addition of a few more calories???

Thanks so much!!!

[catkin]

Originally Posted by Kimmer

You mean what I eat now at Maintenance?

Yes!

[bridetobe092306]

about crystal light, i also hate water and was wondering if i replace plain water with all crystal light would that be okay?

[cindysandia]

Hello Kimmer! I am going to start a 3 day water fast to see how it goes...I did the M/E for 3 days. I was wondering if sugar free jello is allowed when water fasting since there are no carbs or calories in it besides the artificial color and sugar..Just checking. Either way I am determined to do this...How long do you have to stay on the salad after the water fast? My plan is, and tell me what you think, is to eat m/e for 3 days then water fast for 3 days, and the 1 day eat salad all day....then start all over....Do you think this would work in the long term? Thank you sooo much for all your help!
Cynthia

[RITA04]

I know I am not kimmer, buy cindy that don't seem so healthy to do that long term.. but then again I am not a doctor !

[colleen44]

Originally Posted by Narcosis

Unfortunately, where we gain weight is in large part genetic. How tall are you? 135 pounds is not heavy unless you are extremely short. I think there is too much emphasis on having six-pack abs. Women have enough body issues to deal with!
Susan

Susan- thanks for the info. I am 5'5- I know 135 is a healthy weight for me but my belly is still kinda chunky and I need to tone up and lose some more weight around my arms. I know what to do, I should be doing more crunches to tone up but I have a hernia that prevents me from doing too much! Oh well....I am just sicking to plan for now. If I get to 125 I will be a happy camper for sure.

[RobinB]

Originally Posted by dlslds

i think she first started on Dr. Stillmans Quick Weight Loss when she was 16 y/o
if you are refering to that astonishing amount in kimmers stats it seems like it was in latter part of 2000 or early 2001 that she made up her mind to lose it or live with it.

sorry Kimmer if i was off on the exacts dates

Thanks for trying to answer-- I was just wondering if she was over 40 when she lost the most. I guess not.

[1111lisa]

kimmers, I have to lose about another 20 lbs by May 24th, today is April 19th. What do you suggest is the best meal plan for me to do so this quick? I'm sure you've already given some, but this is my first time on your website/forum , etc... thanks so much 1111lisa

[colleen44]

Originally Posted by 1111lisa

kimmers, I have to lose about another 20 lbs by May 24th, today is April 19th. What do you suggest is the best meal plan for me to do so this quick? I'm sure you've already given some, but this is my first time on your website/forum , etc... thanks so much 1111lisa

Lisa,
Read the thread it will help you understand...but this is what kimmer has said about 2 pages ago....

Originally Posted by kimmer

The fastest weight loss will be at the lowest calories and lowest carbs so:

FASTEST: Water fasting
FASTER: Kimmer's 3 Day Experiment (long term) or
Stillman's (original, not BB version w/ desserts)
FAST: Kimkins or 1972/1992 Atkins
OK, NOT GREAT: Atkins 1996-2005

Hope it helps....Im sure you can lose that much that fast if you REALLY want it!

[Kimmer]

Originally Posted by dlslds

i think she first started on Dr. Stillmans Quick Weight Loss when she was 16 y/o
if you are refering to that astonishing amount in kimmers stats it seems like it was in latter part of 2000 or early 2001 that she made up her mind to lose it or live with it.

sorry Kimmer if i was off on the exacts dates

I'm so amazed at what you guys remember!

I've lost large amounts of weight several times. This why I believe losing weight is easy, keeping it off is the hard part ... temptation, motivation ... they all factor in for maintenance.

If this is about loose skin or sagging, we have "solid" builds in our family. People ask whether friends & family were "amazed" after my weight loss. Those I hadn't seen in a long time were, but my usual weight was around 225. This sounds big, but for me it was a size 14 and I looked OK. So, when I went up to 288, it wasn't all that much more because of how I carry weight ("before" pic). When I went to 150, it wasn't dramatically smaller. Better, but not "wow!!!"

In my tummy tuck I don't regain weight in that area, but I didn't want a flat tummy. It was important to me to keep a few of my pregnancy stretch marks (I'm terribly proud to be a Mom). When I regain a few pounds, it's in my hip/thigh area, although that isn't often. Hence, "the jeans" don't lie.

Robin, I began my "last" weight loss attempt in 2001 (lost my appetite even more after 9/11). I was 43.

[youglogirl]

Guide me, O' great one

I didn't want to add this as a reply to the 900+ responses on the ask M/E kimkins thread but you can bump or move this there if you like...

My question is this...I'm 33, good HDL/LDL numbers and exercising daily with low carb and eating eggs for breakfast and lunch, something of a modifed M/E fast but doing meat at night (usually chicken or fish) and vegggies at lunch and dinner. I am paying close attention to my serving sizes on the veggies and proteins, using Fitday to tra