Hi! It's great to be here and to meet a bunch of new friends. I have read most of the postings that have been sent during the past month and feel like I know you already.

I have been struggling with my weight for about the past 15 years. Until that time I could eat anything I wanted and never gain an ounce. When I hit 35/36ish, it seemed like the weight started to pile on and I didn't know what to do about it. Once I was upwards of 60 - 70 pounds overweight, I knew that it was time.

Two years ago, I started on WW (on my own) and was able to discipline myself to the weight loss plan and lost all of my weight. The problem, though, is that I felt like I was starving all the time, and I didn't like the recommended food very much. Consequently, I gave up and gained 30 of the pounds back in less than a year.

I went to the doctor a couple of weeks ago for a pre-op medical and sure enough, he weighed me. He gave me a hard time about my weight and suggested that I cut carbs and sugar from my diet. I don't have a problem with carbs, with the exception of pasta - I looooovvvvve pasta and could eat it every day. He made a deal with me to cut pasta out of my diet for a month and see what happens.

When I discussed the no carbs/no sugar thing with hubby, he told me that a lot of his staff at work were on the SBD. I immediately went to the Web and tried to find out more about the diet. I didn't want to get involved in anything that was no carb/no sugar and high fat content, so was very concerned about whether the SBD was healthly. After reading what I could on the Web, I bought both the SBD book and the cookbook. I had them at work one day, and my staff became interested in the diet. Consequently, some of us started the diet on May 17. After the first phase we have lost 10, 9.25 and 8 pounds. We are all thrilled.

The others have started on Phase Two of the diet, but I have opted to continue with Phase One because of the deal that I made with the doctor to cut carbs for a month, and also my surgery is booked for another 2 weeks and I will continue until my surgery. Hopefully, I will be down to an acceptable weight before too long.

Now for my question. As mentioned before, the only carb that I really die for is pasta. I have also found in the past that eating pasta has kept me very regular . However, over the past 2 weeks on SBD, I have become severely constipated. I have tried to find out some information on this, but there doesn't seem to be anything written. Has anyone else had this problem? And, is it OK to take a laxative, or something like that with the diet?

First of all welcome to the Beach. And second of all i have not heard of any studies on pasta as a laxative, but i have not looked much into it. But i do know that as you continue on with this diet you will find a lot of natural laxitives ...lol, through all the many veggies you can eat as well as fruit. As for the pasta thing it is one of my favorite things to eat as well. But in in plain truth it is one of the reasons i got to be 278 pounds. So for me loosing the wieght means a little more to me than loosing the pasta fest every day. And that is just what i tell myself to get over my loss of pasta...lol. I am not trying to be negative about it. Just thought maybe a better way to look at the loss might help. Plus it is not gone forever either you can add a different kind back in phase 1 whole wheat. I know it is not the same thing but believe me by the time you start really shedding the pounds your commintment grows stronger twards the diet. And if the cravings get to bad, Like Dr. A says have some pasta get it over with and move on. And like i say ...ol, there is no sense in torchering yourself about things...lol. But i think you will find it easier to get by the missing your favorite food things once you adapt to this life style.

Welcome to The Beach. Yes, whole grain pasta is allowed on Phase II. Remember that you can have legumes on Phase I which will help with the pasta cravings.

Welcome Peggy!

Dr. A actually RECOMMENDS a laxative -- drink a glass of Metamucil with each meal. I usually do at night as I am afraid of laxative effects here at work

Also try sprinkling ground flax seed on your salads! That's helped me a bit in the regularity department.

I am back to Phase 1 after 23 days on Phase 1 then going off Sb altogether until today. Gained 3 lbs back and must get them off!!! I did have a Soy pasta last night that was quite good. I realized that it's not the actual pasta that I crave, but the SAUCE and other stuff I put ON it!

Good luck!

Peggy -

I have had the same problem...increased exercise, water, veggies and use flax seed meal...nothing helped.

My doctor recommended Fiber Con. It is like metamucil, but in pill form.

Works for me!!

PS - You need to drink lots of water with it, or it will have the opposite effect!

Thank you so much for all your suggestions. I just wasn't sure if there was a laxative or something that would be OK and not be a detriment to losing weight. When I decide to discipline myself, there is nothing that can shake me from the discipline.

Is flax allowed in Phase One? I don't have my book at work, so I'm not sure. That give me another option besides an off-the-shelf laxative.

Thanks again. As I said, it is so good to be here and get the answers to some questions.

Have a great day, everyone.

Hey there-
I'm a newbie as of today, but I saw your post and sympathized immediatly. I adore pasta, as much as chocolate. One thing that I've always loved is the sheer amount of food pasta presents. What we take for granted is that one serving of pasta, at about 250 calories, is usually 1/2 a cup. Not the entire box as I liked to imagine. It's got a great constistency, it holds fun sauces, and it leaves you wanting more. It's the perfect food. Meet it's twin- spaghetti squash. I throw it in the oven with some garlic and oil and cook for about an hour. Take it out, shred it, and top it with homemade tomato primavera sauce. Wala- it makes a great amount, has similar consistency, and is still fun. For kicks, I'll throw in some turkey meatballs. Not quite sure, what phase this would be applicable for, but thought I'd reccomend it. We'll get through the pasta addiction together.

Sweet tooth, my sister had surgery two and a half weeks after starting SB. She had lost about 12 pounds, and her surgery went so smoothly. The doctor agreed that getting some of the extra weight off made a real difference in her recovery -- that and only healthy foods before and after the operation.

Welcome to the beach. For me this is the easiest plan I've ever done. In Phase 2 the ww pasta a couple times a week is great. My mom made ww lasaga over the weekend and it was awesome...no one could tell a difference.

Yup, flax seed is good for Phase 1! Wish I had it then...

Thanks for all the help. It is nice chatting with you all. I must try the flax, though.

I can hardly wait until I start Phase II so that I can have the odd pasta meal. I have been eating whole grain pastas most of the time, already - something to which I converted when I was on WW, so can't really remember have anything else for a long time. My mouth is watering...

Welcome to the beach!!!

Michelle

Welcome to the Beach, Peggy!

Welcome, Peggy! Sounds like you are very with it already. Definitely try the flax seed. Not only does it help with the constipation, but it has very healthy Omega 3 oils. Good stuff!

welcome to the beach sweet tooth!!!