J's Journal

[Fat2FitJulz]

How do I feel right now?
Today I feel REALLY run down, I thought yesterday was bad. I struggled just walking around to get ready for my massage and work this morning. The massage hurt but I did actually feel a little better afterwards. I am now at work and feel exhausted. If I didn’t have a full day’s workload today (thankfully it’s an office job where I can sit), I would definitely be back home. I bought some sparkling water this morning (no flavour) and it’s like god’s gift.

Day 5
I’ve just started Day 5 about 20 minutes ago - I’m not extremely hungry or anything, my appetite is actually not really something that bothers me anymore, but the lack of energy and light-headedness I’ve been experiencing is making me crave food. I’m starting to question whether I’ll make it to 28 days, or whether I should aim for 21 for now - not sure, I think I just need to see how I feel as this goes on.

I’m adding fish oil supplements to my list from today - the pharmacy didn’t have potassium citrate… they recommended I go to a health food store I’ll have to look around for it.

Dreaming of KFC, Lasagne wonton noodle soup, hot chips The list is evolving…

Daily Affirmation
This too shall pass.

[Compdude]

Your still experiencing transition symptoms since your body is not used to switching from sugar to fat burning. Hang in there and just plan out your workload that on days you have energy you try to get as much done and on the other days you can go with a light workload. That’s what I did.

[Fat2FitJulz]

Thanks, it’s reassuring that it won’t be like this forever.

I am also suddenly HUNGRY - my stomach feels empty and is calling for me to fill it. I’m still drinking sparkling water in an attempt to appease the beast. Might have some tea.

[Fat2FitJulz]

How do I feel right now?
I had to cancel my workout again, it feels like my energy levels are getting worse? I’ve got a very slight headache but I’m mainly concerned about how low energy I am. I have been doing informal weigh-ins every couple of days and it looks like I’ve dropped significantly so far (approx 17.5lbs) so that’s encouragement to just keep pushing through it.

Day 6
I can’t believe I haven’t eaten if 5 whole days… I’m quite hungry, still low energy - not dealing with light-headedness as much, but I do have that tired chest feeling and my heart beat is quite noticeable and a bit elevated.

I’ve been having insane dreams every night basically. Last night I dreamed I was breaking my fast with random foods, like I was chewing on food and then spitting it out before swallowing (gross). Then I accidentally swallowed part of a jam donut and freaked out and wanted to vomit immediately. I woke up feeling really disoriented and the relief that I hadn’t eaten was high, but it was a reminder of how I feel barely functional.

The temptation to quit my fast early is SO INTENSE. The losses so far and my goal for the next 3 months is mainly what’s pushing me forward. I really just want to quit

Dreaming of KFC, Lasagne, wonton noodle soup, hot chips, fried rice…

Daily Affirmation

[Compdude]

What you’re experiencing is “right on schedule”:

1. You may want to re-consider what type of exercise to do. Knowing that a prolonged water fast was going to be really stressful I limited myself to a daily walk of 1 to 2 miles. It may not seem like much; but, trust me some days you’re going to have take frequent sitting breaks jus to finish.

2. Everyone has those dreams about right now. Yas’ in one of her “Live” YouTube episodes was talking about how 1 guy dreamed he was being chased by a giant cheeseburger. I had one where I dreamed I was about to bite into my favorite burger, an In-n-Out double-double cheese, even now I can still see every detail and I woke up in a cold sweat wondering if I had broke my fast.

3. You’re doing great. The hunger pangs will start fading now; but, you will still get them during your regular meal times its just they will get less intense the deeper you get in your fast.

Also be aware that if you have a significant amount of belly fat, you will start having detox episodes. They usually begin after you’ve burned off all your peripheral fat: arms, face, etc. That’s because the body protects itself by storing heavy metals and toxins (i.e. pesticides from the food we eat) into our visceral fat.

[Fat2FitJulz]

Thanks!

I’ve also been having some back pain the last day or so as well, is that normal? I used to get pain in my mid-back before I had my gallbladder removed last year, and haven’t felt this since then.

[Compdude]

I read somewhere or heard it from another faster that old injury pain will re-appear.

Personally, I have 2 types of incidents:

1. Had 2 gout attacks in my feet. Both healed and the pain went away. One during the fast and the other during ReFeed.

2. Old left knee injury started aching. Hadn’t done that since before I started my treatment protocol in August 9th. Happened near the end of my fast and just recently while I’m sick and getting over the flu.

If it persists, check with your doc.

[Fat2FitJulz]

How do I feel right now?
I’m quite tired today, but feeling better than I did the last few days. I spent some time deep cleaning my kitchen earlier but stopped before I finished the oven, it was just too exhausting. I’ll finish the oven tomorrow.

Day 7
Almost a week… I’ve decided to scale back from 28 to 21 days, to allow myself to refeed before my birthday and a little break before I jump into a second extended fast. That seems more manageable and less stressful with Aus Day and my birthday coming up.

My appetite has decreased, and I’m not feeling quite so desperate for food right now, which is nice. Id I could find something that would give me energy though I’d love that. I haven’t weighed myself today but I will try not to, as I don’t want to stress about my daily weight, just check in every few days maybe.

Daily Affirmation
Future you is already thankful, you are suffering for a good cause.

[Compdude]

I agree on the scale back. It will also give you a nice victory and sufficient time for refeed so you can fully enjoy some good time with family and friends. Otherwise, why are we doing this for?

Good for recognizing on scaling back on the cleaning. You have to monitor your energy levels closely so you don’t exhaust yourself. It takes time for the body to adjust to ketosis. Just part of the process.

Take it day by day. Cheering you on!

[Fat2FitJulz]

Thank you!

I also didn’t dream about food last night, which was amazing I slept for like 10 hours and the only food part was something about what I’m gonna eat when I finish lol. I am not desperately craving any soup or anything as well, which is so great. I wouldn’t mind a chicken/avocado sandwich but I think I’ll have that a few days before my bday

[Fat2FitJulz]

How do I feel right now?
I feel a bit empty in the chest, kinda like my heart is working a bit harder. Have been sleeping more these last two days. Not super hungry, but wouldn’t mind some broth or something…

Day 8
A whole week omgggg. Now let’s make it to Day 10. Don’t have much else to say today, I’m basically just feeling eh.

Daily Affirmation
Just keep swimming.

[Fat2FitJulz]

Sad update, or not sad idk. Im gonna have to breakthat fast, not for any social obligations but my body has taken a turn for the worse this past hour and i’m getting waves and waves of awfulness rushing through me, I felt nauseous for a while, I’ve been having mood swings (snappy at my bf for nothing), digestion issues, soreness and im kind of at a point where I dont feel bad about needing to break the fast and am happy I lasted a week. I can refeed and start again next weekend.

How I am feeling now is probably my body detoxing again but it’s so bad I can’t imagine dealing with it for much longer.

IDK if this is normal during a fast or has something to do with my not having a gallbladder but I have a lot of bile running through me, and am experiencing symptoms of bile acid malabsorption which is not uncommon for people who had removal surgery.

I will keep this diary updated with my refeed and how I am feeling along with my next fast - i’ll aim for 10 days that time

[Fat2FitJulz]

Another upshot is that I hit my first goal for WL during this fast, I know my current weight wont be my final weight after refeed but im still proud

[Compdude]

Check with your doctor and if he can’t help see if he/she can refer you to a specialist who can give you advice on your specific situation. I’ll check with the endocrinologist who I consult with weekly if he has any information that can help.

[Fat2FitJulz]

Thanks, I will. An hour after I broke my fast I honestly felt like I went from 20%-100% health it was actually shocking how different it was. I am convinced I made the right choice here.

[Anna]

You definitely made a good choice to listen to your body and your needs!
Still a huge achievement in completing the days you did! Remember that every fast is beneficial for your body!

[Fat2FitJulz]

Ok I’ve had a few days to rest and refeed and I am feeling great. Definitely gained back a bit of weight in that time lol. Going to restart my fast tomorrow, get to 7 days again and see if I can push through to 10

[Compdude]

Sorry for the late response, I forgot who else had a gallbladder removed besides another member here in the forum. Anyway, here’s what the USC endocrinologist had to say:

If anything I would think not having a gallbladder might be advantageous during extreme fasting/weight loss because people who lose weight very rapidly are at risk for developing gallstones. With no gallbladder, that risk is mostly eliminated.

[Fat2FitJulz]

Thanks! I actually thought the same thing lol

Ok so it’s been a while and I’ve gained back most of the weight I lost since then, but that’s ok. I have been kind of stressed at the thought of starting on this forum again because well… people would KNOW I failed if I acknowledged it.

I’ve done a few 48/72 fasts since the 7-day one, and I’ve come to realise that I don’t care if anyone thinks any kind of way, and to be honest I’m sure literally nobody does or would anyway. I also note that I was way more successful when I posted here, so my dream of showing up here 30 days into my fast with my success story is just that. I’m going to set myself up for success and do what’s helping me

I’m on Day 1 right now again - I’ll be following Yas’ streams as usual, and look away when she cooks I’ll post tomorrow (I started in the afternoon today) with how I am going for Day 1, and can’t wait to beat my previous 7 - and hopefully closer to 21/30 this time

[Compdude]

Welcome back!

I invite you to read my latest Daily Journal, E2S2 21-Day Water Fast Journal. Today is my last day of my journal. I changed the format to include information and bits of motivation/inspiration.