MD's 100lb Weight Loss: Keeping It Off

Dr. Carrie Diulus is a unique figure in the medical field. She is one of the few board-certified female orthopedic spine surgeons in the US and advocates for a holistic approach to patient care, which is uncommon among traditional orthopedic surgeons.

In line with her integrative approach, Diulus emphasizes the importance of diet and nutrition for recovery. She believes metabolic flexibility is crucial for preventing type 2 diabetes and that diet plays a key role in post-surgery healing, particularly in managing inflammation.

Diulus, a type 1 diabetic who has lost 100 pounds herself and is featured in the Complete Guide to Juices and Smoothies class, understands the challenges of weight loss and weight maintenance.

Here, she shares three tips that worked for her and recommends them to patients preparing for major spine surgery. Whether you have type 2 diabetes or simply want to lose weight in the new year, these doctor-approved tips can help you get started.

Diulus believes that finding the right eating plan for each individual is essential for maintaining weight loss. It's important to focus on what works for your body rather than following trends that may not be effective for everyone.

Diulus explains, "Some people thrive on a low-fat, plant-based diet, while others do great on a carnivore diet. It's about figuring out what works best for your body and how you feel the best." She prefers a plant-based keto diet, finding it beneficial for her blood sugar levels. However, she acknowledges the spectrum of dietary approaches and suggests people can tailor traditional or plant-based keto diets to their specific needs.

Beyond diet, Diulus highlights the personalized nature of exercise plans. Some individuals find that intense workouts and increased calorie intake lead to better weight management, while others experience an increase in appetite following intense exercise.

"For me, oftentimes, the more I move, it slows down my metabolism," she says. "It becomes paradoxical, and I'll start to need to eat fewer calories as I get into that overtraining."

As with diet, it's all about experimenting and finding what works for your own body and needs, according to Diulus.

Arguably the most important factor for sustained weight loss, says Diulus, is having a positive support system with you on the journey. Diulus acknowledges that there is a judgment associated with obesity and a notion that losing weight is as simple as a math problem: Just eat less and move more. When in reality, it's not so simple.

"We need to take the moral judgment out of how people feel about their weight and partner with them. And when people are struggling, we need to really help them figure out how they can be successful," Diulus notes.

When people feel supported on their weight loss journey, Diulus says this support can have significant effects not just on their mood but on their results as well. And without a positive support system, even the strongest of diet plans and exercise regimens can fall apart.

"Having support is really important. If someone's spouse pushes against their diet, they don't succeed nearly as well as when the family partners with them," she says.

"Stress and sleep matter a lot," says Diulus. We know how important stress and sleep are for our holistic well-being, so it makes sense that the two have such a significant role in weight loss itself.

Diulus emphasizes that insufficient sleep increases insulin requirements, regardless of diet. She underscores the importance of sleep for weight loss, asserting that even the healthiest diet won't be as effective without adequate rest.

Diulus acknowledges the detrimental impact of stress on weight management, particularly emotional eating. She shares her personal experience, stating that losing weight was easier than maintaining it, attributing this to stress.

However, Diulus discourages suppressing stress entirely, advocating for acknowledging it instead. She believes that attempting to force a stress-free state can paradoxically increase anxiety.

Diulus suggests embracing stressful experiences and learning from them. While not scientifically proven, she finds this approach beneficial for her.

Before embarking on a diet, Diulus suggests considering three key factors: a strong support system, a personalized health plan, and optimized sleep and stress levels. She posits that these holistic elements contribute to weight loss and overall well-being.