I just posted on your question regarding Slim Fast. I'm very sorry to hear about your failed back surgeries.
Your current weight does not have to be your "set point" if you don't want it to be. Usually as we age, our metabolism tends to slow down and we have eat less or exercise more - usually both...... In my case, I have a "double whammy", because I'm getting old AND I have hypothyroidism.
I don't know what types of food you currently eat, or if you practice portion control. Also not sure how long/fast you walk on the treadmill. Have you thought about trying yoga? It's an excellent exercise that centers around relaxation, stretching, breathing, etc and is excellent for weight loss and/or toning muscles.
Ali works by blocking fat from being absorbed into your system, so if you eat too much fat, while taking it, one of the side effects is loss of bowel control. If I remember correctly, the maximum amount of fat per meal is like 12 grams, and if you go over that, it will cause bowel issues...... This includes ALL types of fat, including the "good" ones.
I took it for a month or so, and I did lose weight; however, I got lazy and quit taking it, so I regained. I'm thinking seriously of going back on it. I found that it was best not to take the Ali at the meals where I was eating "good" fats that the body actually needs.
Thanks for the info on Ali. I may give it a try again. I, too, have thyroid problems. In 1978 I had a tumor and take Synthroid 0.1mcg daily. That has caused some problems with the weight but I do practice portion control. That I am good at.
I will stay in touch. Thanks!
Are your thyroid levels where they need to be? That doesn't mean just in the "normal range", but are they actually at a point that's right for you? The reason I ask that is because when my levels got into the normal range, my doctor thought I was "fine"; however, the levels weren't high enough for ME. After I started going to an endo, and we got my levels up, I find it much easier to lose weight, although I'm not one of the "lucky ones" for whom the weight melts off as soon as they begin thyroid med (I have a sister who had that happen)......
If you bought the "starter pack" of Ali, there should have been a book that explained all about how it works, how much fat you can eat, even several sets of sample eating plans, depending on how much weight you are trying to lose. Be sure to read all the information before starting on it again; that will save you from a lot of grief and embarrassment. Just remember, Ali is based on how much fat you eat; the less fat you eat, the less bowel issues. That's why I did well on it - because I am in a very physical job and can't be having those kinds of things happen.
Good luck and please do stay in touch.