Carnie Wilson Struggles with Her Weight

In 1999, Carnie Wilson famously underwent gastric bypass surgery to cut 150 lbs. off her 300-lb. frame. Her struggle with her weight wasn’t over, though, as she gained back the pounds carrying daughter Lola, now 2. But after a stint on VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club, Carnie shed another 22 lbs. That was two years ago. Now, a month away from her 40th birthday, Carnie weighs 208 lbs. and wears a size 16. Opening up to OK!, the singer says she has hit "rock bottom" with her weight.

Click the link below to read the whole interview.

To lose weight use aerobic exercise, like walking and biking, and the glycemic index. In addition cut down, or eliminate, caffeine since it raises cortisol levels which makes you fat. A lack of sleep also raises cortisol levels, and lowers healthy lipids like HDLs. Many adults with weight issues have a problem with insulin, which means they should avoid sugars, and simple carbohydrates, which is why the glycemic index can solve the weight problem. There are many resources on the Internet to help make food choices using the glycemic index, and books too. Even with foods less than 55 on the glycemic index one rule applies, if you eat like a pig, you’ll look like a pig. Almonds for example are a zero on the glycemic index, which means they won’t raise your blood sugar, but they are full of fat, so eat a few, but not hand fulls.

Since most diets don’t address the underlying problem, which is usually an issue with insulin, cortisol, or other factors, the diet causes only a temporary weight loss. The glycemic index offers a way to eat healthy, without dieting, and yet still maintain a healthy weight.

How are you feeling?
I’ve hit rock bottom with my weight. Everyone can see that I’m bigger, but I cannot hibernate. I’ve never lied or been dishonest about what’s going on in my life. Even all these years later, having had such a great weight-loss story, being back in this place is so familiar. And it hurts. I don’t want to feel this way anymore. It doesn’t feel good when you have to struggle to get your pants on.

How did you react to the recent pictures of yourself on celebrity Web site TMZ?
I actually thought my face looked pretty [pictured below right]. Sometimes I get mad and think, “Why do the paparazzi follow me?” And then I thought, “I don’t feel mad. I feel determined.” Somebody is struggling just the way I am. They’ve gained some weight back; they’re reverting to some old habits. They need a catalyst. Why do I have to be scrutinized for every pound? The truth is, I just want to be a good mom. I want to be healthy and not revert to food when I feel anxiety.

Why have you gained weight?
Ever since I had my daughter, my focus is not on me; it’s on her. For the past two-and-a-half years, I haven’t slept. I am convinced there has to be a link between sleep deprivation and a slower metabolism. My husband [Rob Bonfiglio, a musician] left to tour on the road, and I was with my daughter alone. I had anxiety, started snacking, and gained it all back and more. I have a weakness when it comes to snacking. For me, it’s a tortilla with cheese, popcorn and graham crackers, all in one night. I could eat a bag of M&Ms in a day. I have an obsession with baking sweets; I want to open my own bakery. The past year, my workouts have been lazy. I’ve been snacking on the wrong foods and not drinking enough water.

How is your husband helping you?
I know he loves me no matter what, but he can’t do it for me. He can only say, “Do it for your health — do it for Lola. I love you. I know you can do this.”

What was your biggest diet downfall before gastric bypass surgery?
Doughnuts. You don’t get to 300 pounds by eating diet pie. Ice cream. I would go through McDonalds drive-throughs and have a Big Mac, Super Size fries, a 20-piece Chicken McNuggets, a pie and a shake. That would be one meal for me — horrid! Now, if I start my morning out with a piece of toast, I’m doomed for the day. It’s like, give me carbs! Surgery or no surgery, I’ve gotten to know who I am with food and how my body reacts.

What were your pregnancy cravings?
Scones! I needed to wear a little bonnet and stick myself in a brick oven and bake scones. That’s all I wanted.

Any regrets about having the gastric bypass?
No, it was the best thing I ever did. If I didn’t have the surgery, I’d probably be dead. My liver was enlarged; it was toxic. I had sleep apnea — I was waking up choking 10 times a night. My cholesterol and blood pressure were high. I was pre-diabetic and had circulation problems, slipped disks in my back, acne and chronic headaches. The surgery taught me to be accountable for what I put in my mouth. The truth is that the weight loss happened so fast that I couldn’t absorb it. Everyone was watching and there was so much pressure.

What was life like after the surgery?
In 2003, I was drinking heavily. Maybe I couldn’t handle feeling that great. I remember driving down Coldwater Canyon [in California] and thinking I could just turn this wheel and drive right off a cliff. In 2004, I reached a bad low and stopped drinking cold turkey. Thirteen days before I got pregnant, I got sober.

Your dad, Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson, was able to slim down.
He walks five miles a day and is a great inspiration. Around Christmas, he said, “Carnie, I see you’re a little heavier. Are you okay?” I said, “Dad, it’s really hard.” And he goes, “I know, but you can do it.” He’s very positive.

Have you thought about just accepting yourself as a plus-sized woman?
I don’t think I’m going to be healthy at this weight for long. I feel those extra 50 pounds. Plus, I’ve got a closet full of clothes that are size 8 that I would like to get back into again.

Would you ever have plastic surgery?
One day, I’d love to have the skin on my arms removed. It just hangs there.

How much do you want to lose?
I’d like to lose 45 to 50 pounds and then try to get pregnant again. I know I will do it! I don’t consider myself a failure. I just got off track.