Stuck... Stuck... Stuck....!

Hi Everyone! I haven't been here in a while.... thought I could go out into the world and handle things on my own. Guess what? I'm not doing so well in that department! I have been on a 5 week platue , stuck at 210. I'm really starting to get discouraged and very disappointed in myself. I know that I've come a long way (73lbs), but I'm not ready to stop yet!!! I still have 60lbs until my personal goal. I've started looking towards my diet as the culperate and realize that I do need to make some adjustments, but I'm just not quite sure what to do. I've been kind of angry at the fact that I'm realizing that yes, this surgery is a only a tool and we have to do our part (I whole hardedly agree with that), but why don't we get a 6 month visit with the dietician? I've never been told how many calories I'm supposed to be eating, never really been coached on what my eating habits are supposed to be like after the "delicate phase" of the surgery. I had a problem with food before, that's the whole reason I had this surgery. I exercise 4 times a week and feel that my diet has changed drastically. I can only point my finger at my diet because I feel like I'm doing everything correctly. There must be something that I'm eating that I shouldn't be or I'm eating more than I should be eating. By no means am I saying that I'm quiting, I've still got the fight in me!!! Ha! Ha! I just want to know if this is happening to anyone else other than me. Not that I'm wishing it on anyone because it really sucks, to be honest!!! I need advice and maybe even some critisism. Does anyone have any suggestions out there? I'm willing to listen!!!! 283/210/150

Hello Melissa: I too am starting a plateau. I have lost right at 70 and have about 60-70 to go. As far as the dietician, maybe you can request to see one. In my area, Pensacola, FL, we are followed for five years. I had my surgery on Feb 18 and have an appointment with the nutritionist on the 17th of August. I will see the dr every two months for the first year, every three months for the second, every six for the the fourth and fifth. They test blood periodically to check on different levels. At least you are exercising. I had managed to get it in a little, but it is too hot and humid here. (excuses, I know) I will start to work out in the fall. Even in doors it is to humid. Good luck! You have already come a long way. Don't give up on yourself.

Many post-op plans do not include visits to the dietitian. I know at our support group many pay to see the dietitian themselves. I can't say my dietitian was of much help so I only went twice after surgery and then quit going as it was a 2 hour drive for me. I don't count calories but definitely watch the protein counts and keep it at a minimum of 75 grams a day ... she really stressed that to me. Also low carb eating, drinking lots of fluids, and exercising too. Do you have a dietitian that your surgeon or others who have had WLS would recommend? It might be worth looking into to see if your insurance would cover the visits or how much it would cost as a self-pay. Hope you find some answers. Remember it is not unusual to hit a plateau after surgery. Our bodies need to rest at times after weight loss. I know it is frustrating, but it doesn't automatically mean you are doing something wrong. You have not failed. Mary

We in Indiana who have surgery at St. Vincent's Bariatric Center are so lucky....We have free access to a dietician FOR LIFE! And we see a dietician every time we see the surgeon, so the aftercare and support system is wonderful. I hope you can find someone who will help. Julie

Hey fellow February po-op. Like you, my loss has slowed down by about 5 lbs on the month. It began at month five. Now, I am losing about 10 lbs on the month which is still great -- but I also have plateaued during the past two months --- kinda. I have had to get away from that scale. I like what my doc said to me a month or so ago -- there are many things going on inside of you right now -- don't worry about the scale -- cuz you have also (at that time) gained 5 lbs of muscle mass. Sometimes we swap scale weight with muscle weight. I don't know about you but I want to gain muscle mass --- that will help the ole skin problem out. So don't be discouraged!!!! I have read many February posts and it would appear that you are right on target with the average weight loss. Remeber some will loose quicker than others for a wide variety of reasons. Don't compare yourself -- although I know that is hard because I tend to do the very same thing. Look at the broader picture over the whole month -- I bet you will be pleasantly surprised. Keep doing the things your doc tells you to do -- I have noticed the advice here is wide and what one doc allows another does not. Stay true to your plan -- keep up the good work.

Hi, Milissa, I too having started slowing down on the weight loss. I am averaging about 8 lbs a month now. I have to make an exception for the last couple of weeks though. I have been on antibiotics due to a brown recluse spider bite on my torso and haven't felt like eating much at all. I still try to drink as much fluid as possible especially since my mouth and throat are so sore from the antibiotics. I can tell you this though...I went a few days without enough protein and my hair starting coming out by the handfulls!! So this made a believer out of me...NEVER let your body get without the protein it needs. I had rather choke it down, drink it, stuff it, inhale it, whatever it takes to get that protein in and not go bald. On the upside I have lost about 7 lbs the last week or so due to my inadequate nutrition, but you can bet I'll be drinking those Atkins, Isopure, and Pure protein drinks for every meal time. I'd rather lose slower and have hair and health any day...God Luck--Sounds like you are doing great! Stacy -81

Hi Millissa! I didnt even read the responses yet, i had to write you. FIRST got to fitday .com, Start putting down everything that goes in your mouth, you will be surprised what you eat, the great thing about this site is it breaks down proteins,carbs, and fat in a little pie chart. I almost fell off my chair when i started doing this. it turned out mostly carbs for me! i made some drastic choices and viola! the scale started moving again. That has been the best advice i was given and am so greatful for it. good luck kelly

Ditto. I use it religiously every day and have from the first week after surgery. It keeps me honest and helps keep me on track; I actually choose what to eat for dinner based on what my daily total is so far and it's the ONLY way I can keep track of my water intake. Julie