SLOW LOSERS, READ THIS!

Hi all. Some of us have expressed our concern and frustration at low level weight losses since our surgery. I have been feeling very blue lately about what seems to be my body's lack of ability to lose weight effectively. I will be a month out on 4/8 and I have only lost 20 lbs. so far. What follows is some information that addresses this issue in Barbara Thompson's "Weight Loss Surgery: Finding the Thin Person Hiding Inside You!" -- Hope this helps those of you dealing with this issue, it's helped me a bit: "When your body realizes that it is not getting the amount of sustenance that it is used to, it will go into a "starvation mode." This is the body's way of protecting itself when it thinks that there will be a lack of nutrition. Your metabolism slows to the point that even though you are eating a very small number of calories, you are still not losing weight and are at a "plateau." This is especially discouraging for those who are only a few weeks post-op. They are sure that they are the one person that weight loss surgery will not work for. They see themselves as failing another attempt at losing weight. This is far from the truth. They are just experiencing a normal body reaction to a drastic difference in the way they are used to eating. One of the ways to get off of this plateau is to boost your metabolism by consuming more protein. This convinces your body that you are not starving, and will be taking in nutrition. It is no longer necessary for your body to try to presever itself through an extreme metabolic slow down." (p. 146)

Thanks Maureen! I still am hanging on at -17 and frustrated, but relaxing over it. I know my bod can't hold out forever! I have been upping the protein, but I think I'll try pure protein for the next couple of days and see what happens... Dina

Dina, I just wanted to thank you for your constant positive attitude and imput on this board. You really have helped me through some dark moments and I wanted to thank you personally. Best, Maureen

YES, YES. This is easy to read, but hard to incorporate into our emotions. It goes against every diet attempt we have ever made to consume MORE in order to lose, but it makes sense. I too stalled for more than a week. It may be coincidence, but the loss started up again when I doubled my protein shakes. Let's keep reminding each other! Joy -26 lbs / 32 days

Thanks so much for sharing! I get bummed when I see how much more people have lost than me. I'm 17 days post op and go between a loss of 12 - 14. Don't know what the deal is, but it's not like I'm sitting here eating Ben and Jerry's or anything. In fact - I feel like I'm not eating enough, and therein lies the problem. I'm forcing myself to get in some more calories. Hoping that will help. Maureen - how is that book overall? I've been looking for something to read....do you recommend? Thanks again for shedding some much needed light on this issue! -Wendy

The book is a good read, Wendy, but I would say most helpful for the stages pre-surgery. There's not much in it that we don't already know or hear about constantly with regard to post-surgery. I just wish I could shake this feeling of pessimissm when it comes to losing the weight. That monster has been on my shoulder or in my head for most of my life. Take care, Maureen

Thanks Maureen! I was getting depressed. Protein drinks are the one thing I'm really having trouble with. After my first protein drik I became violently ill and had had to be hospitalised. I thought it was severe dumping but later it turned out I had pancreatis. Yesterday was the first time I attempted a protein drink again. It went down fine. Anybody know of a good tasting whey protein? Thanks, Robin 3/2/4 Open RNY 247/222/130

Robin, I really like the RealMeal shakes, I find them very delicious and easy to drink. They come in resealable pouches and each pouch contains 60 g. of protein -- so you can split it up between 2 or 3 meals, depending on what you need. You can order them, they don't sell them in stores. Just key in RealMeals at your browser. Good luck! Maureen

Wendy, Be careful about adding calories. Adding fat and carbs will slow down your loss. Just add protein. Find it with as little fat and carbs added as you can. For most of us a protein powder is the best way to do this until we can have meat. Look for a bariatric one. Those are easily absorbed and have no fat and very few carbs. (I like Unjury, but there are others). In addition to this, make sure you are taking vitamins. My doc prescribed one, but in addition I am taking Scooby Doo chewables. Hope this helps! Joy

I'm so glad I read this! I thought exactly that........the operation didn't work for me. I had sugery on March 17th and lost 20 lbs like nothing....but now I'm stuck. I have been scared and embarrassed that this attempt to lose weight has failed. Thank you so much for posting....you have helped me more than you now. Thank You, Christina -20lbs