Is This The End?

Good morning, marchers. I keep in touch with two people who had their surgery the same day I did at the same hospital (by the same surgeon...talk about your basic assembly line!) -- both of them tell me that they are not losing anymore and that they can eat anything and in whatever portion size they chose. I'm at this point as well. I can't help but wonder if I'm at the end of my losing and that it now becomes the same old familiar battle of "dieting" and fighting the cravings, struggling to make my butt get up and move, etc., etc. The wierd thing is I'm literally at the weight my surgeon told me to expect to get to and stay at -- well, nearly, he said I'd get to 200 and I'm at 203. I am really concerned that this is it for me. Are any of you feeling likewise? If so (that's interesting, I just managed a typo that said "If sos") -- what can we do to help each other through this? If any of you are seeing your surgeons in the next few days, can you ask them about this? I mean, I hear so often that surgeons and doctors tell their WLS patients that they will get to a certain point and stay there, but I can't understand WHY -- why wouldn't we lose all the weight we want to if we are eating wisely and healthily and exercising regularly? What are your thoughts? Thanks and have a great day everyone! Maureen

Reenie, Glad to see your beautiful face agian on here. I missed you for a while. I just dont beleive we are done. I have slowed down too, but I know I am not done. My Dr said we are all capable of losing at least 80% of our excess weight, the amount we are over weight before sugery. And that with work, determination, and learning and being faithful to new habits we can lose 100% of our excess. I am not sure if I will be in the 100% excess catagory, but would like to and am determined to try my best. I have "failure" days and I have know what I need to do about those when they happen. But I have many more success days and feel confident that I will do better tomorrow if it hasnt been a good day. My Dr also said at my 6 month follow up when I had lost 103 with 55 to go to expect for it to take the next 6-10 months to lose the last 55, it comes off MUCH slower and that is fine. He said 1-2 pounds a week is just fine. That was reassuring for me to know that I wont see it just falling off like before, but that if I stay the course I will see and feel an end result that I like. Remember the rules: water, protein, and exercise. You will make it happen!!!! Janelle

Thanks, Janelle, you're such a sweetheart! I love your "voice of reason" and I will take your words to heart! Maureen

Maureen, Hi, I am in the same boat with you! I have pretty much stopped and it worries me to because I still have 50 more lbs to go!!! I know I have had my bad days of eating but I am still exercising everyday and still eating small portions, you would think the weight would still be pouring off. I know I am not eating 1/4 of what I use to. I hope this is not the end for us, because I know where I would love to be by my 1 Year Anv. at my goal. It seems so hard now and yes I have noticed that my portions have increased and I have worried about strectching my pouch. I will let you know what my Dr. says to me, but I have heard that the last 6 months you usually take of 1/2 of what you did the 1st 6 months. Good luck and if you find a way to break this cycle of plauteaus please post. Rhen

That's what I mean, Rhen -- if we are still eating so much less than what we were accustomed to prior to surgery, I just don't understand why the weight doesn't continue to drop. We all just need to keep encouraging each other! Thanks. Maureen

I have slowed down as well. But, my BMI shows I should only loose another 15 lbs. I am happy to be where I am. I also think if I have the TT or other surgery, the rest will go with that. I am in a size 14 pants right now at 175. But it does seem odd to not have the scales move. My PCP has told me I needed to slow the weight down and it seems since he told me that, it has. But also, I have been lax with my food choices.

Martha, you look incredible. Congratulations! Thanks for your wisdom. Maureen

Dear Reenie B and the rest of the Marchers: I can totally relate to what you've written. I, too, am afraid of having stretched my pouch and also afraid that the losing part of WLS is slowly coming to an end. Please stay in touch and let me know how you are faring. I have discovered that if I exercise at least 2-3x a week, I have less of a craving for "forbidden" foods and less hunger overall. Also, I substitute a protein shake for one meal per day, and that seems to be helping. My problem has been portion control, and I am working on that daily. Staying in touch with fellow Marchers (and all who've come afterwards) really does help with keeping your spirits up and with encouraging you to keep trying to do well. Remember, it is "ONE DAY AT A TIME." Getting started on the exercise mode is challenging, but once you've started, the momentum and joy you feel in your body keeps you going back for more. I will pray for you and for all of us who are facing the uncertainty of continued weight loss. Stay strong, and know that you are not alone! Rita Lap RNY 03/01/04 -80

Rita, I am drinking a protein shake for breakfast as well. And no matter what I do my walking at night -- my dog has become my new best friend! Hang in there, kiddo. Maureen

For me, I personally don't believe a surgeon or any doc that says "oh you wont loose past 200" becuase that is still overweight (if you are a smaller height that is). I think we can loose as much as we set our minds too. Maybe they are pulling one of those "if I tell her she cant she will try harder to prove me wrong because its getting harder" type of scenarios? I just cant imagine for myself not getting past 200. Im only 5'4!! Anywho... I noticed that my weight loss is really slowing down as well but I ALSO notice I am eating the wrong foods and become "bold" and "unauthorized" to go about eating like I did before surgery like I am not going to gain anything and will continue loosing. See we have to get back into that mindset we had when we first had surgery and I am finding its SUPER hard but definitely NOT impossible. We have to fight to make those healthy habits stick we are pros at choosing the wrong foods and making excuses for it, well at least I am! heh. I just had some popcorn and its definitely wrong and I know it will hinder my loss and I have no excuse for it! BAD ME! We have to just keep each other in check. Its great that you are brave and sharing with us that you are having difficulties. Dont set yourself up to fail by believing what the doctors say and by comparing yourself to others. Its so easy to do! You CAN do it and will! Just hang in there! OUR bodies are probably just going through the stall and we will get ourselves together and give ourselves a swift kick to get back into the game! Hang in there Maureen! It will start up again! (((((HUGS))))) Elizabeth M