Really Struggling

I am almost 8 months out and have lost 66 pounds. What the hell? I lost 1 pound last month and so far 1 pound this month. What is going on? I am doing Jazzercise 3x a week. Doing 45 mins on treadmill 2x a week and doing a toning video 2x a week. I am getting in all my water and protein first. I am eating between 1000-1200 calories a day. I feel better than I have ever felt. I started at 280 and down to 214. Will I ever get below 200? Everyone tells me how great I am looking. I do look better. My choesterol is great, my blood sugar is getting better and better. Is it possible to be on a plateau for this long? My Jazzercise instructor was surprised to find out that I only lost 2 lbs inthe last two months. I told her what I was doing on off days from jazzercise and she said that it might be too much exercise? She asked me if I was more concerned with the number on the scale or just how I feel in general. After thinking about her question, I want all of it, I want the number on the scale, the smaller size in clothes, and I want to feel good? Is there anything wrong with that? I dont even want to get my 8 month picture made because I have only lost 1 pound this month. Am I a light weight? I know that light weights lose slower, Is it because I am diabetic, I read that diabetics lose slower...what is the deal? Just someone tell me that this weight will start coming off again...I need some encouragement...Am I going to fail at this?? I am embarrassed that I havent lost more... Rhonda -66

DON'T be embarrassed !! How long has it been since you lost 66 pounds in 8 months ? I'm a slow loser , too. I have not lost any weight at all in Nov. But I try to remember this is for the rest of my life and I've got to keep doing what I'm doing . Good luck !!! Judy

Rhonda - I think the exercise coupled with the diabetes might make you a slower loser. I agree it might be too much exercise for losing weight, but it sounds like you are building muscle. You know the mantra - muscle weighs more than fat. You mention your blood sugar is getting better, so my question is what are you eating? If you are diabetic and you are eating too many carbs you could be stalling from that. Not sure what meds you are on but you might check with your doc about if they make you gain weight. One of my friend's was on a diabetic med that caused her to gain while another med caused her to lose. Insulin directly affects the body's storage of fat. I'd look at finding a way to get your blood sugar completely under control with diet first if you can. You might find that does the trick. Good luck! Dina

I would take 66 pounds in 8 months. I am 8 and1/2 months out and have only lost 50 pounds since my surgery on March 16. I did however lose 60 pounds since Jan 5. Will keep followin g the rules and see where I end up. It is very hard not to get very, very discouraged.

Rhonda, do me a favor -- post what you're eating, a couple of days worth. Let's take a look at the big picture. Maureen

B-Carb Countdown Milk S-Qsmart Bar or Cheese Stick L-1/2 cup beef, cottage cheese, apple sauce, maybe a pickle spear S-Qsmart Bar or Cheese Stick D-Hamburger Patty w/ cheese and veggie, or Chicken and veggie S-Carb Countdown Milk This is the basic menu, some days it is chicken or tuna at lunch. Last night I had cucumber, tomato, chicken, cheese salad for dinner. Some days I get to really worrying about why I am not losing and just do Atkins protein shakes with Qsmart bars as snacks. I have been drinking Crystal Lite since surgery. Today my jug is full of plain water. I hate plain water. This is very frustrating to me. The scale going down WAS keeping me motivated. I feel like I am doomed. I really just want to cry right now. Thanks. Rhonda still -66

Rhonda - What quantities are you consuming of those things (Especially the liquids)? I am thinking the Qsmart bars might be causing a problem if you are diabetic. I know they are supposed to be low-carb, but the hidden carbs can still get you. When I did Atkins it was almost always the protein bars that would cause people to stall. It might not be that, but you might try eliminating them for awhile and replacing them with low-carb jerky or something and see how it goes... Dina

Carb Countdown milk is a glassful 8 oz maybe cottage cheese is the breakstone pre packaged, i think 4 oz, applesauce is the same prepackaged 4 oz, Cheese Stick is one stick I am going to cut out the q smart bars. After what I have is gone, I am not going to buy any more. I am feeling better this afternoon. My jug is full of jus****er today, not crystal lite, and Ive noticed that I am peeing alot more than usual Its cold and rainy here in north alabama!! Rhonda -66

Dont feel bad Rhonda...Ive only lost 64 lbs...nothing at all in two months..but hey Im not stressing I figure it will kick back in. My sister had this done and lost weight for a good 18 months, with no execise at all...so theres still alot of leadway left. I figure I have another 45-50 lbs to go so technically I guess that isnt too bad, I'm past the halfway mark. My doctor says its fine just keep drinking, eating protein, and taking my vitamins and it will come off. Some are just slower then others. You wont fail, this isnt like diets in the past. Just stick to the basics and it will come off.

Rhonda It look like you are eating a lot of food. Out here (Las Vegas) our Doc's have us only eat 4 oz,. of food three times a day. cut out all snacks & cut back on the amount you eat & you will start losing. You are steaching your pouch. to get it back smaller you have to re-train it. Start eating smaller amouns & cut back on you exercise, you are building muscle & that has caused the weight stall. You also nee d to drink at leat 64oz of water a day. You didn't start drinking soda did you. That will definately stop anything from happening. For us 1200 calories is way to much to lose weight. Try this week to cut out your snacks & see what happens. Good luck & Happy Thanksgiving!! Marilyn, the Bearlady (RNY 3-15-04 127 lbs)