Been Gone - Need Help

Hi everyone; I've been gone quite awhile. I too have lost and have more energy to do more things - so I do them. I'm having a problem and I knew that this support group was the only place I could find help because y'all were super before and after my surgery. It's like going to vist the Great and Wonderful OZ. I'm becoming worried and frustrated lately. I started my journey last March at 283 and my GP's office scale said 178 yesterday. I'm worried because I don't want my weight loss to stop. I'd like to get rid of another 30-40lbs. I have never plateaued like this, it's all been pretty steady. My doctor said to never buy a scale or I'd be obsessed, so I never did. I can simply feel that there hasn't been much of a change lately. Have you been through this? How did you kick start your weight loss again? Help! Cheryl

Cheryl, Yes I have been through this and still am going through it. It is tough and I decided I had to be tougher. I went back to the basics and I upped my exercise, I have not seen much of a change but won't let that discourage me. I have accepted that this may be it, I have come to terms with the possible new me, I am healthier, happier and definitely look better. I too would like to lose 30 more pounds but won't waste my time obssessing about it- if it happens, then I am grateful, if it doesn't then I remind myself of how miserable I was 90 lbs ago and magically- I am grateful of where I currently am and may stay. Live life for all its worth and don't let your pant size determine your happiness. I hope this helps. Take care and God bless, Dawn

Two things in response to your post, Cherly. I bought a scale for the first time at the beginning of last month and I got on that thing every morning. It was the WORST month I've had since surgery in terms of weight loss and it caused so much anxiety, I took the think back on February 1st and I will NEVER own a scale again. I am back to my routine of weighing in twice a month -- once on the 1st of the month, and once on the anniversary date in each month, the 8th. Secondly, we all knew it was going to get very difficult to get to goal but I didn't realize the weight loss would slow so quickly; for me, the plateaus and slow loss started at around 10 month out -- I thought I was good until about 15 months out. So I can do 1 of 2 things now -- I can accept where I am (30 lbs. over my goal weight) and just enjoy life as a healthier, happier person. Or I can dig my heels in, grit my teeth and commit to a rigorous program of aerobics, weight training and crystal clean healthy eating. That's what I'm chosing to do because I really want this last 30 lbs. to go away. Good luck and stay close to us. We will continue to help each other through. Take care, Maureen

I knew if I came back here there'd be support for me. I think that most folks don't get my concern over the last 30 lbs. because they've seen the first 105 go away and think that it's good enough. In was talking to my husband about this and more than anything, I think I need a better exercise program. Fitting it in to my schedule will be the key. Also, my diet is not the same as after surgery, although, I do not eat bread or sugar. Should I try going back to the post op diet? I used to eat only a protein drink for breakfast. Now I have oatmeal or yogurt or fruit. Any suggestions? Thanks for your support! Cheryl

Cheryl, I do a protein drink every once in a while, but as a protein supplement, not as a meal replacement. I'm agreeing with Mike on this one. Your breakfast is very high in carbs, but you knew that already. I roll up an ounce of cheese in 2 ounces of deli turkey and eat that for breakfast most days. It holds me pretty well through my morning training and all the way to lunch time. I have one of those giant exercise balls and use it on days that I can't get to the gym. I sit and bounce to get my heart rate up. It's silly, but it works. I also use it for abdominal work. It must be effective because my physical therapist says that she has never had a patient with ab muscles as strong as mine. Considering one of her other patients is a personal trainer and aerobics instructor, I consider that a great compliment. Hang in there; we're cheering for you. Connie

Hi Cheryl, I hope this note finds you well and healthy. The March 2004 board needs your help! Please visit the board and click on the post, "AND THE SURVEY SAYS" - we will all benefit from your response. Thanks so much. Maureen

Hi Cheryl; I'm not sure that going back to the post-op diet is the answer. I have been fighting plateaus myself on and off for months now. In every case, when I stop and think about it, I realize that I've haven't been getting enough water and protein. I add a little more solid protein and I find that I snack less and the water just seems to jump start the whole system. I really feel that the protein shakes are not the answer because they don't seem to stick with you as long as good solid protein such as meat, fish, cheese etc.. I also find that keeping up on the exercise keeps me from getting depressed and helps get the scale moving again. Good luck and keep posting here... the support has been a huge help for me! Mike