6 wks out only -24

I came out to this board to check and see how "March'ers" are doing. I wasn't so discouraged with my weight loss until I read how well everyone else is doing. I've been at this weight for the last week and half. I just moved on to soft foods a few weeks ago and I'm finding it harder to get in all my fluids and protein. Everything that I have eaten agrees with me, but I get full really quick and I'm not hungry for a long time. As I wait for my 1/2 to pass so that I can drink after my meal, I lose track of time and I don't drink (busy at work). Then before I know it, it's time to eat again and I haven't drank anything. I have had a couple of incidents where I had too fast and was uncomfortable for a bit and then I didn't want to eat or drink for quite sometime, afraid that things would get worse. I think I'm getting myself into a vicious cycle here that I need to break. Do you eat on a schedule? I find myself having late meals/drinks just so I can get in an adequate amount of protein. I'm also having major problems with constipation. I'm not getting many veggies in because I'm so focused on the protein, so that doesn't help me either. - just needed to vent Suzanne

I had surgery the day before you and I have lost only 23 pounds! Most of what you describe sounds just like me except the constipation. I take 1 tablespoon of benefiber in my morning tea and that seems to keep things moving. I have a hard time remembering to drink, but I never forget a meal. Jan

No need to be discouraged at all! Just think--those are 24 lbs you will NEVER get back! Not to sound like a record, but everyone does loose weight at different speeds. My doc told me a few things that might get you jump started: 1. It's normal to hit a platueu 4-8 weeks out of surgery... 2. Keep going with the fluids, that will help with the weight loss. Have you tried having a drink on your desk or wherever at work with a straw? I have a tendency to sip more that way... 3. Excersice. Are you allowed yet? Taking walks, etc should get things moving (including the constipation.) Good luck and keep your head up! Courtney

I fine today, thanks for the encouragment. I was told not to use a straw (you put more air in your pouch). I do keep water at my desk, but I work on a computer all day and get engrossed in what I'm doing and I forget everything else. If I'm watching my kids at softball or karate, or watching TV, I can remember to drink. I'm walking but I think I need to to more than what I'm doing. I did stay up late last night and get in some more protein and fluids to meet my minimums and I think it paid off. I'm down 2 pounds today for a total of 50 (including the 24 I lost prior to surgery). I'm happy for that!

Gee, I thought it was just me. My surgery was 3/30 and my weight loss is also in the 20s. I read about all these 40s, 50s etc with envy but as everyone keeps saying, we are all heading in the right direction. It is hard to eat drink and excercise....I keep a bottle of water on my desk and try to make sure and take at least a sip every couple of minutes. Not always easy. Keep up your good work. alison

I guess envy is a better word than discouraged. Prior to surgery I was on a protein drink diet and I lost 24 pounds. I had to set an alarm on my cell phone to tell me to eat or would get all my drinks in. I think I'm going to need to do something like that to make sure I drink! Gotta find a gimmick that works for me. The water will help with the constipation and the protein will help with my weight loss. I decided to start the day with an ISOPURE drink. so I've had 40g of protein all ready and 20 oz of fluids. I think I'm off to a good start today. Thanks for the encouragement. Suzanne

I had my surgery on March 30th also, to date I have lost 45 pounds. I too forget to drink at work but I do try to walk everyday even if it's only for 30 minutes pushing my son in his stroller. I know I don't get enough protein in but I think walking is the key. I returned to work last week and I haven't walked every day since then and my weight loss is slowing down.This leads me to believe that walking makes all the difference.

Suzanne, Im right there with you in the 20's and at times get discouraged to. I think it might have something to do with water intake. I am really going to work on that and encourage you to do the same. Let's see if it makes a difference. I struggle daily with getting my water and protein in. I cant get in protein drinks, i've tried every kind. At first they were fine, now I gag on the smell. I dont eat carbs, just protein (well there are some carbs in the things I eat, but they arn't the bad ones). Anyway I know I dont get enough fluids so I'm going to see if that helps. Just keep plugging alon and try not to get bummed. Easier said than done. Huh? Everyone says it will happen if you follow the rules of the pouch it just might take some of us a little longer. That means our skin will shrink up better. LOL Hugs, Jodi

Jodi, I think my problem is the protein. I was on a protein drink diet prior to surgery and I noticed then that the days that I didn't get in all my protien drinks, I wouldn't lose as much. I just figured, I'm not hungry, I'll just skip this drink. IT DIDN'T WORK! My low fluid intake isn't helping my constipation any either I'm drinking an ISOPURE drink this morning. I'm almost done with it, so I'll have my 40g of protein and 20 oz of fluids in before I even had any meals, so I'm off to a good start. On the California board, Mary Ann and Louise C have been talking about this protein drink that they use. I don't think it tastes all that great, but I think they get in 30g of protein in a medicine cup (30ml?) I have the name at home, so e-mail me and I can send you what I know. They just drink it down like medicine to help boost their protein intake. I stayed up late last night to get in my minimums of fluid and protein and I think it made a difference. I'm down 2 pounds today with the 24 I lost prior to surger, I'm down 50!. What encourages me right now is the way my clothes feel and that I can walk without panting and breaking into a sweat. Thanks for the encouragement, it's nice to know I'm not alone. I'll just keep plugging along, it'll come. S