Slightly discouraged

Okay, I have gone down a couple of size changes and feel better, but I seem to be losing pounds so slowly. Only 46 so far. Whenever anyone asks, (and you know they do, because they are all watching,) I don't want to tell them because I have plateaus for a week at a time and then lose only 2 or 3 pounds. I am still glad I did it, but I am having a hard time picturing myself ever losing all I want to. Thanks for listening.

I feel the same way you do, I had surgery the day after you, and I've only lost 34 lbs. It is discouraging, but just hold your head up and remember that you have lost 46 lbs and probally couldnt have done it without WLS. Keep your chin up...46 lbs is alot of weight! Nancy

I know how you feel. I feel like I should have lost more by now also. But everyone does lose at a different rate. I am trying to focus on just accepting the rate for me! Instead of fighting the process I'm trying to be glad through it? Make sense? I also don't want to tell people the actual pounds lost. So when someone askes I just say "oh, that's top secret" with a big smile. They have stopped asking. I also can't picture myself losing all I want...but that negative thinking is a result of all the failed diets I've done in my life. This is different. It will work...even if it's not as fast as some people. I don't know about you but I've been heavy my entire life...so I have no image in my memory about me being thing...so it's hard to imagine. But I do beleive it will happen this time. Keep at it! Accept your rate of weightloss, and believe you will reach your goal....allow yourself that! Hugs. Joycelyn

still 46 lbs. is a lot more than most of us could lose so quickly without WLS. some things to think about--are you following your surgeon's guidelines? getting enough protein and water? weighing your portions, counting calories, avoiding fats/carbs? not that you'll have to do this forever--we didn't have WLS to be on some crazy diet for the rest of our lives--but evaluating how you're eating might help you find out why you're losing slowly. i know of one person who plateaued severely b/c she was drinking 2 protein shakes a day and eating regular meals--what she didn't realize was that the shakes were meal replacements (not supplements) and had a ton of calories in them, so it was like she was eating two extra meals. on the flip side, your body might be in shock mode and conserving fat b/c it thinks you're starving to death. you might actually be eating too little--it's been known to happen! if you're losing sizes, you're probably still losing inches, just not pounds. you might be gaining muscle in place of fat. there are so many variables, so definitely talk to your surgeon when you can. don't get too discouraged!! if you're doing everything you're supposed to, there might be a physiological reason why you're not losing, and your surgeon definitely needs to know about that. :::hugs::: michelle

Cathy, My weight loss is similar to yours. I'm almost two weeks ahead of you with the surgery and have lost 53 lbs. I think if your beginning weight is not in the high range, the weight loss isn't as remarkable at first. Just don't be discouraged because there are a lot of us out there that started in the mid-200's that aren't losing 100 lbs. at this point. You are doing great and about where I was two weeks ago. Keep up the good work! Susie 235/182

I had the surgery on the same day as you and I've lost 43 lbs. I only have to lose a total of 80 - 90 lbs total so I'm now half way to my goal. My doctor said that I would lose less than most but the other health benefits are worth the surgery. I am off all insulin and only taking 1 Tsp twice a day of my diabetic medication and they even think that I will be off that soon too. I had 2 prior back surgeries and the pain has gotten better too! Just hang in there, watch what you're eating like one of the replies stated and if you can start exercising. I started with CURVES and love it. Good Luck!!

We all know what you are going through! Believe me, I have had my share of the dreaded"plateaus". I know its frustruating and you just want to keep on losing. You will lose all of your weight and I know sometimes it is definitely hard to picture, but you will! Keep positive and give yourself a big pat on the back- 46 pounds is awesome!!!!! Bonnie

I know how you feel. I had surgery on 3-21-05 and have lost only 37 pounds since then. I really doubt that I will reach a normal weight. Jan B

After reading all the posts, we all seem to be around the same amt of pounds if we started out in the mid 200s. I did find out that the lower your start rate, the slower you losing weight will be at first. You have to remember that it has ONLY been 3 months and that we still have a long long way to go because the honey moon period is 12 to 15 months. I am not discouraged just waiting patiently. I have lost 48 lbs and today is my 3 month anniversary. I feel better now than I have in years so I cant complain. I have a long way to go to get where I want to be, but I only had 110 lbs of excess body fat. If I look at it that way, I am almost half way to my goal, somewhere I would have never been without surgery. Keep your head up and things will improve. D'Lynn 232/184

Cathy, Don't get discouraged - as others have mentioned we all lose at our own pace. It is hard not to compare yourself to others. What has really helped me is exercising. I think that is a big key! I was walking every day but only for maybe 30 minutes per day. I then decided to increase that to 30 minutes twice a day. That made a big difference. Since it is so hot here in Memphis, I have since switched to rowing on my rowing machine. I joined an online rowing community which helps keep me motivated. Just hang in there, it will come off. corgimom