Down in the Dumps

Hi, Was just reading everyone's posts and you are all doing so well. My surgery was 3/8/05 and I'm down 87 pounds. I seem to have stalled out for about 2 months now. Weight goes up and down within 3 pounds. In that time I have lost about 5 inches and I know that is good too, but it is soooo hard when you do not see the scale move. I've been reading about some of you losing 100 pounds and more who were around the same weight as I was pre-surgery. I don't think I'll hit 100 pounds by my first anniversary and I just am so depressed about that. My surgeon's nurse is very pleased with my progress. I have made lifestyle changes so why do I feel so down? I know that I really should look at how far I've come. It's just been so tough. Thanks for listening.

there was a time when all we did was gain wt. 87lbs is great!!!and we're all very proud of you. hang in there

Thank you Elizabeth for your encouraging words!

Hi Robin. I know it's so easy to get bummed out when you read about those who have lost so much more than we have, but I'm right where you are! I started at 282, was 276 day of surgery and am now between 192 and 194 depending on the day. And I exercise daily (maybe excessively) and am totally anal about what I eat. A woman in my WLS program had about the same amount to lose as I did and didn't exercise nearly as much as I did, and yet she lost 130lbs in like 7 months. Very depressing to me. But I just try to keep reminding myself that this is a marathon for me, not a sprint. So long as I get to a healthy place in the end, I don't think it will matter to me how long it took me to get there. I try to think of all the things I can do now that I couldn't do 10 months ago, and I start feeling better about what I've lost. You CAN do it, because I know I CAN and WILL do this. This whole thing has been a giant battle for me since I was 10 weeks out, but I am determined to lose what I need to lose and never gain it back. Keep your chin up and be proud of what you have done. If we don't get to 100lbs by our one year anniversaries, we will get there eventually. I'm certain of it. Keep plugging away! Take care. Mary Ellen

Thanks Mary Ellen. I guess I just sometimes think......is this it........is this all I will lose. It is as if I lose faith in myself......which I just should not do. I'm sure thankful for all of you out there who keep cheering me on and inspiring me. Have a great day! And I'm cheering you on too!

I sometimes feel the same as you. I am so tired of gaining and loosing the same pound. I have lost 95 and know that is great because I feel wonderful now BUT when you hear others talk about the 100 or more pounds they have lost it is depressing. I need to keep thinking "I am doint great" I am doing great". We will eventually get where we want to be.

Hi Donna! Thanks so much for your words of encouragement. Yes....we will get there! Sometimes we just need that reinforced by others and I appreciate all of you out there!

It's normal to get down on ourselves every now and then - especially when we compare ourselves to others. There will ALWAYS be others that succeed in different ways than we do in all facets of our life. I was doing great for about 6 months and then BAM - I hit a wall and have been stalled for 3+ months now. Ugh!! Sure, I've lost over 100 lbs but I have another 90+ to go. My weight now is at most people's starting weights. LOL I'm about 1/2 way through and i see people on this board like 5-10 lbs from goal that had less weight than I did to lost at their surgery date. (I had 210+ to lose at surgery day.) So hang in there. You are doing great and don't measure your success by numbers or deadlines. We are all different and our bodies function differently. You are doing great and you should also be very pleased with your progress as well. Just don't compare yourself to others (easier said than done, I know) and you should feel better!! You are not alone! Trisha

Trisha, Thanks so much for your encouraging words. . . I sure appreciate it!!