STALL STALL STALL

I knew this was close since i haven't had one yet, but for 2 weeks. up a pound down a pound, up a pound, down a pound. i have lost 46 pounds since april 30th. what am i doing wrong now? I am so beginning to wonder if this was a good idea. i know it was, but still makes me wonder. nikki

Are you getting your protein and water in? I stalled when I dropped below my protein goal, then promptly started losing again after hitting it again! My dietician suggests 1-1.2g of protein per kilogram of your goal weight. Also, how are your carbs? Despite the restrictions of the RNY, we still lose weight by ketosis (burning fat instead of carbs) just like the Atkins diet and the South Beach - so watch that you don't exceed 100g of carbs per day. I find that being a "carb-nazi" and getting my protein in has helped me to stay on track! Good luck. Jeff

Hi Jeff, (that's my husbands name) thanks for replying. I guess i am not getting my protein in. I try but everything hates my pouch. They telling me that carbs are easier than protein. they weren't kidding. I don't eat things that are bad, like going off our diet, but i just don't get enough in. Holly in NY said to try gram slams. 50 grams of protein. so i am going to try those today. I still have the sf carnation instant breakfast. can't get away from them. they are easy to handle. but i will check the carbs from now on and make sure i don't go over 100 g's. also this is gross, but going to the bathroom is like once a week. does that have something to do with it? thanks nikki

Good luck with the gram slams - have you tried Isopure drinks (like crystal light, but with 40g of protein per 20oz serving). As for carbs, I was starting to snack on pita chips at wor****il I noticed that they were 20g per 1 oz serving! Also, had been adding rice to my burrito bowl from Chipotle and again got another 20g per serving! I'm pretty much sticking to ground meats, beans, cheese, and no pasta, breads, etc., at least until I hit my goal weight. At this point they serve no purpose for me I guess. As for protein, if I'm low for the day I mix up a protein shake with Elite Dymatize mint chocoloate (got it at the "Vitamin Shoppe" chain store near me). It's got 23g of whey protein isolate, almost no fat and 1 carb per 6oz mixed serving. Tastes just like mint chocolate milk. Usually do that for breakfast in the car on the way to work - never was a breakfast eater! You just have to find your favorite brand -and Vitamin Shoppe has at least 30 kinds - usually about $15 for a 30 scoop container. As for the "low output", been there, done that. I've found that I need at least 10g of added fiber to "keep things running right". I add that with Fiber-Sure, and try to make sure I get some insoluble fiber from nuts/seeds during the day as a snack. I like dry roasted edamame beans (Sealpoint Farms), they're just like peanuts, but have minimal fat and great protein in a 2oz serving (130cal, 14g protein, 2g fat). I've actually got it up to every other day or so now, but not of any significant volume like before surgery. One bit of advice I've read on the forums here and other places is to not "curb the urge" - ie, if you feel like you might have to go - give it a shot. Since there's so much less going into the system, much less comes out - therefore the signals we get that we need to go may be much more subtle and if ignored, may lead to a backup.. Gross! Hope this helps, Jeff

I just wanted to add a disclaimer here about ketosis. Now, if people choose to put their bodies into an active state of ketosis, that is a personal choice. However, you should educate yourself on the risks of doing this. Before starting a low carb diet, you should talk to your PCP (primary care physician). Not necessarily your surgeon or your NUT, but a doctor who has full access to your labs and medical history. Prolonged states of ketosis can be very hard on your kidneys, in some cases leading to kidney failure. I am not saying that this will definitely happen, but it is a risk that you should be fully aware of. You should also be aware that carb grams (quantity) should not be your only consideration. Type of carbs (quality) should also be considered. Carbs from veggies, fruit, low fat dairy, and whole grains are very good for you. Especially if you are planning to excerise regularly, healthy carbs are necessary for energy. Sorry to preach here. I just wanted people to be aware that maintaining long term states of ketosis does carry risks. I do test my urine with keto-strips about once a week, but for the opposite reason. I want to make sure that I am staying on the low end of ketosis. Like I said, its a personal choice. You can still lose fat quickly without lowering carbs. I am ahead of schedule on my weight loss and have lost 80lbs in 3 months. I personally think that the best way to break a stall is to make sure to increase your physical activity. Light strength training builds muscle and more muscle allows you to burn more fat with cardiovascular excercise. Just my two cents. Good luck!

Jessica's got a good point that I'd not considered. I've just taken my Dietician's advice and kept those guidelines. Ketosis and it's effects on the kidneys hasn't been mentioned once to me by either my NUT, my surgeon, nor by my PCP. Again we find ourselves in the same discussion - why don't the "experts" really seem to know what they're talking about. IE - many folks have been advised by their "experts" to avoid A, B, C, while others are told - just eat till your full. One NUT says 60g protein, another says 80g, and another says 0.8g/kg. As a healthcare professional (though not a doctor) it's maddening to hear of all this variation. When I treat my clients I make sure I'm using the most up to date research to support what I do with them - I wish there was a better resource for our journey.

Yeah I agree its frustrating. I think that the thing that we all need to remember is that medicine is not an exact science. Our bodies are all different and we all have individual genetics and our bodies have unique biochemical reactions. What works for some of us to lose weight may not work for all. Like I mentioned, ketosis isn't hard on everyone's kidneys and there is not a set period of what is "too long", but it is a risk to think about. I don't know what the best resource is. Seems to me like everyone is looking to sell me something these days. The NUT wants to see me more (for which I have to pay out of pocket), personal trainer wants to sell me more sessions, heck, I went into a vitamin store yesterday to get Biotin because my hair is falling out and they had their own "expert" who loaded me up with about 7 different vitamins (well over $100 worth!!). Fortunately, I got smart and ditched the stuff while she was busy with another customer Sorry there is not finite answer. I guess we just have to experiment. Add in more protein, calories, maybe take some away. Increase activity. Pray...

thanks jessica. not a clue what ketosis is. or what causes it to get too high. i can't even eat meat. carbs go down easier. don't know what to do

I just wanted to say, Stalls happen sometimes even when you are doing everything right. I just got through a 4 week stall. The same as you. Up a pound down a pound. I was going crazy. I kept beating myself up thinking I was going to screw this up too. Then like magic I dropped 6 pounds. This week I have been losing steady. Have faith in yourself. Michelle

I am the queen of stall .. I mean all and all I have lost 40 lbs even tho most of the weight loss was before surgery I hit my stall right away but then I saw the clothes r really falling off... I been exercising more and my doc said to me Lisa u r gaining huge amount of muscle mass .. I have gained 20 lbs of muscle and lost 28 lbs of fat .. so I am losing the right way .. he said the fat will slide off more and u will not gain as much muscle.. he said i look at muscle mass number then scale number .. he said alot of people lose both which is ok but then again they r in state of ketosis and that is not really good for your kidney .. He said i want u to learn to eat small meals and wing off protien drinks .. I use my tool to eat right .. and learn to eat small .. that is what the lap band is about .. I am learning to make good choices .. I may not be losing as fast as most but the knowlwge I am gaining will ensure sucess not only for me but for my family and since I have had weight loss surgery my family around me has lost total over 50 lbs .. that is priceless... I am educating my family .. so my tool is not only helping me but is helping my family we r a healthy family.. hugs Lisa