Feeling a bit discouraged...

I had surgery on 5/3/2004, Lap RNY. Since then I have lost about 63 pounds. I know this is good, but then some days I feel like I should have lost a bit more by now. I guess lately it kinda scares me what I can eat. It seems like a lot. Then other days I get so thirsty, so I drink a lot and then don't have room for food so I miss a meal. I feel like also I have been eating too much carbs lately. It's like I go through phases where I want them and then I don't. The last 3 or 4 weeks, I'm still losing, but only like a pound a week. I don't know. Been doing my proteins and vitamins and all like I'm supposed to. I know it's absurd, but some days I'm afraid I've stretched my pouch already. I go see my doc on Tuesday, so I'm sure he can put some of my fears to rest. Just need a little encouragement/wisdom from my peers! Thanks, Valena

Ok I am not RNY but I do have a theory that may help you cause it helped me when I felt the same way with the band! When you stall out pounds wise check on how many inches you have lost. My theory is that even though you aren't seeing a move on the scale it might be that your body is taking action against your belly or thighs or boobs or something. I measured on the 3rd day of a plateu (I am a scale junkie i know) and by the time i got moving again i had lost some inches in key places. As for water and eating just try to get as much water in until 1/2 hour before ameal. that should leave you room for food. as for how much you eat it all works out to be ok. For me it isn't totally about carbs. Think about SUGAR and serving sizes. If it has more than 6-8 g of sugar per serving it is too much and you shouldn't buy it or eat it. That's why ice cream and milkshakes will cause weight creep. It's a high sugar high calorie liquid that does nothing else for you. Anyhow - I am sure you are ok and it's good to ask all this to your doctor too. I hope this helps and good luck with your continued loss! Kristin

Be encouraged Valena. I had surgery on the 4th and have only lost 60lbs. You are on the right track. We all have good and bad days. Our bodies do need a few carbs to work. Just not too many. A pound a week is wonderful. It means that you will not have alot of sagging skin. Your body knows what it needs. Listen to it and you will not go wrong.

Hi Valena, You are not alone. I agree with Nita. I am only down 51 pounds but it is coming off and that is all that matters. I think we will not sag as much as others who loose more quickly. Also I do weight training 3 times a week and muscle weighs more than fat. Keep up the good work and stay on program and you can't go wrong. Christine

You will lose at your own rate, Valena. Celebrate your success! I doubt seriously that you could have stretched the pouch so soon. It's probably just your body adjusting to the weight loss.

I think what you're going through is totally normal. The inches vs. pounds is a good way to track things if you aren't loosing pounds. Also, you didn't mention any exercise. If you are doing it that's great. Be sure to give your body time off as well. At least a day off once a week to let muscles grow, etc. If you're doing just cardio exercise consider adding light weight training. If you're not exercising - START. Walking is just as good as anything else and you will see a difference. Good luck.

Hi, Well, you should consider yourself special. This is my first post, ha. But, I responded because I had a similar question for my doctor regarding being able to eat more. He said that for the first three months we have considerable internal swelling. That is why we are only able to eat such small amounts at first. AFter about three months when the swelling is down, he said you would notice you can eat more than usual. He insists the pouch cannot stretch. I have lost 67 pounds and feel great. We are all just to hard on ourselves, aren't we??? We are all doing great in just a small amount of time. Don't get me wrong, I get down too at times wondering if I am losing slower than the rest. I have to just think back to where I was just three short months ago and where I would be right now if I had not had the surgery. I enjoy reading all your posts.

Hi Valena, I had surgery on May 6 and am down 50 lbs. So you are doing great! I don't get discouraged as long as it comes off. I keep a diary and look back on it from week to week when I don't think the weight is coming off. When I see that I have lost a pound or two since the week before I feel better. Also, I try on clothes all the time. When tight clothes become loose, well that means something is working. Do exercise if you don't. That will help you too. I exercise 1/2 hour every morning and 1/2 hour with weights 3 times a week. I even ran a mile with my hubby on Saturday. I haven't run in years. It felt great. DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED YOU ARE DOING GREAT! Sherri

i wish i was in your shoes, valena, as am down only 37 1/2 pounds. i left a message for the nurtionist today and am waiting for her to get back to me. i know i can, and do, eat more than a tiny pouch should hold and feel that every pound gone in the last 6 weeks has been a struggle. i need a fresh start and some info. re: the amount of intestined bypassed, etc. so i'll know if i'm within the "norm" or not. i am eating less than pre may 13th but its not little enough, obviously, to make the scales move. i also have a very bad knee so my exercise is minimal............ good luck to us both. gail 251/214/140(?)