18 Month Surgiversary!!!

Today is 18 months! I still am struggling with a 6 month plateau. I've lost 118 lbs and am very thankful for that. I exercise quite a bit and have gotten smaller and built up muscle even though the scale has not changed. I've also had 2 major surgeries in the past 2 months - gall bladder in Sep and intestinal blockage (thought it was an internal heria) the beginning of Nov. I'm going to start going to weigh****chers with a friend next week, they are going to have meetings here at work. That way I can get weekly feedback and help losing this last 40 lbs. I'm a size 14 (sometimes 16) now...I just want to be a size 8 or 10. Is that too much to ask? Just kidding...I know it takes work! Happy shopping everyone! Regards, Sue McD 306/189/150

Sue, you've done an incredible job! I am sorry to hear about your gall bladder and blockage but am glad that you are up and around. Weigh****chers is a good idea. I joined back in August to try to end a wicked plateau that had been dragging on for months. I am doing their "core plan" and have lost over 10 pounds since joining. I highly recommend Core because it's easier to stick with not having to count points, plus it's a low-carb plan that focusses on lean meat, fish, veggies, fruit, and whole grains. Someone said it was WW's version of South Beach and I agree. Anyway, let me know if you do join. I have a PDF file of a gazillion core recipes that I will be happy to send to you! Hugs, Tracy 303/158/135 5'2" P.S. No, size 8-10 is not too much to ask for - I want to get there myself!

Tracy, I will be joining next Tues. Thanks for the info on the core program, I will follow it. I would love it if you sent me your pdf file with the recipies. Thanks so much. Regards, Sue 306/189/150

Hey! Congrats on your weightloss. I am right there with you. I was 1.5 yrs out on the 23rd. Ib have only lost 4 lbs since my one year out. I have really jumped on the ban wagon again. Are stats are alot alike I have lost 114lbs. I had my gallbladder removed at the end of July. I will be 20 in 28 days and used to be addicted to this site. Then when everyone was doing so much better than me I stopped looking at it. After my last check up my surgeon suggested I needed some support since I was doing this journey alone( I am away at college and noone knows about this surgery) so I am back. I have noticed alot of people joing WW after wls to break these stalls. Let me know how it goes. I need any help/support I can get. Good luck! ~Amanda 299.5/185/150

Amanda, WOW...our stats are almost identical!! It is good to find someone else who is in the same situation. I only wish I was only 19 (Happy early bday ) - I'm 51 years young! I thought getting my gallbladder removed would help jump start my weight loss but it didn't. I do have a thyroid problem and take daily medication. What kind of exercise do you do? I go to Jazzercise 3 to 5 times a week. I love it because it's fun and funky. I work with weights and through my non-loss period, I have gotten smaller (muscle weighs more than fat). It is disheartening when you see some WLS patients who get to goal in a year without plateaus. However....I just try to stay the course and keep on my exercise and eating program. I think WW will help because of the weekly weigh-ins. I also think we have an advantage because of the hunger control the WLS brings us. It's also a good way for you to get public support without revealing your surgery. Feel free to email me any time. Have a great holiday and a wonderful birthday. By the way, where do you go to school? Regards Sue McD 306/189/150

I have a similar situation... I've lost 112 pounds and have about 150 to go, so mine might be a bit worse! I've been hardcore plateauing for about 6 months, and the last year I've only lost an average of 1/2 lb a week... most of my weight loss was in the first 3 months. I'm just trying to get back to basics -- journal my food, eat right, and exercise. I'm doing it a little bit at a time -- not trying to get back to 800 cals a day, but trying to keep it to 1200 to 1800. Surgery date: 5/13/05 405.5/293.5/155.5

Hi Kate, Well, I joined weigh****chers yesterday and am excited about finally breaking this 6 mo plateau. Although read the following about plateaus: #1 Do for 10 days to break plateau #2 Drink 2 quarts of water a day #3 You must have 45 grams of protein supplement and all your vitamin & mineral supplements each day. #4 You may consume up to 3 oz. of the following high-protein foods, 5 times a day: * beef, * pork, * chicken, * turkey, * lamb, * fish, * eggs, * low-fat cheese, * cottage cheese, * plain yogurt (or artificially sweetened), * peanut butter, * beans/legumes. #5 You may also have: * sugar-free popsicles (avoid juice popsicles), * tea or coffee, * sugar-free sodas, * sugar-free Jello, * broths & bouillons, * Crystal Lite drinks. For Vegetables eat from only this list: Broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, spinach, Brussels sprouts, Asparagus & Cabbage For Fruit choose only from this list: Cantaloupe, honey dew, watermelon and strawberries #6 IF IT IS NOT ON THE LIST YOU MAY NOT HAVE IT! #7 Keep a food diary and try to get 30 minutes of exercise daily. Good Luck Sue McD 306/189/150