*** 11mo. post-op Need Help!!***

I am 11 months post-op and will be a year out on May 24th. I have gone back to eating the wrong things in the past, but for a few weeks I have been drinking my protein drinks and exercising a little more and drinking lots of water. I am only down 62 lbs and I feel like I haven't really accomplished as much as my surgeon wanted me to. My surgeons goal is for me to be at 176 lbs by my first year and I am not even close to that. Can anyone give me some helpful hints and words of encouragement? I have noticed my clothes getting smaller, but the scale has been stuck at 217 since february. Any help is very much appreciated. Also I am including a photo of me on Easter. http://pic19.picturetrail.com/VOL1032/4376538/9833894/140190648.jpg

Hi Shawna, You and your son look adorable for Easter! I know what it's like to have the scale be stuck in one place. It sounds like you're doing all of the right things to get back on track. Protein, protein, protein always helps me get a jump start. Also, I know the exercise helps me too. Since Christmas I've only lost 15 pounds, but I've lost about 2 1/2 sizes. I can see my body size getting smaller even when I don't lose pounds. I know you can do it! Don't worry too much about a specific amount, just do and eat the right things! Hang in there! 62 pounds gone is something to be proud of! Wanda

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I find it hard being consistent with my exercise, but I know it s something that I have to do.

Protein, water and exercise all are great things! Exercise can be anything. Take the stairs at work. I will sometimes walk up to the 7th floor and back down a couple of times just for the extra exercise. Park further from the building. Walk to the mailbox rather than stopping the car. All those little things can add up big when it comes to exercise. You are doing well. 62 lbs is nothing to be down about! I've lost 70 lbs since surgery so I'm not that far off from your loss. I've been basically stuck (actually up and down in a range) since Christmas! It is frustrating. I think I need to change things up a bit. Just have to decide what to change. I may try to add an additional cardio workout ior two each week and see if that gives my body a jolt. I do great on protein and usually I do very well on water intake and vitamins. Just have to avoid grazing and unplanned snacking... you know those BLTs (bites, licks and tastes). You are lovely and so is your son! Best wishes, Kathy

Thanks for your advice. I really appreciate it.

Shawna, You look fabulous! If you read on, you'll see that most of us are having issues at this stage in the game,I'm trying to stay positive, but I am 11.5 months post op, and not where I wanted to be. Be proud of your 62 pound loss, and know that we can do this. We're always here for you

Hi Shawna. I think you look great in your picture. Your little honey is adorable. I know you can get to where you need to be. I also find times when I resort back to old eating habits. If you stick to high protein - lots of shakes and elminating the foods your body does not need to strive you will be fine. I see a huge drop when I really focus on my water intake and I limit my carb intake. I try to eat only protein rich foods, like cheeses or meats instead of a serving of say mashed poatoes... I wish you the best in your journey! Lola

Shawna, This surgery is not as easy for everyone as it is some. It is so easy to focus on the lbs lost and not the other successes of the tremendous lifestyle changes we have made and how our clothes fit. I'm having the same mental struggle you are right now...this is what I keep telling myself at least to try and feel good about where I'm at. Lori 384/245/168