Is this ok??

Hi! I have a question because I feel like a failure. I had my surgery 1 year and 6 months ago. I was 359lbs at start. I am now 207lbs. I am so stuck. Haven't lost in 2 months and not sure why. I feel like I should have lost more. What should I do????? What's going on???

I don't know about you, but in my dictionary I find this: Losing 152 pounds = GREAT SUCCESS, AKA COMPLETE OPPOSITE OF FAILURE! Seriously though... I think it's true what I've read... There is a point when our body feels that it's done losing... With me it is 175 pounds or thereabouts... I have not moved from there in months! Now, I know personally that I'm not being as good as I should/could be... and that if I were to discipline myself, I could definitely lose the last 25 to my personal goal of 150, which I believe to be a realistic goal for me... Don't feel like you've failed... don't ever feel that way. Although I sometimes feel disappointed, knowing that I could have certainly done better (I totally know where I've been bad! ) I am still very VERY proud of myself... My gosh, look how far we've come! Hang in there. Go back to basics... lots of protein, low (good) carbs, lots of water, take your vitamins... exercise... and don't forget to always love yourself and be proud of what you've accomplished Angie

152 pounds is certainly not failure. You have to think in terms of the fact that at 207, your life expectancy and quality of life are dramatically improved over 359. You're probably happier than you were at the start, and I'd venture a guess that if you had any comorbidities, they've either been reduced or eliminated by now. When I had my psych evalutation, that was one of the questions he asked, "What if you only lose half the weight you expect to?" My answer was that while I'd be a bit disappointed, I'd almost certainly be healthier and happier than I was at 341. I'm 229 now. While I was hoping to be at 200 by this point, I adamantly refuse to dwell on the negative, and focus only on the positive. My high blood pressure is gone, my cholesterol is down by 57 points, I sleep better, I can walk a flight of stairs without getting winded, and many other benefits I could only dream of 18 months agao. As obese people, then WLS patients, we were all obsessed with the numbers on the scale. Jessica, don't let those numbers control your life anymore. If you're healthier and happier now than you were in May 2004, you've succeeded.

First... Jessica, thank you for posting a question that is on a lot of our minds. I have been feeling exactly like you do lately and beating myself up for it. Personally I am somewhat frustrated with myself because my best friend also had wls and has done really well and I find myself constantly comparing myself to her. I know I shouldn't do that, but I do. I need to focus on how well I have done and just be happy for her success. Don, Thank you for your answer and positive approach to this. You have helped me see just how far I have come and how much better off I am now than I was 18 months ago. I am no longer on any medications for diabetes and my blood work is perfect! (My doctor's words!) No more high blood pressure. I can walk long distances without running out of breath. Life is good! Happy & healthy new year to all! Terri

Hi Jessica, 152lbs is not a failure at all. Think of it this way. What would happen if you picked up something or somebody that weighed 150lbs and had to carry it/them everywhere you went? You would probably collapse not too longer afterwards from the extra weight. Well, you have done rid yourself of that excess weight with the benefit of the surgery. Are you where you would ideally like to be? Sounds like you aren't but there are a number of us in that very same boat. I had my surgery on the same day as another guy with the same first name. He reached his goal weight within a year of having the surgery. In fact, I guess he is trying to add come calories to his diet to maintain his weight....what a luxury!!! There are times that I get jealous and mad because he makes it seem so simple and that following the program is simple and easy for anyone to follow. My post surgery path has been smooth and my only problem is that I can eat pretty much what I want these days and in quantities that I thought I would never be able to consume. To compensate, I have really tried to keep up with exercising but I can't seem to crack the 250 barrier and eventually reach 220 when I will look into a TT at a minimum. I have never regretted having the surgery but I would like to get back on the train to losing weight again. It seems that our bodies eventually find a way to compensate for the changes made during WLS and now we are back to fighting a battle to lose weight that is basically the same as before WLS. I know this isn't offering alot of insight on how to jump start your weight loss again but please know that there are many out there like yourself and we need to continue to "fight the good fight" to get to the weight that we ideally want in life. Kevin 390/250/210

Be happy with your progress so far. I agree with the other posters. You are far from a failure. Be gentle with yourself. Stressing over not losing can keep the weight on. As far as what to do. Eat sensibly, exercise regularly, take your supplements, drink plenty of water and stay off the scale. Watch the mirror and tape measure for positive results. I understand how you feel, I'm not where I want to be either. I'm still getting smaller though the scales aren't budging.