Hi Amy! This is the first time I have posted to this forum since I joined quite a- while ago. I had my rny lap on 9/5/02 and the one thing I don't hear enough about (in my opinion) is exercise! I also have graves disease, which is a metabolism/thyroid disorder which had really slowed me down way before I had my surgery. I was hoping the surgery would jump start my metabolism and in some ways it has. But there is no way I could be sticking to the food plan post surgery without doing some exercise! Just prior to my surgery I joined a gym that had a pool because I like the water and thought I would enjoy the "aqua aerobics" classes ----- and boy was I right! I lucked out because the gym I picked to go to (L.A.Fitness) happened to have several other women in it that either had had the surgery, or were planning on it ----- it was like having a support group meeting whenever I was there! After our class we would all get in the jacuzzi and discuss our various problems or issues and we all tried to help each other as much as possible. We were able to motivate each other and give encouragement when needed. This is the one thing I think really helps along with the surgery---going to a gym where you are all there for the same reason ----- to get physically fit. There's a certain cameraderie that goes on because you feel like you "belong" and we all need that, especially since before surgery most of us felt like we were on the outside of society looking in. I started going 2-3 times a week and I got more and more comfortable as I kept going back. There were classes to take besides the aqua aerobics and of course the exercise equipment. I even found that I liked walking on the treadmill ------ what a surprise! Since it's cooled off here in Florida the last couple of months, I have been trying to walk outside at least every other day 2-3 miles. But I started off at only walking a 1/4 mile! You have to crawl before you can walk,literally (), and increase the time gradually, so as you lose weight you will find that you are more comfortable doing more and more! I didn't read your profile so I don't know how old you are or how long you've been obese, but I'm 55 yrs old, have been obese since my 20's and never exercised regularly or had time to walk! So all I can say is TRY IT! Just do what you feel comfortable with at first. The water seemed to energize me when I went in ----- I started walking in it at first after surgery for my bad knees and I had so little energy then. The water will make you "buyoient" and it's easier to exercise! If you don't like the water, you can still look for places in your area that offer Curves or yoga ---- something to help get you moving ----- the more you find you can do will encourage you to try more. There's nothing like success to give you the incentive to keep going! The only other food suggestion I have worked for me: sushi If you like fish or sushi, it's full of protein and seemed to help me lose the most weight. Also my only protein drink was Championship Nutrition Whey Stack Chocolate ----- you can order cheapest online from muscledawg.com. Tastes just like chocolate milk and you only have to add 5 oz of water and shake! For the whole time I was on my program, that was the only thing I could tolerate for breakfast! and I still drink it sometimes now when I need the protein. Well ----- hope I've given you some "food for thought" ----! if you have any other questions, feel free to email me at: [email protected] and see my profile on obesityhelp.com ----they were the biggest help to me from the beginning! Good luck and God bless, Adele Frascella

Amy, I am sorry to hear you are having a hard time... are you keeping a food journal? Sometimes if you write every morsel that goes into your mouth you will see the reason behind the slow weight loss... for example... you might be grazing and eating a lot of hidden calories or carbs... or on the other hand it may show that your aren't eating enough calories and may need to increase... Go to FitDay.com and there is an online FREE nutritional site that will help you track your food intake...it is a very good site. Try this for 1 week and see what your totals are... it won't lie...either too much in or not enough can cause a slow to non existent weight loss. Good luck and email me sometime if you need help... Susan Hardway Open RNY 9-16-02 287/156/135(someday, somewhere)

Someone please help me with some suggestions or something. I had Gastric Bypass on September 11, 2002 and I started at 420 lbs and am down to 272. I have been at that weight since the end of September 2003. I am doing the protein shakes and eatting 90 % protein, so I can't understand why I am not loosing anymore. This makes me want to cry and I am getting very depressed. I still am glad I had the surgery, but can't understand why I have stopped loosing when I am still so fat. Does anyone have any suggestions. Anyone is more than welcome to email me anytime with help, support, or questions. [email protected] Thank you so much, Amy

I am presently 16 months post-op. I am so thankful for this wonderful tool I have been given to help me physically get my health back. I no longer have to take diabetes, high blood pressure, nor cholestrol pills. I can walk without the aid of a cane. I am able to ride a recumbent bike that my husband bought for me back in March 2003 which has helped my arthritis improve. I go to gastric support groups that help me stay focus on getting the best results of my surgery. I have lost 240 lbs to date and thankfully still losing.

Dee Dee, Me too is there any help??? Bobbi