I want to lose more...how? and help!

I am starting to slow down now that I am 6 months out. I realistically only get to the gym 2 times a week- bad- I know! I am in a size 14 ladies and have lost 108 lbs so far. Everyone says I look "perfect" now- but I want to lose at least 40 more pounds. I feel like I'm stuck- maybe I need to up my exercise? Are you exercising A LOT? How many calories/day are we supposed to be eating? I need to refocus...any ideas? Celeste RNY 11/03 303/180/goal 140

Congratulations. You have me beat. We started about the same weight but I am only down 82 lbs. I would be thrilled to hit 180. I work out 3x per week with a personal trainer and do additional cardio on my own. I eat 1000-1200 calories a day, not red meat, no refined sugars, very l;imited arbs other than fruits and veggies,and extrmely low fat (dump on sugars and fats). I have no idea what else to do other than go back to 700 calories a day but I did not loose any faster. Any ideas to share

I exercise usually 5 times a week (sometimes only 4), three Curves sessions and two extra aerobic sessions on my home treadmill. I had a DS so am able to eat about 1800 calories a day, but I also avoid carbs for the most part. My version of dumping is gas and diarrhea, which too many carbs do to me every time. I would not try and cut calories any more--your body will go into starvation mode and fight to keep every pound. Exercising more often will maximize your weight loss. Your window hasn't closed yet, so give yourself some more time. That said, and at the risk of repeating myself, 140 may not be a realistic goal. The usual weight loss after an RNY is 65-75% of your excess weight. A few select people do reach a "normal" BMI, most of us won't. You can figure your number of excess pounds and the typical weight loss using this formula: Pre-op weight - Normal weight for your height (BMI of 25) = excess pounds X 0.75 = realistic weight loss goal in pounds Carolyn Moore DS 11/03/03 317/209

My only advice would be to stay away from any sort of 'routine' you may be in. We all like to get into a regular habit of doing things and then our bodies get used to it. mix things up everyday - keep your body guessing. Also, I tried eating the South Beach diet way and lost 3 pounds in the first 2 days. It was great. If you read the book it's an excellent way to eat for life. Of course after the first two weeks is over. That's the only hard part. Good luck and keep up the great work