It's been 7 months - I need advice!

Hi all, I had my surgery on 12/16/02 started at 273 and have been just under 200 off and on for the past 30 days. Honest, the scale simply does not move - I fluxuate between 198 and 201 and have since July 1st. I am getting SO frustrated! Don't get me wrong, I am very, very happy that I am rid of over 70 lbs - but my goal is to hit 160 if at all possible. I am 5'5" so I guess I should really weigh in at about 140 - but I would be very happy at 160, The nutritionist at my surgeon has suggested more exercise. I try to get to "It Figures" 3 times a week and will pump that up, but gads, folks - I am REALLY trying very hard at this and don't quite know where to go from here. My caloric consumption is minimal - I'd say no more than 800 calories a day. I stay away from carbs, drink a minimum of 64 oz. of water a day and still.... have not dropped a pound in 31 days. I'm wondering if protein is the answer - How much should I be consuming a day? I get mixed messages - don't drink the high calorie protien drinks, get 60 to 80 gms of protein a day, etc. etc. Meat is very difficult for me to eat and I'm not too crazy about any of the protein drinks/bars on the market. Is this my problem? If so, I guess I will force myself to eat/drink them. Both my internist and my nutritionist at the surgeons have indicated that I may be where I am going to end up. Then only thing that will take off any more weight is increased exercise. What do you all think? Any advise would be VERY much appreciated!! Thanks, everyone! - Jayne PS I am 60 years old and I'm thinking my age is really playing a big part in the slowdown of weight loss.

Hi, Jayne! I am a post-op patient (December 10, 2002 - down 84 lbs) and have been "stuck" a few times since surgery. DEFINITELY increase your exercise! My program requires patients to commit to 45 minutes of exercise 5 days a week. When I was stuck I'd do more to get over the hump. One big thing that helped that was suggested by one of my Docs --- Walk 3 miles every day for 5 days, going faster each day. After I did that I was down 4 lbs in a week!! I also try to get at least 100g of protein a day. I couldn't do it without my protein shakes! The Herbalife powder mixed with skim milk is my favorite! I mix 1/2 vanilla and 1/2 chocolate-- YUM!!! Look for a Herbalife distributor in your area and try it, you'll like it! Also , the Nectar proteins available from WLSsuccess.com are yummy! The protein bars I like best are called Zone Perfect - they have a few more carbs than the others, but they are worth it! Don't give up!! You're not done yet! Keep losing! Sherri