weight loss stopped...

what is the general rule for how much volume a person should eat at 7 mos out? also how many times a day and what kind of food? I have maintained my weight for a month at least. what should I do? any ideas? thanks, sandi

I've asked that many times and get tons of different answers, but it seems the average is about a cup to a cup and a half of food at a full meal, with one or two small snacks during the day. Be sure it includes lots of veggies, whole grains and protein. Balance it with some fresh fruit and don't forget the healthy fats and oils we need for the skin and organs to functions. Caloric wise, I think about 1200 a day is average. Some eat more, others less. It depends on you and your specific surgery. Nona

Hi there Sandy, I am glad you posted this question. I am 7 months out also. I started with a weight of 245 lbs on 12/15/03. I am now weighing 149lbs.-96 pds. I lost 65 pds the first 4 months. and now it is coming off slowly. I had a hard time digesting for quite some time and still have to learn to chew, chew, chew. . I am at my goal and I am tall so I look slim now. My dr wants me to be the IDEAL GOAL of 135 lbs... I will try. I can't do no more. I eat alot of protein and try to stay away from the carbs. It is so funny how the junky and crunchy food go down so well. I do eat alot of fish, salad, protein drinks and now I eat veggies. I am really not counting calories right now. I just am eating pretty healthy. Keep up your great work..... Lorraine

thank you so much for your reply, I know what you mean about the crunchy junk foods, like chips. I eat the atkins chips but I get carried away with them. I feel guilty if I eat more than 1000 calories, because I was eating 600 at the most, a couple of months ago, now I can eat soooo much more. It scares me. I dont know why my loss has stopped. I was wondering if I should just start eating fruits and vegtables. maybe it will shake it up a bit. I have only been eating low carb. maybe thats not what will work now, what do you guys think? also I know I should excercise! why cant I ever get the ambition to do that? oh well maybe tomorrow. thanks again, sandi

Sandi, Adding some fruits and veggies would be good for you, but remember to eat your protein FIRST. Strangely enough, when I've had plateaus, the thing that pushes me through is INCREASING my protein, usually through low-cal protein supplements (my favorite is Nectar, and no, I don't sell the stuff.) I've heard that not getting enough protein will put your body into "starvation mode", causing your metabolism to slow way down. Oh, and exercise is like a narcotic drug, very addictive. I had to really force myself to start, but after a month or so, stopping is almost unthinkable. I've been forced to due to my injury, but I have such a SICK craving to go to the club and work out I find it hard to believe myself. So my advice: add some good protein and find a way to make yourself start exercising. (I started with a personal trainer 1-2x's a week. That really kept me accountable, because I won't miss appointments, especially when I have to pay for them anyway! After a few weeks of that, I was showing up at the gym pretty much every day because it felt so good, and so wrong the days I skipped.) Good Luck, and let us know how you're doing, Deb

My nutritionist told me last week to eat 2 oz protein, then 1/4 cup veggie and then a 1/4 cup of say starch or fruit. Eating protein first (that is the hard part for me....I like to mix up my bites)! Didn't give calorie #'s. I try to stay around 1000 sometimes more/less