Sick, Down, Discouraged

Hi everyone, I am so sick with a horrible cold. Have any of you been sick since your surgery in December? I'm taking a lot of Vitamin C but I just can't seem to kick it. I've been sick for 7 days now. I'm taking DayQuil and NyQuil liquid caps every 6 hours. Any Advise? Also I take off 5 pounds and then it just comes back on and then It comes off again. I have been wrestling with the same 5 pounds for 3 weeks now. Any suggestions? I went back to the gym on Monday and I burn between 500-1000 calories on a recumbent bike set at the highest resistance. I also use the machines and weights. I'm in the gym about 3 times a week. I also work out at home with my 2 lbs weights. I also use an exercise ball and I ride my recumbent bike at home on days I'm not at the gym. I've been to the gym 3 times this week. My calorie intake is 500 or less a day. I drink at least 64 oz of water. What can I do differently? Anyone's advise would be welcomed? I'll be 3 months post op on March 21st. Thank you, Mary Salmon

Mary, please be patient with yourself. I've seen so many people talk about plateaus! Are you getting in your protein that's very significant to weight loss. I had a bad cold about a month after surgery, I didn't think I would ever feel better, it took 2 weeks to kick that nasty cold. I used Nyquil and TheraFlu, lots of fluids. One day at a time! Hope you feel better! Razzzberry

Hi Razzberry, Thank you for your reply. I'm not getting very much protein in, maybe 25-35 grams a day. Do you think that is what the problem is? How many calories should we be taking in at this stage? How many grams of protein? My doctor is out of town and it is so expensive to call. Mary Salmon

I hear up to 60 grams of protein and I think you're on target with your calorie intake 600 - 1000 is about average. There are so many different opinions, hopefully your doctor can give you the correct plan that's right for you! I wish you the best. Stay encouraged! You've made it through the roughest phase of this journey! Have a great weekend! Razzzberry

Hi Razzzberry, Thank you for your help and encouragement. I did kick the calories up a little by eating more often this weekend and I lost down to 223. I am so glad we are all here for each other. My cold is a little bit better. Have a great week! Mary Salmon

I was so sick in Feb for about two weeks. I had to go to the Dr. and get antibiotics. I did not loose ANY weights at the time. Don't stress.

Hi Lucy, Thank you so much for the encouragement. It was very welcomed. Mary Salmon

Pump up your calories to about 1000 a day. Pump up your protein to at least 70 to 90 grms. Keep your carbs a 100 grms. Drink double the water.When you are sick with a cold you need to put more fluids in all day long. I drink about 100 oz water a day. This week I have had a head cold too. I am drinking twice as much all day to counter the cold. Remember as you exercise you are also building muscle and that weighs more than fat does. I had been at a plateau and it finally ended. I am down 4 lbs this week for a total of 54 lbs. Every now and than we must shake up our routines. Add more good protein to your day. Keep up the good work. Monica 330/276/??? 12/06/04

Thank you Monica, I did kick the calories and protein up this weekend and I finally got past that 5 pounds plus a few more. I've lost a total of 52 lbs from surgery. You are really and encouragement to me. You too have done wonderful and you are so knowledgeable. Have a great week! Mary Salmon

Hey those vitamin C pills are okay...but you want to know what's even better? Strawberries!!! YES strawberries. THey have loads of vitamin C in them AND increase your fluid intake. I'm fighting a terrible cold/cough and ewww runny nose too. It's horrible but it seems to be subsiding.. We will all hit plateaus, keep doing what your surgeon/nutritionist has asked you to do, and you should be A-Okay. Also get some exercise. Hope this Helps! Gracie