Not keeping up

Ok...I don't usually rant or feel sorry for myself...but this week I have been sooooo depressed...the hormones are wacky and the scale has just stopped moving...I had surgery 12/2 and have only lost 29 lbs...I know everyone says not to compare yourself to anyone else, but it is absolutely frustrating to get on here and see people who had surgery a couple weeks after me who have lost 40+ lbs...It is very discouraging when you are going to the gym, sticking with the plan (even though it is not what you want), and keep getting on the scale to see the same thing...

And if one more person asks me how much I've lost only to hear the same number they were told a week ago, I'm going to scream...what am I doing wrong?  I can't eat/drink anymore than I am at this point...I only get about 32 ounces of water and 1 8 oz protein shake a day, and I am still waterlogged...I used to drink very little prior to surgery...and my calorie intake is between 600 and 1000 calories a day depending on how many hours my day is...I work awful hours...one day may be 26 hours of work, then the next will be a shorter "sleep" day...

Anyway, I guess I just need to hear a little reassurance (which is hard to get anywhere but here).....Please remind me that I am not the only one struggling...and any tips to help would be greatly appreciated...

I seem to be losing at about the same rate as you, having had surgery on 12/11 and lost 24 pounds as of Tuesday.  It's hard not to get discouraged when you see others losing more, I know.  For the people who keep asking how much you've lost, tell them you've decided to weigh once a month, that should at least lessen how often they're asking.

PS- I think some peoples' weight loss tickers include pounds lost during their pre op diet, so the numbers could be misleading.

It's hard not to compare yourself to others and get discouraged. I found myself comparing my loss at 2 weeks to other's who had surgery around the same time who had lost twice as much... but I had to remind myself that we all are different. My friend's dad lost 50lbs the first week! But he started out at twice the BMI I have, so that really put things in perspective for me. Have you had your follow up appt with your surgeon's office already? I went yesterday and they celebrated how wonderful I am doing and the rate I am losing... so I'm staying focused on my successes.

29lbs is a great way to start the month! I think that we lose much like folks on the Biggest Loser... 10lbs one week, 2lbs the next week... gain the next, and then big numbers again. Our bodies are in fact in shock at this point.

Be patient with yourself... I for one think you are doing fabulous!

I think you need more protein!  Are you getting more protein than just the 8 ounce shake?  My doctors wants me to have 80 to 100 grams of protein a day.  I drink 3 to 4 protein drinks a day.  I had a stall for 2 solid weeks, but it seems to be moving again now.  I have lost 4 pounds this week so far.  Hang in there.  I think it is normal for your body to freak out and stall because it is not getting what it used to get and is wondering what you are doing to it.  It will give up and let the scale move again soon.  Like I said, mine was two whole weeks.  That was a long time.  My surgery was on 12/18 and I had only lost 28 pounds until just this week...now at 4 weeks today I am up to 32.  Hang in there!

Thanks to all of you...sometimes, I think we just need a little encouragement....saw my dr about 2 weeks ago...he said I was doing ok...and I will try and keep in mind that some of the numbers include pre-surgery weight loss...that helps...my nut asked me to try to keep the protein at 50-60...which I usually beat....Just wanted to say how much I appreciate having you guys to pick me up (figuratively....don't won't anyone getting a hernia)...I feel so much better....

Your weight loss is awesome!  But you really need to increase your water.  You'll break your stall and lose weight faster.  I know it is hard, trust me I do, but you've got to to be healthy.

I was on a stall for over two weeks.  It freaked me out being so early out but I had lost a little before surgery so it made sense.  My doc said to expect stalls occasionally, and they often occured when a person has lost about 10%of their body weight.   My first stall was at 11% total body weight lost, so it made it believable.

And stop comparing yourself to others.  I know it's hard, but if your just looking at peoples signatures you could be way off base.  Nothing says that someone's signature captures weight loss from day of surgery.  They most likely include total weight loss which could include a 6-month pre-op diet or a 2-week  liquid pre-op diet.  

Just keep doing what your surgeon or NUT suggest and you'll be OK.

This first month is definitely very emotional. First we've been cut off from food. And we've undergone major surgery. Everything is messed up.

Let your body continue to recover and do it's thing. You keep up your end of the deal and everything will be fine. Soon enough you'll be shouting from the rooftops that you've lost 100 pounds!

Just hang in there!!!

I totally feel your pain...I had lap rny on 12-8-08, and had lost 27 pounds as of a week ago.  Now, I've gained 3 pounds back!!  Good grief!  This CAN"T be right...:(  I have no idea what's going on.  But it's bumming me out.  I get 50 to 70 grams of protein a day, and at least 64 oz of water.  I haven't been exercising much, my energy just poops out on me in the middle of the afternoons. 

 I keep telling myself just to keep what I've been doing, and things will settle down and keep working soon.  But I am starting to freak out!

 Anyways, I just wanted to let you know that you are definitely not alone! 

 Best,

Fay

I think your reply helped me the most...Thanks so much...A lot of times this site is perfect to get advice on how to do better, but sometimes, even when you are doing all you can, you still don't seem to make progress and you get discouraged...It helps SOOOOOO much to have someone just say, "I'm in the same place you are, and I feel the same way."  I can't tell you how much your encouragement means to me...I wish you all the best and will pray for your continued success...Thanks again!

I had RNY on 12/9/08 and have only lost 26 lbs as of today. You are not alone.