Help, bad weight loss month

Has anyone else had a bad loss month? I only lost 5 pounds this past month and can't figuer out what I am doing wrong. I lost a total of 52 pounds and I am going on my fifth month. I get all my water in, I am doing what my doctor suggests and my nutritionist. I know I have to step up my exercise though. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks, Darlene

Awwww Darlene, I'm sorry you're going through this. It is normal, though I know that doesn't make you feel any better! The advice that I'm about to give is not scientific or even very specific. But, without fail, it has always worked for me. (I am 16 mos PO) I;ve seen it work well for many others too. Do something to shake up the balance. Change the routine of what you are doing. This can mean many things to many people (but what it doesn't mean is to change everything you're doing and do a 360). Our bodies get stuck in a rut, they get complacent, happy wit the status-quo. So, we've got to shake it up! Pick one thing to change and change it dramatically. Only catch is- I can't tell you what that thing is. For example: Do you always eat the same food for meals? Stop and eat something different. When I got sllloooooowwww, I cut out all carbs and and only did protein for two weeks. Made a difference. Are you eating the same number of calories each day? Increase them. or change the ratio- go more protein or more veggie than you're used to. If you don't eat ANY carbs- throw some in for a few weeks. Are you only exercising 3x a week? Up it to 4 by adding a different type of exercise, or don't up it and just change the type of exercise you do completely. Again, you can see that this isn't scientific. But, for the most part, it seems to work for people. I hope this helps you! hugs, Lisa C

Although not scientific, I think Lisa is on to something. Sounds like it is worth trying. I would suggest eliminating all carbs -- well, the white ones (bread, potato, pasta, rice, crackers, snack foods). I would still eat some fruit and veggies - they are good for you. Another thing, the nurse at Dr. Bells office told me to eat between 50-60 grams of protein a day - no more! I said why not 70-80, and she said I would gain weight! I thought that was interesting, and again, its worth trying. If you are not using Fitday.com, I would suggest it, it really helps to get an accurate account of what you are actually eating. I know you weigh and measure, so this will really be a great tool for you - and you'd be very accurate. Looking forward to seeing you on the 20th. Take care, God Bless, Kathy Bilodeau

Kathy, That is interesting that Lynda said that about the protein. I always get way more than 60 grams in per day. I think I average about 79 grams of protein per day. I don't eat the white carbs at all and really little to no fruit but do get veggies in. If I don't eat that much protein I will be adding alot more carbs. I know that my appetite is greater than most and that is why I try my best to make the that extra food choices, protein choices. Hmmmmm.........quite the quandry. I think I will bring it up with the dietician though at the next meeting I go to. I won't be at the April one as I will still be in New Orleans at the FINAL FOUR!!!. Anyways will talk to you soon....... Linda

Hi Linda, Yes, I couldn't believe it when Lynda told me that. I had asked her how much was too much protein - thinking she would say 100 grams or something closer to that number -- but she said 60 grams! I was shocked. I know for a fact that some surgeons recommend their patients eat up to 80 grams of protein each day - so it is very confusing. However, that being said, Darlene was looking for new ideas, so I thought I'd throw that one in as well. Darlene - I know that you will do fabulous. Its hard to go on thinking that you are not losing quick enough - but everyone has their own pace. I am confident you will lose everything you need to - hang in there! God Bless, Kathy Bilodeau

Hi Darlene: I figured i would post this rather than email you . but i totally agree with Lisa C and think that is what you might need. just a little bit of a shake up could help and yes you know you eat alot of the same foods (like your cottage cheese for breakfast) you are very predictable so try changing something and i bet that is all you will need. Cheryl K

Thank you all for your words of wisdom, I think I will try to change things a bit as Lisa & Cheryl has said. I am pretty much staying away from carbs, I don't eat hardly any and trying to keep my protein intake to a minimum like Kathy says. I will have to do exactly what my Dr said last week I think and see how it works, three meals a day and one protein drink, no eating after 7pm and that's it. I will see how that works and keep you posted. Thanks again, Darlene

I'm soooo glad you posted this note! I had surgery about a week before you & I'm at exactly the same stage. I've lost 55 lbs., so far only 5 lbs. since 2/12 (of course it's also that time of the month ...). I'm going to take the advice the ladies gave you & use it for myself. I know for me eating late is a huge issue. I work from 9-6 in Stamford & then commute home to Bridgeport. It's 7:30 by the time I get home on an average day, so I don't even get dinner started until 8:00. Then I'm hungry, and I eat something "after" dinner - usually a low-fat treat. I have to try hard to work on that. Good luck to you!! Kathy