17 weeks post op today

17 weeks ago today, at about this time, I was being taken to the O.R. weighing in at 313. Today at work I weighed in at 232 pounds. Not too bad for a few weeks, but I've been holding this weight for 2-3 weeks. I'm getting worried. I don't think it is a plateau, although it may be, but I've been dipping in the carbs some and have eaten over 2 oz without getting that full feeling anymore. I'm not getting in all my water, though I'm getting in everything else. I'm exercising - not a whole lot but more than before. Strength training. I'm getting scared I won't be able to do this. Everyone's posts are so great and I had those feelings up until a few weeks ago. They're going away and I need somehow to get them back. I want to congratulate all those doing so well and encourage all those getting ready for surgery - it's definitely worth it!! I think I need a support meeting. The posts really, really help, too. I'm trying to get back all the excitement I had in the beginning. Laurie

Laurie, It sounds like you are doing great. Sometimes we have our highs and lows it's just the nature of being human and going through such a drastic change in a small amount of time. It seems to me that you know what you need to do. Just get back on track with your water and your eating habits. Try to get excited by remembering where you started from to now where you are. That is a major accomplishment and I am sure there is more to come.

HI ERICA..IM PRE OP..BUT I THINK YOU ARE DOING GREAT..FIND A SUPPORT GROUP..I THINK WE ALL NEED THEM..NO MATTER WHAT STAGE WE ARE AT...EVEN AT GOAL..I WISH YA THE BEST OF LUCK..TAKE CARE AND THINK POSITIVE..IT WILL HAPPEN

Laurie, Since you are doing strength training, are you maybe building muscle mass, which would mean you are not losing pounds, but inches? I started weight training a few years ago and I lost 15 lbs and then plateaued with the weight, but continued to lose another 10" in various body parts (waist, calves, etc)! Everybody always counts on the scales, but in my book, inches count a lot more, because fat burns 1.5 calories an hour and muscles burn around 9 (I think****ep up the good work and eventually the scales will move--just DON'T GET DISCOURAGED AND GIVE UP!! You might also want to add more protein and water. Best Wishes, Tanya

Laurie, a posting from Tanya said what I was thinking. You're building muscle and muscle weighs more than fat. I'm pre-op and don't know what you're going through yet (can't wait) but even from previous experience, the aerobic type exercises will burn the fat, like walking, bike riding, etc. I've also seen from other postings that other people added more protein when they plateau'd and then saw a big drop. And by the way, 81 pounds in just 17 weeks is nothing to scoff at. THAT IS SOOOO AWESOME!! I just hope I lose that fast when my turn comes! Laura Johns

Did I read that correctly ? 81 pounds in 17 weeks ? That is incredible. I had my surgery May 7th , 2003 and have only lost 51 pounds. I think you are doing great... Keep up the good work, what ever you are doing seems to be right... Jennifer