What are you doing that I'm not?

Okay, newbies and oldbies (is that a word?) ~  I had WLS on 5/20, 29 days ago.  Since then I have lost 20 lbs (I know I wouldn't have lost that if I hadn't had the WLS), but many people on this board (almost everyone) has posted higher numbers.  I want to know what I'm doing wrong or different that I can change to make my weight loss more exceptional?  (I've got really high expectations for myself and am an overachiever)  I just don't want to fail.  I have failed at this all my life and now is my time to overcome this issue that I've had since I was born.  I know this is the time that I can loose the most weight, but it's just not coming off.  I've been working out 4 or 5 days a week and am currently up to 45 minutes on the treadmill, walking over 2 miles and burning over 300 calories.  I'm eating around 600 calories a day, that's all I can get in right now, and the weight is still not coming off.  I've been at the same weight for 4 days now.  Doctor said I should be loosing 1/2 to 1 lb per day and it's just not happening.   Help me out and give me some tips as to what you're doing to be a success.

First thing - I don't think you can compare directly to everyone else, There are so many different body types that the numbers can be deceiving. I am 6'2". My frame carries a lot of weight. A 20 lb. loss on me is like a lesser amount on someone shorter. As you exercise, you are burning fat (yeah) and building muscle (yeah). But the transition between the 2 does not always equal a huge weight loss right away. Still the rearrangement is such a good thing. You mention only getting 600 calories a day, but not whether you are hitting your protein goal. If you are not hitting your protein goal or fluids, your body could be holding on to the weight as a "protection" mechanism. I really think that everyone's body is unique. It has only been a month. Be consistent and hang in there. You will continue to make progress. I have been quite eager to see numbers that I did not get as I was moving along. It has been very frustrating at times. However, looking back, it does add up. You have so much good. Give yourself credit for the all the great stuff you are doing!

Debbie: Thanks a lot for responding.  I'm not getting in all my protein or water.  I am trying and it is getting better all the time, but I know I'm not.  I just need a push to stay the course.  This is usually the diet part where I just give in and eat a bag of Doritos.  My WLS doesn't allow me to do that now and I'm glad of it.  I want to maximize my experience and not turn to carbs.

Sounds like you have the right perspective. it is hard hitting the protein in the beginning. I had probs with that too. Eventually, though I did get there and you will too :)! You are doing terrific!

Right now your body is the starving mode it is holding on to everything possible.   Are you drinking at least two protein drinks a day? If you can't meet your protein requirement having two shakes a day and it will get you there.  That's what I did in the first 3 months of having surgery. I buy the body fortress vanilla flavor at walmart an almost 2 pound jug for 14 bucks.  I mix in the scoop of protein in the milk. If you put it in a blender it gets too frothy (sp). Once you meet your protein requirement you will see a difference in dropping the weight. But one thing I do suggest is that you measure your body and when you don't see the weight loss as quick as you want to see it go you will definitely see the inches going.   You are doing great with the exercising but you need to give your body more to make it not grab on to all since it is on starvation mode. Best of luck sweetie.

Cira: I'm not drinking any protein shakes.  I was drinking on in the morning, but at my 3 week appt my nut said that she would like to see me eat something in the morning to make it "stay" longer.  So I discontinued that shake.  I too use the body fortress in chocolate and sprinkle it on oatmeal and pudding.  I'm eating almost all protein, but I know I can't be getting everything in when all I can eat is about 3 or 4 bites of something.  Yesterday evening I had a 1/2 of chicken breast, grilled, with some honey mustard dressing on it and about 10 minutes later it was coming right back up, so I waited a little while and then had a SF popsicle and a yogurt.  2 things that I knew wouldn't come back up.  I will try adding the additional shakes.  Thanks so much for posting!!!!  I'm still saying my prayers for you and your family!

It hink there's one issue here.  You're not supposed to have regular food until you are 7 weeks out.  I'm not even on regular food and I couldn't imagine eating a grilled chicken breast just yet.  Maybe that's why it didn't stay down.  Also the honey mustard probably isn't the best thing in the world either...gotta watch your sugar.  A lot of people here count the protein shakes as not meal replacements but something in addition to the liquids they take in.  Mary B might have been alluding to that. 

Aaron:  When I went to my 3 week appt last week, I told Mary B that I had chicken breast and she didn't say anything about it except that I shouldn't have eaten the whole chicken breast.  That's why I cut this one in 1/2.  It was a low fat honey mustard sauce, but you are right.  I should have looked at the sugar!  I was mixing protein powder in with a slimfast for breakfast, but Mary told me no more slim fast, too much sugar.  I will try adding a protein shake.

One thing that I have noticed is that every doctor has different requirements for their patients. I was like 5 weeks a long before I even ate real food. Most was puree liquids and shakes.  I also noticed that some patients can deal with eating food early on and some can't.  Your nutritionist needs to know that everyone's pouch is different.   I would definitely go and do the extra shakes the protein in the shake will make you less hungry, so I have no idea what she is talking about.   But at this early out 1/2 of a chicken breast is too much for your pouch.  Maybe pureed or very soft and tender with sauce might help you with keeping it down.  I remember at 8 weeks along I tried sweet peas and I got really sick and had the foamies and threw it up.  Even if you do the shakes an hour or 2 later you can have a cople of bites of protein.  Remember you are very early out and all that dense food is not really helping get in what you need right now.  The main gol right now is to get all the requirements in the best way your pouch can handle it so you stay healthy. Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. I really appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.  Hugs, 

yeah what cira said. you need to up your calories and most importantly your protein. otherwise, you are hurting your body in the long run. you want to be healthy, not just less weight. don't make me come over there and shove the protein down your throat girlfriend.