Back to basics

The scale is at a stand still. I have only lost 8 pounds in the past 3 weeks. I don't know what to do other than go back to protein shakes to try to boost my body back into losing. I have lost,(since last weigh in) 103 pounds.  I will weigh in again today to see what has been happening. I don't have a scale at home as I would become obsessed with weighing. So I just wait until I have a doctor appointment and weigh myself at that time. I don't want to waste any time in my window of opportunity for weight loss.  I feel that I can eat more and that worries me.  My brain is just not caught up with my pouch size. I don't feel that I am overeating, however. I just stop when I am comfortably full but I am able to eat more than say 3-4 weeks ago. Is this normal?  I have not had anymore issues with food getting stuck. I think that it is due to mindfully chewing, but I also think that the swelling must be gone now.  I just hope I am doing the right things. I have yet to go to a support group. Transportation has been the issue in that. The social worker at the Bariatric Center is helping me o solve that.  I really just need people to talk to and learn through their experiences.  OH helps but it just does not feel like enough. 

It is completely normal to be able to eat more at three months out.  That was when I noticed a big change but you will have times that you don't lose as fast as other times.  For me I really only lose weight about one week out of the month (the week after my TOM).  This is the week before and I can and have been eating everything that isn't nailed down.  I ate three handfuls of walnuts last night, talk about calories and fat!  But I'm not going to beat myself up over it, as long as I don't do it every day. 

Now that you've dropped 103 pounds can you do a little more exercise? I know I couldn't at my highest but after dropping down to about 320 I could start to walk and do a little bit of exercise.  I have some tapes I could mail one to you if you would like.

Keep working the program, know that you will have ups and downs, and you will be fine.

Well I realized last night that I have been underestimating myself.  I helped move a bed last night with no difficulties. I also noticed that I could stand much longer than in the past.  So I came to the realization that I can do much more than I believed I could.  So Saturday I am going to make my first walk downtown.  I have been limiting myself as if I was still at my start weight.  This revelation has me excited. I am going to start pushing my limits because it is apparent that my limits are in my head, not my body. I know the walk downtown will build my confidence. Its the walk home that I worry about. Its all uphill. No matter what direction I walk from it is uphill. It is rather steep but I am just going to pace myself. IF I have to stop and take a breather , well that is just what I will have to do and I wont be hard on myself about it.  Sure, I would love the tapes.  I will send you an email with my address. I appreciate it. Anything to help myself get this mental ceiling out of my head lol.

Awesome, do you have a VCR? 

I have some Richard Simmons "Dancing to the Oldies" DVD's if you want them.  I am heading down to Biddeford this weekend to see my mom and dad and could meet you or drop them off somewhere for you, if you are interested in them.

I think your body has to adjust to the weight loss and catch up at times too!  I know I lost in "fits and starts"!  I'd lose 10 pounds in 1 week and then stall for 3 weeks!  It was annoying, but it has all worked out in the end.  Just keep doing what you are supposed to be doing and you'll be fine.   Oh yeah.......about portions.....I can eat ALMOST "NORMAL" sized portions now (depending on how much of a slider food it is!)  Granted, normal sized portions aren't even 1/4 of what I USED to be able to eat, but compared to early post-op, it's a HUGE difference.  As you said, the swelling is gone down, and your pouch is maturing, so it WILL be able to hold more.  Just measure, chew thoroughly, and stop when you know you need to stop!  You'll be fine!

Don't underestimate what that body can do!  It likes to be tested at times!  Just work up to things slowly!  BTW...I LOVE walking in Biddeford!  Compared to here, near home....the HILLS are minimal in Biddeford!  haha!

Feel free to pm me if you want those Richard Simmons DVD's  (He's kinda corny, but they DO get you moving!)