I really need you help

I am stuggling to NOT lose anymore weight.  I know it's a strange thing to struggle with after where my journey started last year when I weighed 270.

I keep trying to eat more, I've added in an extra calorie rich protein shake.  I'm eatting 3 full meals and trying to get 2 snacks in.  I'm eatting protein and carbs.  Not any sugar stuff, it give me BAD gas!  But I'm stuffed, I can't eat more than I'm eating and I'm still slowly losing.  I was sad to see the scale read 116 this morning.  The BMI chart says that puts me at 21.  My WLS Clinic said to me "you are just fine, don't worry about it"  The rest of everyone I know say "you can NOT lose anymore weight, you don't look healthy, you are too thin"  I hate to admit that I agree, I looked much better 10 lbs ago.  My face is drawn and I'm looking older and boney.  I have really big bones for a little girl.

It's funny how no one will look at you and say "wow, you are really fat!"  but most people will not think twice about saying "you are too thin"  I never noticed that before.  Hmmmm.

So, please, please, please anyone been through this?  Kelly suggested that I snack on peanutbutter, so I tried that this morning.  Any other suggestions?

I'm afraid to even get on the Elliptical, I don't want to burn calories.  I do know I have to do some strength/weights.

I'm feeling like I'm not in control and it's unsettling.  I am NOT trying to lose any weight yet, I don't seem to be able to stop the slow downward creap of the scale. 

I can't be the first person this has happened to.  ANYONE with some suggestions? I'd appreciate it!

Thanks!

Tess

Tess,

I'm afraid all I can offer you is my prayers and support.  They do say that your body will stop when it's good and ready - I'm struggling with the opposite problem as you.  My body was good and ready to stop too soon for my liking :(

I will keep you in my prayers and I hope you get it figured out.  In the old days you probably would have thought it would be fun to "have to" gain a few pounds.  Life is so ironic..

Take care hon.

Stephanie

Gosh I am not sure what to tell ya on that BUT I will give my 2 cents Your body will stop when it is ready to stop.  People that are saying you are too skinny or look unhealthy are not used to you looking like this.  You are so much healthier I am sure than you have ever been.  I think you are just fine.  It is a shock to have people see us not BIG anymore and to them they might think we have a problem.  Does this make sense?  I babble alot.....Good luck to ya sweetie hang in there trust what your Dr. says when he says different then I would listen......Until then keep it up girlfriend......... 

Sarsha

Tess,

I'm stumped....And I think your clinic needs to address this asap before you really start having issues....I know they say the body stops when it's ready, but 116 pounds is getting pretty thin.....And if your NOT happy about losing then it's time to stop losing.....

As I said in our PM, maybe start adding more high calorie foods or fatty foods if you can stomach it....Or add more protein like the PB.....But you can't continue to eat like a pig either, so my advice is to call the clinic back and tell them your concerned and want idea's, it's your body NOT there's, and they need to help you NOW....

Love and hugs....Kel

Tess...I think it is more what you are eating.  I was at 118 and losing....I changed to more dense protein and got up to 125/130 and liked that so much better.I looked gaunt and unhealthy at 118. Everyone said so and I didn't like my look either. I looked malnourished! Now of course I have had too many carbs and at three years out I need to lose to get back down to 125/130. It is a vicious cycle!!

Good luck....hope you can get this turned around.

Hugs....connie d

Hi Tess, I was in the same boat that you are in.people were telling that i was to skinny all the time.I was getting worried because i was getting below my goal weight.i am 5'-4" and got down to 122.My Doctor had me add 2 to 3 protien drinks a day.I also work out 5 times a week and strenght train,now i am back up to 130 and 134 and maintaining.I also think people are use to seeing us obese that when we do lose it is such a shock to them.Hang in their things will be ok and if you like exercising keep it up it is so important to all of us.Best of luck to you    
              
                                                 Roxanne

Hi Tess,

I'm not sure if any of these foods work well with the RNY, but somone posted a similar question on the VSG board the other day and avocado, peanut butter, and walnuts/other nuts were all mentioned as good fats that add calories to your diet in a healthy way. Also mentioned was switching to 1% or 2% milk if you drink skim and using regular butter and more oils.

Good luck to you - I hope that you can your body can find its happy weight!

You guys are the best, seriously!  Thank you!  I feel better today than yesterday.  I've learned it's not just me and it will most likely resolve itself.  I'll probably be back here complaining I've gained too much blah, blah, blah..... ya know?  

We are taking the boys to FL on Saturday and plan to do Universal, Harry Potter and Disney etc.  Am very much looking forward to it.  I have packed plenty of protein bars for eating in between meals at the parks etc.  I'm excited to get out of the cold!

Thanks for always having my back, I appreciate it more than you know.

Tess

I had that concern, too, Tess. My surgeon said to me "well, none of my patients have ever disappeared"...and I had to chuckle at that. It was good humor.

One thing that I know can help is adding in enzymes. You will need to talk with your surgeon to see if this is an option for you or not, but usually they will have you take enzymes to help with absorption of vitamins/minerals and it usually also seems to correlate with weight gain.

What you do not want to do it start carbing out just to eat more. That will be detrimental long-term.

For me, I always heard your body will just stop where it's ready to stop at. And I didn't believe that as the number on the scale kept going down and down for me. But over time, what I came to realize was that it was true. When I looked at my weights over a 6-month period, my body did level out at the weight it was good at (with a 5 pound range). As hard as that is to say because I know the thought process that you are having right now, it typically holds true for most patients. Of course, "your mileage may vary" is always a possibility, so just remember that.

I hate when people say "you are fine" because quite frankly only YOU know how you feel. You may look fine to them, but it is truly how you as a person feel individually. So, if this weight makes you feel too thin, then only you know that and understand it. You will find your weight that you are comfortable at. It took me a year to figure that out, but now that I have, and my body stabilized, it's a happy place to be. You will find that place, too. Just keep the faith! And do check with your surgeon on those enzymes. And if you feel like you're not sure of his/her answer, then do not hesitate to get a second opinion by another qualified bariatric surgeon.

Hugs to you!

 Thank you for a thoughtful reply.  I just know that when I look in the mirror my face looks too thin to me.  I feel like I looked healthier 5-10 lbs ago.  I hate feeling out of control, I just want the weight loss to stop.  Seems insane to even think I'd ever have to say that.  I love your Dr's response, it's a very good come back!

I'll just eat mindfully and often for now and just bank on the fact that I'll find my happy place.

Thank you again!  I appreciate it.

Tess