I hate to be ungrateful....but

Ok, I had my surgery on 12/10. I lost 16lbs at my two week check up (was actually 16lbs since he last weighed me 12/2, so 16lbs in 3 weeks). I went for my six week check up and had only lost 13lbs -- IN A MONTH! I was so upset, especially since I had just talked to the drs asst the week before (in person) and asked her take on how much she thought I had lost. She said 30lbs! So imagine how I felt. I lost it, freaked out on the dr asking why I wasted the money getting the surgery when I could lose 13lbs in a month on WW! I think I freaked him out a little because he didn't make eye contact with me the rest of the visit. That, or he's mad that I am skewing his statistics. I haven't cheated, I was working out at least 3x/wk, logging. I have calmed myself in that last few weeks and decided that 13lbs/mth for 12 months is a lot of friggin weight! But the info the dr gave me during that visit has me thinking---he told me to up my exercise to 6-7x/wk and to cut out all carbs. He even went through my food logs and told me no more soft foods of any kind (cheese, soup, cottage cheese, etc). And then went on to set a goal of 44lbs by the next visit (51 days from the appt). Now, come on, if I only lost 13lbs in 30 days, how in the hell does he think I'm going to lose 44lbs in 51 days. I feel like he is setting me up for failure. People are amazed that I only eat 3 small meals a day (no more than 5oz at each meal). What kind of meal plan are some of you on? Anyone out there feel like the dr made it sound like the pounds would melt away during the first few months and then it didn't happen? Anyone get through it all and find the dr was much nicer and attentive before the surgery (before he was paid)?

And I know, it's 13lbs gone forever, but it was still a shock the way it all went down.

I have not heard of WLS surgeons setting weight loss goals for their patients before... there are SO many things that come into play here -- not the least of which is your metabolism, how much weight you have to lose, and the infamous early stalls as your body adjusts to the drastic food decrease (and your surgeon should know about ALL of these factors)! 

From the foods he told you to cut out , it sounds like he is afraid that you are eating too many "slider" foods and therefore consuming too many calories.  (IMO, it's a little strange that he told you to eliminate cottage cheese since it is low in fat, reasonbly high in protein, and easy on the pouch on days when it might be a bit grouchy...)  Also, I am surprised that he expects you to exercise every day of the week.  I mean, seriously, how many people can realistically do that?!?  (Sorry, but I'm glad he's your doc and not mine because I would be having some serious words with him!)

Do NOT panic.  You are still early out, and have undoubtedly hit one of the early stalls.  It happens to most people.  Give your body some time to adjust and the weight will probably come off at a more rapid pace (although you will still hit stalls periodically).  Others might disagree with me, but I say screw his 44-pound "goal"... follow the meal plan he gave you, get in your vitamins, water, and (reasonable) exercise, and just relax.  The weight WILL come off.  If it doesn't do it on your doctor's time schedule, too #$%^* bad for him... don't let it discourage YOU.

Lora

Keep good thoughts.  Follow your diet plan, count your calories & protein.  Perhaps your in a stall.  We all have them, usually around the 4-6 week mark too!!  At least you are loosing!!  Don't let the doc get you down.  Only you know if you are doing everything you can. 

Good luck to you!!!

Caroline

Pleas forgive me if I sound like I'm being nasty here.  I don't intend it that way, but you bring up a point that is often made by non-wls people when they site their reasons for not having surgery. 

You said, "asking why I wasted the money getting the surgery when I could lose 13lbs in a month on WW! "

The fact is, if you COULD have done that on WW, why DIDN'T you?  Most of us are in the same boat, we can lose weight, but can't keep it off.  Most people who think of losing weight, don't try.  Most who try, give up.  Most who stay with it don't keep it off.  Someday maybe Oprah will figure that out.

I know you've heard this a bazillion times, but everyone's metabolism is different.  We all lose weight at different rates.  Hold the course and don't compare yourself to others. Try not to get discouraged because you're not losing as fast as you think you should. Before you know it, you'll be healthier and happier with the new you.  I wish you the best.