Help! :help:

Hi everyone, I'm new to the board and website. I had my surgery 3/22/05 and I've lost 16lbs to date and I haven't lost a pound since. Is this typical or might I be doing something wrong. I'm on liquids still and drinking Areginade for my protein supplement. I'm consuming around 44-64oz of water daily and eating 2oz of jello, jello pudding or danon yogurt smoothie for my meals 3x daily. Any advice?

Joanna, What is Areginade, never heard of that one... How many grams of protein are you getting per day? Is it predigested? When have you ever lost 16 pounds in just 2 weeks??? You're doing good, be patient with yourself. Did you take your measurements? If not DO IT NOW!!! There are many times that the scale stalls out but your body is taking a breathier and redistributing itself. When the stalls happen take your measurements. Another thing, is that it is perfectly normal to have starts and stops in your weight loss. You may lose regularly for a time period then go several weeks in a holding pattern or actually gain a few pounds. Don't drive yourself nuts weighing all the time. If it discourages you to not see the scale move...stay off of it!!! If you work the plan and get your protein and water in, you will lose. I ended up only losing the week of my cycle and the week after...so two weeks a month I was stalled. Other than the Areginade, which I know nothing about...the rest of your meal plan looks good. Hope this helps! Happy thoughts, Va 5' 3.5" 232/125 -107 pounds

I spelled it wrong. It is Arginaid by Optisource. This is what they served to me in the hospital. It is an 8oz serving and provides 10.5 grams of protein per serving. I will measure that is a good idea. I've also looked into a protein supplement from Arbonne that provides 16oz in a 7oz serving. That is my biggest challenge is finding supplements of protein to satisfy my servings per day. Any suggestions on that? Thanks for replying to me so fast.

Joanna, What does your surgeon recommend? If he doesn't have guide lines or you can't tolerate what he recommends then you have to do what's best for you. I use unjury for (www)unjury.com. I mix the protein powder with crystal lite to create all kinds of different flavors. If you need some ideas for recipes let me know. Most of the people in my support group are fans of the Syntrax nectars. You can buy them locally at Sportsline Nutrition at Crossroads and Quail Spring Malls. The most popular flavor is Fuzzy Navel. I'm not a big fan of the Nectars but that's just me. The best thing was to get lots of samples pre-op and try the different ones after surgery...but you're already past that and need to be supplementing now. I'm a year post-op and supplement myself with 100 grams of pre-digested whey every day. For your body to be able to use it, it must be pre-digested or it passes through your system without breaking down into useable protein. Hope this helps!! Va

Thanks for the info. I will check into it.

you may want to check the carbs in your protein suppleament. Soem are very high in relation to the amount of protein you are getting. kinds of protein to try. Many are available at places like Wal-Mart, Target, etc. There are also many available online, such as Nectar, IDS, Matrix, etc. Have you been to a support group, pre or post op? I know at ours we usuallly compare what we like and don't like. I have found some good sources of supplementation that way. Also, remember your body needs plateaus to "catch" up with the weight that you are losing!!!! It is very frustrating, but very normal at the same time... Becky RNY 10/08/02 Dr. Pearce Pounds lost = Just a number Living Life!!!= Priceless!!!!!

Joanna: At 3 weeks I did not lose a pound for a whole week. It is normal I am told by everyone on the boards to go through this. Just know this will happen from time to time and don't get frustrated. Good luck on your continued weight loss. Rita

Thanks Rita, it is nice to hear that I'm not the only one going through this. It just gets so frustrating sometimes because I feel I'm doing the right things. Jo

I dont think you should worry about it. The first two weeks after my surgery I lost 10 pounds. The next 2 weeks I lost nothing. My doctors said this is normal because your body is still adjusting to the surgery. I still have this pattern now. I lose for 2 weeks and the 2 weeks maintain. It may be the way your body works. If you are really worried, of course ask your doctor.