What's wrong with me??

Okay. I'm over 2 months out now. But my weight is not coming off the way I want it to. I started at 233lbs and was down to 197 last Monday (1/8). But now I am up to 198.2 again. I started my cycle this Monday so I know that might add a little weight. But I've been going to the gym and working out with a personal trainer who is really giving me a good workout. Why am I not losing more weight like most other people do? I am consciously trying to eat a little something (usually high protein snacks) every 2-3 hours to keep my metabolism up, getting in lots of protein, drinking my water, and trying to stay away from bad stuff. I'm kind of getting depressed now. I know I am gaining muscle and hopefully losing fat but I wish the scales would move down more! Any idea of what I am doing wrong or could be doing better? Thanks, Susan

Susan, I wish I had the answer (been stalled for months). All I can say is keep up the exercise (which sounds like you are doing). Muscle does weigh more than fat and it all may be shifting around right now. Keep drinking your water (which sounds like you are doing). At almost a year out, I'm finding that I get hungry quicker and find myself grazing a lot. Everything that I'm reading is that I need to wait 1-2 hours after eating before drinking again....to keep my pouch full and help me stay satisfied longer. Keep your protein up (which sounds like you are doing). And watch your carbs. It really sounds like you are doing everything right. Just keep on keeping on!! Hugs, Dianne

Thank you, Dianne. I'm just frustrated. I feel like I am failing. I think I'll start a food journal so I make sure I know exactly what I'm eating and drinking. I don't really like the protein drinks and bars that much so I am getting a lot of my protein from real food. Maybe that is the problem. Too much fat. But I don't like the "light" or "fat-free" stuff either. I guess it's something I need to work on. Thanks for the hugs and encouragement! Susan

My doc suggested that we keep a food journal from the beginning (I never did). But when I calculate it in my head, I'm surprised at how much I can actually eat now and the calories consumed. It's a good idea, especially with you only being a couple of months out. It will keep you from developing bad habits like I have done!! My boss tells me that I had better watch it, because every time he looks in my office, I'm eating . Hugs, Dianne

NOTHING IS WRONG WITH YOU! Some people lose slower than others. There is nothing wrong with that. It sounds like you are working the program so relax and STEP AWAY FROM THE SCALES! You had major surgery and your body will take time to adjust and these stalls are what your body is doing. You are doing great! You are working out and getting your protein in. My advice, step away from the scale for a week. If you are weighing yourself every day, STOP. Pick a day and time to weigh yourself every week. Early AM is the best, get up go to the potty and then weigh yourself. You are only going to discourage yourself if you weigh every day. I know I did! Let me know if you need anything. Hugs Julie

Thanks, Julie. I know you are right. No more scale until next Monday. I am only going to weigh myself every Monday and that's IT!!!!! Susan

Susan do you ever go to the anniversary board. That is the month and yr of your surgery? I go to the April board and it helps me to see I am not a freak when I have wuestions...we all around the same time framego through the same things...try the November board and I bet there will lots of comments in regard to your changing body. BTW...your body is very new to WLS and there will be stalls. I do not have the monthly thing to worry about (I am much older than you) but that does make a difference in water weight. Give your body a chance to adjust to the new exercise regime...and you are doing great! Don't beat yourself up...just keep doing what you are doing and you WILL see results. Do you measure yourself? I do every month on the anniversary date of my surgery. I go more by that than by weight! Hope this helps...love in Christ, Joan M

Susan, A professor once gave me some FABULOUS advice: Don't compare yourself to your peers! And he's right. I'm a slow loser, also, and it was getting me depressed for a long time. But stop letting yourself think about how others are doing -- ESPECIALLY when you're in a stall! Concentrate on doing what you're supposed to be doing. Hugs, Lisa

Sounds like you are doing fine! I track my weight daily, to see trends and such. I noticed that every few weeks, my weight would go up 2 or 3 lbs and come back down about 4lbs by the end of the week. Really strange. But please know our bodies are all so different from each other, and your body will lose weight the way IT wants to. You are only 2 months out! Give it time, it will happen!! I have had 3 stalls, one lasting 3 weeks, and several times where I gained several lbs in a week and went back down...and I've lost 105 lbs since my surgery. It does come off! Just keep working it, and doing your part by taking in your protein and water. You are doing great!! Hugs, Elizabeth

Thank you all for your words of wisdom and expert advice! I really appreciate it. It's good to be in a place that other people know what you are going through and the advice you get is pertinent and real. I will take all of your information and use it the best way I know how. Thank you for keeping me sane and not feeling so bad about this. Susan