Discouraged and whining

Sorry guys, I just need to vent something out and get some advice. I've really been in a weight slump lately (again) and I know that is natural, but its not stopping my emotions. I joined a gym a week ago and I guess I built of expectations of losing weight again (since I hadn't been working out regularly). I know that I'm losing in inches. I guess with still being hungry all the time, worrying that I've stretched my stomach out and still not losing weight (even when working out vigorously) I'm stressing myself out. I tried to tell myself there is no way I could stretch my stomach out in just under six months and that I don't eat enough to really do that, but now I'm starting to believe it. I'm about 9 pounds short of my doctor's targeted goal for 6 months out. I still have a week left to lose more. I know everyone's different. I know that losing 80 pounds is still a huge accomplishment. I'm very grateful even if I don't lose another pound. I just want to believe that this happens to others and that it will pass. Or at least learn to accept it for what it is so that I can stop getting down on myself. Thanks for listening, Amber P.S. Here is a link to my Fit Day account, I don't have much added for today, but there is a link to 1/10 on the right side. It might give you some insight to what I'm eating/exercising and how that can improve. http://www.fitday.com/WebFit/PublicJournals.html?Owner=blubberbuns

Amber- I'm right there with you...I too am 5-8 pounds away from my goal for 6 months out with a week left. I thought that I'd see a chunk off after my cycle, but that didn't happen yet. I eat different foods than you, but I don't think I'm getting enough calories, water or protein these days....I still eat bird-like and forget my protein at home (therefore don't get much while at work). I know my Nut. wanted me to up my calories the last time I saw her....not sure I've quite succeeded at that yet. I've also added back my exercise and haven't seen results from that yet. I maybe losing inches too (I only check monthly), but it can be discouraging when you're wanting the scale to get to a certain number. Maybe we're hitting a 6-month stall?? I'm trying to have the same positive mindset as you (I'm grateful for what I've lost so far), but I also know that I have a long way to go still and I'd really like to get there! I'll be monitoring the other responses....maybe we can both benefit from some sage wisdom from those that have gone down this journey's path before us. Your surgery sister, Christina S

Thanks, sweetie. We tend to be together alot. I'm glad I'm not alone, although I don't wish this on anyone else. I'm hoping its just another stall. I just wish I could kick this hunger feeling, that scares me more than anything. I thought we weren't supposed to be hungry anymore? At least not like this. Tonight is our support group meeting and I'm going to talk to my doctor or my nutritionist. I'll let you know what info I get. A

Hey- Can you send me your protein ball recipe? I can't seem to find one online tonight. By the way...I've heard the hunger returns. I only get hungry when I've not eaten when I should or how I should (protein stays with us longer). I'm sure my hunger is lurking around the corner...I know it sneaks in when I have too many carbs too. It's a balancing act. Thanks! Christina

Amber, I'm only a little over 3 months out and I know it not the voice of experience you were looking for but,...but have lost 100 in 3 months and wanted to share with you the following: Back in 9th grade I went out for HS football. All of the running and lifting and workouts,...in 6 weeks I went from 167 to 198 (yes gained weight) but lost like 4 inches off my waist. SO exercising may help burn calories and keep muscle mass so your body doesn't "digest" the musle tissue instead of the fat for protein and energy, and keeps things moving and metabolizing, but you are really toning and tightening. I'd focus more on your measurements, inches, and excess skin you are minimizing than the scales, at least for awhile. And then,... all of a sudden, it will seem, your weight will plummet. I try to avoid the scales and go by my pants getting baggy or tight. Weighing regularly can be depressing. The goal weight will come. You keep doing the right thing, the results will come. And may I say as an outsider looking in, only knowing you from OH.com and your profile. pics and posts, you look mar-ve-lous darling. Joe

Thanks, Joe. You're very insightful already. That thought about the weight training and gaining crossed my mind, briefly. You're probably right. I know I'm still on the right bath. The clothes are getting baggier, especially in certain areas, I check my inches every 6 weeks or so. Congrats on your loss, you're doing an amazing job. I wish I could avoid the scales more. I'm just teetering (for weeks) on 220 and I want in the 210's already, hehe! And thank you for the compliment, I feel marvelous (most of the time!) Amber

Been there and am still doing that. I can't be of much help except to say that what I try to work on during these times is my ATTITUDE about weight loss and exercise and PATIENCE. We know our journey involves more than lost pounds, so I use these times of no loss to re-evaluate, introspect (if that is a word) and plan. Hang in there, Lois

Amber, you are in my thoughts and prayers. You'll come through this too. Okay now I have to say blubberbuns...hehe too funny. It's great that you are tracking everything...that should help put things into prospective. Anna

Oh Amber I feel for you because I have been like this since 6 months out - it is a struggle to lose now and I lose nothing for a couple of weeks and then over the next couple of weeks I lose 4 lbs or - I am, lucky if I lose 5lbs a month right now but the important thing is I am still losing! I am now on a concentrated streak of exercising diligently to see if I can kick start it again. I know for the next 20lbs - if I can lose it - I am going to probably have to work for every pound. You need to kick up the exercise, increase your water, increase your protein, ditch the salt, ditch the banana on a regualr basis (too much sugar) and take a potassium supplement for the charlie horse - regular potasium supplements will stop the cramps.... Cottage cheese is an excellent protein - maybe cutting carbs out completely for a few days may fool your body into losing too! Good luck and keep the right attitude otherwise you are in danger of giving up when you should be doing the opposite - working a little bit harder to overcome this.... But I know you can do anything you set your mind to! Jackie

Amber - Ok...we all need the pity party from time to time, and today is yours. So vent away! Take a look at what you are doing. Are you eating correctly? Drinking your water? Exercising regularly? Vitamins? Proteins? If the answer to all of these is yes, then you will have to be patient and let your body work through this. If no, well, umm....make it a yes so your body can work through it. It's hard. I know it's hard. Been there, done that. But...you WILL work through it. This is where "taking the easy route" ain't so easy. This journey can be emotionally draining, because we have such high expectations, but forget.....our body is in control. Not us. It decides when the scale shows a loss. All we can do is make our best efforts. Now...you said that you are in fact losing inches. GREAT! Work with that. For me, as soon as I see myself as "thin", that's when the scale moves - funny, huh? Plus...you are coming up on your 6 months. This is important, becuase you will start to slow down. You may have those big drops, but they may not be consistent. At 6 months I started playing the up 1 down 1 game for about 2 weeks, and then lose for 2 weeks - but I would lose like 9 pounds for the month. Then at 9 months, I noticed I was slowing to about 7 pounds per month. This went on until I hit 1 year. Now, I lose about 3 pounds a month. BUT...I am STILL losing. Starting 1 week before Thanksgiving until last week, I was up 1 down 1 the entire time. So...I lost nothing....but gained nothing, either! Once I put myself back on track....started getting my water in, etc, I am now at my lowest. And I never thought that I would get here. But...I did. To put myself back on track, I went without carbs for a few days (unless they were in veggies, milk, etc.). No crackers, or anything like that. it was tough, but I'm glad that I did it. Plus, I went back to tracking my intake in fitday.com (good girl...I see that you have done that). It really helps me in making good choices when I can see the impact of those choices. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!! I KNOW that you can! And oh....if you are suddently increasing your activity, the body may be holding onto a bit "just because". If I do alot of weight work, I will stall out for a few days. Also, make sure that you are getting enough sleep. And if you haven't pooped lately, that will do it, too (I know...stupid,, huh?). Hugs to ya! Jill 263/145 (my goal)/141 (current)