im a little depressed and confused

Don't be down. I saw you at the SnowBall and you look fantastic. And 10 lbs loss is great. Being at goal in 6 months. Don't put so much pressure on yourself. I will be one year out in 3 1/2 weeks. I have lost 90 lbs. I know what your talking about. I wanted to have lost a min. of 100 lbs by mt 1 yr anniversary. I only seem to be losing 1 to 2 lbs a month. I get all my protein in and go to Curves 3 times a week. Even though it gets to me at times. I have to keep positive and think about how far I have come.And how much better I feel. Its so hard not to compare ourselves to how well others are doing. But try not to. You are going great. Hang in there. Hugs, Susan

ty susan, you are so nice. thanks for the pick me up. hugs, holly

hey holly, i'm still preop but we were just discussing both of these topics in our support group last week. first, plateau is VERY normal at about 4-5 months...changing the exercise, food, etc can help but it seems that most everyone goes through that at about that time. second, for the hair loss, 2 recomendations were made...nioxin shampoo (will help stop continued loss...a bit expensive but i'm told it makes a HUGE difference. a few people also mentioned some stuff from gnc called nurture hair & nails for women (or something like that) it's a vitamin that's supposed to stop hair loss. hope that helps! good luck! christine

Hi Holly, I have a couple of thoughts. You didn't mention whether you exercise... I think it makes a huge difference, and is a giant part of incorporating new behaviors into our lives. It also really helps move the weight loss along. Second, I really think we all need to forget setting goals for actual weight loss. The way I see it, as long as we're giving it everything we can - eating the right foods, getting in all our healthy protein, exercising, drinking our fluids - the rest is up to our bodies. Our body loses what it loses, and we have no control over it (as long as we're doing our part)... so setting goals just gets us down, which is counterproductive to how we're trying to change our lives, thoughts, behaviors, etc. I had goals early on that I quickly realized were just not going to be achieved. I am about 5 weeks from my 1-year anniversary, and I'd "hoped" to lose all the weight I needed to lose, but I can see it's not likely, so I have to let go of that thought, and just keep moving forward and not getting into the mentality I used to adopt of giving up. It's not easy making all these changes. We're now in it for the long-haul, and that means we have to adopt new patterns of looking at the big picture - not just this week, or month. As far as the hair loss - mine got so bad no matter what I did - that I finally got a cute, short cut and everyone tells me I look younger and happier..... so go figure! I was so down about the hair loss that wouldn't stop - and here I am feeling better than ever about my hair. So you never know how a negative can turn into a positive! Crystal

Oh Holly .. Huney ... NO Worries ! Your weight loss is not over . Your body is just stalled out . I hate the word plateau .. hate it .. !!! And besides a plateau last for about 6 to 8 weeks if it is truly that .. and I do not suspect this is the case here . The responses here are great ones . The key and if you look at what is being called the Plateau Buster " diet " it consist mainly of protien . The key here is to maintain a constant flow of protein first .. then some veggies .. and maybe a carb ( Good Carb ) Try upping your protein - add another shake or protein suppliment . Look at your protein bars .. see if they are high in calories .. These types should be avoided by you right now if they are . It is still to early out for you to consume the amount that some of them have in them . Increase your water intake .. this will help to speed it up to .. your motabolism that is .. Another way to get a jump start on your motabolism .. and do not think I am crazy here .. When you wake in the mornings and get out of bed .. I want you to start just jumping up and down in place .. Do this for about 5 minutes ... trust me here .. it gets the blood flowing and your motab is like " What the hell .. lets rock this fat now " Do not and I repeat .. do not cut your calories to far back . You need to be at @ 800 . Try to keep your carbs at around 20 ... And as for the use of the word diet .. I want you today - to not use it any more .. this is not a diet we are on .. this is a lifestyle .. diet is a word that we used pre-op .. that did not work .. if it had of we would not have had the surgery - right ? You can call me if you like and we can talk about the things you are eating ... and I can take a look to see what needs to be adjusted . No I am not a nutricionist .. but I think I got enough time under my belt . and enough weight gone with maintence to sorta know some good stuff for ya .. and anything I may suggest .. you can always run by your doc !!! As to the hair .. it's a going to happen .. Start Biotin today if you are not taking it .. for me it worked .. I use a product called HAIR SKIN AND NAILS .. you can find this at Walmart .. Love ya .. you are going to be fine .. and I am so proud of you .. just give it some time ok . Always, Nat

Hi Sweetness, first off... why in the world have you set such a harsh goal for yourself??? Don't put that much pressure on yourself... you are setting yourself up for failure and disappointment. Next... I saw you at the snow ball and the pics of you at the Ch-ville meet and greet...WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!!! You can't see it but I certainly could!!! WOW.... Next... you are right on schedule. Your body needs time to rest and play catch up... keep doing what your doing and your plataue (?sp) will end in a week or two. Now is the time to forget about the scales and rely on the measuring tape...your body will start shifting and realigning... and inches will fall off here and there and everywhere... Now... obviously you haven't found a shake you like... Don't give up the fight... keep trying samples and recipes and keep seeking suggestions until you find the one thats right for you... that is not a chore to drink. I don't know what your doc told you but mine said 2 shakes a day and to avoid the bars due to the number of carbs... said to use those only when stuck out on the road and desperate or when the power goes out for hours!!! I have wanted to try the profect ones... a little pricey but maybe worth the shot... its only like 2.5 ounces and 25 gms of protein..no carbs no fat... might be worth the money. How much are you eating in one meal? I think at some point we have all voiced that same fear of stretching our pouches... if in doubt...try to pu****!!! You'll know for sure just as your hurling over the porcelain... its nice and tiny and compact!!! Quit beating yourself up...your doing great... you look beautiful... love ya wanda PS Did you get the pics of you and Keoni at the Snowball? Too cute!!!