Is this a failure?

hello All, I don't know if I've failed or not. Sometimes I feel like I have, other times I feel like I've done wonderfully. I had my surgery about 15 months ago, I started out at 350 on March 08th 2005. In the mean time I've worked myself down 200 - 197. I'm not gaining weight but I cannot seem to lose anymore at all. I wonder what I am doing wrong? I feel like I can eat a lot of food I normally cannot handle more than about a cup and a half of food but I feel like that is so much. I was looking into getting a ring around my stoma does that sound like a good idea? Help Faith L 350/200/175

Faith, I took me 2.5 years or more to get where you did in 15 months. I think you are doing great. Change the diet up a little that is what I had to do.. Marylyn

Try going back to liquids then puree'd foods. Also don't weigh often. Check your measurements. If you are excersing then you are probably gaining muscle.

First you are *definately* not a failure... you have lost a large amount of weight in a little over one year! My friend had surgery 4 years ago... she was 360 at the time of surgery and now weighs around 180 (shes 5'8"). You have lost a huge amount of weight and should be proud! For her, once she got around 200lbs she started losing *maybe* a pound a month. She said at this point to lose more weight she has to work at it and also watch everything she eats so she doesnt gain. Its taken her about 2 years to lose those last 20lbs and keep them off. I personally wouldnt be so quick to jump into getting another surgery, give yourself some more time. You can "plateau" for some time. I have surgery this month and started to lose weight back in Sept in preparation... I lost 40lbs from Sept until the end of January. In Feb, March, April and May I did not lose or gain one single pound. It is frustrating but unfortunantly our bodies can work against us sometimes. Maybe try a few things to "kick start" yourself back into losing weight. If you are constantly eating the same foods try something different... or chaging the amounts you are eating... more fiber, less fiber, more calories, less calories etc. Also try a new exercise routine or sport... get some new muscles working! Not sure if you are still seeing a nutritionist but maybe try keeping a food journal and having them look it over.. maybe they can spot something that can be changed. Even by writing everything down you could even spot some things yourself! Hope this helps