not eating enough to keep metabolism going?

Okay, is it possible that I am loosing so slowly because I am just not eating enough? I have only lost a total of 81 pounds and only 59 since surgery on 8/24/05. I drink my protein drink every morning (yuk!) 50 grams of protein and 3 carbs, and eat two tiny meals a day. Usually, a salad or piece of turkey meat or 1/2 hotdog with chilli, 1/2 hamburger, something along this order for my meals. I do not snack but every once in a while have a tsp of peanut butter and sometimes in the evenings I drink a small cup of ff milk (these are my treats when I just have to have one). I do not cheat on any sweets or even SF sweets. I only drink water. Maybe I need to try to add a snack and another small meal, just into a routine and will have to make a change. I wonder if I am onto something? I know Dr. D. preaches eating 3 tiny meals a day and two tiny snacks to keep your metabolism going, perhaps I am just not eating enough and not often enough. I exercise everyday! Help? Judy E.

Judy, Up your protein, that will help. As for the 50g of protein in your drink, our body only absorbes around 30g protein at a time, so you are waisting 20 when you drink it that way, unless you space it out. I myself am not getting anywhere near enough protein as they want but I do know that since I have upped mine, it's coming off more. So far today I have had 3/4 cup Special K protein plus cereal 10g, a zone perfect bar 16g, and homemade chili 4 Oz. I seem to notice I need something every 2 hours whether it be liquids or food cause I get weak. Hope this helps Melissa Dr. Ejey (Duncan's Office) Lap RNY- 10/17/05 July, SW - 241.5/Day Of Surgery - 229/ Dec., CW - 198/My Goal - 150/Dr's Goal - 135 - 43 lbs gone

Melissa, I did not know about the 30 grams of protein absorption deal, but I do take all morning to drink this drink (cause I just hate it!). Protein and water my two major challenges everyday. You, on the other hand are doing great!! I started out at 326 and day of surgery at 304 now at 244. thanks, Judye

I know it doesn't seem right - but it is right that you don't seem to be eating enough. Are you exercising? Remember that burns calories and helps to boost metabolism as well. Trust me - you should get in about 1100 calories a day.....if you work out that number should be higher! Just my two cents! Dee Dee

I know it is weird to think I actually need to eat more, but I sometimes find myself light headed and know this is due to not enough nutrition/protein/water. I have added a 4pm snack of peanut butter or cheese to see if this helps. Now, what can I do about this saggy neck, I do not know an exercise to help this and had not planned on the saggy neck so much. (I am 50, you know) I do exercise everyday, treadmill and bowflex. When is your TT, have I already missed it? Is the facility in North Atlanta? Judye

You need to watch the lightheaded ness....that can be signs of something more than just not eating properly. (low blood sugar, anemia, etc.) Have you had your blood work done since surgery? It's not a bad idea to get them done every 6 months for the first few years after surgery. I don't know anything that will help with the saggy neck....I have the same issue and I'm 34....but I also had a lot of weight in my face/neck. My TT is on the 29th at Northsise Hospital Meridian Mark Outpaitent Center at 2:00 pm so you haven't missed it yet. I will have two people from the board with me so they should be able to provide updates when they are available. Thanks for asking.

Glad I have not missed your TT, I am only in Stockbridge so if you need any help when you get home you just let me know. Good Luck!! I have an internist that is a freak at keeping me in check and just had tons of blood work done in Oct. so probably will have more in Jan. It has been a couple of days now that I have added the 4pm small snack and I feel better and we will just have to see if it helps speed up the weight loss. I am working on a neck exercise, I will let you know if I get any results. Thanks je

Judy... hunny... You have lost 60 lbs...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am right with you... (I have lost 67 to date...) and I had surgery 10 days before you.... so take that three and half lbs away...closer to 4 really ( because you have lost MORE than 3 lbs a week, in the last 16 weeks ..)....and and I am a wooping 4 lbs ahead of you....which is nada. No, we are not the fastest looosers out there... but we are loosers. I think we are on track...and we are still loosing, right? Thats what counts! COngrats on your loss- Michelle

Thanks, Michelle, I am going to try to relax a little and just see how it goes, I am going to increase my eating to add the 4pm snack although I am just not a snacker and never have been, I get too busy at work to go pee much less snack! Thanks. Judye