need some encouragement

Hi Thursday I will be eight weeks post-op. I have lost 50 lbs. Unfortunately, I have been at a stand still for about 4 weeks now. I feel like I am doing something wrong, but I am following my doctors plan. I walk as much as I can, which honestly is not too much. I am so frustrated that all I do is cry when I think about all this. Everything I eat tastes bad. Water even tastes bad. My head knows that I will start loosing again, but my emotional side feels like I am not going to. I think about how to increase my activity level. I want a treadmill so bad, but do not feel like that is going to happen. I used to love to walk when I was able to do it. I want to walk again. I can not walk outside , it is too cold. I just feel so sad. I frustrate Rhonda( my partner) because she does not know what to do. I feel so alone in this and do not have anyone to talk with that understands how I feel. Any ideas on how to get my body loosing again would be appreciated.

Erin, Hang in there. I am on a plateau also, but I have the benefit of an apartment complex gym that is hardly used and great weather, so walking has been good. I have read that if you increase the ratio of your diet in protein, you will see the scale move. I am also discouraged, as it seems others are so much further along than I, but I have to be encouraged and trust that this is only a phase my body is adjusting to, and that I will get to losing again. As for food tasting bad...I went through that, and it eventually went away. I sort of wish that everything still tasted bad as I would not be tempted to cheat so much. In anycase, plug your nose and get your water, protein and food in, it is important and it boosts your metabolism. If you need to talk, email me your #, I can call after 7 (PST) or anytime if you have a cingular cellular phone. Maureen.

Thank you so much for your reply. I may send you an email. At this point my life seems a little overwhelming, but it would be nice to talk to you at some point. Once again thank you so much Erin

I too have hit a plateau a few times since the surgery. I always fretted about losing my window of golden opportunity. I would go back to basics, which it sounds like you are, following eating plan, exercise, and drinking my water. I also increased my percentage of protein and that seemed to help. Just know that our bodies are wonderful things and that they are trying to protect us from starving, but the weight will come off. Just keep plugging along and know that if you are keeping track and doing all the right things that the scale is only one indicator of success. Look at the other indicators as well. Good luck, Mark

Thank you for your suggestion. I have increased my protein the last few days. I hope that helps. I am going to get a tape measure this weekend and keep track of my measurements and see if I see any differences in time. take care Erin

Erin, First congrats on the 50lbs. No matter what that is something you should be very proud of. Second, I am sorry to hear that you are going through a trying time. Third, I am not sure what to say about getting the pounds moving off. When you said that everything tastes bad does that mean that you are not eating like you should?? My doc suggests when that happens to me (and I am sure it will) that I should increase my calories. That way my body does not think I am trying to starve it and hold on to everything. Have you tied doing that? Are you getting in all your protein everyday?? (this is an everyday battle for me) How much protein are you getting in? My doc suggests at least 70-80grams. You already stated that you are not exercising enough maybe try to bump it up just a little. Every little bit will help. And last GREAT BIG HUGGSS TO YOU. KEEP YOU HEAD UP HIGH, EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE OK. Melissa

Hi About my eating, I eat like I should I just hate what I am eating. I have been trying to increase my calories, but that is hard. I am getting in my protein, but the last few days I have increased that as well. I am supposed to get in 62 grams a day. I am getting an exercise bike to help with my exercise so when I can not go out and walk I have something at home to use. Thank you so much for your encouraging words as well as your suggestions. Take care Erin

Hi Erin I understand how you are feeling. It is very frustrating at times, but there are some basic things that you can do: 1. First of all, stay off the scales for a week and instead of concentrating on numbers, concentrate on moving. If it is too cold to walk outside, then go to a mall or someplace where you can walk. Make walking fun instead of a chore. Wear some headphones, and listen to some good music that makes you want to shake your backside. Don't make excuses, just make it happen. You really can do this! 2. Increase your water intake. I found that during plateaus, drinking more water really helped the weight move. It sounds weird, but it works! You have to realize that when your body tries to adjust to the calories that you are taking in and the moving you are doing then you have to mix it up. Remember, this isn't a magic pill. You have to work the tool! I also used to find that when my numbers weren't moving, my body was doing some rearranging. I would loose pounds, then inches. It's a strange metamorphous! Have you done your measurements? You may see a difference there when the scales aren't moving. You are doing a great job! Don't get caught up in numbers. Instead get caught up in the whole process and you will see those numbers start to fall like dominos. Keep your chin up! This is not only going to happen, it is happening! Consider yourself hugged! Keep smiling, Amy

Thank you so much for your words and suggestions. I am so glad that you are here to give us some of your experiences. I am taking your suggestions and putting them use. I am trying my best. Take care Erin

Hi Erin. Since I'm pre-op it's hard for me to think of a suggestion that you may find helpful. The others are much more helpful in that area. There are some Plateu buster diets flying around on the main board...I think they mostly up your protein and water, which you've already stated you've done. I do understand your frustration in not losing weight even when you've done all you can do. Since you are post-op I can almost guarentee you that it WILL start to happen my dear!! AND 50 lbs already lost, thats nothing to sneeze at!! I'm so proud of you!! I hope that today is a better day and that you may feel a little more bouyant emotionally. I hope it helps you to know that we are all thinking of you and KNOW you can do this!! smiles, Violet