Scale junkie

 I do not know what is going on.  To get back on track I have replaced two meals with a protein shake to get my mind back into focus.  I have been doing great.  However, I have gained 2 pounds.  Has this happened to anyone else?  I have rescricted my calories to around 1,000 (give or take 200 calories depending on the day).  How am I gaining weight?  I am so frustrated!  Before the pregnancy I was dropping weight steadily.  Now I am back on the same diet and gaining weight.  I know it doesn't help that I am an avid weigher and am on the scales on the time, but usually it is my motivation.  In the past seeing the numbers drop let me know I was sticking with the diet for a reason.  Now I am getting discouraged but still sticking with the diet.  What gives?

This happens to me at times. I'll put on 2 pounds, then plateau....it can be tough! You should be aiming for at least 1200 calories, just for your health. Anything under that could throw your body into starvation mode so even if you are taking in little calories, your body will try to hold on to them. Try bumping your calories up for a couple of days.

For starters I'd suggest getting rid of the protein shakes at this stage you should be getting protein from solid food simply because the solid protein lasts longer in your tummy where the shakes go straight thru and cause hunger sooner. Also I personally don't buy the starvation mode unless you are an emaciated African child, we have far too many fat stores to ever be starving. Myself I can't lose unless I stay between 800-1000 calories, as soon as I get much over 1000 I start gaining. Most of the other surgeries call for far less calories than 1000 during the losing phase so that's one reason they lose faster than we do. Also get some exercise if you aren't already, take that baby out for a walk. Also remember you are going to hit plateaus for awhile now and then while your body is adjusting to the loss. Two pounds could easily be water retention too. Put the scale away for awhile and keep working the program and it should start dropping again before long.

I agree- put the scale away for a week. It seems like it is just discouraging you. I am afraid you will throw in the towel because the scale is not cooperating. Dont do that! Just know you are doing all the right things and the scale will move eventually. I know it's hard.

I am a scale junky too, but I have learned that I do go up and down all the time. Therefore I only count the weight on Monday morning so it really only counts once a week.

I also agree with Hislady, my doctor told me to quit the protein drinks totally and to only eat real food and to only eat when I am hungry. Right now that means 2 meals a day, maybe 1 snack and under 500 calories.

It really depends on each individual and listen to your NUT and surgeon for guidance.

Exercise, exercise, exercise. I played tennis tonight for an hour, came home and did some weights for my arms and then did some steps. I shoot for burning 500 calories a day.

Keep going, you can do it!