Intro and Question

Although I'm not much of a person who posts on message boards, I have been reading and gaining advice from the mens board since before my surgery.  I had RNY on July 23rd, and have been doing great since.  No problems with recovery, had surgery on Thursday and went back to work on Monday.  Never took pain killers and never even used the pump in the hospital.  I have followed the eating plan very closely and have done well. 

I am currently 10 weeks out and have lost 74 lbs.  My question is it seems that I have hit a wall, I have only lost 3 lbs in the past week, ( I realize that is nothing to be discouraged by) however the real fear is that I will not take full advantage of the "honeymoon" period.

I have always fought the weight battle. and just want to be sure I win this time.  I have 4 kids (15,13,8, & 9months) 3 boys and the baby is a girl.  Good luck to her ever having a date with 3 big brothers.  It was when we had the baby that i finally said to myself that i needed to do something or I would never be around to walk her down the aisle someday.  I also figured that when the scale started getting closer to 400 than it was to 300, it was time for a change.  I am very happy with my decision, just want to keep the loss going.

I def get enough protien, with food and supplements (shakes & bars) I'm usually aroung 100 - 120 grams per day.  I keep my calories aroung 800 - 1000.  I think the issue might be not enough water??  I usually try to get to the 64 oz, but sometimes I just plain forget. 

I also have been hard pressed to find time to exercise at all.  All 3 of my boys play football, (in 3 different leagues) so my day consists of running some where.  Get up at 5:00, have a coffee with my wife, she goes off to work, then i get the 3 boys off to school and drop my daughter off at day care and off to work.  Work til 5:00, and rush home to get 2 of the boys off to football practice at 5:30 til 7:30.  Then I go to my other sons practice til 8:00 and we head home for dinner.  After that, homework and a little TV til its time for them to go to bed.  Then I collapse and do it all over again the next day.  Hopefully it will slow down a little after football in over in a few weeks.  OH, but then Ice Hockey starts??? I need to find time to exercise at least a little.

I know this is getting long, but I did this for me and for my family, I just want to make sure I am taking full advantage of the gift i have been given.  I guess the bottom line is that how can i or actually can i keep the rapid loss going?

Congrats and welcome aboard! Increase your water intake and exercise everyday, even if it is just walking a little further in a parking lot, taking the stairs instead of an elevator, etc.  Stick to your Doc and Nutritionist's plans to the letter. Take full advantage of the "honeymoon  period" to lose all you can and set good habits.

Here is one chart I found on expected weight loss.  By any of the measures you are well ahead of the game.  You need to realize that weigh loss will slow or stop from time to time while the body catches up.  One of the things I did was chart my measurements each week measuring Neck, chest, ribcage, abdomen, waist, hips, calfs and thighs.  In each case when my weight loss slowed, I could see a drop in my measurements usually in the waist and abdomen.  Exercise while vital in my mind doesn't become critical until about the four to six month period when you will proabably want to increase you calories in the 1200 to 1500 range based on your body type and the advice of your surgeon or nutritionist.  Hope this helps.

Randy

For patients weighing 200 to 250 lbs.
10 lbs. in first 10 days
15 to 25 lbs. in 6 weeks
25 to 35 lbs. in 3 months
35 to 45 lbs. in 6 months
60 lbs. or more in 1 year
70 lbs. or more in 18 months

For patients weighing 250 to 300 lbs.
10 to 12 lbs. in first 10 days
15 to 25 lbs. in 6 weeks
25 to 35 lbs. in 3 months
45 to 60 lbs. in 6 months
80 lbs. or more in 1 year
90 lbs. or more in 18 month

For patients weighing 300 to 400 lbs.
10 to 30 lbs. in first 10 days
25 to 45 lbs. in 6 weeks
35 to 55 lbs. in 3 months
50 to 80 lbs. in 6 months
100 lbs. or more in 1 year
120 lbs. or more in 18 monthsee

 For patients weighing 400 to 500 lbs.
10 to 30 lbs. in first 10 days
25 to 45 lbs. in 6 weeks
35 to 60 lbs. in 3 months
50 to 90 lbs. in 6 months
120 lbs. or more in 1 year
150 lbs. or more in 18 months

***********************************************************************
other average weight loss %'s i've seen posted:

excess body weight percentage of loss goals:

2 months 25%
6 months 50%
1 yr          80%

Where have you been hiding this chart, Randy?  That's great!  Thanks!

If you've read the board much at all then you've seen many posts about stalls.  We all hit them and we usually don't like them.  I have noticed that when the scale is not moving I'm still losing inches...I know I used to think that was crap too but it's true.  I can go down two pants sizes and the numbers on the scale never move.  Seems like you're really stringent about your nutrition so that way.  Keep on top of it and don't cheat.  You'll only be doing yourself good in the end.

Now for exercise.......You need to get moving.  I know that you're busy with your kids and I applaud you for that.  Still, you need to make yourself a priority.  Even if it's only going for a thirty minute walk each day it's still something.  Exercise will help you lose more weight and it will help you keep the weight you lose off........permanently.  It will help your heart, lungs, muscles, bones, mental health, the list goes on and on.  Somewhere in your week you can find time for something.  Start slow and small.  Don't get overwhelmed by trying to do too much too quickly but make a commitment to yourself and your family to do something.

Congratulations on your progress so far.  You're doing great.  Don't be a stranger and check out the exercise and fitness board also.  There's some great people on that board too.

Duane