Not Losing? Stalled?

Hello All. My name is Timmy Ray, and I had my surgery in Iowa, 8 months ago on the 22nd of this month. I have lost about 160 pounds out of the 400 pounds that I am **supposed to lose**. I was blessed to have my surgery **laproscopically**.. with five little slits instead of a large incision. I am doing VERY well.. having gone from a 9x size to a 4x.. and I am still losing 10 -15 pounds a month, slow but steady. I DONT pretend to know all the answers, so please know I am even now still **learning** about this new lifestyle and WLS. But I have been a member of another board here on OH, and I met my wife here on the Obesity Help web site. She is a WLS post surgery person too, having had her surgery about 18 months ago in March 2004. (My surgery was December 2004). **Disclaimer** I am not a medical professional. I am just an average guy, and these are things people POST op, and my doctors have shared with me. They are sound, but ALWAYS always *always* (did I mention.. always) check things out with your DOCTOR ... BEFORE .. you try stuff. Even the stuff I learned here over the last 9 months on OH I called **MY** surgeon to check out first... its just the right thing to do.** OH.. also This is the longest post in the world so you might wanna be prepared... *this boy can talk* :P SO .. if your weight loss is stalled...here are a few tips and suggestions. Hope they help ======== -Have you called your Surgeon ? This seems like a no brainer, but many times people think **oh I cant bother THEM**... Not all surgeons are the same but the VAST majority for people I have talked to WANT to know how you are doing and if you have problems, or even questions. So if you havent checked in... CALL them :P ======= -Are you taking small bites.. and chew chew chewing? Again.. seems simple doesnt it? I DIDNT. I ate normal bites and like the (ex) bachelor I was, swallowed without chew chew chewing. We DONT have a stomach anymore (RNY patients)... we DONT have part of our intestine.. so chewing mixes the food, chops it up... and helps start the food on the path so we CAN absorb it. I chew and eat slow now and Im a happy camper. ======= -Are you eating Protein FIRST? PROTEIN.. PROTEIN.. PROTEIN. As a male my surgeon tells me.. 80 grams a day. Wow. Seems like a lot. But if you are eating small meals, 6-7 meals a day.. and you aim for a consistent 15-20 grams at a meal.. you can do it pretty easy. Some examples of 15 or so grams of PROTEIN 2 light or LOW sugar Yogurts @8 grams each = 15 grams (its important to find yogurt as low in sugar as you can... I can tolerate up to 15 grams, but LESS is truly better.. 9 or 10 is even better ..grams sugar per container.. if you can find it.) 3 or more slices Commercial Cheeze (5 grams or more a slice) 3 pepperoni sticks (o berto for example.. 5 grams a slice) A bowl of chilli. 16 oz of milk (but if you buy Skim Plus, or Parmalaid.. or other protein added milk, its even less for 15 grams of protein ) 1/2 cup tuna salad 1/2 cup chicken salad 1/2 patty hamburger 1 small lean grilled chicken breast 4 Meatballs (commercial ready prepared Meatballs, cooked, they come in a handy resealable ziplock type sack.. GREAT for a variety of meals) 3 or 4 slices lean cold cuts (I like butterball or louis rich, turkey products) Protein Whey Powder (see protein drinks below) ..1 scoop in 8 oz glass of milk has nearly 30 grams of protein ! There are a lot of examples. I LOVE cheese, cheese, meatballs, cold cuts, Tuna, Tuna salad, lean chicken and turkey, Chicken Salad. ======= -Are you waiting at least 30 minutes AFTER eating to drink? -Are you NOT drinking while you eat? These two things are very important. Think of a pipe. If you fill a pipe with food (and providing our mythical pipe is one that absorbs stuff) it can absorb ....well... stuff : ) BUT if you flu**** out with liquid WHILE its filled with food... then **all** the nutrition of the food is LOST. DONT drink while you eat !! Wait at least 30 minutes AFTER you eat before you drink And wait at least 10 minutes after you drink to Eat. So I drink up to the last minute.... carry a water bottle around... then after not drinking for ten minutes... I go ahead and eat.. when done...I look at the clock... and think.. **Ok in a half hour I can drink again**. ======= -Are you eating SLOWLY? I am a gulper. Always have been. For Food.. at first I just said to myself.. I am going to chew each bite a hundred times. (well that lasted a week). But I still chew at least 40 or 50 times, and more **IS* better. I dont gulp anymore FOR Water I can tolerate .. MAX.. 3 swallows. So I fill my cheeks a la chipmonk style.. slowly swallow... a couple or three times.. then wait a few seconds ... or a minute.. before next drink. Thats what works for me. But if you are a guzzler... learn a different path.. grasshoppa... or else you will be a cookie tosser. And not the pleasant kind (solemn Jedi Nod) ======= -Are you stopping the *INSTANT*.. the very BITE.. that you feel full? I used to go.. **oh but I have only 3 more bites on my plate. Thats what they sell glad wrap for : ) Wrap the plate... put in the fridge, eat at a later meal.... and NEXT time practice taking a little less each time you eat.. on your plate. Gradually you will get used to taking a tiny amount only... and eating SLOWER we will eat the right amount. DONT try to clean your plate... despite the starving children in ethiopia and in China our parents told us about... dont waste it.. put it in the fridge with some plastic wrap... but dont eat a single bite after you feel full.. and you wont get nausea that way : ) ======= -Are you eating at least 6 or 7 small meals a day? I find it easier to eat right when I get up .. then aim for every two or three hours till you have 6 meals. SMALL meals in the day... every two hours or so keeps your metabolism up and the engine **running* YOU WILL LOSE FASTER if you eat small meals spaced in your day. I eat normally a schedule similar to this 8am getting up 10am or around there Noon or LUNCH 2-3pm 5-7pm or DINNER with my lovely wife Sandi : ) and one more meal.. like three sticks of pepperoni... small ones.. or a couple yogurts... usually at night around 9pm I go to bed late so that schedule works for me : ) ======= -Are you getting your Vitamins? Me? I chew several Chewables a day. Flintstones are excellent, also Costco sells a brand of Childrens called KIRKLAND chewables. I chew three childrens vitamins, twice a day. My wife Sandi is more grown up (hehehehe) and she likes the Adult orange citrus flavored chewable vitamins. REGARDING AMOUNTS.. and WHICH ONES... REGARDING VITAMINS you MUST ask your Doctor, your surgeon what you should get in every day.. and this is IMPORTANT.... FOLLOW those instructions. TO The letter. Vitamin intake is one of the few things that there is NO room for procrastination about. *zero* I havent lost any hair or had **ANY** complications, but then from Day ONE i have focused on PROTEIN, vitamins, exercise and drinking lots and lots of water. My method works for me and was cleared by my surgeon for *ME*.. a guy. Different size people (remember I started at mega 601 pounds) and such require different doses... on THIS ONE.. ask your surgeon but then ~~~~~~~~~~~be VeRy DisCipLinEd and JUST DO IT : ) We dont have a stomach anymore.. and if you dont get your vitamins you can get sick and die. Literally. So Vitamins are VERY important.. just as important as protein protein protein. Vitamins are lifelong. I am just blessed because I like childrens vitamins : P and they work for me. ====== -PROTEIN DRINKS Hey.. I lived on mine till I learned better. SHORT term they are excellent, and later as a suppliment. Its BEST to find one before surgery you can tolerate and like/enjoy. Me? Im a CHOCOLATE kid, and I love the Advant Edge brand Chocolate in good ol Nonfat Moo juice (milk)... but others like Designer (thats the brand name) or Isopure brands, there are several out there. I like Whey protein best myself... the Advant Edge brand is sold at Walmart.. (everyone has a walmart around : P) Protein drinks are 19-24 grams a scoop.. you mix them in water, milk, juice or other liquids. I read where you can ADD Protein POWER ..whey protein powder to waffle or pancake batter.. (but I havent tried it yet) I HAVE (with mixed success) added **PLAIN** protein powder to soup... like cream of brocolli.... it is a pain to get it absorbed but it wasnt too bad : ) ====== -Are you MOVING? Exercising? Its important to walk... or swim.. or ride a bike... EVERY day. EVERY day EVERY day. Did I mention every day? There are many reasons...and before you say **OH Timmy Ray it hurts**... I know... I was 601 pounds the day of surgery.. and it STILL hurts to walk... but it does get easier : ) And you WONT LOSE IF YOUR NOT GETTING SOME EXERCISE of some sort.. Every day. ====== -Are you participating in some sort of a support group or network? HERE is a good place... online.. here at Obesity Help.. (they have a rousing singles board.... and boards of every type. Its very important to have input and feedback from people who have been there..... an IN PERSON support group is excellent (May I suggest for Mid New Jersey folks the Toms River group ... first Friday every month... Toms River (see other posts for details) You have to have contact and encouragement.. obsesity is such a isolating disease.... we always isolate and then struggle. SO... get involved... start out if nothing else READING all you can on the boards here on OH... then post any ideas, things to share.. or questions. Trust me it helps ====== -Are you drinking enough? I try to drink a gallon a day.... I use liter bottles of Clearly American (carbonated but I remove the bubbles in my blender... **Hint**.. pulse pulse pulse the blender first then on low.. works great**. I also along with my lovely wife drink Crystal Lite and generic Crystal Lite.... Stop and Shop, Target, Walmart, K mart... they all have their own generic non calorie drink mixes comparable to crystal lite. And plain ol refridgerated tap or spring water works great too : ) Cold is betta. ======================================================= --------- SUMMARY. If you are getting enough PROTEIN... If you are EXERCISING.... If you are DRINKING ENOUGH WATER... and dont forget getting all the required VITAMINS You WILL lose weight. Guaranteed. If you are doing all these things.... and following your surgeons instructions... and NOT losing weight... there is trouble in Denmark. This means something is wrong. So contact your doctor immediately. NOW. Otherwise... adjust your intake of protein and vitamins (normally UP), drink lots of water and walk around the block several times a day : ) There are conditions that prevent weight loss post surgery.... even if your doing everything right. BUT.. Most likely if your stalled, your not getting enough of the big four: Protein, Vitamins, Exercise, and Water. Hope it helps. ***Disclaimer** Deux: I AM NOT A MEDICAL AUTHORITY... I am a redneck man from Oregon who lived in the Midwest for six years, then had surgery to correct a life long obesity problem... who met a wonderful beautiful woman who *also* had the surgery... and moved to New Jersey and got married : ) So life is good for me and I wanted to share what I have learned. Please feel free to email me if you have questions and IF I can help I will.. gladly... and if not I will certainly cheerfully try to refer you to someone who can. Shalom Timmy Ray Sytsma aka Sandi's Timmy

Hi Timmy Ray we met at the support group earlier this mos- my friend was the one that was 4 days out- she is amazing anyway- i posted and then started reading the posts- thanks for yours- I am printing it out and will keep it with me- I think one of my issues might be that since I have not had any food eating problems- I am eating faster than I did initially- not chewing that 40-60 times- maybe that is my answer? I will let you know- and thanks for the info-

Hi D I answered your other post.. but also know that... lulls.. and **flat spots** in our weight loss is natural.. its an ...ebb and flow.. sorta thing. I weigh like once a MONTH.. mainly because for me....**still** at 450 pounds its an OMAR THE TENTMAKER evolution... a normal scale I cant use so I haveta find a scale in New Jersey at a hospital or something I can use : ) I had one in IOWA.. at my doctors in Iowa...and weighed when I was there in July... but not since July 20th.. I will have to find one locally now Im back in New Jersey to stay. I would recommend to all PRE ops and new post ops... dont get on the scale more than once a week. Twice a month (every two weeks) is even better.... if you can stand it and it not drive you nuts not know.. if so...it takes the pressure off a person.... Here is what I mean.. for example....say in a typical month you lose..: week One you may lose 8 pounds.... week Two... 4 pounds.. week Three ... zero... no weight lost week Four..... maybe 6 pounds.. For the MONTH thats still really successful... doing good...huge... 18 pounds ! But if you weigh yourself and check every day... boy.. WEEK 3 would be an **eternity** and depressing. Ya see? At 8 months out I still have 200 pounds to lose...but at a slower 10-15 pounds a month.. and my surgeon says this is just... **jiffy** : ) Talk to you later hugs Timmy Ray

I just wanted you to know that I thoroughly enjoyed your post. Every word of it. I am not even at a stall, but I found it so informative and REAL!! Thanks a lot and keep posting! Rossana ps..those JERSEY women are SOMETHING ELSE, right??

Hi Rossana ! Thank you for your kind reply. I hope you dont regret what you said... I tend to be verbose and post *ALOT*.. so tell me to shut up ...*anytime*. And Re your PS.. yes.. yes New Jersey women RULE! My wife Sandi met me on the WLS Singles board here on Obesity Help dot com... and we met in February.. *online*... and in person first in this May (May 3rd, 2005).. and got married May 16th, 2005. Yesterday was our 90 day/ 3 month wedding anniversary! We had a big wedding reception finally with her family, and a little of my family came from Oregon, this last Saturday... and it was a grand time : ) Sandi is a beautiful, talented, patient, kind and loving woman who I dont deserve but I am very very happy and blessed to have. She is near goal, and post surgery (March 2004) about 18 months now.... she helped me learn to eat slow, not drink and eat, and to get protein protein protein first. I owe HER all the credit for my success : ) This board... and New Jersey in General... is fantastic. I am excited to be here (having lived the last 8 years in Iowa).. excited about the future, and excited to find a new board here to hang out with (being Im a ol married guy *now* the other board doesnt exactly fit as Im not a **single** anymore hehehehehe. Nice to meet you Rossana... I hope this New Jersey board becomes a active vibrant place... the people here in Jersey sure are nice : ) Take care Hugs Timmy Ray

**Calling all cars.. calling all NJ women and WLS people** Hello : ) Please Rosanna.. go post if you would.... on the posts **tell us about yourself** or the others... trying to whip up interest in this board and get more daily posters... and since you are one of those NJ Wimmen : ) (well you *aRE* ) then by natural occurance you HAVE to be one of the **interesting people**? Right? Well.. it sounded good to ME :P Seriously.. if you have a moment go post on one of the recent posts, tell the board a little about yourself... and how your WLS surgery recovery is doing? Inquiring WLS minds wanna know : )) Oh.. and I do too : PPP Godspeed...Hugs Timmy Ray

Hi Timmy! You are incredible! You should have your own forum! Congratulations on your weight loss...that's GREAT! And I think it's awesome that you met your wife on this website...what a nice story! My surgery is scheduled for 8/29, and your above tips are great...bits and pieces of important information that people post on here, all rolled up into a nice little package! Perfect for us pre-ops who don't know what to anticipate when they're post-op! I, too, have printed this out for future reference, and of course, will check with my surgeon to make sure he's good with it too! Some things are pretty much common sense though. Being that I live in Lake Como, AKA South Belmar, I hope to come to the Toms River support groups once I'm able! My surgeon is Dr. Brolin...he's out in Monmouth Junction/Princeton, and his support groups meet out there once a month...it's a tough 1 hour ride there, and 1 hour back, so it's good to know that if I miss one of his, I can go to Toms River! Thanks again for the insight! Best wishes to you and your wife! Wendy

Hi Wendy Im glad it helped even in a little way. This surgery has given me my life back.... TONS of changes.. all positive .. but at times I am close to *overwhelmed ** by it all. I am excited about the future, I recently registered for classes at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, I am going to be in the grad program there to become a teacher.. in the Inital Certification for K-8 program. As for your surgery.. do you have an Angel? Do ya need one? If you do already have ones.....thats great, if not, I would be more than happy to harrass.. errr I mean **support** (dont mind me... its after 10pm and my redneck humor knows no bounds after 9pm hehehe) you.. or they have a program through OH for matching people with Angels .. support people via OH.. if you would feel more comfortable with a lady Angel or something. Either way.. godspeed in your preparation for surgery... you will be in our prayers.. and let us know if there is anything we can do to help or support you.. okay? Take care.. see you on the board ! Hugs Timmy Ray

Hi Timmy Ray! It helped in a BIG way now, and it'll help me even more later, so mucho thanks again! On top of that, it's so encouraging to hear from someone like you who is so positive and supportive. You have no idea what that means to a pre-op who at times, goes from one end of the spectrum by telling herself "geez, do I really want to do this?" and start thinking morbid thoughts and crying about the whole thing, to "hey, let's get this thing over with already so I can start feeling better about myself" and be happy and healthy! I'm lucky that I don't have any co-morbidities, but that's not to say that they're not right around the corner if I continue down the path I'm on. That, and the fact that I'm not even comfortable in my own skin anymore...I know I'm making the right decision in the end, so I'm definitely not backing out...if this adds 5 years to my life, it's worth it! That's great news about Monmouth U! Congrats to you! You have so many exciting things going on in your life! And I'm happy you like NJ! Jersey Girls are the best, didn't ya hear?! LOL! I don't have an angel yet , so I think it would be if you were mine! (That is, if Sandi doesn't mind!!! LOL!) Since I don't have one yet, I don't even know what they do! At any rate, I would welcome you as my angel! Thanks so much for offering! I'll definitely be coming to the Toms River support group meetings too, so I hope to see you there! Chat with you soon! Hugs! Wendy

Hi Wendy Wendy... how are you this fine Monday night? (Okay its almost tuesday morning but who is counting.. right? Basically... an angel is a support person... who is a liasion between *You* (the supportee) and others (your supporters)... someone to call the hospital and see how your doing... to post (as you feel comfortable and give permission) HOW your doing... and to encourage others, both from the OH WLS sites to visit your support page, and as you prefer.. to email support, well wishes. This other person is a **go to person** for referals to others online for information.. and to give you support, encouragement, and answers in general to any WLS questions or issues. Sure, I would love to be your angel. It would be my honor : ) And no Sandi doesnt mind... she trusts me because I was wise you see. Wise to marry a woman who can clean my clock should I every be tempted to misbehave... besides I love her to death and she is very *very* supportive of me. (I dont know of any other person who could put up with my energy/male pattern ignorance issues/compulsive dishwashing - more on *THAT* one later if you want hehehehehe... and other stuff) So just let me know a little before hand the Day.. the Time.. and the Hospital... and if you would perhaps put me on your phone list as **your brother** or something.. so we can check with you as to your recovery. There is a possibility of a visit if you want, I dont know how far it is or how long you would be in the hospital, but Sandi and I might come visit you and see how your doing if that would be an encouragement : ) Hang in there.. and dont forget to come post on the board soon and tell us **about Wendy**... your likes, your interests, your WLS journey toward surgery, your future goals... whats your favorite movie... *anything* that might help us get to know the Wendy Wendy ... bettah? Besides you New Jersey women have to become more vocal.. your keeping your secrets far too well.. the rest of the world has to discover you right... as I have done ? : ))) So... come share when you can and we will make this New Jersey board **ROCK** : ) Timmy Ray.. the transplanted Oregonian/Iowan/ Securely NEW Jersey now PS I start my classes September 6th, so your surgery comes at a good time and a time where I dont have nuthin going on so I will be available to harras... I mean **SUPPORT** you : ) Hang in there.. Godspeed in your efforts.. hugs Timmy Ray