scared

I need help. I am 1month out and i have lost 27 pounds. I am very happy about this, but there are days i will not lose a pound then only lose 1pound,sometimes i go up1 pound and then lose it. This is supposed to be the the time you see the fastest loss and it scares me.Anyone out there have the same scary issues?I weigh myself 3times aweek,I am afraid if i dont keep track i will start to gain(old habit)Please help.Nancy

Hi Nancy, I am 1 month and 2 weeks post and have only lost 1lb. this week. I contribute it to getting my period. I have lost a total of 30lbs. I'm getting all my protein in and most of my liquids, but have hit this little plateau. I went to a support group meeting in Toms River on this last Friday, and many of the people remember having a plateau after 1 month. Don't let it get you down. They also reminded me that any bit of excersize during the first 6 months will help immensely. They told me that you loose the biggest percentage of weight during the 1st 6 months. Keep your chin up and try to weigh yourself only once a week. I weigh myself every Monday, because I had my surgery on a Monday. I keep a weekly log, and then every month anniversary I weigh myself and take new updated measurements. You might not have lost weight this week, but I bet you lost some inches somewhere. One more thing, make sure you are having meals at meal times and are not grazing through the day. Having something every hour will impede your weightloss, because it will cause you to consume too many calories during the day. Hope this helped. Don't be afraid to e-mail me. All my best, Jen from Piscataway

Dear Nancy -- relax - as long as you follow all the rules set by your Dr. and Nutritionist - you will loose!! Jen is right about the grazing - limit yourself to 3 meals, and if you need a "snack" make it a low fat cheese stick - protein is more filling, satisfying, and what your body needs for fuel. Please DON'T compare your weight loss to others. Every"body" is different. Some folks with more to loose drop it faster. Hey - 27 lbs in one month - WOW - that's awesome!! It's only natural though to be scared and concerned that this might not work, since most of us have been on many weight loss jouneys in the past that haven't worked, and gotten us to this point in our lives. I know it's hard, but try not to weigh yourself more than once per week. This is very difficult I know, because every morning, I swear my scale is calling my name and daring me to hop on! Even if I do- I only believe the number that shows up on Monday mornings! As I am sure the wonderful Dr. Popkova has told you - this surgery gives us a TOOL - it's up to us how we use it. It is a wonderful, god's blessing, tool, that we must take full advantage of. The hardest part is changing our way of thinking and dealing with food. Food is the fuel that we need to give our bodies to make them run efficiently. It's really not a comfort, or a cure all, or a friend for that matter. It has become our worst (although tastiest) enemy. I have found it easier to look at what I need to eat today - not what I want to eat today. Don't get me wrong - now being 8 months out - I occasionally do eat things I shouldn't, but the 1/2 of a cookie I might put in my mouth every couple of weeks or so, is nothing like the 1/2 bag I used to be able to eat at a sitting. My husband and I are patients of Dr. Popkova's associate, Dr. Abkin. We both feel Dr. Abkin is a lifesaver, and Dr. Popkova is a caring and compassionate professional, who truly cares about her patients. Read my profile if you have a chance. Anyway - sorry to be going on and on - but hang in there OK. Just follow the rules - Protien first - 64+oz water ( try herbal tea if you are having water trouble - it really got me through my first couple of months) I have a few ideas about protien drinks in my profile as well, so take a peak. YOU WILL DO FINE! All the best, Sherri P.S. - I just have to share this - I went to Burlington Coat Factory yesterday and got a pair of dress slacks = original price $49.00 marked down to $7.98, in a size 12 and they FIT! I can't believe it - and am still going to the closet to double check the tag again!!

Hey Nancy -- slow down and stop panicking. Around the 5th or 6th week, you will definately plateau -- perhaps even gain a pound or two. Don't worry -- as long as you keep following the "rules" (you know what they are - others here have posted them well so I won't reiterate) -- you'll catch up in a week or two and have double the loss. I really believe in the 3-meals (and if needed two snacks) per day rather than six small meals. It will help later on when your appetite comes back, and help cure the grazing urge! See you on the 24th at the Walk -- hope you can make it! Hugs, Nannette