I am SO totally frustrated!

What's by body trying to do or tell me?!?!?! In the last month I have gained almost 7 lbs. and I don't know why. At 15 months out I've been lucky not to have hit any stalls and to have had very few small gains or no loss weeks. So I'm sure all this is doing an extra number on my brain from lack of 'gain' experience! I've been expecting stalls that never happened, of which I've been grateful! Right after vacation last June things started getting screwy! I'd lose 2 lbs one week and gain 1.5 the next, making headway was extremely slow. I lost 2.2 lbs in October and have gained 7 in November!

Of course the first thing I did was scrutinize my food journal, I made a few changes that didn't help. I finally broke down and went to my NUT, she did a Med Gem scan to find out my RMR. It really didn't tell me anymore than the Body Media/Go Wear Fit had been telling me. She upped my calories to 1200 to 1300 a day, that was hard to do mentally! Calorie increases usually work but not this time. It still took me over a month to lose 2lbs. I'm careful to stay within my 1200-1250 calorie range, watch my carbs, fats, protein and water. Any treats, like popcorn, are planned for and worked into the plan. I admit I could get more exercise but with 2 arthritic knees that need to be replaced it's hard. That's another reason I watch my intake so closely.

That brings up another thing. I've been wearing this Body Media thing for almost a year. It's telling me with my activity level and the calories I burn that I have an average calorie deficit of 900-1000 calories a day! You need 500 a day to lose 1lb a week. So why am I not losing weight? This is supposed to be the science of it all, why isn't it working?!?  Am I done and this is that mystical bounce back weight?

My goal was just a guesstimate at 165lb so at last weeks 188lbs that leaves me 23lbs. to goal. I don't think that's totally unattainable but it might not be realistic to maintain. I've really thought long and hard about this and I think I really would be OK right where I am IF I don't keep gaining! I'm in a size 14 jeans, med-lg shirts...that's WAY better than 28/30 - 3X!!! If I could just stay in the 180's I think I'd be OK with it.

I just want to know WHY I'm gaining and if it will stop! I don't even have the taste satisfaction of having cheated enough to gain this weight!

Girl, we all struggle with this at some point.  Don't let the number on a scale become the end all/be all of your life.  If you're happy where you're at now then let that be enough. 

On the exercise note... there are lots of exercises out there designed for the mobility impaired.  Google it... lots of things you can do sitting in a chair even....

As for the Bodybug saying 900-1000 deficit that's for someone with a perfect metabolism....

hang in there,

Karen

Hi Dee... I hope you can have the knee replacements soon.  How difficult is it for you to walk?  

I knew going into this surgery I had to work really hard to compensate for my mobility issue, or lack thereof.  I have not spent much time in the gym, actually very little.  But I have spent as much time as possible walking at Memorial Park.  You may already use it.  As you know it is a 3 mile track that surrounds dense woods.  It is packed, on most days and times, with runners and walkers of all sorts.  There are all sorts of people at varying fitness levels and some with obvious physical limitations.  I go as often as my husband's schedule allows.  I walk it once, drink a shake, then walk it again.  Sometimes we walk it twice then go to Whole Foods on Kirby for a healthy lunch/dinner.  If we go 2 or 3 days in a row, that means 18 miles walking.  In the past, we have walked it 3 times which means 9 miles.  Because of the environment and friendly crowd, it is motivating and easy to do.  Many people bring their dogs as well.

If it were not for that track and the walking I have done there, my loss would have been slower than it was.  I have had many stalls, and even in the high weight loss months I averaged 18 to 24 pounds over a 3 month period.  When my loss stops, I dramatically increase my water intake and make sure I get to Memorial Park as much as possible.  We make it a priority.

You have more education about this journey than I do.  I do not even know what a Go Wear Fit is (I see it mentioned on here).  I know you know what to do.  If you haven't used Memorial Park, it is a great place to walk.

As for your goal, I believe if you want to get to that number, you can and will.  You are a very accomplished person, and you do a lot of things many people would not have the nerve to do.  If 165 is your goal, don't settle for less.  Your body may just be in the process of making another adjustment.

Dasie...I didn't realize you lived so close! I've never been to Memorial Park but we've passed by there and talked about going. It wouldn't be a regular thing for me, though, as I live about 30 miles east of there! But maybe we can meet there periodically after the holidays.

I actually live in Baytown.  With my husband's 4 on 4 off schedule, we o try to go as often as possible on his 4 off days.  I love Memorial Park.  I lost the most weight during the summer months when it was really hot by going there to walk.  The track is so motivational it does not seems like 3 miles, and we always walk it twice.  After the holidays it would be nice to meet you there.

aww..... sorry about your frustrattion, Dee.  I can't offer any advice I haven't already given you.  I am not in a normal BMI range - I would have to lose another 12 pounds but I never set that as my goal as I thought it was not attainable for me.  I also think we develop denser bones from carrying all the extra weight, so BMI's are not accurate for us.  I have seen many on here who are still "Overweight" or even "Obese" as far as BMI who look great.  You are one of them! 

When I was wearing 14's and still "Obese" I didn't think I looked all that bad and would have been happy to have ended up there.  However - having said that - since I did lose more I was not happy to gain any of it back.  And I know that is where you are coming from - fear of re-gain - my biggest also.

Awww...Dee...you have done so well and look so beautiful and healthy.
 
I know it's hard, but I think you're right on the verge of just being happy to be where you are. Don't let a number on a silly scale determine how you feel about yourself and your success - you are worth so much more than that! I've had a bit of regain myself, but still rocking my size sixes, still getting nice compliments, and still grateful every day for my improved quality of life. Think about all your NSV's - big and small - you could probably write a novel just by listing them - lol!

Keep up the good work, my friend - health & quality of life are the bottom lines - not a number, right?

I know all of you are exactly right. It really isn't about the number on the scale, 188 is WAY better than 353 and I'm very OK with it. It's just the geek in me just wants to know WHY! All the science says it doesn't work this way! I'm very lucky not to have had to go through all the stalls and such most everyone has and that makes this frustration even harder to deal with.

Oh...and it would be nice if someone could promise I won't gain anymore!   

Thanks ya'll!

Don't let the numbers get you down. You have done so well and you look great.  I know that is easier said than done. I am a size 6 now and I still am overwieght according to the charts.  I think Sarah has something with the dense bones, and you are tall.  I have alot of excess skin on my legs that probably add up to 8-10 pounds and maybe the dense bones account for a few of my pounds.  But the scale is just a number. I try to remember that each morning when I start to throw it across the room.