Only 55 pounds LOST since 6/10/05

Hello everyone, I will be 1 yr post op June 10 2006 and I have only lost 55 pounds... is this unusual or should I have lost more weight by now, I am working out although not much cardio and my portioned size meals are still 4 to 6 ounces. Please help!!! Thanks

Deidra, What is a typical day for you when it comes to eating? Maybe if you post that info we can help. MaryLyn

To be sincerely honest I have gotten relaxed in my eating since my surgery, although noe since I have a fitness trainer I am doing the salad thing, water, and diet drinks. Structure is not my personality and I am annoyed with my behavior because the diet society and society of WLS says structure, measure, water, protein, salads..... I want to get the right mindset ..... What am I doing to change my mindset.... acknowledging my body fat....reading health magazines in quite motivation... feeling the burn from my work out seems to work.... and wanting the results bad enough seems to drive me in the right direction. I am attempting to shape a lifestyle I have never had to my current behavior patterns..... Man, this takes work!! Yes I wanted to get the upper hand by getting this surgery... and believe me I know that I am not scott free and I have to make some efforts.... but I know that there are others out there (by the way who I congradulate and cheer on!! )who are not as active as me and they have lost closed to 200 pounds in a years timeframe. I want to know why only 55 pounds for me... thus far?!

Hi Diedra, Have you talked with your NUT? Have you talked w/your surgeon? How much were you origionally supposed to loose? How many calories are you consuming in a day. Did they recommend a maintence diet for one year and beyond? Remember everyone is different and reacts differently. Also, your body is not going to go down without a fight and 55 lbs is not bad. Perhaps a food journal will help. fitday.com is an excellent source in helping you keep track of what you ate & how much and what's in it. I hope this helps. Take care. All the best. Kenya

I know you can't compare so all I can do is tell you what I have done. I started at 273 and at 11.5 months I was down about 105 lbs. I have tried to do cardio and strength training throughout (although there was about a 6-week window where I didn't do a whole lot). I'm currently walking ALOT because some of my WLS buddies and I are training to walk a long marathon someday. I need to do some weights now but have just been walking between 4 miles a day up to 12 miles a day maybe 3-4 days a week. As far as food is going, I don't really count calories just protein. I make sure that whatever I'm eating is low fat, low or no sugar, low carb. I try to make sure that I get 75-90 grams of protein per day. Once in awhile, I will count the calories just to see if I'm staying within an acceptable range and I believe I'm averaging between 1100-1300 calories a day. I can pretty much eat anything now, I just try to make healthy choices 95% of the time. My meal size is now about 6 to 12 oz at a time depending on the density of the meal. I usually have 3 meals a day and 1 to 3 snacks a day. I still follow the water rule and make sure I get about 72-100 oz of water a day (most days anyway) and I don't drink immediately before, during or after a meal. I don't drink any cola (doesn't taste good anymore) but I do drink a bottle of the new diet lipton green tea with citrus (very very good). I'm diligent with my vitamins. I ALWAYS ALWAYS TAKE THEM. My blood work came out perfect. I still have between 15-25 lbs to lose and I'm currently on a plateau (going on 7 weeks now). I'm not stressing because I know that 95% of the time I'm doing what I need to. I can fit into a size 12 comfortably now and can get into some 10s but still a little tight on the waist. My goal is a size 8. I would suggest starting a food journal and just see if you might be getting more calories, sugar, carbs,etc. than you realize. It can sure sneak up on you! You are probably getting enough exercise but you may need to speak to either a personal trainer and/or a nutritionist to get you on the right path. Make sure that you drink plenty of water, I've found that if I don't drink enough my weight loss slows or I even gain for a few days due to retainage. I hope this helps. Feel free to email if you have any questions about what I've done. I'm not 100% successful yet but I am 80%. Linda