What am I doing wrong....(some ladies topics here!)

Hello to all of my fellow WLS grads! I'm just over three years post op and am finding myself in a bit of a dilemma. I am the first to admit that when it comes to the 'exercise, water, protein, supplements' I fall off the exercise wagon harshly every fall, until January. Then I jump back into an exercise routine. The water, supplements and protein have never been an issue for me. Here's my dilemma: since my last doctor's appointment (which was August) I have gained about 18 pounds, which is gravely concerning. However, what's more concerning to me is that since the first of the year, I have been exercising 5-6 days a week, sometimes as much as 3 times a day (about 45 minutes each time) and the scale hasn't budged! For about the last month, I've been really monitoring my protein intake and minimizing any non-protein foods (the occasional bite of rice or some veggies). What on earth is going on? I was supposed to go back to see my surgeon on the 20th, but she had to re-schedule, so I'm not going to see her until March. The exercise routine is getting hard to stay motivated to when I'm seeing minimal results. My body is getting 'tighter' and I feel better, but the scale is not showing any help. To add to the above issues, I'm having some concerns about 'night sweats' I've been having, I have had them occasionally over the past 6-8 months, but in the past few weeks, I've had them 4-5 times a week. I've also been having migraines over the past few months, I believe they're related to my monthly friend. Pre-surgery, I had migraines, although not with great regularity, but a few times a year that were just awful, but since surgery, I hadn't had any for over 2 years. I have an appointment to see my gynecologist tomorrow, and will definitely mention the night sweats and migraines. I'm so confused! ANyone have any ideas for me to try? Michelle

First, if you are going through perimenopause, or menopause, and your hormones are fluctuating (thus the night sweats and migraines), it can affect weight loss. Don't know by how much, but it does have an impact. Also, fat contains estrogen. If you have gained 18 pounds, you may have increased your estrogen levels, and now with the exercise your estrogen levels are dropping again. I know I get a migraine every months with my period when my hormone levels suddenly drop. Second, given the amount of exercise you are doing, you are probably replacing fat with muscle, which weighs more than fat. You said you are getting tighter - are you losing inches? If so, that is just as good as losing pounds. Third, make sure you are eating "enough." If you are eating 1,000 calories a day or less, your body is going to go into starvation mode, and stop losing weight to conserve energy. Especially with all the exercise you are doing. You probably need to up your intake to around 1,500 calories a day. And you need to get more veggies and fruit into your food - just protein with the occasional veggie will lead to all sorts of malnutrition. And vitamin supplements cannot substitute entirely for all the nutrients found in fruits/veggies. I would suggest you re-evaluate how you are doing based on these things. And then fine-tune your exercise/nutrition.

Michelle You might ask your gynecologist to do a blood test to check your thyroid. Janice

Oh my goodness! I know you don't know me, I'm a "lurker," but I feel like we're going through the exact same thing. I'm almost 2 yrs post-op (3/14/05) and in the last few months I've gained a few pounds and also think I'm going through peri-menopause. I'll be 39 next month. I recently had my thyroid and hormone levels checked and they both came back normal. I too, experience ocassional hot flashes and night sweats. I have my two year check up next month, but if I don't lose these few pounds I've gained, there's NO way I'm going to weigh in. Also, I've had issues w/ working out. I have not been diligent in my routine and need to firm up. I've got to get back to basics, protein, water, exercise, etc., in order to succeed. I do NOT want to look like my before picture ever again. Hang in there, girl! Karla Hodge

Karla-- I so understand how you feel.  My gynecologist did take blood yesterday to check my thyroid levels, so we'll see what happens.  She indicated that if they came back normal, I should follow up with my pcp to have some other tests run.  I was concerned about going back to see my surgeon, but at this point, she would be the most help I believe.  I admit that in the fall I wasn't doing exercise, but my weight remained  constant during that time.  My weight really increased in the past few weeks, when I've been following the 'regime'.  Which indicates to me it's not something I have any control over, so I'm actually anxious looking forward to seeing my surgeon (I think).  When I can tell her that I'm exercising 5-6 days a week 2 or 3 times a day, and I'm following the guidelines that she's offered.  I'm very disappointed in my weight gain, don't get me wrong, but I don't know what else to do.  I'm drinking my water....eating my protein....exercising...I'm truly at a loss! Keep me posted on what's going on with you and hopefully things will turn around.  I'm actually hoping my thyroid levels are out of whack, at least it's something.  If it's not that, or my hormone levels, then I really do need to follow up with my surgeon, she's the one who can help. Don't be afraid of your apointment with your surgeon, they're the best in these kind of issues. Michelle