Need Advice From Graduates

Good morning! I'm 9 1/2 out from having a verticle sleeve gastrectomy.  So far I've had amazing success, I've lost 140 pounds and haven't had a bit of sugar since December 1st.   But I'm in a bad spot and am afriad I might be getting into trouble. I have a couple of questions for you.   - How many calories were you eating at 9 months.  - My weight loss is no longer steady and somewhat dependable, all of the sudden it has stopped.  I'm at a scary weight point so I suspect that it's partially psychological, but I'm also at 75% of total weight lost.  I've had a few stalls, but it's as though my body is reacting to food differently.   Is this normal? - I have been so hungry the last few days, that it's scary.  I'm having a bit of trouble distinguishing between emotional and physical hunger.  I suspect it's a bit of both.  It feels like how I felt pre-surgery as though I could eat and eat and eat and never feel full.  Of course, I'm eating a fraction of what I ate in the past (breakfast 2 ounces of raspberries, 1.5 ounces of cheese and 1 ounces of nuts;  snack handful of crackers.)  it's scaring me becuase of the compulsion.   - I've started exercising alot more so it may just be changing how my body works.  Did anyone lead a fairly sedetenary (sp?) life pretty far into the journey, then start exercising, and have their body change? Is there anyone who would be interested in answering questions via IM?   I generally look post on the VSG board, but I'm finding that the members tend to be newer. Thank you!!

I had RNY a little more than 13 months ago, and I'm not sure how it compares to the VSG, but I bet we've gone through a lot of the same things. At 9 months, I was eating about 1000 calories a day. From what I've been told, a lot of people get in a lot more than that. My weight loss had slowed tremendously by that time. I would lose a few pounds, gain a couple back, stay that way for about 3 weeks, and then drop a few more pounds. Overall, I lost a little over 50 pounds during my second 6 months after WLS. I still lose a pound every now and then. I have days that I could eat the south end of a north-bound mule, but then it'll ease off. I have noticed that if I eat carbs, my appetite increases a whole lot. I'll want to eat again 30 minutes after I've stuffed myself with them. It also happens if I don't drink enough. With RNY, we're not supposed to drink for 30 minutes after we eat b/c it causes our little pouches to empty out faster - don't know if that applies to you or not, but it really makes a difference to me. I do get hungrier when I exercise more - I guess I just need some more gas in my tank. I've also found that if I don't get in enough calories, I'll start to put on weight. It's hard to find the right combination sometimes. You've done so great, you shouldn't worry so much! You're obviously doing something right!

the food you mentioned wasnt alot  but maybe drop the crackers & nuts for more dense protiens which might help you stay full.....so fars sounds like your doing great!!!  I wish I coudl avoid sugar....keep up the great work Diana RNY 9/17/03 360/196/still aiming for 180

First off, Congratulations on your success!  I'm not sure how RNY compares to VSG, but things you're feeling were normal for me also. My time was at exactly 1yr post op~I was way  more hungry and could consume more too, my weightloss slowed and yes I got nervous although I had already lost 164lbs and only had 14lbs to my personal goal. I agree with Diana's idea of eating more dense protein to hold you over longer although the nuts are good protein. Adding exercise can change things up for a little bit, but stick with it b/c the results in the long run will be great! It sounds like you're doing very well to me~keep up the good work!!!!

Excercise always makes me feel like I could eat a truck, but I find that the key is to "drink" more water instead of eat more food, at least for me it is. I also hit the Weight loss plateau at almost 100lbs exactly lost. So, I just upped my exercise and started to really pay attention to how much sugar/carbs I ate. I think you are doing fantastic, so you're doing something right.  Jess

Thank you for responding, I really appreciate it!! I'm feeling better this evening.  This morning I was really worried, but it's just my first tough point and I'll be able to get through it!!

HI Michelle!   I'm not a VGS patient either and dont know how they differ but I do know this... LEAN PROTIEN works best for weight loss AND SATIATION! Check out this support site....you'll learn a tremendous amount about WHAT WORKS and things to try!!  www.livingafterwls.com.  Tell 'em SUNSHINE sent ya!  Cant hurt to check it out. We typically follow these 4 rules PROTEIN FIRST NO SNACKING EXERCISE DAILY (30 min) WATER WATER WATER Try these and I bet your weightloss will start again!   Even at almost 4 years out....I can STILL LOSE!!   BUt I do have to follow the rules!! GOOD LUCK!!  Julie  =)

Thank you for the recommendation!  I will definitely check it out!

Your Welcome Michele!!   =)