I need your help!

I am 8 months post surgery. I am new to the support group thing because I am not aware of any available ones in my area, so I am in need of some good advise and support. I have missed my last 2 follow ups because my doctor is far away and it seems everytime I schedule an appt. something happens that gets to take priority over my health. I have lost 120 pounds so far but I think I should have done so much more at this point. I have hit a plateau of some sort I am now loosing 2 pounds per week. Is this normal, or could it be something besides a plateau? Also I feel 100 times better, but I can not look in the mirror and see a difference. I think I am just as big as I ever was. My family and friends say they can see a huge difference, but I get upset because I still see me at my pre surgery size. Also I know I need to see my doctor but I am afraid he will fuss at me if I tell him some of the things that has happened or some of my concerns post-op he is a good surgeon but his personality is so different than mine. Sorry this is so long but I need you guys! Thank You

I guess a few questions first... What surgery did you have? How many calories, carbs do you eat a day? Do you drink milk? How many protein grams do you get in each day? And, last but not least, do you eat sugar products, OR many sugar free products? These can all cause a stall in weight loss.... I cannot make an opinion or assessment without some of that info...  but I do know that at some point, your body will slow down....  have you measured ?  When the scales don't move, the tape measure usually does... I know this probably isn't much help but to give the previous info would help us give some pointers or advice.

I had an open Roux N Y gastric bypass with about a 2 oz pouch. I do not keep up with calories that much, because I just pick things that are low calorie. I am sure I do not take in near enough protein right now. I do not know many things to fix or store to have available quickly for myself, and I am always busy cooking for my kids and husband. I suppose maybe I need to modify there eating as well, afterall she who does the grocery shopping surely gets to choose. (Maybe) That way I can include my protein needs in the menu. I do sometimes have a drink with sugar, I usually do not drink a whole one in one day. I do not drink milk hardly ever, because I do not like it anyway. I do not really eat sugar free products either. I do eat more than 2 oz now though. Because I was told that as I added foods back into my diet that I would begin to eat slightly more. I wonder if it is a good idea to go back to strictly 2 oz 6 times a day? Regaurdless I am going to have to find some gastric bypass protein recipes because I am fresh out of ideas. Do you know where I can find some recipes?Thank you for your time. It means alot to me that you are taking time out of your day to help. Have a great day!

Misti   you are doing great by all standards ! it always takes us longer to see the results !! you have lost very fast .. Age might have something to do with it !  its going to take your brain  a while to catch up with your body !  dont worry  about that !  you see your clothes size dropping - dont you ? your not at a plateau ! if you are - hit up water, protein and exercise to break it . 2-3 lbs a month is normal .. at a  year out !    you didnt put it on over night - dont expect to drop it overnight !  Please get into see your family Dr and have him/ her order full  blood labs and send a copy to your SURGEON !!  call today - please   you need to make sure your levels are good and address them if not ...   If your primary yells - tell him to call me ! I will be happy to go to bat for you !   

Thank you so much for your advice. I do not get in a lot of my protein anymore, the weather here is just getting warm outside so I will take your advice and get out and get moving maybe that will help! But I am actually loosing 2 lbs a Week, still. I just have a hard time giving myself credit. It is my surgeon that gripes at me. He has been hard on me for loosing too much too fast, and I explained that I was following his directions so I could not help how fast it was coming off. Every since that incident, and another when he took my feeding tube out and was kinda ugly about it. I am hesitant to talk to him. But I guess I am going to have to suck it up and go in anyway, because it is dangerous to go without being monitored after this surgery. I have gotten into smaller sizes but it is so strange to me that I do not see it in the mirror. Maybe you are right it may take a while for my head to say hey look at you you are doing alright. Thank you so much for your time. I appreciate it very much. Have a good day. I am going to go eat me some lean protein!

Misty I haven't been on this particular forum much; I'm new here.  But I must agree with the other poster who must know you. You are doing pretty good , by your post.  I would bump up the protein. It will surely help you.  As for recipes, do you mean for cooking, or for protein shakes?  Bariatric Eating has both.  Click on the words Bariatric Eating and it will take you right there. 

Are you kidding?? 120 pounds since August, that's great!!  I had surgery 6 weeks before you and I'm down barely 75!!  People are different, metabolism is differenct, we all vary.  That is great!!!  I'm so envious!!!

Oh don't be envious you will get there too! I just have a hard time with all of this because I have some very unsupportive family and people who just like to have negative comments, and it makes me second guess myself and feel like I should do so much more. But I guess I need to surround myself with more people like you and others who have joined this supportive website.. After all we are the ones who have gone through it or struggled with or still struggling with weight issues. Some people sure have some strong opinions on a road they are not walking down. Thank you for your comments, maybe I just need to ignore the negative meanies, and listen to those who have been where I am. You know my husband was just a boyfriend before this surgery. He told me do not do this unless you are the one who wants to have it, because he loved me no matter what. He stayed at the Hospital through ICU and my few days on the unit floor. He took care of me at home as well. Now we are married. He never has anything negative to say about my weight loss, instead when I am down he tells me with pride how proud he is of me. Wouldn't it be nice if more people were nice like you and my husband! You will get where you want to be as well, just hold your head up and be happy that you had the courage to risk your life in order to have a healthier one! I wish you the best of luc****ep me posted on your progress! You can do it. And if you ever need someone to talk to my email address is [email protected]

Hi Meredith, I am so glad your husband is supportive.  So is mine!!  He was with me every step of the way, and is now well versed in WLS.  He has friends where he works that have also had the surgery is on them like flies on you know what.  They drink too much coffee, they aren't taking their vitamins, they drink alcohol.  Boy he is the WLS patrol (he's also a prison guard), so it comes naturally.  My mom who is an RN (so am I) was quite concerned about the surgery until she saw how well I did.  I am a juvenile diabetic (for 43 years now) and was really sliding downhill fast.  This surgery literally changed my life (with the exception of still having to take insulin).  No more high BP, GERD, nada.  I feel great and have so much more energy.  I am so glad your boyfriend stuck by you and he now is your husband.  I too disregard the negative comments that I often see, but there are so many, many nice people on this site, that they overcome the few bad ones.  I too would like to stay in touch so you can let me know your progress.  My e-mail address is [email protected] Take care and hang in there!!!