2 Years out

Today is my 2 year surgiversary!  My, how time flies.  Although I never reached goal and am still very confused by my nutritionist, I would not go back to where I was 2-3 years ago.  If I could just figure out how to lose these last 25-30 pounds, I would be perfectly happy.  I AM happy, don't get me wrong, but I just can't understand how I can eat so much less, so much healthier, exercise so much more, and nothing changes.  The "starvation mode" excuse does not cut it.  There is no way my body has been in starvation mode for 14 months.

I feel so much better, and can do so many things that I could not do before.  I look much better too, but that pretty much goes without saying.

At my 2 year check up, the doctor made me feel a bit better by reminding me that maintaining the same weight, without more than a 5 pound fluctuation for over a year is also an accomplishment.  That would have never happened "before".  "Before", I would have lost 20-30 pounds and gained back 25-40 or more.  So, in this way, I am successful.  It is small consolation.

My visit with the nutritionist, however, was not so great.  I still don't think that she understands our special needs.  She says that I should only have one shake per day, I only need 60 grams of protein per day and I can eat white carbs.  This is completely opposite of what I have read everywhere else.  SHE thinks that I should stay between 1200-1500 calories, with "45% carbohydrate, 25% protein and 30% fat "----So, with this thinking, I should eat mostly carbs, and the LEAST of my diet should be protein?  HOW can this be?????

I just wish there was a place to get the REAL low down on what will work for most people.  I KNOW that we are all different, but each program has a different protocol, and I am tired of trying them all.

That said, I think I will try to keep my protein at 40-50%, good carbs at 25% and 25% fat.  This is what I read somewhere and it seems like a decent option.  What I really want to do is not obsess over it so much.

I really thought that surgery would be a tool to help me eat less (which it IS), and that, along with more exercise, would enable me to be "normal" and lose weight into the "normal" range and keep it off with hard work.  I am horribly disappointed that is not the case.  I AM eating less and exercising more............I just can't help but be disappointed.

If anyone has any words of wisdom, please let me know.

I  know what you mean when you say times flys. It has been 3 yrs since I have my RYN, Aug 23, 2005.I have struggled trying to get the last 20 lbs I want to lose off also, but am so happier, and healthier than I was at my starting weight. Hang in there, keep exercising. I think sometimes no one understands what we need to eat, including me, because if I am not careful, that old monster wants to resurface. I know I had not been on the Obesity Help site in forever, until today. I have decided today is the beginning of the last 20 lbs. When I look at that amount compared to the 220, I have already lose, it seems like, yeah, I can do it!! Keep smiling and keep those shades on because our future is brite. We just can never forget where we come from.
Blessings your way.

Thank you for your kind reply.

Let's lose these 20 pounds together!

I am so happy you responded. I just feel like this was an answer from God to help get me more determined. You know I believe that working together with those that have a common goal is one of the answers we all need! Right?? I know that YOU will make your goal and I will celebrate with you also when you do. Remember, I am here to help encourage and I am glad to know you will do the same. GOD is so good and I have met so many nice, and loving people, I dont know why I ever let go of the post, I think that encouragment is something that will help me be more determined to met my goal. You know I am not worried about a set of weights that man made, but like everyone, know where I want to be that will be right for me.
Blessings to you and yours

SHE thinks that I should stay between 1200-1500 calories, with "45% carbohydrate, 25% protein and 30% fat "----So, with this thinking, I should eat mostly carbs, and the LEAST of my diet should be protein?  HOW can this be?????

My suggestion would be to get a metabolism test and find out what YOUR body needs - I found I needed to eat 1400-1800 calories to *maintain* my weight, less than 1400 I would lose - on *average* my surgeons patients only eat 1000-1200. My NUT says to maintain eat 30% protein, 40% carbs and 30% fat... that is close to what yours says... however I would agree that 25% protein is a little on the low side, you can go and chart online what a "normal" person of your heght/weight/age needs in protein and I can almost guarantee its over 60g. To lose weight my NUT calls for 40% protein 30% carbs and 30% fat. While 40% (even 45%0 carbs seems high the majority should be from fruits, veggies, dairy and the rest from bread/starch... with my eating 1400-1800 calories a day its typically 2, maybe 3 servings of bread/starch - keep in mind 1 post-WLS serving, its really not all that much... 1 slice of bread, 6 triscuits, 1/2 a baked potato etc.

I know it can be frustrating to still have weight to lose, however I view this tool like your surgeon said - it was a way for me to keep this weight off... I always could lose it, never could keep it off... as I got down in weight I found a 'happy point' and decided to move to maintenance. I knew I could lose more weight if I wanted but felt that my current weight was something I could easily maintain and still be able to eat and not feel deprived (I do like my treats now and then)... I also didnt want to get to a low point that I couldnt maintain and struggle with trying to stay there or getting disappointed that I had regained some. So again - maintaining is the hardest part in my opinion, much harder than losing the weight... so great job in keeping the weight off so far. Perhaps the metabolism test can shed some light on what *your* body needs and help shave a few additional pounds off.

Dear Jennifer:
Thank you for your help.  Where would I get my metabolism tested?

In my area the YMCA does it, some local bariatric surgeons as well as some fitness coaches that run 'boot camp' type programs. I would post to your local board and see if you get suggestions or check with your surgeon and see if they have any reccomendations. It cost me about $120 and it was worth every penny I spent.

hi there

congrats on your two year surgiversary.  im real sorry that you are feeling so down in the dumps but it does sound like you lost most of the weight that you wanted to lose.

are you trying to achieve a goal your doctor gave you, or your own goal???

this surgery is only a tool, and from extensive reading i have found that not all of us lose in the same way.  some people never lose all they want, and others cant stop losing and end up underweight.  it is really an enigma as to why this happens

i think at two years out your best bet is to find a plan that works for you.  using a nutrition tracker may help you.  those sites also have good advice on how to lose or maintain your weight.  im talking about fitday.com, sparkpeople and the daily plate.  many people here seem to track on them and i have from time to time.

it would seem to me, that if you are healthy and within a normal weight range that you should not beat yourself up too much.  it sure sounds like you have accomplished a lot with your weight loss..

i think we all reach a point where we have to find a workable solution to maintain our weight, for our body type.  i dont care what they say, i will never be a reedy thin person.  i have lost 122 pounds and im 2.5 years out now, and had a slight bounce back of 4 pounds over the summer.

im learning to live with it, but truth be told  146 pounds sure beats 268 which was where i was before surgery.

be safe and well, hugs, jacki

Happy Surgiversary to you!
Now comes the hard part of losing that last 25-30 pounds you can do it. I know you can.
Some questions for you....
Are you drinking with your meals? Be sure to follow the 30/30 rule
Increase your protien, reach for portein first then fresh veggies/fruits

Are you drinking alcolhol?

How much exercising do you do?

I don't agree with your Nut...you should have much more protein, we need it. I aim for 80-100 for protein and the rest all seems to follow. I really don't count my % anymore, just reach for protein frist and my Nut says the rest will all fall into place. Now this worked for me and might not for you. I just embrace my life style change, have learned moderation and yes I do eat carbs. We need them. I don't drink diet pop or alcohol. And...diet pop is not good for you anyway. Are you staying away from the pop?

If you are eating less and exercising more, tell us more in regards to that and maybe we can help you.