Help please

Hello!  I had my RNY 7/6/05.  I never got to goal but always hovered between 190-195.  I gained up to 203 all of a sudden so I have been working out 4-5 times a week for about a month and a half now.  I still weigh 200!  This is very frustrating! I understand that if I am gaining muscle back, I might not see the scale move but this sure seems ridiculous! Can anyone help me out or give me tips?   20 minutes cardio (usually elliptical)
20-25 weight lifting alternating lower body/upper body

I work out on my lunch break so I have to fit it in to less than 1 hour.

I don't keep track of calories, I just eat sensibly and watch the carbs in the meals that I eat.
For example
Breakfast: Protein shake made with milk and a yogurt

Snack: 1 Piece of string cheese and a few grapes (10-15)

Lunch: Usually a Lean Cuisine meal with the lowest carbs/highest protein that I can find

Snack: Banana

Supper: Meat and a vegetable.  We have chicken alot but change it up sometimes

Thanks!

Hi Tina! It sounds like you're doing a fantastic job on working out! Even though you haven't lost many pounds, do your clothes fit different? Do you feel more tone and firm? It sounds like you don't eat alot during the day~I keep a pretty rigorous workout schedule and require alot more calories than that~have you tried upping your calories to see what will happen? I'm sure you  have gained muscle and that's great b/c your body will naturally burn more calories all on its own. I'm sure you'll see the scale moving downward very soon if you keep up the good work!!!!

Thank you all so much!  Do you think adding another protein shake will help with the calories or should I add another snack like a hard boiled egg or something?
I REALLY appreciate the suggestions!
Tina

I think you can add whatever you're comfortable with and whatever will work for you as long as its high protein and good solid calories. Try it for this week and then let us know how it goes!!!

I'm about to throw you a curve ball.  # 1 it does not sound like you are getting enough calories which will stall your loss.  #2 instead of 20 mins of cardio and upper and lower change your routine to 30 mins of cardio working your upper body one day and lower body on an alternate day.

I agree - try adding some more protein like 1/2 a protein drink in with your snacks and maybe before bed. You need to eat enough or your body will hang on to what it has.  Also, more cardio - I would do MWF - an hour of cardio and T & TH weights. Your muscles also need 24 hours to recoup after you work them so switching from day to day will work better instead of working the same muscles everyday.

Good luck - sounds like you are motivated!

Diona

Diona,

Thanks!  I do the cardio everyday and alternate upper body one day and lower body the next day with weights after my cardio.  It sounds like everyone agrees that I need more time for cardio but I have to fit my workout into less than one hour due to that fact that I work out on my lunch break.

Thanks again!
Tina