WHEN will it happen? Advice please . . .

 I love this forum and hope to get some words of wisdom from you lightweights!  I started a 2 month pre-op weight loss program in mid-September, 2011 at a beginning weight of 248.  At surgery (RNY) on December 20th, I was 218 and today, at one month post-op I am 208.  I am 58 years old,  5' 4.5" and have a goal weight in mind of 135, which means that I need to lose an additional 73 lbs.  I am exercising 4x a week for up to 45 minutes at a time on the treadmill or exercise bike, plus walking the hills around my home.  Energy is still a problem -- I have been off work for 4 weeks and will start back to work (and school full-time) tomorrow.  I am getting between 75 and 115 grams of protein a day and 64+ ounces of water.  I am careful to get all of my vitamins (Bariatric Advantage).  Am I doing OK?  Is there anything else I should be doing?  

I am so very restless and anxious to do this right, but as I read this fabulous forum, I am trying to come to grips with the realization that I probably am doing everything OK, but I just need to have patience and confidence that I am doing everything I can!  Thanks for any advice you can send my way!

It sounds like you're doing everything right. Are you drinking shakes and eating mostly protein food? About how many carbs are you eating a day?

--gina

This sounds so familiar!!  LOL.

I think for some lightweights the weight just flies off.  For some of us who may have some comorbidities or metabolism or hormonal issues, the weight may just take a bit longer to get off.  This is the theory that I have come up with anyways.  I am a high protein gal, work out 4-5 days a week, starting running!!, and am low carbing it pretty good.   The weight has been slow coming off and at times the scale didnt move or would go up two, down one.  BUT, this I can say.....it keeps slowly coming off.  My body changes (gets smaller) when I a not losing.  I am also 5 foot 4 and our stats are similar.  I am NOT giving up and I am keeping on.  I had to put the scale though in the garage for a 6 week break in October and only weigh every few weeks to NOT focus on the ## and instead focus on my my improved health and stamina.  And today, I saw a medical student at work who we had worked with about 18 months ago.  I didn't think anything about it but he said you have lost a lot of weight and you look great.  It is sometimes validating to hear such things to remind me that, yes I have changed, and yes I AM healthier.

SO,  don't give up, try to not compare yourself to others, and please stay on this board. Also, one thing to REALLY remember, there is often a stall at the 3-4 weeks post surgery and I bet the weight starts coming off again steady soon.

Keep on keeping on!!!

~~Jennifer

It sounds like you're doing good.  You're only one month out, and and lost 10 lbs which is good..  I lost a lot during pre-op, then slowed down until my doc told me to up my exercise.   I started adding weight training to my exercise routine, and ever since I did that, my weight has been flying off. 

Currently I exercise 3 times a week - 45 min cardio, then 45 min weights ... then a nice long shower!

Wow! and Congrats on your success so far!
You are doing great and keep following your plan and you will get to goal.

~Maria

Energy was a problem for me for quite a while.  I swear my level came up when my D3 came up so if that was low, you may be sure you are getting enough dry D3 to get it up.  Plus, you just had major surgery and have dramatically changed how you are fueling your body.  All that takes time.  Be prepared to get some good sleep once school and work start back, you will need it.

My best advice is to keep on keeping on.  The weight comes off for some faster than others, but it comes off.  If you are doing the things in your plan and the things we talk about, you will lose.  More than likely, you will get to goal.  RNY honeymoon is 12-18 months and that is a long way away.  Just keep on keeping on and it will happen.  And come here when you need to whine, complain or have questions.  We have been there and know the drill.

Sounds like you are doing great!!!    Congrats on your success.  Cindy

Sounds like you are doing a great job.  Just hang in there and you will be at your goal before you know it.  Try not to compare yourself to others.  We all lose differently.

Congratulations on your success so far!!

Linda