Does LW Mean the Pounds Come Off Slower?

Hi:

I started with a BMI of 40 at time of surgery and for the 1st 3 months, I was able to lose 50 pounds.  For the past month, I have lost NOTHING!  I exercise 4-5 days a week, added strength training 2x a week and try to walk at least 2 miles even on the days I don't feel like exercising.  I wonder because we start at lower weights than some who have WLS if dropping to a goal weight takes longer?  I do notice I am a bit hungrier now, and supplement with protein drinks/bars after exercise. I do love peanut butter as a protein but have the 2 tbsp serving only.  I am trying to get more than 64 oz of water in a day, but don't know what else to do to jumpstart the weight loss again.

Any tips?

Thank you!

We usually compare in percentages, you cant look at pounds. I think Linda had a post on this.

Stalls are common, make sure you are taking your measurements. Find other ways to measure your success, like how well you can exercise now. What else can you do that you couldnt before.

Maybe you need to shake up your menu. Try posting in miles and menus.

Or give us a typical day of eating, maybe some one can give you some good advice on what to change.

Good luck! I know it gets really frustrating. But sounds like you are doing every thing right.

Actually we usually get to goal faster, we just have less to lose.  Your body is probably just take a breather. Hang in there. Add another protein shake and increase your water a bit and see if it helps.

--gina

Read this: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/wls_lightweights/4659759/R epost-Do-Lightweights-lose-slower-OR-Its-not-POUNDS-its/

Btw, I reached my goal weight at 7 months out. lowest point at 15 months out. Many, MANY SMO either never reach normal or can take 2 + years to reac it. It just seems like we lose slower since we don't have nearly the weight to lose in the first place.

I never expected to hit a stall this early out on this journey.  I was under the impression since I had never dieted (accepted I was "large-framed) that my metabolism was okay and this would be easy-peasy to do.  If I just increased my exercise and decreased my food, viola, weigh tloss nirvana!  NOT!  I am doing more exercise than I have ever done in my life, going to the gym a couple of times a week and plan on getting a personal trainer for my Christmas gift (instead of Harry and David treats) but the scale isn't budging.  My protein is between 45-60 grams a day, and another member suggested having another protein shake during the day.  Would more protein slow you down further than help clear up the stall?

Actually you malabsorb nutrients...45-60 grams of protein is the MINIMUM for someone who has not had surgery at all. I would suggest getting between 80-120 grams of protein...and while you think that by eating more, you are actually giving your body what it needs and can kick start the weight loss again.

We have discovered that adding protein and lowering carbs, we tend to get the weight loss stall to break.

As far as stalls...I hit a stall at 7 months that lasted over 5 months. Then it started losing again. There is the infamous 3 week stall (the one we hit at three weeks out from surgery). Then there are other stalls.

Also take measurements monthly...the months I didn't lose or even gained a couple of pounds were the months I lost inches.

Upping protein is a good idea. IF I was only getting between 45-60, I wouldn't add one shake, I would add TWO or THREE!

Liz

Google "HIIT" High Intensity Interval Training. You don't need to work out long, but smart. If you do 5  minutes of exercise, with the third minute being flat out a hard as you can, you may be amazed at the results for your metabolism and your weight gain.

Thanks for all the suggestions!  Unfortunately, my surgery program has poor follow-up and uninformed NUT working with them.  Granted, they are new and getting started in the Bariatric field, but I was told something entirely different from what I am going through now post-op. I glean my information on what to do post-op from asking other WLS vets, research on ASMBS website and trial-by-error on what foods settle well with me.  I was just told to follow clear liquids for 10 days post-op, then add soft foods for a week before starting "regular" foods.  Except for 1 pre-op NUT appointment, I have yet to see one post-op to go over my diet.

 Being diabetic prior to surgery, I had a good idea of protein choices and lower carbs to eat, but what about those who have no insight into foods?  I am sure I have made some poor protein choices, i.e. peanut butter and too much cheese, but I am trying to work with what I got - me!  I eat limited protein-cheese, yogurt, fish and peanut butter. Most meats do not sit well with me yet.  I add some veggies when I have room or a slice of Ezekiel Bread to help with fiber concerns.

 Thankfully, my PCP works at a Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery (my insurance wouldn't cover surgery there) so she has a good idea of what my labs should look like post-op and has put me on a higher Vit. D3 after looking at my labs.  I have seen the surgeon post-op for a few visits and his advice is to follow the South Beach Diet, Phase 1 until I reach goal.  I don't know if that is reasonable to do, since that diet is not for the long-term, you spend more time in Phase 2. He also told me to have my gallbladder scanned at 6 months and contact him if any issues arise, which it did and I needed Prilosec for a 2 week course.  

In all, I am a little disappointed that the support promised post-op has not been there, but I do appreciate all the people on OH who take the time to share their experiences with newbies like me.  I am determined this is the LAST time I will be loosing such a significant amount of weight and I want this tool to work for the longest amount of time.

I think you're a lot smarter than the average NUT. You're going to do fine. 

--gina