Stalled weight loss once I started working out

Ok, so for those of you who have read my previous posts you know I was on all liquids, then mostly liquids with semi-soft protein.  This week I started working out everyday for about 30 minutes and I noticed that I am not losing weight.  I don't think I am getting enough calories.  My energy was so high at first, but now I am really feeling sluggish and irritable.  So I am going to continue with the protein shakes, but also add a high protein/low carb meal at night.  A full solid protein source in addition to my shakes and protein snacks.  I think I'll lay off all the sugar free popsicles and just stick with shakes, protein, and Crystal Lite.  I was getting 800-1000 calories each day, but for the next 2 weeks I am going to up that limit to 1000-1500.  I am going to kind of follow at Atkins style plan.  I also have been reading a lot about diabetes because I have all the symptoms and my husband is concerned.  Well, according to my recent research, fat and protein are the keys to stabilizing your blood sugar.  Why then are so many post-ops eating low fat and fat free?  I have always felt that I get more satisfaction (and therefore eat less) when I eat the full fat versions of cheese, milk, cottage cheese, etc.  I remember right after surgery I lost weight regardless of what I ate.  I had horrible guidelines back then and still lost weight for the 1st 6 months.  Then it stopped completely at 80 lbs lost and I realized I had to do something to get the additional weight off.  I remember specifically choosing to follow the Atkins plan and lost the additional 30 lbs.  I also distinctly remember having the energy to do a strenuous workout every weekday morning.  So for my next experiment (lol) I am going to spend the next 2 weeks following a high protein, very low carb, full fat diet with my calories restricted to 1500 or less, still getting in my protein shakes and a regular solid meal each day.  I will keep you guys posted on how it's going every few days.

Dragonfly - the bottom line is that we must listen to our bodies and do what our body tells us is best for us.  Sounds as though that is exactly what you are doing   Keep it up and keep us posted 

Dragonfly:

You are doing great!

I did want to comment on the stall since exercising -- don't forget that lean muscle weighs more than fat...you may want to measure yourself so you can see progress that may not show up on the scale initially.  Also, remember that you will be burning calories when exercising...you have to provide your body with enough fuel for it to use while exercising. 

Good luck!  :)

Hi Dragonfyl, sounds like you are working on tweaking your food plan, and also keeping your motivation tank full.  Best wishes to you...  I've found that balance and variety have helped me maintain my weight loss.  So, maybe after the "Atkin-like" approach to drop the additional weight, consider what a "maintenance" food plan looks like...

And you're right, for me, that doesn't mean "low-fat, low-calories, no-taste foods"... Heck, I eat bacon!

Hi Dragonfly,

Thanks for your post.  A couple of things come to mind that I'd like to share with you.

After we've had surgery, if a malabsorptive procedure, our malabsorption rate is at the highest it will ever be.  That is why we lose weight so rapidly and easily.  Our bodies adjust and the malabsorption rate decreases somewhat.  Being approximately one year to 18 months out, it goes to calories in and calories out.  It matters what we eat and in what proportions.  Lean proteins give us more satiety so are a great nutrition bang for our calorie buck. 

Do you journal your food?  I do and it helps me to see the proportion of protein, carbs and fat.  Obviously, fat has 9 calories to the 4 calories of carbs and protein so I watch my fat intake in general.  I agree with you in eating full fat versions of some food that give me more satisfaction than their lesser fat versions.  However, I do watch my fat intake as I do with my carbs.  If you journal your food, you'll be able to monitor what proportion of protein, and especially carbs and fats, work best for you.

Depending on your activity level, age, etc., 1,500 calories may be just fine or may be too little or too much.  I am short and at my goal weight.  I eat a maximum of 1,300 calories per day.  I don't eat 1,300 every day or I would gain weight.  I also don't eat proteins that are high in fat (including regular bacon and eat turkey bacon). 

Each of us is different and our caloric and nutritional needs are unique.  I would suggest logging your food in a program such as FitDay (what I use and soon to be HealthTracker on OH in the future).  Monitor your weight, hunger/satiety throughout the day, and your proportions to see what is best for you.  If you do this, you'll be able to achieve and maintain maintenance.

Cathy

Thanks for all the great advice and tips.  I didn't think about gaining muscle, which would weigh more.  I do track my food, but I prefer the old paper and pencil journaling as opposed to online.  I track my protein, carbs, and calories.  I don't really track fat, but had been trying to choose low fat and fat free dairy.  I don't really enjoy it, and I think the added fat helps me stay satisfied.  I don't think I'll go as far as eating bacon or super high fat meats yet just because I still have so much to lose.  However, I would like some lean ground beef or marinated chicken.  Plus, I really don't like low fat salad dressings.  I love oil and vinegar dressings or cream dressings, but I only use a little.  So, instead of avoiding salads because of the dressing, I will enjoy my favorites in moderation.  Plus, like one of you pointed out, I need to be thinking about maintainance.  I need to formulate a plan I can stick with so it's not a "diet" that I am going off of as soon as I hit my goal.  It doesn't really matter if it takes longer to get there as long as I maintain it this time!  Again, I am so happy for all the support here!