Really down

Hi all.  I have been sort of in hiding.  I'm really down in the dumps right now. 

My appetite has increased dramatically over the last few days and my weight loss is at a stand still.  I'm so depressed about being constantly hungry and I don't know if I'm doing something wrong, or maybe the honeymoon period is already over for me.  I'm trying to stick with protein only but feel like I'm "starving."

If anybody has gone through this or has any suggestions, it would be greatly appreciated.  I sure do hope I didn't go through all this for a 60 pound weight loss.

Colleen

Colleen,
I'm sorry things are so hard for you right now. I'm sure you are not already out of the honeymoon period! As you know, I haven't had my RNY yet, but I've been researching for many months and seen lots of posts from people who were upset and thought they were not going to lose anymore. It's only been less than 4 months for you so far, right? I would say you are probably just in a stall while your body needs time to adjust. And you have the trouble with vertigo right, that keeps you from exercising like you want to. I'd say your biggest problem is feeling hungry. Are you sure it is real hunger and not "head hunger"? If you think it is real, what exactly are you eating on average? Have you figured how many calories, protein grams, carbgrams, etc. you are getting on a typical day? Can you eat fat okay or does it make you dump? When I did Atkins for a year, it was the fat as much as the protein that made me feel full and satisfied. I've seen some RNY'ers say they eat fat for that reason and have no problems. Others dump on fat just like sugar and can't eat it.
Also, it could be that you are not getting enough protein or even enough calories all together. Why not take a close look at a normal day, figure your numbers and post what you find. I'm sure you'll get a lot of advise and maybe someone can help you figure out how to jumpstart your loss again. In the meantime - 60 lbs is great!! Celebrate and rejoice in being 60lbs lighter and having 60 lbs less for your body to cope with! That is a great accomplishment, be proud of it. And no, you didn't do "all this" for just a 60 lb loss! You will start to lose again and in a few months you'll look back on this time and wonder why you were so worried. Hang in there girl and don't let this get you down. You have come so far in such a short time and you will go all the way!!! Don't let that little devil on your shoulder whisper that this is it - because the best is still to come, so you just get ready for it. Picture yourself stepping on the scale and seeing your goal weight. Holding up a pair of "fat" pants and letting them drop to reaveal the new skinny you, posting your before and after pictures here on OH. Think so many good and positive thoughts that the bad negative thoughts get kicked out because there is no room left for them! You can and will do this. You are strong and you have made it this far, and you will make it all the way.

Hugs,
Rhonda

Chin up my dear friend! After around 3 months out wieght loss does slow to about half of what it was the first 3 months. At least this is what my surgeon told me, and it did prove to be pretty accurate for me. Plateaus happen. Be sure you are getting in enough protein. At the point you are in post surgery, when I stalled out, I'd take an extra protein shake each day. My wiehgt loss would almost always start again. You are not going to stop losing yet. Hang in there! 

The fact that you feel you are starving also makes me wonder if you are getting enough dense protein (food sources like meat and eggs and cheese). You may also need to add a touch of fiber / grains to your intake to help hold you over. (1/4 slice whole grain bread with your meal, as an example).
How many meals, snacks and shakes does your doctor have you taking in each day?
If it is only 3 meals a day and that is all, try adding in 2 healthy protein based snacks, such as yogurt,m cottage cheese, turkey or chicken slices, rediced fat cheese slices.
Also double check that you are getting in the amount of food you should be at this point. You may also consider calling your nutritionist and asking for advice.
Hope some of these ideas help you. Cheer up, the loss will pick back up for you! Our bodies need a break now and then from all the loss. and 60 lbs in what? 4 months is it? is awesome! you are going to be okay. Just gotta figure out how to get you not feeling hungry.

When i posted my reply I saw Rhonda's...GREAT adivice and encouragement!

Hi Colleen, I have no great advice that hasn't been posted here already.  Just letting you know that I have the same feelings some days.  Our bodies are adjusting.  Look at all the wonderful changes you have made for your health.  Thanks for feeling safe enough to come vent/share with us.  Heads up, hugs from MN, Kathy

Thanks to all of you for answering my cry for help.  I'm doing better today.  I'm getting ready to go out with my mom for a couple of hours and will write more later.

Hugs to all!

Colleen

collene, you have already gotten plenty of good advice. i just want to say that i hope you will start feeling bettr all the time. you are a very nice person and you deserve it. vick