**Hi Everyone!**

Hi Everyone,
    I am Lisa and I had a RNY procedure done on February 2nd.  I haven't posted much because I just haven't felt really like myself.  However, I am starting to feel more social and ready to chat about these huge changes in my life.  
     I am losing weight since surgery, but it's slow ~ only about 3 lbs a week.  Is that normal?  Has anyone experienced this only 6 weeks out from surgery?  I lost about 18 lbs pre-op, and about 23 lbs post-op.  I didn't concentrate on getting the amount of protein I was told to get (65-75gm daily****il I was past a month post-op.  Although I'm doing really good now with it (even if some of doesn't taste so good).  
     I also didn't think about exercise over the last 6 weeks while I was recovering, but I am getting ready to start a plan this week.  I have the big bouncy ball (I think I'm supposed to sit on) and a stationary bike.  I like to walk with friends, but I walk a lot at work so I wanted to change up the exercise a bit.  I was curious about that Jenny McCarthy Web Cam exercise program that scans your body and how you move to make sure you are moving right....Does anyone have this to give me some feedback?  
     Oh, and by the way, I work third shift so my responses and posts may be at odd times.  I hope that is okay with everyone, and thanks for reading!! 
~Lisa.

Hi Lisa! Thanks for sharing. I have no clue about the Web Can thing, s can't help you there. And as far as the ball, if you google it, you will be able to find lots of exercises that can be done with it, you'd be suprised!

The weight loss...Congrats on your progress thus far. Differentpeople lose at different rates, so its hard to say what "your" notmal is. I would venture to say that if you were not getting in enough protein, possibly water, and have not been exercising, that would all definately slow things down. To get the best boost in your weight loss, now is the time you really need to take advantage of your surgical tool by following all the advice. After 3 months out, weight loss will slow to about 1/2 of what it was the first 3 months. So work it girl! Now is the time to really start getting those healthy habits instilled and working in your favor. If you are not getting in enough protein you are probably "hanging onto" everything you can (your body is, that is) because it will be in starvation mode. There is no way you can eat enough food right now to get the protein and calories your body thinks it needs and does need, so the protein right now if increased, should boost your loss rate, as will incorporating exercise and activity. If your water intake is not enough, your body will hang onto fluids, thus reflecting less weight lost too.

As i said the first 3 months are the absolute fastest loss, so take advantage of it while you still can. I have the Wii with the active from eas, and i love it! I am going to get the fit plus too, when i am more able to get back to exercise other than walking and swimming. (I had Plastic surgery 6 weeks ago)

Glad to hear from you!
Kathy works night shift too, as do a few others, so go for it and post whenever you have time!
Let me know if I can help in any way.

lisa, welcome. i don't know about the web cam thingie either.

patrece said about all there is to say about the need for liquids, protein and exercise and the time factor. follow her advice and that should help alot.  your weight loss sounds like it is steady and that is good. it should pick up real soon.   congratulations on what you have lost so far.

it is good to have new people post. post a lot so we can get to know you.  i imagine your shift really makes it difficult to get everything in that you need to but you sound like you are willing to post replys whenever you can.  i will wait for any responses. thanks for the warning.

let me know if i can every be of help. vick

Hi Lisa, do your best to up the protein, water and exercise, easier said than done some days.  I too work the night shift.  The world in general is not set up for those of us that work nontraditional shifts.    What kind of work keeps you up at night?  I am a nurse.  I sometimes take my laptop to work to reply during break times.  Could see my reply any time of the day.

Wish I had great answers for your other questions, the others have already added great responses.  The web is a can be a great source for info on the ball exercises.  Hugs

Hi Lisa. My surgery was February 5th so we're pretty much on the same time frame. I have lost about 32 lbs since surgery which is slower than some. But I know my body and it's usual pattern in ANY form of wieght loss is to lose, then stall for a week or two, then repeat over and over. So I had warned myself ahead of time to expect the same pattern after surgery and sure enough, that's what happened.

Like everyone else said, try to get in all your protein and fluids and start with your exercise and hopefully that will help. Some of us just lose slower, but we still lose and that's the important thing. I'm having trouble getting in real animal protein right now, which is what my nutritionist says slows my weight loss. She wants me to eat more meat and eggs and less veggie protein like soybased protein foods. I'm trying but fish and ground beef are about the only meats I seem to be able to handle right now. Everything else feels stuck, or causes the foamies. Soft foods go down fine, but she says the carb/protein ratio is too high on the carb side with those. Have you seen your nut. to go over what you are eating? She might be able to give you some advice to.

Congrats on your success so far. Don't worry about WHEN you post, just post as much as you can so we get to know you. Glad you are starting to feel like yourself again!

Hugs,
Rhonda

Welcome to the group and congratulations on your weightloss so far.  I lose a little more slowly than other people do as well.  It's so much easier if you just accept that it isn't just going to melt off and you are just going to lose at a little slower rate than others.  Just get your protein in, exercise when you can, drink your fluids and you will be fine.  I'm 5.5 months out and have only lost 73 pounds.  I feel like it should be more but on the other hand, WOW!  I lost 73 pounds!  You will do great, I promise.  23 pounds is nothing to sneeze at!
Colleen