frustrated-please help

 I had my surgery on 3/3/10 and since then, according to my scale, I have lost 76lbs. and for the last 2 weeks or so it has just stopped. I eat only what I am told and drink only what I am told and I exercise at least 3 times a day. Please help! Is this normal and will it keep going down soon or is that all I am going to lose? I am new to this and I do not understand what is happening. 

You've lost 76lbs since 3/3/10?? That's amazing!! No wonder you are in a stall now. Your body is trying to get its bearings and adjust to the sudden, massive weight loss. Keep on doing what you are doing and you will see the pounds drop off again.

 I am just worried that I am not getting enough protein in my diet. I am supposed to be drinking 3 whey protein shakes per day at 4oz each but every time I drink one I get sick and vomit. What is the best way to get in my protein without the shakes? Also I cannot work out my abs for another 3 weeks or so but I have been walking, working out my arms and legs and sometimes when I get up to use the restroom I will jog in place for a few minutes. That is all I can do at this point without getting winded to much to where I cannot breathe. I am on the puree diet now and it stinks. My normal protein for a day is 1/2 of an egg or 1-2 oz of tuna or 1-2 oz of grilled chicken. Any other protein suggestions? I hope I start loosing again soon because it is very discouraging to see the scale either not move or say I have gained 5-10 lbs. 

I can't give you much advice with the protein drinks because I don't like them either. Luckily, my doctor does not consider them necessary for my type of surgery (VSG). Other good sources of protein are: Greek yoghurt, cottage cheese, cheese of any kind, milk of course, egg whites, meats, poultry and fish, nuts, peanut (or any nut) butter and legumes. I'm sure others will add to this list. Your exercise regime sounds great! (It's certanly better than mine! LOL)
A word of advice: don't weigh yourself every day, you will go nuts! Weight fluctuates, sometimes as much as 5% or even 10% of your body weight depending on fluid retention. If you are near your period, for instance, you may see a sudden weight gain. Don't freak out. It's normal and it will drop in a few days.  Just stick with the food plan your doc gave you and you will do great!
   

it is very important that you get in at least 60 g of protein, your doc might set  a different amount. if you don't your body can start attacking your muscles for protein and your heart is nothing but a big heart.  i use non flavored when protein and put it in fruit salad that i make once a week. that is 20g right there. then i put it in the freezer for 35 minutes and the clumps come right out.  you can mix it in hot cereal or anything. try adding powdered milk to hot cereal.  drink milk it has protein,  hard cheese is a good source of protein.  please be sure you get in your protein. it is so very important for your life and for your weight loss.  i use syntrax medical grade whey protein that is unflavored. you can even put it in mashed potatoes, chili or anything. you just cant put it in stuff that is too hot  good luck.  vick

 the only kind of protein powder i have found is the flavored kind so just to try ..this morning i took a cup of sugar free chocolate pudding and 16 oz of milk and 2 scoops of powder and mixed it all in a blender..i made enough to have one later today but that 16oz has 64 grams of protein in it so im thinking that maybe adding the pudding will help it go down better and it sure makes it taste a lot better..so i will have to do what i can to make sure i fini**** all before i go to bed tonight...my dr says for rny i should be eating every 2-3 hours but only a little at a time...what do yall think??

Amanda, try refried beans with chredded cheese on top, protein in the beans and cheese, if you are a fan of sour cream, replace any sour cream with unflavored greek yogurt, very high in protein with low calories, also comes in fat free.

Greek yogurt flavored with crystal light powder or sugar free jello powder.  Adding sugarfree cheesecake puddins powder = close to cheesecake.  There are sugar free coffee syrups that can be used to flavor vanilla protein.  Check out Pam T.(here on OH)  for a list of lots of protein drink recipes.

The best way to break a plateau is to increase protein, increase fluids and/or change up your exercise.  Get your body out of the current rut.  There will also be times where your body needs time to adjust to all the changes taking place.  you are doing fantastic in the losing.  Try to not weigh daily.   I know the emptation is there.  Relax and enjoy the ride.  Your body is in starvation mode, trying to retain everything it has, thinking there may not be another meal or drink of fluids.  Trick it by making slight changes and the loss will restart.  Log your food and fluids, spread things out over the day to keep your engine(body) well fueled and running at peak performance. 

You are doing great.  Hugs

Take a deep breath and relax.. you got great advice above! the one thing I;'d like to add to set your mind at ease is this... You will hit stalls / plateaus on and off throughout this process. It is normal. I hit my first at 11 days out from surgery, it lasted 1 1/2 weeks. Then off i went again losing losing losing.. I am now down 112 lbs in a size 10 pant and feeling great. It'll be okay...it really will. IF the plateau goes for more than 4 weeks, thats when you have to start looking at what is going on. Not getting in enough water and protein will contribute. So get that protein in however you can!
Try mixing plain, unflavored protein into other food items you are eating. Make an orange crystal light, and mix a scoop of vanilla protein in it and it tastes like an orange creamsicle pretty much. I really enjoy that combo!

hang in there... this too shall pass! Your body must have time to adjust.
Hugs!