Question:
I had an open RNY on October 4, 2001. I have only lost 30 lbs.

I drink my water and my diet. I haven't lost anything in 3 weeks. What am I doing wrong? I am so frustrated. Any suggestions. I eat plain oatmeal for breakfast, 1/2 a lean cuisine meal for lunch and whatever my family eats for dinner, a very small portion?? Shannon    — Shannon M. (posted on December 17, 2001)

December 17, 2001
Hi Shannon, Maybe you are taking in more than you realize? Are you measuring your dinner and breakfasts? Are you eating or drinking anything with calories in between meals? I have 4 oz. of food for each of my 3 meals. Or maybe you have hit an early plateau if you are closely monitoring your caloric intake and still not losing... I'm sure in that case it will begin again soon. Just keep it up. Maybe your body is just trying desperately to hold onto those pounds, you know? Good luck!
   — Jennifer H.

December 17, 2001
Shannon, sounds like you are doing very well! It sounds like you are hitting your first plateau. Many of us have them and if you increase your protein, continue drinking your water, and walk, or do some aerobics you will break it soon. Perhaps, your cycle has been "rearranged" too. Many of us experience a delay in getting our periods and hormones straightened out. You could be retaining water from this. Don't be discouraged....you will succeed!
   — [Anonymous]

December 17, 2001
You are getting the 64+ oz of water? And protein supps, I don't see any protein listed. Also, vitamins and calcium? If you're JUST doing food, you may be hoarding because the foods are not delivering much in the way of nutrition. If your body detects a shortage in any nutritional elements OR hydration, it will store everything you put in. Once you are "rich" in those things, your body will feel free to spend calories. That being said, is there any possiblity of mechanical failure? Staple line disruption or the like?
   — vitalady

December 17, 2001
I looked at your profile and your BMI was barely above 40. Don't compare apples to oranges. You are not going to lose at the same rate as people who have a starting weight of 450 pounds. I had my operation about two weeks after you and have lost about the same amount as you and my BMI was 51. Don't let the scale rule your life. Pay close attention to the amount you eat, your water and exercise. If you continue to do everything right, you will lose the weight. I know that I weigh less than I have in the past three years. It doesn't matter that someone else on this site lost twice as much as me in the same amount of time. For MY BODY, I am doing really well.
   — [Anonymous]

December 17, 2001
I had surgery on October 26. I lost 30 pounds the first 4 weeks. I went 3 weeks without losing any weight. I did lose inches though. This week I weighed and have started losing again. As long as I am doing what I am supposed to do and am either losing inches or weight I am not going to worry about it. Everyone is different and will lose at different rates.
   — blank first name B.

December 18, 2001
Shannon, I notice that when I eat carbs, I really won't lose. You stated that you eat oatmeal for breakfast. Is this flavored oatmeal? If so you have to watch out. number 1 oatmeal is construed as a carb and number two if it is flavored it usually has about 20-25 grams of sugar in it. How about your lean cuisine? Does it usually come with rice/noodle? If so that might be hindering your weight loss. I've learned that if I start my day off with protein. I usually eat two hard boiled egg whites, following a protein shake 2 hours later. I've noticed that If I do not get the adequate amount of protein and water including excersise I won't lose. Hope this helps LAP RNY 4/16/01 298-189
   — Kristina P.

December 18, 2001
Lean Cuisine...aren't they loaded with sodium? You could be retaining waiter.
   — Janice P.