Question:
Okay - I need some tough love from my AMOS friends

I am appx 4 months post op (open RNY) and I have only lost 57 lbs. I am getting very little exercise, only drinking 35-45 0z of water per day - only eating 2X per day - usually a protien bar for lunch and 1/4 open face sandwich for dinner and an occasional snack of 1 celery stick with peanut butter at night. I feel like a loser because I'm not losing - like a big 'ol fat toad. I am only lost 7-8 lbs last month and 3 lbs so far this month. So, I need some advice on how to get back on track - or maybe I just need someone to kick me in the butt (it's a pretty large butt at this point!) Thanks!!    — Traci A. (posted on September 10, 2002)

September 10, 2002
I think you should think about your weight loss, when was the last time you lost 57 pounds in 4 months, your still losing, it's just that your body is still adjusting to the surgery and you are probably losing inches too, keep your chin up, the extra weight will come off, remember as long as your losing slow you body has a chance to tighten up better, so there will be less loose skin to deal with.. good luck and don't worry your doing fine we all lose at a different rate!!!
   — bikerchic

September 10, 2002
Hey Hey Hey now stop beating your self up......I am a slow loser too and went through the same pitty pot as you are going through but with all the help from our friends on amos and all the support from them and our familys and dr i have realized i cannot obess over this...Our bodies are all different and therefore we are all going to lose at different paces, you are doing great, be proud of your success so far and keep up the good work... ps...<<kicks you in the bootie>>
   — Deanna Wise

September 10, 2002
Don't be depressed. I think you are doing great!
   — obsessivekompulsive

September 10, 2002
OK Traci Jo - you are in big trouble!! I'm here to kick your butt into gear! You have exactly 2 weeks to find us a dance class or some other kind of exercise activity for us to do - or I'm taking you to Taekwondo class! And if you don't start doing better on your water I am going to tell Mom - or worse yet - DAD! But, seriously, you aren't doing that bad - at least you are eating your protein bar every day and you are taking your vitamins - right? And you have started drinking more milk too - right? Once we start exercising you will feel better - and it will speed up our loss too! So don't beat up on yourself too bad - that's my job!! (in case nobody else knows, I'm her sister and I'm very proud of her!)
   — Kim A.

September 10, 2002
Just a thought, but you may have gone into "starvation mode" if you're not eating enough. Try increasing your calories with emphasis on more protein and be sure to drink more water. That should get your metabolism going again.
   — LLinderman

September 10, 2002
Okay, here I am...I am going to say something I swore I would never say: This surgery is only a tool and you have to take a little responsibility in making yourself successful. But, you can do a few simple things and you should see your weight loss pick up: 1) EAT MORE. Hungry or not, eat a small protein dense meal 4x/day. The previous poster was right on about starvation mode, plus you really need to get that protein in! 2) EXERCISE MORE. I don't know what you mean when you say very little, but do a little more. You don't have to go running a marathon every day, but get out there an walk briskly for even ten minutes a day to get you into a routine. 3) DRINK YOUR WATER. Again, make this a routine, fit it in wherever you can. You must get at least 64 ounces a day - not so much even for your weight loss, but for your health. That said, 57 pounds is nothing to be ashamed of, in fact it's FABULOUS. But, in order to continue losing and to maintain a long term loss, you have to start your good habits now. Best of luck to you. :)
   — PaulaM

September 10, 2002
I agree with the last poster about the starvation mode thing. In my opinion (may or may not be right), I would add some "fats" to your diet. In my case, I ate ALOT of meat. That gave me some fats, and lots of protein. (Did'nt do protein sups). As far as exercising... I did'nt ether. I was the walking dead for about 12 months and had no energy at all. But I would say, STOP EATING ONLY TWICE A DAY! Eat 4-6 smaller meals a day, and space them out. That way your body won't think it's starving... as it currently IS. If you can't eat much (and you probally can't) then maybe eat two or three slices of a deli type ham/turkey or whatever. (NO BREAD- JUST MEAT). Often those things will have 5 grams of protein per slice! Now imagine eating 15 grams of protein 6 times a day.... you will have 90 grams of protein! YES!!! And your body will not think it's starving. More than likely you will drop some weight. It sure worked for me! Also, I liked to eat one or two ounces of cheese for snacks. Don't waste your pouch on breads or carbohydrates this early on. (You can do that after another couple months). You NEED PROTEIN! Good luck! :)
   — Danmark