Question:
Need support and help PLEASE!!

I am post op since June 2 2002 and did very wel the first six months. Was diagnosed with a SLD and had that repaired in April 2003. Since then I have not lost a single pound. I am not eating any carbs at all and eat around 900 calories in protein everyday and then have a protein drink of some type. I walk three miles a day 4 times a week and go to curves 3 times a week. I am totally disgusted with myself and my progress. Yes i am thankful for what i have lost 90 since surgery and 138 since my all time high however I am still seeking to get to a goal of 140 and have another 25 to lose yet. The doctor suggested a Metobolic cart test at the hospital and is in the process of scheduling it. I have search on the internet and really cant find any info on them. I need the support and help from anyone at this point before I drive myself and my family insane!! Thanks so much CIndy O    — cindy O. (posted on October 24, 2003)

October 23, 2003
Where did the 140 goal weight number come from? Is this the Met Life goal weight, 80% of your excess lost, or some other weight? My point being - how realistic is 140 for you? I am still 60 pounds over the Met Life goal weight for me and a year post op. I am thrilled that I have lost almost 130 pounds, but am still considered obese. I eat right, follow the rules, go to the gym 5 hours a week and I have to remind myself not to be dissapointed. Do you have a lot of extra skin? That will account for some of the excess. I definitely have hanging skin that needs to be removed. I think that my body just isn't meant to be thin. I constantly compare myself to 'normal' people who are thin or at an acceptable weight, eat junk food and never exercise and I get a little jealous. Good luck to you.
   — Yolanda J.

October 23, 2003
Sounds like he is testing you for thyroid disfunction and other factors that affect your metabolism. My insurance company and my doctor never set a goal weight for me to be at. I see alot of people talk about thier goal weights the doctor has set for them. Your metabolism may have slowed and that can be corrected with medication. Hope this helps!
   — Danna S.

October 24, 2003
I read your profile and it does not say how tall you are, but at 165, you seem to be a size 10-12. That may just be what your body is comfortable with and 140 may not be realistic for you. Instead of being disgusted, congratulate yourself. I think you have done very well. Besides, after plastics, you will probably go down another size. Aside from the tests the doctor wants to do, you may want to try upping the cardio portion of your exercise program - walking does not get the heart rate up high enough and Curves, from what I understand is circuit training. Try a cross trainer or walking uphill on a treadmill or jogging. The heart pumping exercise will raise the metabolism and that will burn calories more efficiently. I stopped purposely at size 10. My doctor wanted me to lose 15 more, and I said no, I like what I look like and I like to eat! The lower you go, the less calories you can have to maintain the weight.
   — Cindy R.

October 24, 2003
Well, it seems to me you're not eating enough, especially given all the exercising you're doing! you do need some carbs, the good kind. are you getting any vegies, whole grains, or fruits? I don't have time to look up the exact #s, but I know we need around 1500 calories/day or more just to maintain at rest. I'd suggest cautiously adding a few carb and fat calories, perhaps 100-200/day up to 1500-1800, and trying this for a few weeks and see how that goes. You can always cut back if it backfires. I also agree that we are not all meant to be thin and that goal weights are often unrealistic. The people I know who are at chart weight are extremely thin; the normal looking ones are as much as 40 lbs heavier!
   — Chris T.

October 24, 2003
I am 4 mos post op and eating 1000 calories a day. If you are exercising, I would add at least another protein drink. You are probably in starvation mode.
   — mrsmyranow