Question:
Does anyone scared that they will not lose the weight they thought they would?

Please...no harsh responses....I'm 5 foot and I was 210 the day of surgery 09/15/03. As of today I'm at 176. So I'm starting my 8th week post op. I was totally ready and educated prior to having my bypass but for some unknown reason, I'm stuggling to do the things I need to do. I can not explain why but it takes everything in me to get up and get something to eat. Even when my body it telling me to. Am I lazy???? Is this normal??? I think on average I'm eating 300-350 calories a day which is outrageous!! I don't want to hurt myself but it feels like an uphill battle with myself. I know nobody can do it but me but it is unreal how my opportunity to lose the weight I've needed to lose so bad all these years is finally here and I don't want to comply. It has gotten so crazy because I have a hard time exercising because it zaps me so hard because of my low intake. I'm happy about the weight loss, but honestly feel a little disappointed because I'm losing so slowly and I know I'm the one to blame. Now I'm terrified that at this rate I'll never get close to my goal. I'll be lucky it I make it to 160. I drank protein drinks prior to surgery and could manage just fine. I'm not picky at all. But now...FORGET IT! I can't stand them. What is wrong with me???? Does anyone think a dietician would be helpful or am I just stubborn & lazy?????    — Lola C. (posted on November 3, 2003)

November 3, 2003
Missy, first of all, you need to eat more. Your body is in starvation mode and will hold on to everything it can get. Secondly, that may be the reason for your fatigue, but you may also need to check into your vitamins. You could be low on iron which will cause you to be tired all the time. Add that to being only 8 weeks out and your bound to be tired. It took a good 3 months for me to regain my energy. As for your question: Yes a dietician would be helpful, they could give you an idea on how much to eat at this point.
   — RebeccaP

November 3, 2003
Hey Dear, I agree totally with the first poster. It sounds like you need to be eating a little more. Don't stuff yourself just eat until you feel full and stop immediately!! You are going to hit plateaus that it seems no matter what you do the weight won't budge but just be patient and it will start to fall off again. My surgeon pushes protein, protein, protein and it seems to work for me. I am at goal at 14 months out and I am so happy!! Just hang in there and you will be too..Best of luck to you..
   — Sharon1964

November 3, 2003
I'm not being harsh but I will be honest with you! 1st of all Congratulations on your weight loss. I'm sure you researched this surgery and you had to know you would be zapped for the 1st 4-6 weeks. Rest is a must, when your body says too, but unless you have a medical problem, that keeps you from getting up and moving...You should make yourself eat, drink and exercise. You have pretty much said that you are lazy, now it's time to nip this problem in the bud! Only you can be a success. Not eating, drinking or exercising will only harm you, but you know that. Were you motivated before surgey to do what it takes to loose and become healthy? You should have been! This surgery did not promise you instant weight loss and happiness. You must abide by the Drs rules to a T and do your part! I'm 8 days shy of my 9th month as a post op and I too could care less about food and still do, but I'm also a realistic person and know I have to feed my body for my well being and health. I also exercise as much as I can to strengten and tone myself. I never expected my weight to just fall off..I knew I would have to work at it. I started on my 1st day home with a mile walk. I took it slow and used good common sense. Now, I walk/jog/bike/water aerobics/weight train every day. I'm 53 and if I can do it...You can too! Put your obes picture of before where you can see it daily to remind you of why you had this surgery. Good health should be your answer and a longer healthier life! This is Your life and you have control of it. Seeing a dietician will help, also. But, if it is a matter of just plain lazziness, the ball's in your court! Good Luck!
   — Hazel S.

November 3, 2003
More food, girlfriend! 2 months out, I would expect you'd be at 800 calories a day. Also, you are losing slow, but you didn't have as much to lose as others. Finally, how did you have this operation without having a dietician? Are you taking your supplements?
   — mrsmyranow

November 3, 2003
I had open rny on 10-3-03 and I feel like crap too and I also drank the protein shakes preop but they make me sick now and I have tried all the samples.I just hate the taste. The bariatric coordinator assures me that this is normal and I will be able to tolerate the shakes later and told me not to dump the mix out.I still try everyday. Right now I manage atleast one shake a day with the minimum of 4 ozs. of water and I hold my breath to swallow it. YUCK>> but i have noticed that I feel better later on in the day after the shake. So please try.
   — loisph

November 4, 2003
The first two weeks after surgery is a liquid diet, next two week semi soft foods, and then you should be eating (2 ozs - 3 ozs) of regular foods. I supplements include: Centrum Chewables, Caltrate 600 Plus chewables and B12 1000 from GMC. Exercise for the first 2 months was walking then I started working out in the gym. I'm 5'4" and my weight was 318 lbs. You should be building up to 3 meals and 2 snacks and 64 ozs of water a day. TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR. If you don't eat correctly you will have a hard time losing.
   — Linda R.

November 4, 2003
Hi Missy, here's my take on all this: post-op, everything is open for interpretation, and is entirely individual in pace and comfort. You will...lose at the rate your body wants you to. You will...have reeeeeeeeally yucky days where nothing goes down, if it does it doesn't stay down, and it all tastes like rat poison. Energy will come and go. You'll have days where you lie there in the morning and think "You canNOT make me get out of bed!" The next day...you leap out and toss down a protein drink, and then it goes on that way for a long time. I guess what I'm trying to convey is that the downside of reading the daily postings about pre- and post-op issues is that we have no data on the physical person who is writing, or having problems, or doing well, or just confused. You only have YOU. So take it a day at a time, ditch the scale, get down your supplements as you can, drink lots of water...and relax! - Deborah (open RNY 10-25-03 -23)
   — Deborah M.

November 4, 2003
Hi Missy, For whatever my 2 cents are worth I agree mostly with our fellow posters. You need to eat more, I know it is hard. Follow your doctors order etc...I am 3 1/2 months out (open-rny) and I still have a hard time getting all my food in. Really hard sometimes. I was at a point about the same time you are now, tired all the time and had to work hard to make myself do things, I was glad I had the surgery but was totally confused by the way I was feeling. Because in my head I thought I was happy, but I just did not feel to great, but sometimes our chemical balance gets out of wack and we need help, at least this is how it was explained to me, so this is why I went to see my primary doctor. She diagnosed Depression. I was told by fellow WLS's that sometimes depression can set in after surgery just like after a baby (post partum blues I think it is called when you have a baby) ((sorry about the spelling)) so whatever it is worth I think it would not hurt for you to see your primary care doctor and talk to them. In the mean time I wish you luck and prayers. (((hugs, DebbyB)))
   — DebbyB