Question:
I think I just need some encouragement

In the lst month I have only lost 6 lbs.I am getting discouraged. I am still eating right and going to Curves 3 times a week, but things seem to be at a virtual stand still. I am trying to stay positive, but it is hard. Most days when I weigh myself I just want to cry. I know I am so much better off then I was 9 months ago, but I am so far from where I want to be. So far I have lost 164 lbs. I started at 478 and now weigh 314. I know that is an awesome amount, but I had so hoped it would continue to come off at 12-15 lbs a month for a few more months. I think I just need some encourage ment to keep me on the right path. It has been so hard lately.    — shellyjoel (posted on December 6, 2004)

December 6, 2004
HELLO SHELLY, :WAVE; WHEN THE SCALE ISN'T BEING KIND TO ME, I GET OUT THE MEASURING TAPE. YOU SEEM TO BE ON TRACK. PERHAPS AS YOU ARE LOSING FAT YOU ARE GAINING MUSCLE, THAT MIGHT ACCOUNT FOR YOUR SCALES SLOWING DOWN. I THINK THAT YOU ARE DOING GREAT. MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE STAYING AWAY FROM ALL KINDS OF SODAS, THEY ARE VERY BAD FOR US. HAVE A VERY BLESSED WEEK, LORIANN :ANGEL:
   — Loriann J.

December 6, 2004
Okay some questions: (1) You're going to Curves 3 times a week . . . are you varying your exercise routine? (2) Are you keeping up with your vitamins? (3) Are you getting enough protein per day? Sometimes upping protein and lowering carbs will help jump start a loss. (4) Are you getting enough water every day? Sometimes upping water when you up your protein helps to jump start your losing.<br><br> One of the greatest fallacies of this surgery is that we're going to "arrive" at that great body one day. Yes, perhaps, but one of the hidden secrets of this surgery is that it's a lifelong journey and a lifelong exercise habit and a lifelong eating change that we all have to undertake and maintain to remain successful--so in light of that--164 lbs is great for 9 months. The weight loss does slow as you get further out and that's why good maintenance/losing habits are essential. It's a lifelong journey. You've done great so far--just keep it up.
   — Cathy S.

December 6, 2004
Hey ! You are doing GREAT!! I am 10 months out and have lost 83 pounds. And now my weight has slowed down to loosing only about 2 pounds a month. Up your protein and water intake and relax.......You are doing MARVELOUSLY!!
   — cindirella

December 6, 2004
Hi Shelly, it's not unusualy to slow down as you get near the end of the first year. I hardly lost anything between 9 to 12 months, but then it kicked up again. This is just a phase. Hang in there, and as long as you're making good decisions, it will pick up again!
   — mom2jtx3

December 6, 2004
Shelly, Remember pre-op when it seemed so easy for smaller people to maintain their weight? Remember how it seemed that we would never get there?? Well, you ARE getting there! It is hard sometimes, but you CAN do this... I love to get encouragement when I need it, and love to pass it out when others are feeling down. Keep up the awesome work and email if you need to!
   — HOTSALLY29

December 7, 2004
First of all --great job on the weight loss!! Okay things are slowing down and if you were like me at 9mon postop I was comparing myself to everyone else and felt terribly defeated! STOP IT NOW! Take a deep breath and look in the mirror and be so happy you've done so well. I would add some more cardo to my workout...go for a walk if you can everyday, if the weather is bad go to the mall or Walmart. I am so proud of you, it will get tougher and the weight will come off slower. I have yet to acquire my perfect body but who cares! Maybe I never will. Just be heathly and happy and exercise, stay away from junk food and refined sugar (no matter what anyone says) and drink lots of water. Best wishes to you and Happy Holidays
   — debmi

December 7, 2004
wow- 164 pounds in 9 months is awesome. You have zero reason to be depressed and instead should be patting yourself on the back and bragging.."thats right, I'm bad!" Have you watched the show "The Biggest Loser" on tv? These contestants are put thru amazing workouts with a personal trainer and strict diets, far more than most of us would endure, and some weeks they lose 1o-15 and other weeks 0. So don't get discouraged, just ensure that you eat enough, in fact several times a day, mostly good protein and drink a ton of water. If your body thinks you are starving it, like cutting back too much it will go into self-preservation mode and hoard the remaining pounds, giving them up grudgingly. To avoid that, eat more often, just ensure its small amounts, protein based. With the exercise you are doing, the weight will continue to come off, just not as rapidly as before-NORMAL..keep plugging away, you'll get there
   — Cindy R.

December 8, 2004
<b>How many times did I say those same words. LOL pre-op was 400 lbs and post-op 180 lbs. hang in there, it will surly happen for you. So Best wishes to you on your wl journey. Remember that there will be stops and goes in wl. so don't get upset about it. when it stops your body is resting. you are doing great congratulations on your great wl loss. </b>
   — B4real