Question:
5 1/2 months without weight loss

Please help me-I can't take it any more! I had an open RNY on 7-19-00, and have lost between 79-94 lbs. I stopped losing in December at 94#, and have been losing and gaining like a yo-yo. I am on an emotional and dietary roller coaster and am at my wits end. It seems like I can eat anything except what is good for me. Almost all proteins but ground beef make me sick; vegetables make me sick. The only foods that don't seem to make me sick are the foods I should be avoiding-carbohydrates and fats. This is NOT what I wanted when I had this surgery! I am hungry all the time and feel more focused on food than I ever was before the surgery! I need some help!    — Lynnie E. (posted on May 14, 2001)

May 14, 2001
Hi Lynnie. I am so sorry to hear about your problem. I am out one less month than you and my weight loss has slowed significantly as well. Just a couple bits of advice for you. First, Are you exercising? You MUST do that. Secondly, regarding what you are eating... I asked my nutritionist why is was that I could eat an entire Smart one (10oz startchy) but hardly 3 oz of meat. She said that 3 oz of high density food like meat will make you full. Thats the idea. Eat food that keeps the tummy distended longer. If you are eating 1 oz and getting sick, then maybe you have a physical problem. If you are eating 6 oz and feeling sick, it could just me that you are full... I hope this makes sense. Lastly, I am going to a support group tonight to try to deal with the mental aspects of food. All pre ops MUST remember that this is a TOOL, that you must fix all the problems associated with the weight.
   — Jeannet

May 14, 2001
I know this might sound crazy, but I have a much easier time eating my meats in a salad. Cut it into tiny bites, and the moister from the veggies and dressing help. Maybe it's the combination that will get your nutritious stuff down. Also, I'd not cut out the carbs completely, because even diabetics need some natural ones now and then. Stay clear of the processed type and closer to the earth, like grains, potatoes (regular and sweet), and grain type breads, rather than white. My friend whose five years post op eats them in moderation. Our doctor even put pasta on the menu at seven weeks. He said if you can get it down easily, it's OK in small amounts.
   — Amy K.

May 15, 2001
Here is my 2 cents worth. The previous post was right to ask if you are exercising. I know for me I wouldnt loose anything if I didnt push myself to exercise at least 4-5 times a week. Second you mentioned that you couldnt get in any types of protein. Have you tried any of the protein mixes and shakes? Also you mention constant hunger. How much water are you getting in? When we get on plateaus it is always best to go back to the basics...protein, water, exercise, & vitamins. Lastly if you are exercising you may need to increase what you have been doing or change your routein. Your body can get use to doing the same things all the time so you have to shock it by doing something different. As far as you being sick I would definitely contact your surgeon because throwing up all the time is not normal. Good luck.
   — Tanya P.

May 15, 2001
I wanted to add one more thing about you being consistantly hungry. How often are you eating dring the course of a day? I ask that because I was told to eat 5-6 small meals a day which I break down to eating about every 3 hours. I dont eat until I get full because I dont ever feel really full but I eat until I am satisified which usually is about a 1/2 cup portion. From what I have been told when you eat sever small meals during the course of the day it keeps your metabolism buring at an even level instead of eating only 2 or 3 times a day. You may want to try to put yourself on a meal schedule and be sure to get your water inbetween your meals. That may help with the hunger and jumpstart your weight loss again.
   — Tanya P.

August 14, 2001
Unfortunely, none of the lititure I read about the surgery admitted that it is entirely possible to have the survery and not loose weight. I had the surgery March 26 and have stopped loosing weight, but lost my hair. I have lost a total of 60 lbs, but no dress size and havent lost anything for 2 and 1/2 months. The surgery was far too painful and far too expensive (self pay) to simply loose 60 pounds and still have to live on yo yo diets that don't and didn't work in the first place. The surgery doesn't work for everyone and some one should have told me. I am devistated.
   — [Anonymous]

July 19, 2002
Seriously consider going back to basics. Buy some Proscore 100 chocolate from Vitalady.com and start drinking it mixed in water 2-3 times a day. It will drastically curve your carbohydrate obsession and give you the needed protein. I think of my protein drinks as medication. They don't taste great but I force myself to drink them and they help control my cravings. I hope this helps.
   — Suzanne D.