Question:
How much should I be able to eat at 9 months out?

My pre-surgery weight was 301 lbs. I am almost 9 months out and am down to 188 lbs. I was at 185 but have gained 3 lbs. in the last week or so. I'm afraid that my weight loss has stopped and I'm going to gain that weight back. Sometimes I feel as if I can eat way too much for someone so relatively new to the surgery. Any suggestions, comments or advice would be greatly appreciated.    — Shelly T. (posted on November 12, 2006)

November 12, 2006
Hi.... You don't mention if this is the first time that you have gained weight since your surgery. There supposedly come a time when your body starts fighting back from the starvation mode that the surgery essentially puts you into. I would suggest looking at what you are eating and your portion size. Go back to measuring everything for 2wks - 1 month, to make sure that you haven't gradually "added" to the portion size. If you are still eating within the guidelines with the proper portion size and the weight gain continues. Then, it is time to step up the exercise by either increasing the intensity and length of what you are doing now, or switching to another exercise to use a different set of muscles. Good luck to you.
   — Kari_K

November 12, 2006
Your post caught my eye because our weight are so similar. I had my surgery July 2005. I stalled and even gained a few pounds around that time too. I remember how scared I was that I had failed. I started working out for 30 minutes five times a week (really;), using fitday to track my intake, and getting all my water and protein everyday. I found out that by talking to others that this happens to most everyone. Since that point I've continued to SLOWLY lose and I'm down to 155 and a size 6! I'm 5'9" and this is a good weight for me. Remember, you have lost an amazing 113 pounds. That is NO small accomplishment and be proud of yourself for that. Now, regroup, refresh, and get back to basics. You'll be fine.
   — sandra

November 12, 2006
Shelly: To lose 113 pounds in 9 months is quite a lot! Wow, congratulations on your weight loss. Your body sometimes need to catch up with you when it comes to weight. It took me over a year to take off 100 pounds, so enjoy your success. I don't know what you are eating, but I do know that obesity is a head issue with a body consequence. Be sure you are fighting the head issues, and doing what you are supposed to be doing. You could still be in that "honeymoon" phase which is such a great time of weight loss grace. But it does end, so be careful. Are you exercising regular? Are you drinking water and eating protein? I eat much more food if I am not eating good amounts of protein, I eat less when I eat good amounts of protein. I am almost 3 years out and have kept my weight off, but it is only diet and exercise like everyone else now. The pouch helps, because I stop when I feel it full or "pressure", but I still have to make choices every day, and so do you. Make the right choices. You have come too far to go backwards, so press forward and determine to exercise, drink water and eat that protein first, then other "stuff". You will stabelize and lose again, if your body is getting these things in moderation, just give it time to catch up to the shock it has been given. A serious reduction in weight, and a whopper of a surgery. That is a lot for the body to go through. Take care, Patty P
   — Patricia P

November 16, 2006
I am 8 mos out started at 421 left the hospital at 435 and am now 310. I hit a 14 week plateau, I weighted myself everyday, then one morning at the end of the 14th week I dropped 15 pounds, the plateau started at 4 mos out when I was down 95#. I don't look at the portion size as much as the calories and fat and protein. I average 800-1000 calories per day and the largest portion I eat is a lean cuisine, (not the dinner size) I am also able to eat 2 Cups of cantaloupe. Hope this information helps.
   — Happy to be in Onederland

November 20, 2006
Hi! Don't dispair. When I was close to the 100-pound mark, I plateaud for eight weeks, gaining and losing the same two pounds. I stuck to my eating plan (6 mini meals a day, either a 1/2 c food--with 1/4 c always protein and the other 1/4 c fruit, veggie or sometimes a complex carb--or a protein shake), continued to record everything that passed my lips, drank a minimum of 64 oz of water and sugar free, decaf beverages, exercised a minimum of 30 minutes a day, and lifted weights three times a week. Plateau finally broke this past Sunday dropping 5 pounds. Our bodies just need time to adjust. Hang in there!
   — Tigs