Question:
weight loss

Hello amos family, I haven't written in a while and am 8 weeks out and have lost 45 pounds so far, however, I feel I should lose more. I am only eating 40 grams of protein a day, and wonder if I increase my protein to 60 grams a day, why does that amount increase weight loss? Also what is the maximum number of sugar grams I should consume daily, as well as fat and carbs? Other then getting on the scale 6 times a day, I know ridiculous, I think I should lose more. I am really getting sick of protein drinks, and also wonder if aspartame that I put in my iced tea, can hinder weight loss, has anyone heard this? I had my lap rny on July 8,2oo2. Thanks for listening and keep on smiling and losing!! Debra    — DEBRA C. (posted on September 2, 2002)

September 2, 2002
hiya CONGRATS ON YOUR WEIGHT LOSS!!! that is fantastic for 8 weeks! you should be so proud of yourself. first off tho - throw away that scale, please do not become a slave to it!! i don't own one and won't buy one because i would do what you are doing! my best friend has one so i use hers every few weeks. you should not weigh yourself more than 1x a week MINIMUM - i'd recommend once every 2-4 weeks - seriously. i don't think aspartame in your ice tea is a problem tho most ppl post op use splenda. i bought some and it tastes just like sugar. you can switch off the regular protein drinks now but you still need to take in waaay more protein! 40g a day is not enough - you should be at least 60-80grams! i couldn't handle the protein drinks at two weeks post op i was throwing them up. i found a protein tho...Jarrow's Iso Rich Soy Protein powder that you can add to your cooking! i can't go a day without it! i start off the day with 2tbls in my coffee and add it to every dinner - my family can't even tell! there is no local retailer for it so i order it online from www.vitamintrader.com..it is $24 for a 2# container - 2tbls=25g protein, no sugar, no fat, no carbs, NO FLAVOR, 110 calories. i center my meals around protein and balance it with some veggies, fruit and a little starches (potatos, corn). you can also take a collagen based protein drink available in health food stores but i heard it tastes icky - i haven't tried it tho - maybe mixing it with some juice or v-8 would help? i facilitate a wls support group and i urge you to join one. studies show we need a minimum of 3 years post op support. if there are no local ones, join an online group there are plenty on yahoo and msn. i have a bunch of recipes and a list of protein content in foods if you want, let me know and i'll email them to you. i recommend you increase your protein, keep drinking water and juices and keep exercising...and lose the scale! feel free to email me anytime! [email protected] take care and {{hugs}} kate open rny 6-14-01 pre op: 268# goal weight: 135# current weight: 130#
   — jkb

September 2, 2002
Seems to me that your weight loss is right on target. I am 8 weeks out and have lost 48 pounds. My surgeon said that I was ahead of the curve as far as what she expected, and at this rate I should lose 100 pounds by Christmas (what a nice gift!). I would up your protien though. Granted, I am male, and I think our protien requirements are a bit higher, but I do at least 90 grams every day. I think if you have 1 protien drink first thing in the morning, and 1 last thing at night, and eat 1/2 of a protien bar for 2 of your snacks throughout the day, you will find it is a no-brainer to get plenty of protien in. That alone is about 55-75 grams depending on if you use milk in your shakes or not.
   — Greg P.

September 2, 2002
The average is 20 pounds a month for the 1st 2 months. Then it could slow down to 10 - 15 pounds a month. Everybody is different. Some surgeons say 1/3 of your pre-op weight in 10 months to 1 year...so you do the math. For me that would have been 100 pounds and I am ONLY 3 1/2 months out and have lost 71 pounds. But I am really losing my hair now. I get around 60-70 grams of protein a day. If you UP your protein now and don't worry so much about how much you are losing, you will save yourself alot of worry in the future. Once you start hitting those nasty plateaus....
   — Sharon H.

September 2, 2002
For maximum healthy- 60gs of protein should be consumed daily. 30gm am and 30gm pm..Protein builds muscle, muscles burns fat, WATER flushes out broken down fats and toxins.Obsessing over the scales causes stress- stress tightens muscles, muscles hold the fat..Do yourself a favor..RELAX and follow simple instructions of your doctor so you can heal right. Stay simple and you'll be very pleased at the results. Happy day to you...
   — Cheri P.

September 2, 2002
45lbs in 8 weeks? You should be very happy! When was the last time you lost 45 lbs that will stay off forever? Throw away that scale! It will stress you out! When I had my surgery, I lost 23lbs in the first 10 days and then NOTHING for a month and then BOOM...when I figured out I wasn't EATING enough and I adjusted that...added a protein shake...the weight started melting off! I have lost a total of 128lbs and I am very happy with that :) On sugar...you should keep it less than 8 grams per meal. Carbs...less than 25 per day...that's what my surgeon recommends. Everyone is different. Depending on HOW much artificial sweetner you are using...well each serving has 1 carb...so if you are using 10 servings you are getting 10 carbs...it adds up.
   — Ilene M.