Question:
I have been having trouble lossing since 3 months after surgery.

At three months they had to stretch the stoma because I was not able to eat without throwing up. But now it seems that I can eat about 3 cups of food without being full and have gained about 10 lbs. and lose and gain and lose and gain it back. I have lost a total of 50 lbs. since surgery. With the exception of 10 lbs loss from month three to now which I keep gaining and losing I have not lost any new weight. I exercise for 1 hour 3 times a week (water aquatics) and walk 7 days a week for at least 20 minutes. I could use some suggestions, I don't usually eat 3 cups of food at each meal, about 1-1 1/2 cups. My starting weight was 277, 250 at surgery, currently 200. Surgery was last day of May 2006. I think this is not right. I'm scared if I crash diet, that my health problems (which have not in any way resolved) will cause me to pass out at work or worse. All my labs are good, in fact, I had to decrease my V12 because it is so high (has been extremely high for 4 years). Any ideas, should have have them redo the scope, possibly scaring the stoma to close it some?    — pianogrl (posted on February 4, 2007)

February 4, 2007
my surgeon advised me that 50 or so pounds is about average for 3 months out. 3 cups of food seems like alot but i could be wrong. good luck
   — _blue_

February 4, 2007
How about going back to basics. Having some protein shakes and then some good protein bars. If you stick to high protein low carb and 3 cups you are going to lose weight anyway. Stay away from those carbs they will take you down! Good luck.
   — Diane C.

February 4, 2007
Kathleen: First of all congratulations on your 50 lb loss. I know you want to lose more but just think about how much 50 lbs is!!! It's alot of weight to lose. If I were you I would check with my surgeon and nutritionist. You may want to write down everything you eat and how much you eat. You may be eating more than you think you are. Are you grazing? I'm 4 months out and I'm finding that I'm going back to my old habits of grazing and it's head hunger and not food hungar. I have to stop myself now before I eat and ask myself why I'm eating - am I really hungry? The answer is usually no. Also, are you eating more carbs than before? I have found that carbs fill me up really fast but then I get hungry fast too. Eat your protein at meals first before you eat anything else. If you have room, then you can have your carbs. I'm usually full by then and I don't eat many carbs. It sounds like you are exercising good so keep that up and be proud of yourself for exercising!!!! It's not the easiest thing in the world to do. Another think to remember is eat within 45 minutes of waking in the morning to get your metabolism going. I hope this helps and I'm sure other people will have some good suggestions for you. Hang in there and remember - drink lots of water.
   — Carol A.

February 4, 2007
Kathleen, thanks for writing. You are very anxious, and I understand that, but I encourage you to breathe! Just breathe for a minute. First of all, when you stoma is not working right so that you are throwing up, that is a horrible thing for you body. To stretch it simply allows you to eat, it does not increase the amount you "can" eat. I think, personally, that you may be fighting a real head issue about food and you are surrendering to eating more for whatever reason you can rationalize, hunger, need, etc. Obesity is a head issue with a body consequence. Everyone one of us who have had this surgery will deal with a huge amount of head issues to get the body consequence that we want. I am glad you are not eating to what you think your full potential is. Depending on the food, I can eat quite a bit myself, but I have to choose to not do that. The tool I have only works when I use it properly, it won't work if I don't. I absolutely applaude you for your exercise efforts, you are doing so good with that, and keep it up, even bump up the walking. You are the first woman to mention exercise in her question. Many time, people want to lose and want their tool to work, but won't work their tool (exercise). I am so glad you do, it is the best thing for you. Protein, water, exercise, keep with the basics for a while and see if that doesn't help you. I don't really mean protein drinks, but cottage cheese, real protein sources. I get a lot of my protein from milk, that helps me a lot, but your choices may be different. When you get the urge to eat, try a warm liquid like tea or cider or something, using a sugar substitute. Sometimes a warm beverage is just the comfort your pouch needs, even soup is a good choice there. Also, being at the 200 pound mark can be a milestone that your body needs time to adjust to. I know when I broke the 200 mark, it took a while, both physically and mentally. Sometimes mentally we think we want to be below 200, but then we go ahead and have those little rewards that really keep us at 200 or above. We cheat ourselves from losing weight, even though we want to (head issues, I tell you, it is a lot of head issues). I don't think you need more damage to your stoma, I just think if you will evaluate where you are, go with the basics of protein, water and exercise, and deal with your feelings and thoughts about your weight and where you are physically, you will break through this gap, and be better for it. If you want see the head issues for yourself, then, please see someone who can help you see it. You did not get to 277 without hiding behind food for something. As the weight comes off, you can't hide behind food anymore, that is anxiety in itself. Step back for a minute, take a breath and evaluate what you need, and then move forward. You can do this Kathleen, you are strong and able, because you took the plunge to do such a big surgery on yourself, you have courage and the desire to win. It just won't be easy. The good news is that you can win though, you can succeed. Best to you, Patricia P
   — Patricia P