Question:
I am almost 7 weeks post-op and I have only dropped18lbs. I know that any weight

loss is a good thing but I am really upset because I feel like it should be more. I drink a protein shake for breakfast, eat some type of protein for lunch (sliced deli meat or something like that), and a high protein dinner. Along with that I eat a snack between meals such as cheese. Please help me and tell me what/if I am doing wrong. I am so afraid that the surgery did not work for me and I will not loss the weight.    — hartnell (posted on May 26, 2006)

May 26, 2006
I can understand why you must be frustrated after reading how people drop 60 lbs in two months, but hang in there! You aren't doing anything wrong. If possible, try to get moving a little to boost your metabolism ... Be sure to drink lots of water and get in a minimum of 60g of protein a day (more if your nutritionist recommended it!) Good luck
   — peacefuldaizy

May 26, 2006
Tracy I am 5 months out with lab band and have only lost 11 lbs, I too do not think this is working, I now have to write everthing down that touches my lips for the doctor so he can check out my eating. I swim also. I do not know what I am doing wrong. I am not resttricted with eating at all. cindy
   — disneycindy

May 26, 2006
don't eat and don't drink at the same time make sure you take your vitamins. NOt be too woory about your weight loss. The 1st 3 month I gained 12 LBs. however the following 9 month i dropped 102 Lbs. As long as you follow ypur Dr advise without manipulation you'll be fine and yes you will loose more weight. Just hang in there and you will loose a lot more soon take care Dani
   — Dani96

May 26, 2006
what is your protein shake and how do you make it? How much water are you getting in? ANY veggies, nuts, grains, seeds at all? I'm thinking you've got so little variety that your body is holding on trying to get the missing nutrients. What is your vitamin regimen?
   — vitalady

May 26, 2006
Tracy- If you are getting in at least 60-80grams of protein and minimal carbs (no more than 20 grams), your weight loss will pick up. To speed it up yourself, try to increase your protein consumption. Also, for some people, they tend to restrict their intake to such an extent that their bodies go into "starvation" mode-- not from lack of variety, but from lack of calories. To prevent this, be certain that you are getting in at least 800 calories per day. The most important thing is to remind yourself how much you've overcome and what a strong person you are who will succeed whether you lose quickly or slowly.
   — SteveColarossi

May 26, 2006
You mention everything but exercise. What are you doing every day to get your body moving? I agree that you may need a little variety in your eating, but you could also up your exercise. Are you getting into smaller clothes but the pounds just haven't dropped off the scales? Have you had trouble with bloating and constipation? If you're following the doctor's prescribed diet, getting the exercise you need, eventually you should drop a lot of pounds fast. Good luck and hang in there.
   — dinky

May 26, 2006
Did you weigh yourself when you first came home from the hospital? I had gained four lbs. from the IV's pumped into me during the two days in the hospital. I am three months out and have "only" lost about 40 pounds. One of the things I think I did wrong at the start, and sometimes even today, is not get enough calories in. I still haven't gotten my appetite back so it's easy to just not eat if I'm busy, which has been the case a lost this past month. Are there days when you are not eating as much as you should? Also, your BMI going in was only 46, which means you probably were not as overweight as some who have lost huge amounts the first few months. My BMI was barely 40 by the time of my surgery, so I have been told by my support staff to only expect to lose no more than ten pounds per month at this stage. I know you're frustrated, but please give it time... it will happen. I tend to lose nothing for several weeks, drop for about a week, then go into another slump. Keep getting your protein, and your liquids between meals, and call your Doctor's support staff if you're truly concerned. There's probably nothing they haven't heard before, so they should be able to tell you if you're on track.
   — packrat