Question:
WHAT IS WRONG? NO LOSS AFTER 1 YR

I had my surgery on Oct. 2001. I lost 40 lbs and by Dec. I got pregnant. I gained about 28 pounds which I have successfully lost. Most of it came off right after delivery. Now I am stuck. I finally lost 4 pounds but I had to excercise my butt off for 2 days. I do believe that pregnancy did stretch my pouch some. But not to the point of no return. I still get full, but only after 8 or so oz instead of 4-6. I can eat a small salad with cucumbers and carrots on it. When before I could only eat a half. I can eat whole taco now when before only half or maybe a couple of bites. In the morning I have half a banana and a slim fast shake for lunch I eat a salad with shredded chicken and for dinner I eat whatever I can make quickly.(3 kids at home) In between meals I am starving...I try to drink water but my stomach just growls! LOUDLY! I need help! I went through too much pain to not have anything to show for it! I know I need to just back on track, but I am having a hard time figuring out the direction to take. I am currently 236 down from 278. I need help.    — AMEERAH P. (posted on October 29, 2002)

October 29, 2002
What kind of surgery did you have, your profile does not say.
   — MARSHA D.

October 29, 2002
I think you should start by starting over. Follow the same diet you did when first released... liquid foods onto blenderized foods onto soft foods etc etc. Stick to hi-protein, lo-carb- it will curb your hunger, stay with you longer and satisfy you. Not sure if the shake you're drinking is the one that is low in sugar or not (you don't say)... still IMHO slimfast ain't so great. You're better off making your own protein drinks. I think some one has Dr. Husted's post-op diet- can someone post a link? If you don't lik ethat option, I would give WW a shot.
   — Karen R.

October 29, 2002
You also don't say if you are breastfeeding still? You really shouldn't try and diet if you are... only after you stop.
   — Karen R.

October 29, 2002
What does your surgeon say? Maybe a pregnacy only 2 months after the surgery did mess something up. He should be able to do a test to see how big your pouch is.
   — Sharon H.

October 29, 2002
When I drink slimfast the carbs in it alone (over 20) can send me into hunger pangs for the whole day! I find the more carbs I consume the more hungry I am and from what you posted you eat a lot of carby foods. Worse your breakfast is so high in carbs, it sets you up to starve the day away! For example your breakfast of the 1/2 banana and the slimfast: An extra-small banana (less than six inches) is in excess of 18 carbs with less than 1 gram of protein; The Slim Fast has anywhere from 20 to 40 carbs (depending on the type and flavor) and only around 10 grams of protein. So your breakfast has from around 38 to 58 carbs in it. Taco's are great if you skip the shell, the salad's wonderful if the dressings aren't high carb and I'd really look at what you eat for dinner. If it's potatoes, rice, pastas, tortillas etc. then you've got even more trouble. Yes, we all need some carbs in our diet, but I'd really suggest (and lord know's I'm no expert) cutting back sharply on those morning carbs at the least, and really eyeballing what I'm eating. The denser and harder to digest the food, the longer it will hold you until the next meal and the less hunger you'll experience. This basically means protein and veggies (good healthy green ones).
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 30, 2002
hope this doesnt do a double posting. The first one I did mysteriously disappeared. Anyway...thanks for all of your responses. I had a VBG in Oct. I am no longer breastfeeding.I knew I couldnt do that AND try to get myself back on track. So I only breastfed for 4 weeks. Maybe I need to see a nutritionist to understand what foods are more high in carbs and which are high in protein. Does anyone recommend any good GNC protein drinks. Or any other protein drink that is tolerable in taste. I do eat salads with a fat free dressing. I am desperate. Trust me I am taking everyones response to heart. Oh and I have contacted my surgeon and they did suggest to start over but I am concerned that I will hungry all the time.
   — AMEERAH P.

October 30, 2002
For me, here is what I do: foods I tend to avoid; white rice, white bread, bagels, muffins or rolls, pastas, some fruit drinks,(just check the labels!) anything with sugar, or high fructose etc. Foods I tend to seek out: fish (tuna), chicken, beef, pork, tofu, legumes, whole grain breads or rolls, oatmeal, dairy products such as yogurt & cottage cheese & milk, fruit, vegetables (except corn & potatoes). Granted I am not perfect! There are times when I need some Top Ramen or I will die. So, if you feel you cannot live without some of these foods, there ARE lo-carb alternatives- many places online sell lo-carb pastas, breads etc; as well as sugar free brands. You bascially need to think before you eat it "was this made naturally"? Or is this a overprocessed, 21st century made-made product with little or no nutritional value to me? (I.e. Slimfast) I don't think you need a nutrionist, just start reading your labels!
   — Karen R.