Question:
How do you STOP losing?

I am 9 mos post op Gastric RNY. I have lost 122 lbs as of today. I really dont want to lose anymore. Is there a trick to stop losing? People are teling me I am too skinny now. I feel wonderful and would like to stay like I am right now. I do not exercise MUCH but walk as much as I can. I am still recovering from knee surgery so I am limited to what I can do. Started doing some core strengthing and crunches. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance for your input. Susan    — suegis (posted on March 13, 2010)

March 13, 2010
Simple. Up your calorie intake. Make sure you're getting enough protein, first, always....but up the amount of complex carbs you eat, too. Add in some whole grain breads or pastas, brown rice, more vegetables and fruits. Make sure you're eating healthy, but add in some of the things you have been missing. I read that 1200 to 1500 calories a day is a good number to shoot for on the maintenance side. Of course, you want to keep exercising, and maybe start to build some muscle. That will put a little bit of weight on you, as muscle is denser than fat. Weight training is good, and builds your stamina. So is swimming.
   — Erica Alikchihoo

March 13, 2010
Susan, I am having the same problem, it is difficult for me to eat too and everyone is telling me I am too thin. I saw a gal today at the store,who I haven't seen her in a long time and she asked me if I am ill. It is so hard to eat enough.
   — FSUMom

March 13, 2010
SARAH OMG THAT IS AMAZING IM POST OP RNY 6 1/2 WEEKS AND LOST 30 LBS FIRST THREE WEEKS AND GAINING UP AND DOWN THE SAME FIVE LBS. SINCE THEN. I DONT UNDERSTAND. HOW DID YOU LOOSE THAT SO FAST? MY WEIGHT NOW IS 285 OR 290 WHO KNOWS
   — bskarenf

March 15, 2010
to stop losing and gain add more carbs to your diet. Problem is you can gain back everything and then some over time. It depends on what you are eating now and what your body tolerates on what to do. Some times just adding a slice of bread at your meals is enough.
   — trible

March 15, 2010
I was also at this point just in the last few months. My 1 year is coming up next week. In December I hit "normal weight BMI" but didn't stop loosing. I started to freak out and started eating alot, all good stuff, but higher in good fats (nuts, seeds, avocado) and all the time. As soon as I could eat a little, I would. That really scared me. I worked so hard to get into good habits, to follow the rules so that I wouldn't fail my surgery and myself. People around me kept saying I was too thin, I even thought I'd gotten too thin-a size 4 and my plan was that I would get to a size 10--how did this happen? I was freaked out for quite a while and asked for help at my support group. They just said "stop worrying. you're body will stop soon enough and then you will gain about 10% back. just keep following the rules" I was freaked out enough that I went to a food addiction counselor. Guess what--she isn't helping me with a food addiction, but is helping me with the anxiety that I always covered by eating. Remember they told us we were having stomache surgery not BRAIN surgery? They were right. Now I'm settled at a semi-solid weight, back to eating an extra snack each day but it's a good snack with protein that is part of my plan, and I don't graze. I'm still well under what I thought was "perfect" for me, but I'm now realizing that my body will tell me what is comfortable if I let it. I haven't gained back the 10% yet and don't know what I'll do if that happens, I seem to be getting used to the 120's and hope I won't freak if that changes. Get comfortable and learn to accept yourself. That's gonna be the key!!
   — scootermedic

March 16, 2010
I have lost a total of 230 pounds and everyone keeps telling me that I am too skinny also...So I try to up my carbs a bit and eat more food, just the healthy ones.. It is very hard because I can only eat so much food. But I eat more often, mostly all day long and I seem to have stopped losing. As long as I keep eating every 2 hours or so...But if I get sick and don't eat much in a day, I start losing so fast again. Its amazing how just one day you can lose weight.. I would never in my life think that I would be too skinny or that I would have to eat all day long to sustain my weight. But as long as you eat healthy foods you can't go wrong. Good luck
   — okbuffy

March 17, 2010
Hi! Congrats ont he loss. I too lost 120 lbs in 9 months and how I stopped losing was to add a fourth meal and a snack to my daily intake. I still eat 4-5 ounces at a meal and the snack is usually a 100 calorie protein bar..like south beach...I was told to add these from my nutritionist...and she said to monitor my calorie intake..stay between 1300 if i am not working out..and 1500 when I do. Since then...for the last 11 months I have done well. I gain a lb and then lose it..etc. I did not add carbs or very few... I feel they make me hungrier. I can do without that. Just so you know..I kept losing and got down to 115 lbs and then gained up and settled at 120-122. Best of luck to you! Talk with your nutritionist about what to do. They have good ideas! hugs,Kim
   — gpcmist