Question:
Survey: what are your best tactics for quickest loss...help!

Hello all...I'm 6 weeks post-op today and feeling great. I am a little stumped, however, at my relatively slow loss (down 27 pounds so far). I'm looking for advice on what tactics seem to bring the fastest loss. Those of you who are losing faster...is it protein? Water? 3 meals with no snacks? Several small meals? Vitamins? WHAT???? PLEASE HELP! I'm feeling left in the dust by the speedy losers, and swimsuit season is coming...Thanks everyone!    — Paula C. (posted on January 2, 2003)

January 1, 2003
Lots and lots of exercise. I once lost 10 pounds very near goal by working 5 nites a week doing demolition at a friends fire damaged home. We gutted it, pulling down walls and cielings, shoveling debris. If you REALLY want to loose fast go work out daily. For hours at a time. Do ask your surgeons approval first.
   — bob-haller

January 1, 2003
For me the key was protein supplements. I know that lots of folks don't believe in them and I don't want to push my personal beliefs on anyone but it's a fact that my weight loss took off and didn't stop until I reached goal once I started with the protein supplements. In addition to speeding up the weight loss it also boosted my energy and made me feel GREAT! There are zillions of supplements out there to try. Michelle Curran has good stuff (vitalady.com). My own surgeon was against supplements but I'd read so much about them here that I figured I'd try it - I'm so glad I did. Exercise is also vital! Make sure you're eating enough too. Too few calories is a bad thing. Hang in there - you'll make it! Best wishes!
   — ronascott

January 1, 2003
First off, don't compare yourself to those "speedy losers." Most of them have more to lose and will still be losing when you are @ goal! :)That said, I think I had several things going for me: Exercise and general increased activity (strength training and walking mostly), high protein/low carb meals (I had protein every time I ate), frequent small meals (every 2-3 hours), and a positive attitude. If I had to pick ONE most important thing it would be frequent small high-protein meals. <p>I don't think it has anything to do with the weight loss directly, but be sure to take your "big 3" supplements: multivit w/iron (don't take it with the calcium), calcium citrate (no more than 500 mg at a time), and B12 (sublingual or shots--not pills). That, along with adequate protein and activity, with help keep you healthy as a postie. Good luck!<p>Oh, and if you feel discouraged when others are losing more, calculate your percent to goal. I was really frustrated at only losing 30 pounds when others had lost 50 or 60, then I realized that I was already one third of the way to goal in just a couple of months! Even as a relatively slow starter I reached my top goal in 7 months and my ultimate goal in 10 1/2 months. Just keep the faith!
   — ctyst

January 1, 2003
Hi, First Congratulations on your weight loss! Almost 5 lbs a week is great! Remember before surgery how hard it was to lose any weight. You are doing just fine. I think when we are first post-op are body goes through shock at the sudden decrease in amount of food we eat. Eventually you will start eating and this will help you lose more weight. I agree with the other post that you should eat about 5 small meals a day and focus mainly on eating proteins. Try to eat proteins first (then the veggies) and don't drink when you eat. Try and drink plenty of water (when not eating) and get in some form of exercise. Good luck! RNY-Lap 5/9/02 Down 100lbs! Woohoooo :o)
   — Lynn E.

January 2, 2003
Paula, you will frustrate yourself to no end if you compare yourself to anyone else. Even those with the same amount to lose as yourself will lose at different rates. Just accept it, its a fact, we ALL lose differently. some experience numerous plateaus and others sail thru with no plateaus. So stop that right now! You are only 6 weeks out and your weight loss has months and months to go, so be a little more patient. Stick to what the others have advised, small frequent protein first meals, low carbs, low or no sugar, lots of water(do not drink with or right after meals), exercise and vitamins. Thats it-no big secret. Vary your exercise patterns and calorie comsumption (up one week, down the next)to keep the body fooled into thinking its getting plenty of calories. It will happen for you..
   — Cindy R.

January 2, 2003
Everyone's body is different and we all lose at different rates. That said, the things that have helped me the most are protein shakes, water and exercise. I drink 1 30 gm protein shake every morning, then go to the gym where I do 50 minutes of cardio 4 times a week and work with weights with a personal trainer 2 days a week. I drink 64 oz of water or more every day. I get at least 30 gm of protein from food - mainly from lasagne without noodles and the meat part of Lean Cuisine. My weight loss really picked up when I joined the gym. After the initial loss, I was only losing a lb every 4-6 days and was feeling discouraged. I was walking 1.5 miles every day and thought I should be losing more. I lost 5 lbs my first week at the gym and now lose about 2 lbs each week. I hope this is helpful to you!
   — JoAnn B.

January 2, 2003
EXERCISE. I started walking 3miles/day at 5 days post-op. I now do 1 hour of cardio 6 days a week and do weights 3x a week. Not only do I physically feel great and strong, but my body is really firming up. I can see muscles now! Exercise also does wonders for your attitude. I will never stop exercising - it is one of the best feelings in the world! :-)
   — Angie M.

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