Question:
WHAT

Hello, I'm very strict about not eating any bread, potatoes, pasta or rice and I don't eat fruit because everone says you should stay away from fruit while your losing. My weight isn't budging and I need to lose another 10-15 lbs., so I thought I'd add some fruit for a change to see what happens. Well I'm up like 3 pounds and all I was eating was some strawberries this week. Not really any other change in what I've been doing. And I'm not due for my period. What's going on??? I'm sooooo worried that I've gotten this close and I won't make it to goal. this is what always happened pre-surgery. I got so close, I'd get discouraged and start gaining and then BAM the whole cucle would begin again. HELP, Kelly*    — Kelly* P. (posted on February 29, 2004)

February 28, 2004
First of all, you are doing great!!! My only answer to your question is that my doctor tells me I won't be able to eat fruit anymore... the sugar in it can screw things up. I am out 7 1/2 months, and I haven't added veggies or fruit to my diet; up until recently I kept carbs in the form of nuts and beans. I have tried a few Atkins low carb things (most don't do much for me) but the rest is protein.
   — Tim W.

February 29, 2004
How many hours a week are you exercising? My surgeon has us on at minimum of 3 servings fruit or veggies a day. I usually eat 2 fruit 2 veggies at the minimum. I try to exercise 5 hours a week. I eat carbs and lose, but I think it's from the constant exercise.
   — mrsmyranow

February 29, 2004
Kelly, every one is different and so is every surgeon's approach. My surgeon and dietician only recommend a balanced approach at every meal. This means for me a protein, veggie or fruit and a carb. I don't always get this at each meal but always try for protein. Salads have become my favorite again. I was worried pre-surgery that I wouldn't be able to eat salads again. I eat fruit 3-5 times a week. It is healthy for you to vary your diet and eating a few strawberries would not make you gain 3 pounds. For myself, I firmly believe that most of us reached morbid obesity through all dieting. My approach is to eat healthy and normally (well, as best as I can). I do not EVER eat sugar free chemicals nor do I only eat protein nor do I do the protein shakes. I saw my surgeon a few weeks ago for my 9 month anniversary and he was very pleased with my progess. He expects his patients to lose 1/3 of their weight and I am already past his goal by 10 pounds. I exercise 4-5 times a week as well. I do this not to lose weight, but to make me healthier. While I get on the scale every day, I try not to focus on that darn number. My journey is about health, not my weight. Of course losing weight is part of being healthy, but it is not the ONLY part. Please watch out for those minds games. I know exactly what you are talking about. I've done the same thing in the past. I only focused on the numbers and when it took too long, then I got discouraged and then I started to eat. Nothing I did in the past worked for me long term. I remind myself of that on a regular basis so that I stay focused on this new way of life. I hope that you remember where you started and that if you eat healthy and exercise, you will be just fine. Good luck to you. 335/200/?(-135lbs!)
   — Jodie P.

February 29, 2004
First off you have to overeat 3500 calories just to gain one pound, I do not think that you overate 10,500 calories to gain 3 pounds. Everyone retains fluids some more so than others, I am one of those persons that retains water. Came by that honestly from my mother. So maybe it is just a little water weight, it will go away. :)
   — ChristineB

February 29, 2004
Although every surgeon is different, I personally follow what mine says and he says a blalnced diet is best. So far I have lost 101 lbs in 5 months. GOOD LUCK!
   — Saxbyd

March 2, 2004
Kelly, your profile from a few weeks ago said that you are in the low 130's. I don't know how tall you are, but unless you are 5 feet tall or less, you probably have settled where your body is most comfortable. You probably don't need to lose another 10-15 even though you want to. When it gets to the point where you can't eat much of anything and something small like strawberries could cause a weight gain, I would re-examine a healthy weight loss goal for you and think more about maintenance. I guess what I am saying is that you may be setting yourself up for future stress and disappointment if you go too low and then inevitably gain some back (the 10 percent bounce back) just by eating normally.
   — Cindy R.

March 2, 2004
First, your question is missing a lot of information about yourself. What is your current weight, how long ago did you have the surgery, etc... details, details, details. You don't mention if you exercise. That is very important. Remember, the surgery is just a diet tool. You still have to use common sense. Diet and exercise is very important. You diet must have a varity of different foods which includes, protein, vegs, fruit, and other carbs. Add some spices to your food if your stomach can take it. Remember that during this phase you are trying to develop good eating skills. I have been is a stand still for about 4 weeks. I exercise, watch what I eat and I just got on the scale and it states I lost 4 lbs. Don't keep getting on the scale. I look only once a week. Also it's important to remember that everyone is different when it comes to weight loss. Some lose fast and some slow. Whould you be where you are currently at if you didn't have the surgery? As long as you keep up with your exercise and watching what you eat you will lose inches and some more weight. Me I rather lose inches. Good Luck
   — Linda R.