Question:
I am one of those slow losers. I'm one year post-op (RNY open) I am having problems

just getting to the 100 lb mark. I've gotten to -99, ate something salty and gained that lb back. I need to lose another 30-37 lbs. I've been "starving to death" lately & that's scarey to me. Anyone else in the same boat or have been here? What are you doing/did you do to get over the hump? Oh, I hate cooking and all I like are the protein shakes. I will eat regular food at lunch.    — Betty Todd (posted on January 16, 2002)

January 16, 2002
It sounds to me like you need to eat more "real" food at this stage of the game. Your body has gotten too used to only getting in food once a day and is thinking you are starving it, so it is holding onto all the fat for dear life. I too was drinking at least one if not two protein shakes a day and eating only one "meal", but that was due to some complications I was having. After doing this for 4 months and hitting plateau after plateau, the surgeon finally found that I had a stricture. Once it was dilated and I was able to "eat", I found the weight started falling off again. I now eat 6 times a day - a couple of ounces at a time - to keep my calorie intake up and so that my body "knows" that it is getting nutrition and can "let go" of the fat. Try eating more often, saltines with peanut butter on them, tuna mixed with eggs, cheese and pickles, beef jerky, string cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, salads with chicken in them... you don't necessarily have to cook to be able to eat. I really think if you can do that you will find the weight loss pick up again and soon you will be at the 100 pound mark and beyond.
   — Kellie Jo B.

January 16, 2002
Hi, I am 10 mos postop, a little over 110-115 pounds gone. I noticed what seemed like a horrid plateau right at the 99-100 pound loss. After I got over that hump, things went back to normal. A lot of people I know experience a plateau at that time. Hang in there!! Your body has to catch up to the weight loss. Think of it this way: plateaus can equal less hanging skin!! : ) Smiles, Donna in AL
   — Donna S. C.

January 16, 2002
How about exercise? Have you seen your nutronist? I started swimming a instantly lost 2 pounds, and gained a appetite but lost anyway.
   — bob-haller

January 18, 2002
Betty - I went to my surgeon's informational seminar last night, and she said that protein shakes contain lots of carbohydrate and will slow your weight loss substantially.
   — Claire C.

February 16, 2003
The answer is eat 6-8 times a day- small snack portions.. and excercise.. If you dont eat enough, the weightloss will stop I am 14months post op & -172lbs... believe me it works!
   — robin P.