Question:
I know this gets old, but ... How much were/are you eating at 7weeks post-op?

I have always felt that I could eat too much. Like for dinner I had chicken Cordon bleu with black beans and mashed potatoes. I didn't eat all of the chicken, most of the mashed pot, and no beans. My surgery was on May 30. 2003, and I have lost 265-225=40 pounds. Nine of those pounds were lost before surgery. I am scared I won't get to goat of 135 at this rate. How does this surgery work, if I can eat this much. I exercise 40 min. cardio 3-4 times a week, and drink mostly Crystal Light. Do I need to switch back to plain water? Up protein? Because my weight does seem to plateau a lot. Thanks for the comments. I just want to do everything right, and try to lose the weight is the first 6 mo. But, I know that might not happen. Peace!    — Patra R. (posted on July 21, 2003)

July 21, 2003
You don't mention your portion sizes (which are important)but the rule of thumb is to get your protein in first, then very, very small portions of carbs (maybe a spoonful or two). The breading in your chicken cordon bleu counts as carbs, as do your mashed potatoes and if you're eating more carbs than protein, the scale will stop moving! I am almost 9 weeks out and my meals are as follows: breakfast is usually an egg and a teaspoon of cottage cheese. I eat most of the egg and about 3/4 of the cottage cheese. Morning snack is usually some lowfat string cheese. Lunch is some tuna or deli meat (about an ounce) with a teaspoon of refried beans topped with a little shredded cheese - I usually don't eat more than a bite or so of those and fill up on the meat instead. For dinner I do some chicken or other lean meat or fish with a teaspoon of rice, noodle or mashed/baked potato. I eat the protein first and then if I am still hungry I'll nibble on the carbs (I'm not allowed to eat veggies yet). How much protein are you getting? At least 60 grams? Crystal Light is fine and does count as your water but are you drinking enough? I found that my weight loss stalled big time when I didn't get enough protein or fluids. As soon as I upped my intake of both, the weight started coming off again. Sounds like you're on track with your exercise but you do need to get enough protein, especially now that you're exercising - otherwise you'll burn lean muscle as well as fat. Hope this helps - plateaus are inevitable but you can help move them along by remembering your fluids and keeping protein first! Good luck and congrats on the 40 pounds you've already lost! Jody :)
   — MomBear2Cubs

July 21, 2003
http://clos.net/predict-wt-loss.htm is a web site for a dr witha weight loss predictor. It says average for your starting weight would be 49 # at 2 months, so you are ahead of the game. as far as reaching goal in 6 months, I personally don't think that would have been a reasonable goal for most people. according to my dr and the research I have done, weight loss will slow down after 6 months, but you will continue to lose for 18 months to 2 years. plateus are NORMAL , expected and every one has them. My suggestion is to follow the eating plan recommended by your Dr. aim for balance and adequate protein. You will get a different answer from every person who answers. at 7 weekks I was allowed to eat what I like except sugar and high fats. I had trouble tolerating chicken or beef unless it was ground for about 5 or 6 months. I did eat veggies and fruit ( I am sure the carb police would not agree) I would have an egg and chees for breakfast, 4-6 shrimp or 3 oz ground beef or turkey or beef lunch meat with a salad at lunch, fruit for a snack, and dinner 3 oz meat fish or chicken, couple tbs veggies and a couple bites potatoes etc. evening snack, sugar free pudding, or yogurt, etc. hang in there and good luck
   — **willow**

July 21, 2003
oops, i typed with out rechecking, it would be 38 # at 2 months
   — **willow**

July 21, 2003
I hate to say it but cut out the carbs if you want to lose faster and without plateaus. I have been downright anal about not eating carbs. I did not have a potato or pasta or bread or rice for about 5 months post op and still have not had rice and only had pasta and bread once. I know it seems horrible but you get used to it and seeing the weight drop off is a seriously awesome benifit. I just think that the longer you can make it without incorporating that stuff into your diet the better off you are. Also if you are eating all the potatoes you can't get in enough protein. It is important for energy as well as weight loss. I am 6.5 months out, down 100+ pounds with less than 30 to go and have yet to have a plateau. My worst week so far I still lost a quarter of a pound. Good Luck. :)
   — Carol S.