Question:
I am 7 mos post op and I haven't lost in 12 wks! Please anyone...I need advice so badly.

I have followed all the advice....800 cal a day and I am walking 2 miles a day and taking water aerobics. I went on a cruise and I tasted anything I wanted and I didn't gain an oz but now two wks later I have gained 4 lbs. I cannot lose it. I don't have the real full feeling anymore but I am "full" and satisfied after eating a Lean Cuisine. (about 9 oz). Others around me who have had open rny are losing like crazy. I guess what I would love to know and hear from any of you who this happened to. Is there hope I will lose anymore? I still need to lose 90 lbs! I pray this isn't all I am going to lose because I will just be devastated. My recovery was rough and I have a low iron problem. I haven't had a period since November when I had surgery and now doc wants me to begin hormone replacement therapy. Estrogen. I don't know why I have had so many problems. I will do anything to lose the rest of my wt even if it means starving! Please please help.    — Marilyn C. (posted on July 20, 2001)

July 20, 2001
Marilyn, first of all congratulations on your weight loss so far. I am 7 months post op and have been on a plateau for over a month. I have had this happen a couple of times before. I would suggest that if you are getting only 800 calories a day, you might not be taking in enough calories and your body is fighting very hard to keep what it has. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but when it's happened to me, I've increased my calorie intake to 1000 calories a day, mainly by increasing my protein. I supplemented my meals with a protein drink "snack" in between meals. Also, if you are not drinking enough water, that could be the culprit. another possible suggestion is that you change your workout routine. My personal trainer suggests changing the routine every six weeks or so. Your body somehow gets used to that particular activity, and you lose some of the effect. Maybe you could try jogging for short periods of time during your two mile walk, or you could try a different type of water exercise, maybe water walking instead of water aerobics, or even in addition to it. Have you tried weight training? since I've started weight training, I've built up more muscle mass, and muscle burns more calories than fat. You don't say how much you've already lost, but it is possible that your body really needs this time to "catch up." You probaly have changed radically since your surgery, and sometimes the body needs to slow down the loss in order to "get used" to the smaller you. PLEASE, PLEASE do not try starving yourself. First, it will have the opposite effect initially, and second, why would you go through all the trouble of having surgery only to starve yourself? I'm sure like all the rest of us, you have tried starvation diets in the past, and probably ended up eventually gaining more than you lost. Please try to relax. What does your surgeon say about your progress? Does she feel it's too slow? And PLEASE stop comparing your weight loss to others'. It is NOT a race. Focus on the differnces in your health or in the differnce in the way your clothes fit, or the way others react to the "new" you. There are many ways to measure success and the number on the scale is only one. I seriously doubt that you have lost all you are going to, just have faith and lots of patience. Try increasing your calories a bit for a few days. That with increased water and protein intake may really get the scale moving in the right direction. Good luck. If you need to chat, please feel free to email me at [email protected]
   — Maria H.

July 20, 2001
Boy do I know how you feel. I'm six months post op and have also plateaued for the past 6 weeks. I lost 56lbs during the first 4 1/2 months and my scale hasn't moved in weeks. Having said that, I also realize that my body is adjusting to all the changes. I know because I've been able to be more active that my body has developed better muscle tone as well. Though I knew that there would be plateaus I am just as worried, my head says all the rational things that we've learned, but all the same it's scary. I happened to see my surgeon a couple of days ago and he reiterated that there is an 18 month window on the weight loss and that there's no way I am done. Just to be patient, relax, and continue good eating habits and regular exercise.
   — Lisa C.

July 20, 2001
I have three words for you...protein, protein, protein. You are starving yourself at 800 cal. a day. Feed your body what it needs to be healthy and you will see results.
   — Amy C.

July 20, 2001
I too am eating 800 calories a day and experiencing no weight loss. I am satisfied eating 800 calories and don't feel hungry. I have lost 35 lbs in 2 months. For 15 days I couldn't hold down any food that's when I lost most of the 35 lbs. Once I could eat again my body decided to hold to every calorie for dear life. I gained 4 lbs on 800 calories a day! This is all so confusing and I find it a little depressing! Just wanted to let you know I understand.
   — Laura R.

July 20, 2001
It's me again. I want to thank you all for your support and understanding. Maria, it is strange but I e mailed my surgeon and he said the same thing as you...it is not a race. Maybe I feel like it is more than others cause I have a twin sister who had surgery also and she is now 30 lbs lighter than I am. I fear I will be fat and she will be thin. My wonderful surgeon responded immediately to my e mail and he said I could have barium x ray or endoscopy to see if anything had happened to the staple line. I was not transected. I have lost only 62 lbs in 7 mos. I will keep you guys posted because it is the only way we learn so much is through helping each other. God bless you all and I appreciate the responses! Anybody else disappointed with their lose please let us know. Anybody else have any ideas?
   — Marilyn C.

July 25, 2002
Hello all, I am 9 months out and have lost 120 pounds,but have not lost anything in 12 weeks now although my clothes seem to be getting a bit looser and i've lost inches but not pounds. I try to keep track of pounds AND inches because you can lose inches without losing the pounds. I know it can be discouraging because it is to me also. Just make sure you are following your diet and getting that protein and LOTS of water in. Don't give up and hang in there. :)
   — Michelle G.