Question:
I had rny open Jun 30h 2003 and I have lost only 41lbs. I started out at 244lbs

I know I'm considered a lightweight but this is ridiculous!! I am almost 4 mths out and have only dropped 1 pant size. I went from size 20 to size 18. I don't know what I am doinwrong here. For breakfast I eat (2)egg omlet, 3 pieces of bacon. Lunch boca burger w/cheese(no bun) and dinner is fish,chicken, or meat w a vegtable about 2oz of fish,chicken or meat. I drink 1 cup of coffee(black) each morning and the rest of the day I drink water (50-64oz) and decaff tea w/splenda. I have been geting a lot of dizzy spells within the last week or so. It is just sooooooooo frustrating when I look on here and people who started at my size have already lost 50-70lbs by now. I feel like this surgery isn't working for me. For exercise I walk about 1-2miles 5 days a wek and chase after my 2yr old all day long. I know I need to up this by I just don't have the energy I thought I would have at this far out. Please any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Audrey    — Audrey W. (posted on September 30, 2003)

September 30, 2003
I'm right there with you. I had open RNY on June 12 and have lost around 50. I guess you're taller though because I was in a size 22 before surgery at 238 pounds. I would guess that you (and I) need to do 3 things. 1. Increase fluids - 64oz is the absolute minumum that we need. 2. Increase Protein - my doc wants me at 66 grams a day, but I'm using shakes to get it up closer to 90 and that seems to have helped me a little. And... 3. exercise. Walking is great, but we need something to get the heart rate up and walking doesn't do it. I'm convinced that the surgery will work, but we have to work too and unfortunately, I just never feel like I have the energy to do the things that I know I need to do. When I stick with the plan (90+ protein, 80oz + water and cardio exercise 3x a week), I lose the weight. When I don't do what I need to do, the weight hangs on. Like they say, the surgery is a tool, but we have to learn to use the tool correctly. Good Luck.
   — Carolyn M.

September 30, 2003
Actually you are exactly 3 months post op if you had surgery on 6/30/03 and you are doing fine. I started as a lightweight and although I lose slower than others, I know that I lose at my body's particular rate. Everything will be fine.
   — Dawn P.

September 30, 2003
I think you are doing great!! You are actually only 3 months out (not 4). 41 pounds in 3 months is really great!!! Keep up the good work! Shelley
   — Shelley.

September 30, 2003
Okay, start focusing on the calendar and not the scael. LOL You are 3 months out and 41 lbs for a lightweight is right on track as far as I'm concerned. Besides there is no "you should lose X" by a particular date. I was down about 60 lbs at 3 months but I started at 442. For being SMO I also lost slower than others but it kept up nice and steady with nothing more than 2 plateaus of max 2 weeks in almost 8 months. So don't focus on the lbs so much. focus on the things you are doing that will support you for the rest of your life. The comment about the food is maybe cut back the bacon, or alternate it with something less fatty. Just don;t have it every day. You might want to try adding in weight training to your routine now. It really helps our bodies become efficent fat burners by upping your metabolism. You truly are doing great! You have many months to reach your goal weight so don't panic. Just enjoy your new life and the fact that you can chase after your 2-yr old all day long!
   — zoedogcbr

September 30, 2003
I know that it doesn't seem like this right now, but the scale is probably more of an obstacle in the first 6 months of surgery than any other one item I can think of. I had my times when I thought the scale would never move and would get so sad and upset then wham! I was at goal before I knew it. Use this time to focus on your new eating habits and let the scale do what it wants. If you follow the rules, the results WILL come. I also noticed that you have 3 meals per day, maybe try 5-6 meals about 1/2 the size you are eating and see if that jump starts your metabolism. If you stoke a fire it burns hotter, eating more frequently (but not until your full) keeps the fuel burning. You are doing great!! I wish I would have jotted down more of my emotions during the times I was frustrated, but keep in mind that unlike any other "diet" you have been on, with this one you have the added bonus of the tool, so when you get frustrated, remind yourself WHY you had surgery and remember, that we ALL have times where no matter how hard we work it, it just doesn't budge!!! For muscle control get a Pilates tape and have your 2 yr old "excercise" with mommy. They just love to lay there and make it all look so easy!! LOL!!! Wishing you the Best!
   — Dana B.

September 30, 2003
I agree with Dana about changing to 5 or 6 small meals a day instead of 3. Up the protein by adding a protein drink a day, up the water to more than 64 and ensure that your exercise is heart pumping cardio-walking just doesn't cut it after a while. Jogging? Only heart pumping cardio burns the calories. Don't get discouraged, just make a few adjustments. Also keep in mind that we all lose at different rates so hang in there, slow but steady is a good thing. Don't compare to those who lose 50-70, or you'll drive yourself nuts. Just enjoy the ride.
   — Cindy R.