Question:
I am 5 mos post-op and haven't lost weight in about 3 mos! Please help!?!

I started at 303lb, 5'6, and have only lost 40lbs in 5 months. Most of that weight came off in the first month, and I haven't lost any in 3 months. I used to come to this site all the time but have not come back because I know everyone else is doing better, I'm ashamed. I always felt I could eat too much form the first week but my Doc doesn't seem concerned with that. Is there anyone else out there like me and what do I do to start losing again?!? Please help, I'm desperate!    — LaKeAffy (posted on November 10, 2002)

November 10, 2002
Please don't get discouraged. Losing 50# in one month is fantastic!! Your body is probably just adjusting to all the sudden changes. Some things to check though: How often and how much are you eating? Make sure you are eating at least 3 meals a day with a snack or two. Are you getting in enough calories? If not, your body will go into "starvation mode" and will hang on to the weight. You should be taking in between 800-1000 calories at this stage if you are 5 mo. post-op. Make sure you are getting in your protein, water, and vitamins very day and exercise as much as you can tolerate on a daily basis. Don't drink with your meals and wait at least 30 minutes after your meal to start drinking. Try to keep your daily fat below 30 grams, carbs less than 100 grams, and protein over 60 grams EVERY day. My surgeon told me the weight loss normally averages 10# per month the first six months then drops to 5# per month the next 6 and decreases even more the next year. According to that you are right where you should be. Take heart and try to be patient-- you will start losing again; it will just be at a slower rate than the first month.
   — LLinderman

November 10, 2002
Have you had your mechanics checked? Since you said you could eat too much (how much is too much?), perhaps you have a staple line disruption or stretched stoma....? If so, all the will power in the world might not help you get what you paid for with your surgery. Please check your innards and see if your surgery is intact, then come back here & different ones of us will help you form your plan of attack.
   — vitalady

November 10, 2002
Please don't get discouraged, but do go over this "things to do checklist". 1) Have you talked to your doctor and had lab work done to make sure someting isn't wrong? 2) Are you exercising each and every day? 3) Are you getting a minimum of 50-60 grams of protein each and every day? 4) Are you taking the vitamins we're all supposed to do? 5) Are you getting a minimum of 64 oz. of water each and every day? 6) Are you staying in the realm of 800 calories per day? Sites like fitday.com or calorieking.com can help you count calories. You can do this, but the first place to start is with your doctor! Make sure something's not out of kilter! Hugz!
   — Cathy S.

November 10, 2002
In order for us to help you, we need lots more info from you. I agree with the others that the first thing to do is have the inside checked out-insist with your doctor that he send you for an upper GI. Also, are you transected? If you don't know ask the doctor. If you are not transected, insist he check for a staple line disruption as the food you are eating may just be going into your old tummy. If the tests do not show anything abnormal, come backto us and tell us exactly what you eat in a day-and be honest! To include exactly how much water or other things you are drinking. At your early stage, 3 months without weight loss is not right. Stay calm. Theres lots of ideas and support right here. But get the inside checked first.
   — Cindy R.

November 11, 2002
Your situation sounds fairly unusual. I lost 60 lbs. in the first 6 months and then an additional 140 lbs. over the next year ... and I promise, I wasn't always an angel. I have done my share of "breaking the rules" but I've never really been able to do much damage, since my RNY "tool" is in tact and functioning. I definitely think you need to call your doctor ASAP. If he isn't concerned, CHANGE DOCTORS. *HUGS* And never leave this site because you're ashamed!!! We are all here to SUPPORT YOU!!!
   — Terissa R.

November 11, 2002
Oops - typo in my response below. I actually lost 60 lbs. in the first six WEEKS, not months.
   — Terissa R.