Question:
Okay, I'm not losing much at all!

I'm 13 months out, down about 170 lbs but still have about 100 or so to go, depending on which doctor I talk with! My surgeon says I am doing great, the internal medicine specialist says I'm behind. I can't seem to jump start the weight loss again and I don't know what to do. I've lost about 15 lbs THIS YEAR and shutter at the fact that I'm past my window. I'm considering Weight Watchers just to eat decently, a good friend of mine can get me the 'stuff' for 50% off and I'm won't go to the meetings--I can eat pretty much anything and find myself doing just that--eating everything! Now, I don't eat constantly but I do find myself craving cookies, candy, mochas--all the stuff I don't want to consume. I need some pointers! I don't get anything out of my local support groups, either on-line or in person so please don't suggest groups. I've printer out the pouch ruled for dummies, too!    — jenn2002 (posted on June 2, 2003)

June 2, 2003
OK, a couple of points here. You know what you're doing wrong (your profile even talks about your obsession with carbs), so find a way to eliminate the problem foods from your diet. Don't keep carbs in the house--the rest of your family doesn't need them, either. Force yourself to eat protein, protein, protein. Drink your water. And exercise. That will do it every time. Weight Watchers meals aren't going to be the answer (were they ever in the past?). They are not high protein/low carbs. Regarding whether you're doing well with your weight loss or not: your surgeon is the expert on your surgery. Pay attention to what she tells you first. Are you losing enough? Remember that this surgery is considered a success if you lose 65% (or more) of your excess weight--not 100% or to some magic small size. Regardless of anything else, 170 pounds lost is phenomenal! There is no way that you should be unhappy with that result, and there are things you can do to take off even more if you want to recomit to the basics. Go for it!
   — Vespa R.

June 2, 2003
Hi, I have had a similar problem. I met with the dietician and she helped me review my eating. I tried Atkins and FA, all to no avail. I was drinking protein drinks to get in much of my protein. And was using Atkins shakes. No matter how little I ate carb wise or how much I exercised,I wasn't loosing. I went to another dietician who works with another set of weight loss docs. She told me that most of the people who fail to loose after the surgery are drinking protein drinks. She said I should get all my protein from food. The plan she designed for me is either 2 ounces of protein four times a day.14 grams each time or one 2oz meal and two three ounce meals. A total of 1000- 1200 calories per day and 50-60 grams of protein. In addition to this you need to exercise 45-60 minutes, 5-7 days per week. Unfortunately I have not been successful at following this rigid Food plan but I still hope too. I do exercise about 2 hours a day at least 5 times a week. Let me know if you try it. Hope it helps. Kathy
   — kathleen S.

June 2, 2003
Have you tried the Graduate group? Many have had your struggles. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG
   — vitalady