Question:
I need to lose the last 30 pounds of weight. Help.

I'm 18 months post op. I started out at 375 pounds and I'm now at 215 pounds. I'm 5'11 so I really only want to lose about 30 or 35 pounds because of my large frame. But I'm having the hardest time doing it. It seems like I can eat so much and I'm really struggling to lose weight. Lately I've been tring the Atkins diet, but find myself unable to eliminate carbs. Does anyone have any suggestions? How many grams of protien should I have these days? I'm having plastic surgery in 6 weeks and have to lose most of the extra weight or my skin removal surgery will be canceled. AMOS family, please help!    — Sarah K. (posted on October 24, 2003)

October 24, 2003
I am 11 mths post op for me to get the last 20lbs off I have really had to work at it. What I have found has worked for me is really making sure I get 64 oz. of water in. I drink a protein drink called pure protein 3 carbs and 35 gms of protein for my breakfast. For lunch I eat a salad I focus on adding protein to it. And, I use as low of a carb dressing as I can find. For dinner I eat a small piece of chicken or some turkey bacon or a small hamburger patty. Just it's all about my protein. For between my meals I drink 2 more protein drinks usually the pure protein. I also do the water loading between meals so that before the meal I won't eat as much. I just really get my gastric bypass rules out and re-read them on almost a daily basis. I am at my goal. But, now that I am here I think I want to loose 6 more lbs. before I get a tummy tuck. I really hope some of this helps you. Oh and exercise no matter what it is bump up what your doing by 10 more mins. Good luck!!! Mary`n`Oh
   — Mary F.

October 25, 2003
The only way to get off the carbs is cold turkey and you will feel like a new person in 2-3 days.
   — Carol S.

October 25, 2003
One thing I noticed that you said in your post was "I can eat so much" well if you are thinking that your pouch will stop you on its own, that is the problem. Remember it is only a tool. If you know you are eating more then you should just try cutting it down. What I did is served myself what I felt I was hungry for (of anything I wanted, I did not deny myself that way), then I split the plate down the middle and ate half and put it in the fridge or shared the other half with my boyfriend. I lost 60 lbs but never felt deprived. You have done so well. I don't think you can expect to lose 30 lbs in 6 weeks though. Be realistic and if you want to have the weight off before the surgery, put off the surgery.
   — Megan *.

October 25, 2003
My surgeon says at 18 months out I should AT LEAST being getting 60 grams of protein.
   — Renee B.