Question:
frustrated and wanting to give up

I had a revision-from a vbg to a rny about eight weeks ago...I did not lose a lot of weight quickly, as I did immediately following the vbg....I had really worked hard on eating no or low fat, basically only drinking water, and water aerobics-4 to 5 times a week and walking or biking everyday for 15 mins to an hour.....I have been on a plateau for about three weeks, and I dont know what to do !!! I use my home scale which goes to 350 lbs and I am down to around 300, and it hasnt moved in several weeks....When I went to my pcp (general doctor-who did not want me to have the surgery, one of his scales read 268 and the other was 311....I would love to have some accurate figures to use, but the dr was not even concerned....so anyway, fellow wls people, i completely cheated this afternoon, because I am SO discouraged and frustrated....any advice, suggestions, or help would be greatly appreciated    — [Anonymous] (posted on May 24, 2000)

May 24, 2000
You didn't post exactly how much weight you have lost in 8 weeks. From what I have read from other posts it is a bit more difficult when you have had a revision. But for goodness sake do not give up yet. In 8 weeks your body hasn't figured out just what has happened to it. I think just about everyone of us whether we have had one or more surgeries have all had our fair share of plateaus. Each time I reached one, in the beginning, the fear would set in that that was all I would ever lose. It sounds like you know what to do. Hang in there, you will get past it and start losing again.
   — Jilda H.

May 24, 2000
You're only 8 weeks post-op.. Please don't get discouraged .. revisions are a little different with weight loss totals at first slow to start then picks up later... First let's look at things you're eating.. stay away from starches (bread, corn, potatoes) high calorie foods...drink lots of water no less than 64 oz a day.. eat three meals 3-4 oz eat very slow meal should take you an hour to eat that.. remember protein first... make a list of everything you eat the next 5 days... then e-mail me I'll try to help you as much as I can... hang in there.. <p> Visit my profile page for information, links and recipes
   — Victoria B.

May 24, 2000
Are you taking a lot of protein supplement? Avoiding any forms of milk or sugar completely? Not grazing or drinking with meals? Those are the obvious offenders. What ARE you eating and drinking and how much and how often? Perhaps just rescheduling will swing things around. And drinking the minimum of 2 qts of water???
   — vitalady

May 25, 2000
Boy, do I know how you feel. Yesturday I was 11 weeks post-op and have spent at least 5 of those weeks plateau-ing. My first plateau (at 4 weeks post) lasted 2 1/2 weeks. It drove me to tears! Finally my son (my sensible one...not sure who he got all his common sense from exactly) told me, "Mom, don't sweat it. You KNOW that there's no way that the amount of food you're eating now can sustain your present weight. Don't worry...it'll come off". And 2 days later it started moving again. When I hit my second plateau, (which also lasted 2 1/2 weeks) I remembered his comments and just kept on drinking my water, increasing my exercise and counting my calories and eventually, again I started losing again. It's VERY frustrating when we plateau and sometimes we do feel like it's all for naught, but we've gone too far to just give up. I try to increase my protein and make sure I drink every ounce of my water everyday to (mentally) re-assure myself that I'm not consciously nor unconsciously sabatoging my weight loss. It's been slow, but I have lost 42# and believe that it is finally gone forever! Another tip...the next time you go see your surgeon and weigh in, immediately go home, and "set" your home scales to match his. (Don't eat anything or change your clothes before you set yours) Even if your scales have to be adjusted up or down 4-5 lbs or more, keep them there and you'll have a real good idea as to your actual weight from here on in. My scales are off by 5# to my surgeon's scales and I have to threaten my kids with bodily harm if anyone resets them, but they've been "right on" whenever I've weighed myself here and at the surgeon's office. So, don't give up, you're doing great. Good luck and God bless. cj
   — cj T.

May 25, 2000
I can sympathize. I've had a couple of plateaus already myself and I'm just 7 and 1/2 weeks out (almost) from open RNY. But, here's a suggestion that has helped me: take your measurements. I've lost lots more inches than I have weight. When I was on a plateau, I took my measurements every week and found I was still losing inches. Take your upper arm, bra line, chest, waist, hips, thighs, above the knee, calf, and whatever else you feel like measuring. I don't think I'd fret about the scales thing. Just weigh on the same one each time and you'll be fine. I believe your plateau will be over very soon.
   — Cindy H.

May 25, 2000
I was so sorry to read of your frustration. I can only say please hang in there. You are putting up a valiant fight, one that you can win. Besides the commenst already made, it must be said that plateaus are a part of this process. We always beat ourselves up when we hit a plateau, but they should be expected. Obviously if you eat all of the wrong things in great quantities, then the plateau is deserved. But if you are doing all the right things, a plateau is your body's way of saying - whooooaaaaaaaaa!!!!!! Hold up there!!!!!!! The rest of us need to catch up! It does not have to mean a dieting failure. Concentrate on measuring the inches you still lose even when you plateau. :)
   — Paula G.