Question:
2 years post-op and for 1 year haven't lost anything - anyone else like that?

I am over 2 years post-op. I went from 260 pounds down to 180 and I STOPPED. For the past year I haven't lost anything at all. I feel like i'm suppose to remain fat for the rest of my life. I look in the mirror and I still see that 260 pound person. I still have 40 pounds to lose and I'm in the same predicament I was in before surgery - I can't lose weight. I'm eating 1500 calories - low carbs - high protein - exercising - drinking tons of water - doing all the right things (I think)- but the weight is NOT coming off. Anyone else out there have a solution or suggestion or goign thru the same thing? PLEASE HELP!    — Jonna M. (posted on September 22, 2003)

September 22, 2003
Jonna, don't be so hard on yourself, look at it this way- you have maintained a weight loss of 80 pounds for a whole year! Now, as for help to get you to your goal, you may have to cut down to 1200 calories instead of 1500. Its still a calories game, calories in = calories out. Apparently 1500 calories is maintenance for you. Try lowering calories for a few weeks and see if that makes a difference. also is your exercise heart pumping cardio exercise? thats the only kind that burns calories and at this point, thats what you should be targetting-3 or 4 times a week, a good 45 minutes of cardio. Also are you eating frequently? Small frequent, mostly protein based meals is what is recommended. some who only eat once or twice a day-guaranteed to slow or stop the weight loss. Your body needs fuel to burn those calories. Eating frequently provides the fuel. Good luck!
   — Cindy R.

September 22, 2003
I know how you feel. It's very disappointing for sure. I started at 319 and lost 140 in 12 months. Then it took another 12 months to lose an additional 20 pounds for a total of 160 lost. Goal was 190 and no matter how I try I can not lose the other 30 pounds. I've kept all but about 3 pounds of the 160 off because I'm diligent to watch my weight. So in one way, I'm not a failure as I've kept the weight off! But in another way I am a failure as I'm STILL in the OVERWEIGHT BMI range and not the mid range of NORMAL I was shooting for. I carry my fat (and I've plenty of it!) on my butt and thighs. What a place for a guy to hold fat. I can not stand to see all the fat that is there so I feel like a failure. A big fat failure.Anyway, I understand your pain. Your not the only one.
   — Danmark

September 22, 2003
When I asked my doc what # to use for my goal his answer really pi**ed me off. He said lets see where your body gets comfortable and would not give me an answer. Now, much later I am so glad. I think 80 # is fabulous. Can you think of any ways your life has improved. are you healthier? more energy? less aches and pains? these are all fabulous too. You are a success! I hope you can celebrate your accomplishments while living a healthy lifestyle eating right and exercising !
   — **willow**

September 22, 2003
Jonna, I know exactly where you're coming from. I'm 5'3" and was 260# when I had my open RNY proximal in July 2001. I lost 95# in the first year and essentially nothing since then. I go up 5# and down the same 5#. I am 35# above my "ideal" weight of 130#. I gave up on that goal a long time ago. my surgeon's goal for me was 160#; I was there all of 2 days. My personal goal is 145#. Having plastic surgery (TT, Breast reduction, arm lifts and thigh lipo) "cut" off about 14# but the weight came right back once the swelling went down. I was and am very disappointed. Good luck to you in your journey; all I can say or do is keep on trying!
   — LLinderman

September 22, 2003
I haven't lost any weight since I was 10 months post-op. I think my body has just realized this is MY weight. Granted, I'm happy at this weight but I wouldn't mind taking off 5 or 10 more pounds.
   — Patty H.

September 22, 2003
I went through the same thing. I had surgery 9/11/00 and lost most of the weight (with 20 to go) within the first year. Up until this past summer (nearly 3 years post-op), I remained stable at that weight. For whatever reason I finally lost the last 20 pounds and am at goal. I just think your body fights hard till it finally gives in. Your doing the right things, I believe our bodies reach a point where they say "that's it" and we have to stick to our battle plan till it gives in. Good luck, you're doing great!
   — Mary A.