Question:
After 10 months post-op can i still reach my goal?

I am 10 months post-op and have lost 100 lbs., i can eat anything and i normally do, what I need to know if there is still a chance that i can reach my goal weight loss of 150 lbs. If so what can i do to rev-up my weight loss ability and get back on the right track. I am so embarrassed to be writing a question of this nature because the surgery has been a life saver to me and I am not using it for the tool it was meant to be. I do not take extra protein, i was told by my surgeon it wasn't necessary. HELP, i really want to save myself and do better. God Bless Us All, Love Theresa    — theresa B. (posted on August 1, 2001)

August 1, 2001
I am also just about 10 months post-op (open proximal rny). I have lost 128 lbs. It has gone real fast and steady until recently. It stopped all of a sudden. My doctor sent me an article on the function of the pouch, and I was also reading related information at the web site www.oregoncenter.com. I used some of the techniques and am happy to report I am losing again. In a nutshell this is what I did: Changed from 6 smaller meals a day to 3 larger ones, and no more (boo-hoo)snacks. I also do one protein drink, and always have. Drink as much water as possible, as fast as possible which in and of itself distends the pouch and makes you get the full signal. it ususally lasts for 1 to 2 hours. The articles said that the only way we feel full is when our pouch gets distended (but not too much). As our pouch heals, it can hold more food and what used to distend it before, now does not. This accounts for the increase in hunger. Small snacks don't distend it either. So decrease the amount of meals but increase the volume a little. What you choose to eat still plays a large part in how much you will lose. But the mechanics are the same. It seems to have jump started me again. I still need to lose 50-70 lbs. good luck to you.
   — claire C.

August 1, 2001
Hi: I just want to remind you that we will generally loose weight for up to 24 months post op. (that is what my surgeon told me.) However, we of course will not loose like we did the first 6 - 8 months, but it will come off. I just suggest you relax a little. Possibly stop the grazing, as this can be a sneaky one! Don't expect to keep loosing at the pace you have been! Good luck
   — Karen A.

August 2, 2001
Theresa: I noticed you are Distal RNY. How distal are you? I'm rather surprised you stopped losing so soon since you are distal. When you say you eat anything you want, that is probably the key. We do have to exercise some self-control and I have a problem here myself. I'd like to lose another 15 pounds. I'm post op RNY with 5 feet bypassed and I've stopped losing weight too, I had surgery 4/4/00. My surgeon also told us not to use protein supplements. However, I'm now starting to take Michelle's advice (vitalady.com) and am sampling her protein supplements. I'm very choosy. I've discovered her HDT 5+1 is delicious just mixed with ice water! It is sweetened with stevia. I tried the Strawberry. Michelle thinks I need to add 60 grams of protein a day to my diet to start my weight loss again. I think I'm going to do that, plus, get back onto my DAILY exercise. I also need to curtail my watching tv at night and snacking! And, those gummy worms are soooooooooo good, but I think I better quit eating them so often. Sounds like we are taking it too easy. Best wishes to you.
   — Cindy H.

August 2, 2001
okay, Theresa. I suspect you know the answer to this, but are really secretly hoping that we are all going to tell you what you would like to hear, and not what you need to hear! You already know how to lose weight. And you know that the surgery is only a tool...you have to apply all the other formulas to really make it effective. You know that means, calories, protein, water, and exercise. Well, darn! You know you need to do it. The good news is, it's soooo much easier after the surgery. I stepped up my exercise recently, and I have to tell you that it is really such a great feeling to feel so strong and healthy. I can't get over it. I had been on a plateau for the last 4 months, but once I kicked up my protein, water, and exercise, the scale has started moving again. People keep telling me how fabulous I look. I'm sure now I will get that last 15 pounds off and get to goal. Good luck. You can do it.
   — Anne G.