Question:
I am 11 months post-op and at a loss for what to eat all of a sudden!!

I have been the same size now for 4 months, I have lost 102lbs in the first 7 months and ONLY 7 lbs in the last 4 months. I do have a sweet tooth, but I only eat sugar free sweets or no sugar added or just a bite if its real sugar. The only thing I have been eating alot of is watermelon, It seems I can eat ALOT at once. Do you think that is why I am not losing anymore?? Has anyone else just stopped losing at7 to 11 months post-op??? I am soo afraid that I am done losing. I have to lose 20 more lbs to be at my goal, and I need some SERIOUS advice on what I should be eating everyday now PLEASE!!! Thank you guys so much!!!    — Lauren P. (posted on August 30, 2001)

August 30, 2001
Lauren, I understand your frustration. Remember that your body has to catch up with your weight loss. I to stop losing at 7 months. I'm now 11 months post op as well. I just broke my 3 month plateau. I lost 8 lbs. My doc explained to me that my body is catching up with the weight loss. Your body is crazy right now. Think of it like this, Your body is scared as heck. You just lost 102lbs.....It has to slow down somewhere. My advice is to continue to keep doing what you are doing and just don't worry. It will break when your body says break. I also eat a lot of watermelon. It helps me to get in all of my water. It doesn't harm me at all. I have lost 92lbs. I'm thankful. I know I have lost some more weight, cause i can feel it. I just haven't gotten on the scale. Don't worry. It's okay. Check out my before and after www.picturetrail.com/classygem
   — Angela A.

August 30, 2001
There is so much natural sugar in watermelon, and the fact that it is mostly water probably allows you to keep on eating and eating. I would venture a guess that your caloric intake has gone way up becuase of this, and you should back it off and see if you break your plateau. Good luck.
   — [Anonymous]

August 30, 2001
Remember that sugar free and no sugar added foods are not calorie free. Sugar free candy frequently has as many calories as it's regular sugar counterparts. I also agree on the watermelon, it's a lot of calories and no fiber.. not a great choice. Try to refrain from the sugar free cookies and candy if you can. Also, pick fruits that will give you some fiber, like apples or strawberries or pears.
   — BethVBG

August 30, 2001
Have you tried increasing your protein? I have heard from others that this helps break the plateau. If you eat too many carbs (sugars--even fruit--or starches) you can upset your body's chemical balance and you will stop losing. If you are getting enough protein (and water), have you tried strength training? The combination of high protein and strength training is supposed to be one of the best ways to get rid of fat. I would be interested to see what finally works for you. I have 40 pounds to goal and think I just started a plateau. I can feel it! Also, keep track of your measurements. Last time I stopped losing for a while I was still losing INCHES, just not POUNDS. And, after all, it's the inches that count! Good luck and keep us posted!
   — ctyst