Question:
3 months and no appetite..will I still lose

I am starting to get nervous about the long-term success of my surgery. I am 13 weeks post-op and down 64 pounds, but most of my weight loss was in the first month (40+ pounds). I have only been losing about 2 pounds a week and I know that I should be losing more...I also know why I am not. I can't eat! I have no appetite and I am only able to eat around 300 calories a day and 30-40 g of protein. I eat 3 times a day and don't snack. However, I can only eat 2 oz at a time. I always eat my protein first and if I have room I will have a veggie, but I rarely have room. I try to have at least one shake a day, but I can only hold 4 oz at a time so even that is only 10 g of protein. At 3 months, my body is probably thinking that I am starving myself at only 300 calories a day! I exercise 5-6 times a week and track it to a "T" and I'm burning double my calorie intake almost on a daily basis. Has anyone else had this problem and still had success? I am hoping to be down 100 pounds by Thanksgiving (36 pounds to go) and meet my goal of 135 (111 pounds to go) by April 24, 2003. Am I setting my self up for a let down? Help..I need a reality slap here...    — pam29922 (posted on August 1, 2002)

August 1, 2002
Pamela, You're doing great, how-ever you might want to eat eat some more, I know it's chore, but it seems the more you eat (around 600-800) calories the more you'll loose. Go figure , I bet we never thought we'd have to force feed ourselves. I know cause I was like that the first couple of weeks, no I'm eating at about 600-800 calories a day, I try to get my protien in but like you manage to get in about 30-40 grams, per day. I know I lost the majority of my weight the first month and it's slowed down a little bit, just keep yourself active, walk and eat more. You idea of loosing 100 pounds by Thanksgiving, girl you're almost there, Keep up the great work. I'm post op 9 weeks down 58 pounds.
   — tannedtigress

August 1, 2002
If you're really eating only 300 calories a day, your body is saying "I'm STARVING! I must conserve!" Your metabolism will shut down. You better start eating more!
   — Danmark

August 1, 2002
By experimenting with different protein products, you can easily get 30g of protein in 4 oz of water. Twice a day, that's a quick 60g of well absorbed protein (if it's whey). I think it's great that you are sticking to your 2 oz meals. You'll be glad you did in a few months. Can you eat one more like it?
   — vitalady

August 1, 2002
Your doing good. You just need to get more calaries in. I know it's hard, but your body does need it to keep you well. Try to get in an extra little meal. Good Luck.
   — Sarah K.

August 2, 2002
Pamela, one day your appetite will come back and you'll look back on these days fondly and wish you were back there. But the others are right, you are not getting in enough calories and your body is trying desperately to not let you "starve" it. Try eating a bunch of small 2 oz meals a day, like every 2-3 hours. the more you can put into your body, the more your body will let go of it-I know it sounds crazy but its true. Your exercise is great, but also up the water. Important!!
   — Cindy R.