Question:
Has anyone had a problem with losing too much weight?

I am exactly 1 year post-op and have passed my weight loss goal. I am 5'8" tall and weigh 122 pounds now. I started at 260 pounds, but can't seem to quit losing. People look at me funny like I am anorexic and my friends and family call me names like pencil, stick, skinny, etc...Everyone tells me I don't look good and that I need to gain weight, which obviously hurts my feelings. It is just like when I was overweight, but just in the opposite now. I eat like crazy, whenever and whatever I want! I don't even exercize because I have a messed up left leg, which has kept me practically disable for the past year. I just don't know what to do and I feel like I'm the only one this is happening to. Help!    — Melissa H. (posted on July 19, 2002)

July 18, 2002
Congratulations, Melissa! I know this may really be of concern to you...I'd *love* getting down to that weight, but I'm 5'2", which would be ideal for me. I would continue to do what I'be been doing, but you HAVE TO EAT!! Give your PCP a call. How do you feel about considering a therapist to discuss your feelings about this, or some spiritual or inspirational advisor? ~~~I hope everything works out for you, and try not to let what others say get next to you. Just take care of yourself and stay in the "safety zone".
   — yourdivaness

July 18, 2002
Hi Melissa, have you read 'pouch rules for dummies'? It says to do the opposite if you become underweight. A couple of them are: Eating more than 1 1/2 cups of food for each meal results in weight gain, and Drinking with meals results in pushing the food through so as to make room for more food. Also, don't drink heavily right before you eat, it causes you to get fuller much quicker. I just started implementing the rules and it has worked for me, doing the opposite might be worth a try for you.
   — Cheri M.

July 18, 2002
You could be describing me. I am 8 months post op have lost 135 lbs and am weighing in about 115 lbs (I'm 5'6). That is about 15 - 20 lbs less than my Idea weight. I have increased my food intake and even eat a little treats, but I just keep losing a pound here and a pound there. (I do worry sometimes abot eating too much and stretching my pouch) I think I look fine but so many have told me I look sick, and my family does the same thing they give me all that negative comment crap. I feel good about myself and I hope you do too. Just be happy with your success and don't let anyone's negativity bother you. Congratulations on your success. AND if you figure out how to make the weight stop comming off let me know:) Until then BE HAPPY!
   — Lynda T.

July 19, 2002
This may sound scary, but it's possible that your body is not absorbing enough of the food you are eating, i.e. your intestines haven't learned how to absorb nutrients normally yet. One sure way to gain weight is to add carbs. Shouldn't be hard, since those are the kinds of foods we all like anyway (pasta, potatoes, popcorn, etc.). Besides, our intestines digest 100% of the sugar we eat anyway, even post-op. Good luck.
   — Terissa R.

July 19, 2002
Hi Melissa: I had the same problem for a while...losing too fast my dr thought, so he gave me a food emzyme to take 3 times a day...helps you absorb more food and nutrients....ask your dr...it worked for me
   — Joi G.