Question:
Ok, I really need honest feedback. I know that everyone is different, however, I am

really concerned that I have only lost 25 lbs thus far. Lap October 3, 2002. I started out at 270 and now weigh 245. I can pretty much eat anything except bread and potatoes. i eat at least 1/3 of what I used to eat. Why am I not loosing weight faster???? Thanks    — darlene B. (posted on November 19, 2002)

November 19, 2002
I am NOT preaching,...but just because we CAN eat anything, does not mean that we should. I believe that we all (regardless if surgery type) need to adhere to the 75% protein rule and drink lots of water. Take 3 bites of protien to 1 bite of anything else on your plate-. Try to focus onhigh protein, low fat choices.
   — ~~Stacie~~

November 19, 2002
Have you kept a food diary and taken it to your nutronist? How much ecercise are you getting?
   — bob-haller

November 19, 2002
you don't put much in your profile so I don't know if you are a "light-weight" or not - lite-weights tend to lose much slower than their heavier counter-parts. Also I agree with previous posters about avoiding the worse foods (anything high in sugar, starch or trigger foods - trigger foods are some sugar-free items that cause you to crave carby foods). Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 19, 2002
Im not 'concerned' with the amout of weight loss you have had. Considering you, yourself posted.. I can eat anything, but just 1/3 of the amount I use to before. The weight loss sounds 'normal'. WHAT I would be considered with is 'I CAN EAT 1/3'. As a new RNY you shouldnt be up to 1/3 of your normal intate. I was concerned about the amount of food my body could take, since I seemed different from my other WLS peers - COME to find out - I was. I have no pouch function, and IF THAT is your problem, YOU will have to have it corrected (unlikely unless you find a fobi surgergon) or start seriously dieting to continue loosing weight. YOU will loose regardless of 'how' much you eat - for a while .. but eventually that too will stop. I would check immediately with my surgeon and find out 1) what size did he make 'me'. and; if necessary have an upper GI test done to check pouch function.
   — star .

November 19, 2002
THANK YOU!!!! I LOVE THAT YOU ASKED THIS QUESTION!! I am right there with you. I think I started out (after losing a little before surgery) at around 275 and I dare say that I'm not below 250 (though I refused to get on the scale--however I can tell in my clothing and face). My surgery was on OCTOBER 1st--Lap RNY. I have recently (yesterday) purchased some protein shakes, thinking that I'll focus on upping my protein and lowering my carbs even more and jump starting my metabolism by exercising more. I'm drinking all my water..and am currently exercising. PLEASE don't give up...and just focus on doing what everyone here mentioned. Water, protein and exercise...we're gonna get through this! I just figured that I'm on a wicked plateau and that YES, THIS SURGERY W I L L WORK FOR EVEN ME (and for you too!)!!!!!! Please feel free to email me if you'd like to support each other...I'm all for it!
   — Karen K.

November 19, 2002
I'm 16 months post op and could have written what you've written. I was a "lightweight" (I guess, at 282, teh) I could and did eat more than my peers. I lost what at the time seemed slowly. My main goal became to *not stretch my pouch*. Some days I push it(still), but generally keep my portions smaller than I literally can eat. By three months post op I could easily eat a shortie hoagie (4" Sub) from Wawa (local convenience store). Even now, at 16 months post op, that's all I'd eat, and maybe an ounce of fat free chips, and I'm content. I had to ask at a support group why they were eating only half of a banana...I couldn't understand, I could eat a whole one. When I was told it was because that was what they were *told* to do that a light bulb went off in my head. I do pretty good with controlling my portions and making better food choices (low fat vs. regular, etc) however, I still have problems with "mindless munching". I use a food journal to keep track of what I eat and try to plan my whole days menu a day before. Right now you're having the early post op lack of confidence, but you will be amazed at how as you realize your "plan of attack" on this new journey just how the weight will come off. I now weight 142 (goal #1 is 132 goal #2 is 125...lol). I am still loosing, yet very slow. I do exercise 4-5 days a week for about a 1/2 hr on the treadmill). Hope some of my ramblings here are helpful. Best wishes! -Kim open RNY 7/17/01 -140
   — KimBo36

November 19, 2002
Try following this checklist to troubleshoot: (1) Have you discussed your loss with your surgeon? If so what did he say? (2) Are you keeping a food diary of every bite that goes in your mouth? My surgeon said I should probably average 800 calories per day and most of that should be protein and no more than 20 grams of fat. He recommends 50-60 grams of protein per day minimum. (3) Are you getting a minimum of 64 oz. of water per day? (4) Are you exercising daily? (5) Are you taking your vitamins (multivitamins, B-12, A&D at a minimum) At least those are questions that will help you start answering your question. In the end, sometimes, some people lose more slowly. I know every time I get stuck if I increase my protein and water, it seems to start my loss again.
   — Cathy S.