Question:
Post ops: I'm not a LOSER any more!! Where should I REALLY

be at 10 months out? I had my WLS September 3, 2002~a LAP RNY. I'm 5'2" tall and my beggining weight was 265 pounds. My weight shot off like a rocket the first 2-3 weeks, and I hadn't done anything...I wasn't even exercizing then. Now that I've decreased it to 2 times a week (due to going through some severe stress on the job), nothing has happened!! I walk the same as usual, protein intake increased to 120g per day...yada,yada,yada, water=70-75 ozs (at least every OTHER day for water), but the basic 64 ozs. I meet on a daily basis. I feel like this is it for me, and it's not a good feeling at all. I've been honest about everything since I've made myself accountable to those that chose to be my penpals...I don't mean to be a "whiner", I just want to know what else is left for me to do? Has anyone EVER gone on such a llonnnggg plateau?I just want to know if this is where it all comes to an end?? I've tired everything I can possibly think of and as you know, I'm still on this plateau. It's really beginning to be a bit annoying now. I've had a positive focus so far, and have tried to be encouraging for other pre and post-ops, but now, seems like I'm beginning to lose the *sparks*. It seems like I'm just going through the motions, just drifting along. I'm getting bored and tired of trying so hard. Is this surgery failing me? Have I tried too hard? Not done enough? I thought of calling my surgeon with these concerns, but to be honest, he might tell me something I might not want to hear OR have already tried. AMOS family...I really don't understand and could use your advice, suggestions, helpful hints and bright ideas, 'cuz mine aren't working...I've read book after book about carbs, Atkins Plan, etc. (please, no flames-that won't help since I've done all I can possibly do). I felt on top of the world at one time!! Like the "social butterfly" (as they call me in my support group)I'm tired of crying, that won't help the weight come off...**sigh**....LAP RNY 9/3/02 265/158/115-126 Hadiyah McCutcheon, Still struggling with this weight OR a FORMER LOSER~~    — yourdivaness (posted on July 14, 2003)

July 14, 2003
From everything I've read, you are certainly not done losing. Clearly, the further out you are, the slower the weight comes off AND the closer to goal you are, the slower the weight comes off. Having said that, however, it sounds like you just need to MIX IT UP. Perhaps your body has become accustomed to your routine. Start eating a little more (protein) for the next two weeks. Focus more on cardio in your exercise regimen. I'm almost 10 months out and find that the more I can avoid doing the same things in the same order, the better my results. How is your portion control? Are you sticking to the basic 4 oz. per meal with protein first? That could make a difference. Really lay low on the carbs. Hang in there...you will lose again.
   — Kimberly L. A.

July 14, 2003
Hadiyah - I think you are doing great! Like me you are a lightweight (don't you hate that word) and more of an average loser. I don't think you are done yet, though. Like the previous poster said, mix things up an see what happens. Also remember, if you have been obese or overweight since childhood, your bones will weigh more than the average persons. Bones become heavier to bear the extra weight. What is your clothing size? Your measurements - have they changed? Go back to week of all liquids. Also, this is really where the metal meets the road - this is the point at which all of your good habits do become like familiar motions and you do what you must because you must. Don't give up. Sometimes I hate hearing about the rapid weight losses and the stories of those who have reached goal in 6 months to a year - remember, these people are not the typical losers. We just focus on their stories because they give us hope in the beginning when we need it. Now we need to look at our own successes and find hope within our own experience. No easy task. Hang in there and don't lose the faith. Many blessings - robin
   — rebalspirit

July 14, 2003
I was not a lightweight and my weight lose slowed down after the first six months. I have lost 125lbs, but the first 100lbs was the first six months. But I'm still losing and I can't believe how much my body has reshaped itself in the last six months. Continue the course and it will work itself out. I have read many a profile on here about people not getting to their ultimate goal until 2-3 years out. Remember you have started a life style and you have the rest of your life to get to goal. Think of it this way the first weight you lost saved your life, the rest of the weight you need to lose will be the icing on the cake. Cheryl Lap RNY 13 mos -125
   — Cheryl S.

July 14, 2003
I don't think you're done yet. Yes, people hit insane plateaus. I have lost only 7 pounds in the last 5 months. However, I am now only 5-10 pounds from my goal. You need to chage up what you are doing. Do a different kind of exerise - change up what you are eating. Your body needs a "SHOCK". Good Luck I
   — Sharon H.

July 15, 2003
Your not done yet, but you may want to adjust your "goal" weight. 115-126, though the ideal on the charts, may be too low for you and setting yourself up for failure if you don't achieve it. My goodness, girl, you have lost more than 100 pounds in 10 months!! How can you possibly be crying?? You should be celebrating...What size are you? I think size is a better indicator than weight..as someone else said, our bones are heavier (which is a good thing!) since they had to bear that extra weight for so long. I'm an inch taller than you and 149, size 10. I'm 4 pounds from my original goal but very happy to be a size 10-imagine if I listened to the insurance company weight for my height. 130? Yeah, right. As far as plateaus, I had lost a total of 1 pound in 3 months and was convinced that my weight loss was over, when lo and behold, 3 pounds in 2 weeks, all of a sudden with nothing done differently. I'd suggest upping the exercise (heart pumping cardio is the only thing that works) to 3 times a week, keep the carbs low, your water is great as is your protein intake and watch the calories. Its still a calories game. And be happy where you are!! You should be very proud of your progress and hard work.
   — Cindy R.