Am I eating too much?

I'm hesitant to do this just because I like responding better than asking, but here goes. My surgery was on 1/25. I have lost only 29 pounds. In 9 weeks. My surgeon says I should be losing 5 pounds per week, so I should have lost 45 pounds by now. We don't do protein shakes with my program, so that's not an option. On a typical day, I'll eat 1 boiled egg, 1/2 of a 4 oz. hamburger patty with cheese, and 3 low-fat wheat thins with a slice of swiss cheese on each one. I buy the Kraft "cracker cuts" swiss cheese and 3 slices = 1 oz. If I get hungry in between meals, I'll eat a few grapes or a couple of strawberries. I don't dump on anything and I have tested the water a bit - a See's candy just to see if I could handle it and if it would taste the same. I can and it did but it was just one rather than 1/2 a box like in the old days. I drink about 30 oz of water during the day while I'm at work and get in another 20 oz or so before and after work. I just bought an exercise bike last night and got it set up, so I'll be exercising more. I was walking every day at lunch a mile or so but it has been raining all month and it's just icky and I don't want to go out there. I'm close to getting really bummed over the lack of sunshine. I've lost 2 sizes, from a 20/22 to a 16/18. I feel good overall but in the back of my mind I'm thinking I'm failing at this. And my surgeon reinforces that. Any ideas?

Hi Gwen, First off, you are not failing. Get that right out of your head. Now what you might want to try is to push for more fluids and of course more excersise. Also you may want to try to lower your fat intake. Try turkey or chicken instead of beef, and make sure the cheese is low fat. Good luck and keep on going! Regards and hugs, Ronna

Thanks Ronna - turkey is a bit dry but chicken is working. I know tuna is really high in protein but I'm allergic to seafood! I sure appreciate everyone's input!!

Would your surgeon mind if you actually ate just a little bit more than you're eating now? I found that when my weight wouldn't budge and I'd be stalling, that on the days I ate a little bit MORE that I would actually lose. Maybe try adding in one more small/healthy meal or snack. Maybe a string cheese, or a small serving of cottage cheese to mix your fruit snack with? However, this all depends on what your surgeon's rules are. If you're currently eating the maximum amount that he allows, or if he doesn't want you to eat anymore than you currently are, then please just follow what he say to do.

Hi Allison, I did that when I was working on losing the 10% my program requires before surgery. I would stall on the 1200 calorie diet they had provided and get pissed off and go off of it and eat whatever I wanted for 2 days. I'd lose every time I did that. I thought about that now but my program is SO STRICT - 1/4 cup 3Xday and that's all we're allowed. I have eaten more of that some days because I'm hungry, but I try to stick with the list they gave me of acceptable foods. I appreciate your input and am going to go get some cottage cheese - it's usually a lean but filling snack.

I thought the same exact thing as Ronna when I read your post. You might be making high fat choices. Personally, I did away with all red meat. I plan on keeping it that way for at least the next year or so. Try turkey or boca burgers instead. Actually poultry and fish has more protein and less fat then red meat. Another thing I read online was how vital water consumption is. 2 years ago I lost 42 pounds in 9 months and I didn't even change my eating, I only drank a 2 liter bottle of what EVERYDAY. No soda, no juice, jus****er. A personal trainer and licensed nut told me that 64oz is not accurate. To know how much water you need you should take your weight and divide it in half, that number is how many ozs you should consume a day. For instance, I weight 268 so I should really consume 134 oz a day. Sounds crazy but it's true. Dawn

I completely understand the whole water thing! It is crazy lol, but it makes sense! We raise our beef and know it is super lean. We are more chicken eaters than anything, but we do have beef about once ever 2 weeks.... oh so yummy!

Dawn - how could someone drink that much water? Holy cow - I'm lucky if I get in 50-60 ounces! I don't do soda anymore, but I do buy the flavored waters so I get some variety.

Beats me!!! I could never drink that much either, but I guess if I figure what the amount should be at goal wieght it wouldn't be so bad. 85 oz. Now that, I could probably do.

Hi Gwen! YOU ARE NOT FAILING!!!!!! Although fat might be an issue.... is that all you're eating? Only one egg, 2 oz of beef and three crackers with cheese?? It seems a little little lol. I know when I don't eat, I stall and feel horrible- when I do eat, I feel great and lose weight! But, my doc also allows shakes and drinks. Congrats on losing your two sizes and pounds! That's amazing!!!!!