Looks like many of us are sharing the problem. Since October I have lost next to nothing. Today I am starting to up my protein and water intake. I sure hope it helps. I am feeling great but want to lose 50 more pounds.

I can also relate. I have been doing the bouncing thing. I was down to 176 now back up to 179/180. That may not seem bad to most but I have been doing the bouncing thing for 2 months and it is frustrating. But I must admit- My husband has been very ill and had a child in the hospital. As a resut I did graze not paying attention (no excuse that has to be controlled) but still frustrating. Now I am really trying to buckle down. I find if I journal all my food I am better a****ching what goes in. It is also easier to identify what should be skipped next time. Typically I get back on track when I focus, journal and watch carbs. So off I go again to address my personal eating habits. This in reality will be a life long struggle. My goal is 150. Dr gave me a goal of 160. Hang in there.

I am going insane with this plateau, seriously. It has been since September that I have lost any weight. I have been between 227 and 232, bouncing daily. Argh. I have not significantly changed my eating habits in those months, so I don't think its because I've been "bad", so to speak. I have been exercising, walking, step aerobics, some tae bo (kicked my butt btw). I am damn near the end of my rope with this. I have lost 130 lbs, and I do not feel like a failure. I can do anything I want now, walk miles, fit on rides, keep up with my 5 year old nephew, and I don't mind being seen out in public. But, man, I have my 1 year in 2 months and it will show the same weight as my 9 month appt. My surgeon gave me a goal of 169, I gave myself a goal of 200, and I haven't gotten to either. Alll the weight I lost, I lost in the first 8 months or so. Sorry for the long post, I'm rather depressed about this right now. Maybe I'll try the plateau buster diet....does anybody have that handy to repost? Thanks for letting me whine Genny

CoNgRaTuLaTiOnS on your pregnancy, Billie! How exciting. Wishing you a happy and healthy 9 months ahead. Stacey

Myra, Sounds like a marginal ulcer to me. Did your doctor put you on meds as well? I was taking Carafate 4x a day and Nexium. Mine did not heal even with the meds. My surgeon said some don't because these ulcers are not caused by the same thing normal ulcers are. HE said smoking increases chances of these ulcers, but I don't smoke, and he said sometimes it is just poor blood supply in the connection made with the small bowel and our new pouch. Have you been eating? That was a big problem with me. I just had a meal of chicken with salad on Monday evening and it was the first thing I have chewed since October. I was only able to eat pudding and soft cheeses (cottage cheese, ricotta) because any solid meat or protein would cause me tremendous pain. By the time I made it in for my surgery my ulcer was pretty substancial, and I was very dehydrated and somewhat malnourished. That kept me in there a few more days then expected as I had to recieve magnesium and potassium as well. I did have to start over as far as eating methods, and follow new pouch rules. I had One week of liquids, 2 weeks of puree, and was just cleared last Friday to begin eating again. I was terrified, but so overjoyed when I ate the chicken the other night and it felt ok. Hope you feel better. Let me know what your surgeon says on Thursday. or if you have any more questions....ask away. Eileen