Hey All-

So I have been in the same range for the last 2-3 months. I am currently at 290, but have been below 300 for at least 3 months. I blame some grazing on carbs for the first bit of it, but I have also started heavy lifting workouts with a trainer a few times a week in this time period as well. I have definitely gained a ton of muscle and my body shape has changed during this time more than ~10lbs the scale says I have lost.

I was wondering if any of you have had long term stalls, and also around what level of calories are you all eating. I have been tracking of late and I am around 1400-1800 (which I know is high for surgery) and I am still shocked that a level of calories like that could stop my weight loss like this for so long. Do I need to go back down to 800-1000? I have been trying to be patient, but mentally as the months tick by it is getting harder.

I am less than 4 months from my year anniversary now and I am starting to get really worried about not getting into the mid 200s by then. :/

Thanks,
Dwayne

As long as I've been on OH this is a first! Being too light to hold down a lawn mower! Great FART moment!

(Fantastic, Awesome, Remarkable, Terrific)

I'll go down your list the best I can. This is not "the easy way out". I've had a double heart bypass...That wasn't the easy way out. It was there to help save my life.

Clothes...You don't want to spend tons on new clothes till you have reached near goal. I bought $300. worth of new clothes cause " I knew" I was done losing weight. I quickly grew out of them. I know it can be tough, but ask friends, family, coworker for good clothing. You fly through clothes sizes like nothing you can fathom. Men lose the weight faster than women in general (we have a larger muscle mass)...Easier for us to lose the weight. Drive extra miles to find good quality second hand shops for the best clothing. Also go to the local support group and ask for help in this area...Yeah, it can be humbling , but you will only use the clothes for a few weeks.

The skin is what it is. You can look into plastic surgery about 1 year post op or maybe 6 months post a stable weight. Just see what needs the most work. I hate my neck...Turkey neck. But I live with it. The younger you are, the more elastic your skin is...The older, the more likely you'll have skin issues.

Sex...Yes you loose the weight at the base of your thing...Which makes it seem longer. Your thing also gets skinnier too. Also remember with the weight loss comes the release of estrogen. Yes, estrogen...It is stored in your fat cells. Many men who are stable for years and years find themselves "falling apart" and have no idea what is happening. It's the release of the estrogen (called the estrogen dump). You will be better as your weight stabilizes. Just keep that one in the back of your mind...It does happen. The sex is better in so many ways...You'll see.

Hair loss...Try and stay on the protein...Protein first. For many it happens. For some men the hair comes back...For others, they were losing it anyways. So you just live with it.

Again you are doing this for your health. The bonus is you get a new lease on life and better health. You may take up different exercise programs that you never thought you would get into. Some jog, others ride bicycles (me). One guy was walking long trails. Someone else takes on more physical work. You find out what works for you (your body type, comfort level, exercise enjoyment, hobbies) and start taking them on. Go from one to another to see what fits your life style. I prune fruit trees and grapevines for a hobby. I also mow lawns and walk to pick up garbage (with a grabber). I went from one exercise to another till I found what works for me...Not you...ME!! Enjoy your journey. Brian

I agree. I am starting to eat more of a maintenance diet. My Fitness Pal usually has me at 120-155 grams of protein for any given day. If I get to over 100, I relax on it, but will often hit 120. Part of the daily number depends on whether it was an exercise day or not, exercise being defined as bike riding.

I am setting up an RMR test with the nutritionist at my bariatric practice. That should take place in January. She does a decent job, but sometimes I have to hold her feet to the fire to get something other than the stock answer. Protein is a good example. Last year she assured me that I would do fine as long as I got 50-60 grams a day. I countered with MFP telling me to get 100-120 or even more. Then she took notice and gave me an answer based on my physique and not the average.

With the exception of Nature Valley protein bars, which I carry for travel or when I need something in a hurry, I've been on "real food" since early in the year. I've got a bunch of Gold Standard powder that has been sitting around since right before surgery. I was drinking it for a while after, but as soon as I got to solid food, it was relegated to a shelf and I make sure to get lots and lots of liquids in to keep my kidneys flushed out.

Just a thought...Be careful with the protein. Since you are near normal, you should be looking at a more normal diet. A diet rich in protein from lean meats, nuts, beans...With more vegetables. A high protein diet can hurt your kidneys and cause other problems. It is great for a diet, but can be harmful when your are in maintain mode. You might want to check with a dietitian on good proteins and what amount is needed. My two cents...