Too Skinny!! Look like I am a concentration camp victim!!

thank you Lindsey.  Fortunately, I know how my sister is and she's brutally honest and it's all good.  She's still one of my biggest supporters  :-)   If nothing else, they simply reminded me what I was already thinking.  "these arms!!"   :-) 

Luanne -

I looked at your pictures and I think you look lovely.  I suspect your family isn't accustomed to the changes.  Your upper arms look thin, I'll bet building a bit of muscle would give them some bulk and definition.  You've had amazing results. 

Thank you Marti.  I am so fortunate that I don't have as much saggy skin considering I've lost around 204 lbs.  Very lucky that way  :-)

Most people reach their lowest weight at 24 months. By 36 months the intestines have learned how to overcome the effects of the surgery and there is normally about 20 pounds of bounce-back weight. It is very unusual for a RNY post-op to still have a concentration camp look after year 3. You can worry about it, add more calories, etc. or just let nature take its course. Of course adding muscle tone will improve how your body looks.

thank you Mary Catherine.  That's what I keep reminding myself about is the fact that eventually things will even out and I will most likely regain a few pounds.  I'm glad I kind of know what to expect  :-)

and really important to consider is how YOU feel about your health ....

You are in a similar situation to me.  I am 5'6 and was 128 pounds as of the beginning of the week which when looking at weight scales is perfect but for me it is too thin - my face looks really drawn out.  I have a really bad time with malabsorbtion - more than most.  My Endocrinoloigst put me on pancreatic enzymes to try to help me absorb my food - I was eating enourmous amounts of food and either staying the same or still losing plus having tons of diarhea.  So, now with the enzymes things are little better. I actually weighed myself this morning - and am up to 134.  I was so excited.

For you the best way to either maintain or if you want to gain a few pounds but be careful because you dont' want to gain too much - everyone ends up with some bounce back eventually and you don't to end up gaining too much - add some carbs.  You  can also add a delicious tasting protein drink - my protein shake has 40grams of protein but also has 350 calories and tastes like a chocolate milk shake. Not dietetic but high in protein and delicious.

thank you - I tend to make my protein shakes the same way all the time  and am very good about drinking them daily, sometimes 2 x a day, but focus primarily on protein intake.

What's your recipe?  :-)

I havent' been able to drink my shakes the past month or 2 since I have become so lactose intolerant that I can't even use lactaid milk. I miss my shakes.  I just bought some soy milk at the suggestion of my surgeon, so I am going to try that this week and see if it works.

Chocolate Monkey

8 ounces of milk
2 tablespoons of SF chocolate syrup - davinci's or torani
5 or 6 ice cubes
1 1/2 scoops of chocolate protein powder - I use GNC Pro Performance 100% Whey Protein
2 heaping tablespoons of SF chocolate pudding powder
1 sliced banana

Put is all in the blender for about 45 seconds until smooth. It is delicious and 40-45 grams of protein.

thank you for the recipe  :-)   Hopefully the soy will work for you.