Plateaued Already?

 Well, it's been 6 months since my gastric bypass surgery and in down to around 225. (day of surgery I was 300.) I know that a 75 lb weight loss is great but I feel like I've hit a plateau already. I think it's mostly because I haven't been eating healthy or pushing myself to exercise. (I do walk my dog at least 2x a day around my complex and it's about 1/2 mile around one time) so I'm getting some exercise there but know I should do more- however I'm still having bad pelvic pain and back pain so I can't push myself too hard on the exercise front. Any words of encouragement? has anyone hit a plateau around this point in their journey? I'd even love some protein packed recipes that can be made for 1 or 2 people since I'm just cooking for myself. I really don't want this to be "it" in terms of how much weight I lose. My goal is to reach 100 lbs lost by my birthday which is May 12th. I know it can be done, but I guess I just need that extra push or encouragement or whatever. I know I'm eating less than I used to but now that my tummy can handle pretty much anything and everything, it's real hard to say no to the junk food. 

Also has anyone else had a problem with their hair falling out in clumps? Whenever I wash or brush my hair I feel like I can make a wig out of how much has come out! I think it's due to lack of a sufficient amount of protein. Any suggestions in how to combat that?

Thanks for your help!! :)

 Although "Normal" is really just a setting on the dryer it is normal to lose five pounds a month now.  The diet and exercise do not have much to do with it.  It is the surgery.  Hair loss in clumps is also normal.  

Your vitamins, protein and taking biotin will help with hair.  So will Nioxin System 4 shampoo and condtioner.  

 I'm sorry, I don't quite get what you mean by "it's not the diet and exercise, it's the surgery." isn't the surgery only effective at helping you lose weight and maintain weight loss if you're eating healthy?

 I guess everyone does not understand how gastric bypass works.  For about 18 months the weight loss happens because you have a tiny pouch and eat less.  Also because the intestines have been changed and food passes through without being absorbed.  The healthy diet and exercise at that stage are not so much causing weight loss as they are maintaining your health while the surgery does the work.

Everyone loses at their own rate, but this is an overall average.

Average weight loss after RNY is 100 pounds in one year

Month 1 – 20 pounds

Month 2-6 – 10 pounds

Month 7-12 – 5 pounds

The real work of diet and exercise increases every month as the pouch gets bigger, more can be eaten and as the intestines learn how to overcome the effects of being starved. They learn to absorb more food and regain can begin. Use your magical surgery honeymoon to lose as much as possible and to develop the best possible food and exercise habits.

 I actually understand how the surgery works. But as with every type of weight loss plan, in order to lose weight, calories in must be less than calories given off...it's not possible to expect to lose 15 lbs in a week or two if you're stuffing your face with burgers and pizza and not doing anything else. I know that everyone reaches a plateau at some point, I'm just hoping I haven't reached one already. I'm also well aware that the gastric bypass is meant to be used as a tool, not as the end-all, be-all.

You need to also have a change in lifestyle to be successful in the long term and that's what I'm looking to do- not only to lose a large amount of weigh but to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle for the rest of my life. 

According to your ticker, you started out with an excess weight of 112 pounds, and you've lost 82, or 74% of your excess weight. VERY good, for the six-month mark!

A plateau is defined as not losing pounds OR inches for at least four weeks. Does this describe your experience?

Your body has just about now really gotten healed from major surgery. It's put the brakes on your weight loss for several reasons---one, you weight considerably less, so you're burning fewer calories just being alive. You're also burning fewer calories for healing, since you're pretty much finished with that. And, your body's getting adjusted to your new, lower calorie intake, just like it does when we go on a 'diet'.

Do you journal your food? If you do, if you'll post some of that info here I'm sure some RNY patients will be able to compare that with their own eating at 6 months out and give you some input.

Your hair's falling out because of the shock of surgery. Google 'telogen effluvium'---it'll tell you more than you ever wanted to know about hair loss. (*grin*)