Slow weight loss.

Hi ya'll. Sorry I haven't been on much this week. It has been really hectic w/ back to school and my angelette having surgery. Plus I am back to my normal schedule at work. I wanted to post this here, as well as my Juner board, because I really want the view of people who have around the same BMI as me. I lost about 40 lbs before surgery, but then gained ten in the hospital. This is my weight loss after surgery. You will see the first 2 weeks were great, the next okay, but then it is like downhill from there. I increased my water, protein, and even my calories (by about 100 cal) as everyone said, and increased exercise, and week 8 I did lose 4 lbs. Only to start into the next week, gaining 2 lbs. I did introduce seafood & boca burgers into my diet this week, and noticed I was retaining water (but I don't know why). Whenever I ask my doctor about it, he says to just decrease my calories. At the time he told me that, I was only intaking about 350 calories per day (a few weeks ago). I am not up to about 500 calories per day, as everyone on the board, as well as my physical therapist and trainer, told me to increase my calories and protein. So what I did was add a protein shake per day. This has my protein up to about 85-95 grams per day. I drink about 75 oz of water per day. I usually exercise 4-5 days a week, however I have not this week due to my extremely hectic schedule. I really don't know what else to do, and it is a concern to me, because before surgery, I dieted eating 500-800 calories per day, no exercise, and lost about 4-5 lbs per week. Ofcourse, I could drink more water then. Any body else relate or have suggestions? I'm at a loss. week 1 -17 week 2 -10 week 3 -4 week 4 -4 week 5 -0 week 6 -3 week 7 -1 week 8 -4 week 9 +2 so far (week ends on Wed) (added fish/boca burgers) Thanks ya'll.

I ran your weight loss through my calculator. I didn't count this weeks gain, because the week is not over and it could be a fluke. So at 43 pounds over eights weeks you are averaging 5.375 pounds per week. That is not slow in my book. Please try to concentrate on the whole picture and not on the numbers. You are doing great utilizing your tool but you are going to drive yourself crazy. Keep up the good work. Loris

Thanks Loris. I am learning to calm down a bit. I think after I saw the gain I was freaking out. And yes, the week is not up, so I hope to get rid of that. I truly don't know what has made me retain water like this. The only change is the addition of food. So I assume that is it. Overall you are right, over 5 lbs per week is great. I guess I was looking at so much in the beginning. It is nice to have people to come to to bring you back to reality. Thanks again.

Keep in mind after the first 2 weeks and the pre-op days the wt loss should be about 10# per month. Which doesnt sound like A LOT but when was the last time to consistbatly lost 10 a month for 3 months in a row... Speaking for myself, I could lose 10 # in one week if I tried hard but sure enough the next week I'd gain it back ( before WLS)... now it is nice to see a loss every week. You are where you should be right now, don't sweat it! YOur calories should be about 750-1000 (500 seems low), but check with the doc. Also, water adn exercise are essential.... Good luck!!!

Thanks Jodie! Wow, I didn't know ten lbs per month was average. LOL, if my doc had his way he'd have me at 200 calories per day. Like someone told me, our surgeon is just that, he's not a nutritionist. However, before I increased my calories I made sure that overwhelmingly most disagreed w/ my doctor, and that is when I went from 300-400 cal per day to 500. I know that they say by 3 mos you should be up to about 800/day. LOL, that will be a feat, I am sure...It is hard to get the 500 in, and that is usually w/ 3 protein shakes. But hopefully soon I will have that in order. Yes, I know exercise is a must from watching other successful people. This week was just so hectic, and if I don't put my foot down, it will be next week too. I can only do so much, and exercise is going to have to come at the forefront, just like protein I see. Thanks.

Do you think the weight gain could be the results of water weight gain during your menstural cycle? Georgeann

I don't have a cycle anymore, but since I still have my ovaries I still have the hormonal stuff monthly, and I was wondering that. I figure I am on my daughter's shedule, cuz whenever her time comes I crave stuff and break out. And it is her time of the month right now.

Kelli Jo, Are you eating a lot of soy protein? I do believe that boca burgers are soy, not sure. I recently switch from soy protein to whey protein and my weight has started to drop once again. I am out 3.5 yrs and have been at a stand still for the past yr or so. I have found out that soy and some veggies can slow down metabolism. Since I have been on soy from day the beginning of my wls I felt it was worth of try to give it up for a while and see what happens. 9 lbs down in a week, and I find that I'm not as hungry anymore. Go figure.

Boy I didn't know that about soy and veggies. No, I only do whey protein. Never have done soy, other than in the burgers. However I am wondering if they are what is making me retain water. I just started them this week. Thanks DQ!

I still believe your not eating enough (real food) and drinking enough water.... it is a JOB to make sure you get all those meals and snacks in... if food is hard to get down, get softer foods. My surgeons nurse ( who had i and lost a ton of wt) suggested Special K cereal (carb control)- I can eat a cup of it wit 12 oz of milk and I have 25 proteins right there first thing in the AM. When I asked her WHY I can eat so much of that and yet only2-2.5 oz of chicken she told me the obvious...it is soft and I am getting the protein value of it but it is being pushed out of my pouch faster (hence being able to eat a cup with all that milk).... I guess (because I was taught this way) that the sooner the better to get off the protein drinks. I will from time to time use it as a supplement but I do not rely on them any longer and I am 3 mo and 1 week out (down 80#) so I am guessing that it is working. If you like cheese, it is a good way to add up a few more calories nd add lots of protein to foods. How many meals/snack to you have daily? are you keeping a food diary? on the average how much water per day are you taking in? The nice thing about the cereal for breakfast is before you even start the day you have 12 oz of fluid in ( from the milk).... the cereal needs a little splenda and it is pretty good....