Frustrated to tears! This is about the time I normally give up.

I am 36 years old, and I had my VSG on February 27, 2013.  I was terrified, but I wanted to lose my weight more than I have ever wanted anything in my entire life.  I started putting weight on my senior year in college and have battled it since that time.  I would lose 40 pounds and then gain it back plus more.  I would lose 60 pounds and then gain it all back plus more.  I had no confidence and was depressed.  I felt imprisoned in my own body.  However, I always thought I would one day get the weight off for good  I reached my highest weight last summer and that is when I finally said "I can't do this on my own."   This surgery was not something I entered into lightly.  I researched it and soaked up all the knowledge on this board that I could.  It took a lot of courage as I have always thought the worst would happen.  I was required to do a 2-week preop diet, and I lost 12 pounds.  My surgery went well, and I have had the smoothest recovery.  I lost 7 pounds the first week after surgery.  Now, I am at the 10 week mark since surgery and have only lost 22 pounds since that time -- 7 of which came off during that first week.  So that makes 15 pounds in 9 weeks.  I am extremely disappointed in that, particularly when I have only lost 1 pound these past 3 weeks.  I have talked with other WLS patients, and I recognize that I must have a larger sleeve although my doctor says he used a 34F.  I guess it is the way it is shaped or something.  I can eat more than I think a lot of individuals who have had the surgery and who are at this point can.  I also acknowledge that I don't adhere to the less than 800 calories a day plan.  My nutritionist wants my calories around 1000-1200 and my carbs around 60.  I walk 2.5 miles five times a week.  I watch what I eat.  My lifestyle is completely different and yet I am so frustrated and disappointed.  I am falling into a depression, and I struggle with staying motivated at work.  I didn't risk my life to have the same experience as if I had never had the surgery.  I don't expect it to be easy, and I know that I will have to fight for every pound.  I just didn't think the fight would be so hard this early out.  I have always managed to be diligent and dedicated in past efforts for about 3 months and then I would get frustrated with not losing weight and fall back into my own ways.  I feel like my body is failing me.  This was my last hope.  I don't know what to do.  I guess I will try to really cut calories (I already limit carbs) and see if the vets method works.  I just thought that even if I didn't do it the vets way I would still lose weight.  I mean my diet and exercise is so different why wouldn't I drop weight? Obviously I am lost and don't know anything.  I would appreciate any words of encouragement or advice. 

Hi!! No tears, you can do this! I was sleeved on 2/4/13 and am down 82 pounds. I also hit ruts or freezes in weight loss, but nothing as frustrating as what you're going through. What works for me is to limit the carbs and change up the exercise. Your body is probably bored with that routine. I do high intensity Zumba 5 to 7 hours a week and core training 1 to 3/body pump for 2 hours a week. Sometimes it's hard making time with work and life to get it all in but the weight loss is worth it. If you can't hit the gym do Pilates, yoga, and kick boxing videos. Try Jillian Michaels! This should boost your metabolism. As for food, I don't go over 60 carbs a day, including any fruits or veggies I consume. No bread, no noodles, no rice, no candy. Stick to sugar free for a sweet tooth and eat plenty of proteins! No soda either. Eventually all cravings for these will disappear too. I wish you luck, you've got the hard part out of the way, smooth sailing from here!

Thank you for responding.  You have done amazing.  Sounds like you are really doing well and giving it your all.  I wish I had those same results.  I find it strange that I started walking a month ago and my weight loss slowed down during that time.  Fortunately, I have lost some inches so that keeps me off the ledge most days.

I'm sorry you are frustrated and struggling - your despair is obvious in your post.  I have read many articles, booklets etc on vsg and I have yet to come across a plan where right out they have you doing over 1000 calories.  I was under the impression that was for when you were at a year out or at goal.  I too have heard it's under 800 calories and 20 grams of carbs 60+ of protein while you are trying to lose.  Maybe you could make those cuts and see if that gets the scale moving.  Also are you getting all of your water in?  Is your salt in take to high?  Are your calories good calories (not high fat or high carbs)?  Those are all things you can look at modifying.  

You will find what works for you - just change things up a bit.  I know the vets on here will speak and give you good, sound advise.   Best of luck to you.

Thank you.  I will try to limit my calories.  I already consume what I think are good calories like salmon, tilapia or other fish, chicken breast, ground beef, greek yogurt, protein shakes, and salads.  I don't eat anything high carb.  I also drink a lot of water.  I don't log as I eat salads a lot that I have no idea how many calories are in.  That must be the problem -- I am getting more calories in than I think or I am getting around 1200 calories, which must be too much.  I am willing to try anything at this point. 

Switch up the exercise and focus on those calories, I bet your weight will start falling off

Dont be upset with yourself, everone loses differently. I did! I didnt lose as fast as some on here but i never gave up. Yes, you have to work with your sleeve and relax. I know some peps have lost way more than me in the first year, im 2 years post op and not at my goal as of yet but im going to get there, trust me and so will you. Re evaluate what your doing, weather its carbs or protein. Im sure your body willstart losing again.
Take care, and this group is wonderful with support.

I try not to compare myself to others and exercise patience, but I really feel like I am doing something wrong.  Maybe with the help of this wonderful group, I can get it figured out.  You keep going, girl!  You will get there.  I can feel the determination from your post.

I've heard some vets say it's not really the size of the bougie used since some people have longer tummies than others.  They have also said it's critical to not rely 100% on your sleeve.  Your sleeve is a tool to use. 

I was also told to eat 1000-1200 calories by my Nut but when I noticed people on this board were losing a greater amount of weight (and yes of course everyone is different) I decided to take advantage of having a sleeve and restricted my calories even more by going down to 600-800 calories a day.  Since you are only 3 months out, you can aim closer to 600 calories with the high protein low carb approach & still feel perfectly satisfied.  Focus on dense protein like chicken, fish, & even beef.  Do your best to aim for carbs under 40 (20-30 is even better), 80+ grams of protein, & at least 8-10 cups of water a day.  You might hit stalls & I certainly had my fair share of them, but the scale will have no choice but to move in the right direction eventually. 

Don't get discouraged by going back to your old ways.  We don't want to go back there.  Get a little more strict in your new lifestyle because maybe it's just not drastic enough.  I know that's a tough pill to swallow but going hard gets the best results.  You won't regret it.  Keep fighting the fight; don't give up.  We are here to support you!!!

Thank you so much!  It is what I needed to hear.  I am going to hit it hard and see what happens.  Going back is not an option.  I thought I was doing enough, but my body let me know I haven't been.  I appreciate all the support.  My friends do their best to listen but they can't offer much advice.