Anyone Losing Too Much Weight?

Never thought I'd ever have THIS problem? I'm 17 months post-surgical and straining to keep my weight up. I got down to 121lbs and looked awful- my face was really drawn looking. I know the honeymoon ends sometime but what do I do in the meantime??? My NUT hasn't been terribly helpful on this topic- maybe she hasn't had too many GB patients who encountered this "problem". She told me to eat a handful of good nuts (almonds, walnuts) and when that didn't work, she told me to start eating meat & cheese rollups...also didn't work. I was able to get a few pounds back on by adding carbs but that's really dicey as I'm a dibetic trying to maintain good blood sugars and I also don't want to rebuild old bad snacking habits. Maybe there's no answer but to just keep trying and eventually the losing window will close and then I'll be wishing I had this problem back (LOL).

I'm 19 months post-op and am having a similar problem. When I hit a phase where I start losing rapidly again (a few weeks ago, I dropped 5 lbs. in 2 weeks), I go back to tracking everything that goes in my mouth. And usually, I realize that I've started to slack on my eating again and I'm not getting enough protein or calories. I've been accused by other post-ops of becoming anorexic. I've learned to defer comments like that to my boss and my husband as they describe my eating as "the all day buffet" and my desk is now known as "the food pantry." My point of view on it is if you're eating and you feel good, don't worry about the number on the scale. Your body will find where it's supposed to be and even out a bit. If you're feeling rundown and lethargic, well, then you need to try adding in the healthy nuts and some small snacks.

Hi Jennifer- Thanks for taking the time to respond to this post. I had a feeling that there would be others out on this board who could relate to the "you're too thin" comments that start coming our way. Your post did remind me that I DO feel great and I AM eating healthy...so, I'll try to just continue the program and let nature take it's course.

I haven't really had this problem per say. The only time I dropped below 150lbs was at Christmas time when I was working alot and running around like a crazy woman! I definitely was not eating properly at that time and as soon as things calmed down a bit I went right back up to my "normal" weight. I would say if you're eating right and following dr's orders then you're fine. I do know a few post op people that have had transfer addiction and turned to anorexia or bulemia~this does not sound like the case for you. I would think that your body would level off at some point and find the weight that works best for you, your frame size and your body type. I agree that adding in alot of carbs probably wouldn't be good for you b/c of the diabetic factor and also that old bad habit syndrome creeping back in. Just keep eating well and hopefully things will all settle down on their own. If not, be sure to follow up not only with your PCP, but also with your surgeon's office. Good Luck and keep us posted on how things are going for you!

Hi Tracy- Thanks for your helpful comments! I am a very small framed person (darn- never could blame my obesity on being big-boned!) at 5'1" so you're probably right about my body wanting to take me down the scale. I hadn't really thought to discuss this with my PCP (my former diabetic counselor), so thanks for that advice!

I am trying to keep my weight to 135, but went on a cruise, ate everything in sight and came back at 133!  I am getting comments from people that I am too thin, but at age 46, one starts getting too drawn in the face when the weight gets too low.  At 5'4, 135 shouldn't be too thin.  Even today, the waitress at a chinese restaurant told me I was too thin and needed to eat more.   I eat all day long.   I know there comes a time with all WLS'ers that the "honeymoon" period is over and we start eating/absorbing more and weight rebound starts.  I guess the thing I need to do is enjoy the ride for now, but know that if the time comes to start cutting back on those carbs, or to graze less, I need to be prepared to do that. As a diabetic, could you add more calories by drinking more protein drinks?   Also, RNY'ers don't  malabsorb fat like DS'ers do, so perhaps adding more fat to things - sour cream on your potato, cheese on your salad, butter on your crab, might help you keep more calories?

Hi Julie- It's a fine line we all walk- malabsorption vs. rebound weight, isn't it! I like your ideas about adding a little more fat to my diet rather than carbs. I think I'll try putting some butter on veggies tonight. I do one protein drink every morning, and I love it- I'll try adding another at bedtime. It's only 90 calories but every little bit helps. Thanks for your advice- I really appreciate it!

Ooooohhhh How fondly I remember those months!!   I had your problem for several months...and now I wish I had it back, lol!!  I actually got 18 lbs. BELOW goal at one point....and yes, had everyone griping about me being too thin.  I must admit I hated bruising my arm when I bumped it on my protruding hip bones....but that problem is past too! Yes, it does come down to needing more calories, and I finally got it to stop by adding carbs...but life gets scary from there cuz its easy to lose control...like I did.  Even as a diabetic you should be able to add small amounts of healthy carbs at intervals successfully. This may sound weird, but I reccommend adding in something you're not particularly fond of...so you won't be tempted to have more than you should. Don't worry about it too much.  Just focus on maintaining good nutrition, and you'll level out.  It's hard to change your line of thought after months of being focused on low fat protein and no carbs....but (many) carbs do have positive nutritional value too.  Those are the ones to add in moderation.  Unfortunately that was the beginning of the slippery slope for me....I started trying the unhealthy carbs too as time went by.  Shame on me! Good luck!! Kathy

Hi Kathy- I'm now 37lbs below my surgeon's goal of 160lbs which I always thought was too high a # for my petite frame. I hoped to get to 140lbs so imagine my surprise that I'm now at 123lbs and still losing. You're right about adding "healthy" carbs vs. processed carbs...time to go visit a nutritional list of appropriate carbs as well as adding a little more fat back into my diet. Thank you (and everyone who answered this post!) for all your really helpful advice. I've lurked these boards ever since my 1/30/2006 surgery but rarely post anything. Since I've moved over to the WLS Grads board, I find I have so much more in common with the posts I am now reading. I'll have to make more effort to reach out and maybe I can someday be of help to others.

 

Terri

I was concerned about this same issue. I am 5'9" and lost about 170lbs putting me around 150-154 I stay in that range now. Anyway I were a size 6. My weight loss didn't stop till right about 2yrs exactly. I hear all the time how I'm to thin, I need to eat…blah blah blah…..I eat all day long, literally…if people only knew. I had a hard time at first seeing myself this way….but now getting used to it. I'd like to stay right where I am now. I don't want to lose or gain. Just stay in the 150-154 range. But yeah it does stop, you're body will regulate it's self.

Hugs,

Lisa