I need help

Hi guys,

I really need some help. I am having so much trouble maintaining my weight. I am always up three, down three.....but my problem is, I can't get below the weight I am at now. I wonder if this is related to my metabolism being messed up from my gastric bypass in 2004. I lost about 30 lbs last spring...but nothing since.

I think I eat healthy....here is a typical day. I work out 4-5 times a week....30 minutes (2 miles) on the treadmill. I do weights 2-3 days with the treadmill.

Breakfast (7:00) 1/2 cup of egg beaters (sometimes I add a chicken sausage and then do less of the egg beaters)
Snack I sometimes have snack which is usually a light yogurt or string cheese
Lunch (12:00) I have something different everyday. My goal is under 300 calories, under 8 fat and under 25 carbs.
Snack So many things, try to keep at about 150 calories, usually a protein shake with 1/2 banana
Dinner Same as lunch as far as under 300 calories, under 8 fat and lower carbs.

I am so stuck. I eat like this...I vary what I eat and I can't seem to lose a thing. I can;t eat less than this. Everyone comments that I barely eat much....What can I do? I need help...I won't gain this weight back!!! 

Haven't seen you on the Boards for a while!  Glad you're back.

I'm a little confused on your dilemma, but confusing me is a very easy thing to do!  Are you trying to lose more or maintain?  I remember you had plastics a while back.

If you're trying to maintain, a 5 lb variance is totally normal.  I get concerned if I gain more than 5, realizing that I'm starting to get out of control.  It sounds like you've got this under to control.

So I assume you're trying to lose.  Have you been honestly journaling what you're eating?  Remember that you're the only one that sees it.  What about weighing or measuring your food?  Sometimes, we don't realize that our portions have gotten larger.  What about drinking while you eat?  Getting in a decent amount of water?

I didn't like our Support Group, mainly because it was such a long drive at rush hour for me.  I assume LePort's group still has them, maybe that would be a help.

How about changing your exercise routine?  I tried a dance class earlier this week, they do the class in Fountain Valley as well.  It was a lot of fun!

http://www.boogieboxfitness.com/

Check out the Back On Track Together group that Cathy and Kathy just started.  Lots of good advice there!

http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/backontracktogether/discuss ion/

My last suggestion, come to OH more frequently!  It's the only thing that keeps me under control!

Good Luck!

Michele

Hi there,
I do not want to maintain. I want to lose 40 more lbs for sure. Thanks for all of your advice!:-)

I think you are not eating enough!

Have you tried eating MORE?

Of course that sounds crazy but you are eating so little at over 4 years out that you may have your body in starvation mode and it is hanging onto the weight.

(All of that is assuming that you are trying to lose weight.  I was confused by your post as well.)

If you are up 3, down 3, up 3, and down 3, and you want to maintain, it is completely normal to have such a variance of your weight.   I think 3 is very good.  I have a ten pound variance throughout the month. 

I hope this helps!

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I have tried eating more and I gain weight. It is so dang frusterating!!

I am trying to lose weight...I have about 40 lbs more I want to lose.

Thanks!

Hi,

You really should not be dieting.  That is what the surgery is designed to do.  You need to learn how to eat healthy.  Maybe seeing a nutritionist would help.  Also, you may want to consider giving your scale a break and use your clothes as a guide to success.  Weight fluxuates, even with people of normal weight.  Also, if you don't have a counseler, it may be wise to consider it.  Your fears appear to be very strong and he/she can help you confront your fears and give you tools to use to help you with that.  Remember, the surgery is a tool but we still have to battle our "demons" that put us in an unhealthy state to begin with.  Keep in touch ok?

Hi there,
I really feel like at 4.5 years out, I have to diet...and by that I mean, count calories, count protein, etc.
I know that I use the scale way too much!
Thanks so much for your support...I will keeep in touch!

Why do you feel you have to diet?  Your surgery takes care of that.  How are your labs?  Yes, please keep in touch.

I feel I need to diet....I gain weight very easily. I have to watch ever single thing I put in my mouth. Maybe we are defining dieting differently. Dieting to me is watching my calories, fat, carbs and protein and keeping it at or under a certain goal.  How does my surgery take care of that? Honest question, not trying to sound rude. I am 4.5 years out so I can eat crabby food without consequence....but I don't. I mean, once in a while, I do....like anyone. FOr the most part, I stay on plan. If I don't keep it under a certain calories though, I will gain!

My labs were awful a year and a half ago. Super super anemic...but I had infusions and then a hysterectomy and all is fine now! yeah!!

You are very fortunate that your surgery " takes care of it" but for most people, eating low carb and smaller portions are what's needed to maintain a weight loss.