Question:
My mom had surgery 3 months ago and isn't losing weight...why?

I had surgery 6 months ago stared out at 288lbs,Iv'e lost 92lbs so far...My mom on the other hand had surgery almost 4 months ago,lost 65 pound in the first 2 months and hasn't lost any since. She started out at almost 400lbs. Its difficult for me because she is so discouraged thinking she spent 20,000 on something that isn't even going to work for her. Has anyone else had this happen,will she start to lose weight again? Has anyone ever just not lost the weight? She had the BPD/DS. Please help me so I can try to encourage her.    — [Anonymous] (posted on July 25, 2001)

July 24, 2001
I had an open BPD/DS on 4-11 so we're around the same surgery date. For me I tend not to lose(or plateau)when my fluid intake is low and not enough protein. I find everytime when I up these even a little I break the plateau! Now, also I still lose inches(an avg of 10" month)even when not losing weight. Has your mom measured herself at all? She may be losing inches and not realizing it. I actually have to get 64 oz fluids before stuff starts to fall away. I had 100cm of intestines bypassed and I avg. 60gms protein a day. Maybe a little more. Sorry, I can't do those shakes. I could before surgery but I can't stomach them now.I also have to be careful what I eat. I can eat anything I want and I must watch if I'm eating too much bread/carbs and all. I definetly don't lose then. Maybe it's a simple adjustment of the diet.I'm sure she's eating well but some small modifications may be needed. Best wishes to you and your mom and continued success!
   — Linda M.

July 25, 2001
I think she should write down everything she is eating and make sure she is following "the program". Especially in relationship to carbohydrates. That was my downfall, I didn't lose as much as I had hoped and was really bummed out about it. Then I started a food diary and realized that while I wasn't eating big quantities of food, I was eating lots of carbs and verty little proteins. I cut my carb consumption down to 50 grams a day and stared eating more fish and chicken. Also, is she exersizing. Is she drinking 64 oz. of water a day? Some people go into this thinking that the weight will melt off without any effort...and that's the way it is for some people. Others (...like myself) have to work very hard for each pound we lose. But, it's worth it and the restrictive aspects of the surgery make it easier.....if you follow the basics.
   — [Anonymous]