rach1134

Just further to my post above - my highest weight pre-op was 280. I was successful in losing 25 lbs myself before starting my pre-op diet.

My surgeon said I was a lightweight and so because of this, it may be a reason why I havnt yet reached goal.

I do find it so bizarre that I lost 64 lbs in 5 months and then absolutely nothing. I have changed many variables such as exercise, Protein and Water. My dietician is great but is also at a loss.

Now I focus on the success. I feel so much better and no longer living in pain is wonderful.

Shopping in normal stores is exciting!

Hi all..

I started at 255 lbs at pre-op.

In March 2014 I stopped losing weight when I hit 191 lbs and I have remained here ever since.

Its debilitating.

I follow all the rules. I do have some food off plan but as my surgeon said, what I eat should not be making me stop losing weight.

I am always hungry. Can eat anything and everything. Sugar makes me dump so I stay away from it. I struggle with my appetite just as I did prior to surgery.

I am forever grateful I have not gained any weight back.

In October my surgeon is sending me for a barium swallow test to see if structurally there is any reason I have stopped losing weight.

It seems pointless as he also explained there is nothing to be done anyway.

He is not keen on endoscopic revision to make the stoma smallet (if thats the issue).

He did tell me not to worry and that I may continue to lose further. My goal weight was 170.

Im so happy to see everyone's success. .I do wish I was experiencing the same thou!

(((Rach))),

I hope your surgeon has good advice for you! Is there a psychologist or therapist with your clinic that you can see, too? Will you see the nutritionist soon? Is there a support group run by your clinic?

I was told that I'll lose for up to 18 months - we are still in month 8, so not even 1/2 way there. I haven't had a long stall, but I only lose 1-2 lbs per week, so my total loss since surgery is almost the same as yours 256-194. I'm hoping for the 18 month window of loss , too.

Molly

I think I would definitely benefit from seeing a psychologist who specialises in food addiction and bariatric patients, because in all honesty, I do eat too much.

Im ALWAYS hungry. I eat well. I eat healthy whole foods but I do eat alot. Ive always been very surprised at how much I can eat before feeling satisfied.

Isnt the aim of the surgery to eat less because you become full and feel satisfied after small amounts?

I can eat rice, steak, chicken, all veges. .anything ahd everything. Nothing gets stuck and I can eat a full meal. I cant overeat and binge like I used to prior to surgery (no desire to, why would I) buy I eat meals like any regular woman who hasnt had surgery.

Definitely going to speak to my surgeon about that. See him in a week..

Non-scale victories to keep me going. .

Ive gone from a size 20 to a 12 in tops and size 22 to size 14 in pants.

Ive gone from a size 11 shoe to size 10 (far more selection!).

I've been shopping in regular stores and no shop assistants look at me weird like "Lady, why do you even bother walking in here?"

Feeling like I fit in and don't stand out. I just love being part of the crowd.

Happy Days everyone.

R

Hi all - just checking in.

RNY was 10/21/13. Started at 256 lbs and have lost 58 lbs.

I have 28 lbs to go until I hit my personal goal.

I have about 35 lbs to go until I hit the weight my surgeon said I should easily (or certainly) reach.

I feel like a failure. I've been sitting at 198lbs for almost 4 months now. I'd say 4 months qualifies as a full-on plateau! A stall of the highest order. Haha.

My greatest fear was that this would happen. Every day feels like the "old days" of hunger, dieting, refraining from wanting to binge (and often failing). I know the requirements inside out. I know I eat Protein first, I know i need to exercise, I know I need to stay hydrated and take my Vitamins. I'm doing all these things.

I see my surgeon for a weigh-in and blood tests in 2 weeks time.

I can eat anything. I do dump mildly on some things (my son had icecream cake for his birthday. I had a small sliver - mistake).

Will chat to surgeon but I feel like ive never had the surgery. And I feel so down about my weightloss stopping.

Anyway....still living my rny lifestyle. Will perservere. I've just never seen anyone report a 4 month stall. I think my weightloss is done - sadly.

I love reading all your progress posts guys! Very inspirational. The photos are amazing. Thanks to everyone who has shared. :-)

Rach. ♡

Happy Onederland day! I just hit it today, too. I've been losing 1-2 lbs a week pretty steadily since surgery. Now that I'm finally solidly in regular sizes (14/16 US), I'm happy. Since the weight has come off so slowly, I have to remind myself to look at my before pics to see that I've already come a long way.

My clinic doesn't give a particular goal and I used to think I should have one and made one up for myself. Now that I'm further along, I get the whole no weight goal attitude. I've got my own personal goals along the way (more comparisons from my weight history like how much I weighed when pregnant, how much I weighed when I moved to Wisconsin, etc.). I've also been really enjoying NSVs. My latest one is being able to get in and out of the hammock in our backyard.

Anyway, I'm just trying to enjoy the journey and not worry too much about how long it will take and where I'll end up weight- wise.

Molly

You look fantastic!!!! Thanks for sharing your pics

I wondered if losing a lot quickly was a possibility, too. I personally have not experienced that. Everyone's body is so different. Mine is a turtle - slow but steady loss.

Molly

Ive been losing slowly. I have also stopped losing.

Depressing some days. Makes me empowered to change something up on other days.

I have 20 lbs to go but have not lost any weight in weeks and weeks.

Then again, I haven't been tracking. And my exercising leaves alot to be desired.

My own fault.

Thanks for everyone's advice! I am almost six months out ( RNY) and have been between 184 -185 for about 2 months! My nut says I lost so much , so fast that my body is catching up with itself?? The closer you are to goal ..the slower it will be. Set points happen even when u are doing EVERYTHING right but really? I have decided that if this is it .. I will be ok with the process. I feel great and could do without more winkles at age 64! Lol. Nut says those last 20 pounds WILL come off by my one year mark...

This sounds exactly like me. Except ive been sitting at around 192-193. There's no budging.

Also got to lose another 20lbs and my NUT and surgeon say the same. Heres hoping they're right!

Hi October buddies.

I had my rny on 10/20/13.

Thought id jump on the band wagon and update too.

Ive lost 60lbs since I started my pre-op diet and have lost 48lbs since day of surgery.

Ive always considered myself a slow loser throughout this journey. My surgeon seems happy and has told me he is positive I'll reach goal.

Im currently 194 lbs. Goal is 169. (Im 5,11") So that 25 lbs to go.

I dump on lots of sugar but luckily for me my sugar addiction has really weaned off since surgery. A blessing!

My hair is so fine now and I have a receeding hairline like a balding man! However I can see wispy new hair coming in, so its definitely growing back :-)

I have been sitting at my current weight for weeks now. That's my only concern. 6 weeks at 194-198.

No matter what I try to do...im not budging.

I love looking at my measurement chart. My waist used to be 46.5 inches!! It is now 32 inches. So happy!

Thanks for the updates ladies. Rachel

Has anyone else experienced dumping yet? I dumped yesterday for the first time. Wow, not something I want to experience again!

At least I now know that it can/will happen if I eat too much sugar/fat. Until yesterday I thought that I might be someone who doesn't dump.

Molly

I definitely dump. On sugar. I break out in a sweat, get really hot, feel nauseous abd dizzy and need to lie down in a cold quiet place for about 30 minutes.

Has happened twice. And it has helped me overcome my chocolate addiction.

In pre-op days I would eat a massive block of chocolate every couple of days and a packet of m&ms daily. It was like crack to me. Had no idea how id stop eating it.

I havnt had chocolate in months and could now choose to never eat it again.

Do you guys ever feel like maybe that's it? I have been fluctuating the same 4 pounds this month, and wondering if I am done. I am eating only healthy stuff and getting the right stuff in. I want to know how the rest of your October's are doing.

I feel like that. I got to 199 lbs and have been here for the last 4, almost 5 weeks. My goal is around 170. I don't think I'll get there.

but surely this can't be it? were only 5-6 months out. My surgeon thinks ill hit 170 easily and will continuing losing up until im 18 mths out. He said I've hit a plateau and its normal.

I know this of course, but after losing very slowly I do second guess this process.

Well....ive hit onederland!!

Im lighter now than I was at 14 years old. I feel amazing.

My doc was almost laughing that I was so upset. He had a student with him and he was telling the student that many patients get emotional because they've experienced a lifetime of diet failure. He was compassionate but sort of found it slightly amusing. I'm starting to wonder if it's because he knows I will lose. That my fears are unfounded.

Hey there friend. ..

My doc was the same. He saw how genuinely concerned I was and merely looked baffled. He looked me straight in the eye and told me "You will lose weight whether you try to or not. In 18 months time you will not recognize yourself".

It made me realize he is thinking long term and I'm busy focussed on what I think are failures each week. I also needed to focus on the long term, the bigger picture.

Im nearly 17 weeks in after my gastric bypass and I have lost 37 lbs. Im a slow loser but I now have faith I'll get there. It's a massive lesson in patience.

All the very best :-)

Just got weighed today, another 8 lbs gone, 40 more to go.

I'm 18 weeks post, i know we shouldn't "compare" weight loss, but i was hoping to have lost more. I'm kind of feeling down atm, i've been watching what i eat very closely. My husband and i go to the gym 5 days/week. The first 50lbs came off rather quickly. Is it normal to slow down this much?

I am 14 weeks post op and 31 lbs down. Please be kind to yourself and realize you're doing fantastically.

One book I read is good as it deals with Binge Eating Disorder. It's "Crave" and the subtitle is "Why you binge eat and how to stop." The author is Cynthia M. Bulik Ph.D.

Thanks. I'll look it up online and get a copy :-)

Im loving the sound of paleo and also the 5/2 diet.

Binge eating therapy?? Hmm...sounds good. My nut has offered a referral to a psychologist for my addictions and cravings. I was self pay and from the moment my surgery decision was made (after about 18 months of researching) I was practically wheeled into surgery 2 weeks later. I had none of the required therapy sessions many others have done. I can certainly see why its a requirement though. Have this battle (If not more) remains in our heads.

I have always felt hunger from the 3rd week post- op. So to me, each day is still a battle like it was when I dieted pre-op for all those years. Luckily for me, the tool is working and I cant put away the quantities I used to and I've been pretty good with my food choices - save for a few bumps along the way.

My surgery was 10/21. I'm getting there slowly but surely. I began pre- op diet at 256 lbs, my weight on morning of surgery was 241.5 lbs and as of this weeks weigh in, I'm currently 211.5 lbs.

30 lbs down in nearly 13 weeks....but 44.5 lbs down since I began this journey, so thats nothing to gripe about! ( I've done alot of moaning and whinging about slow weight loss...haha).

I have gotten slack on my exercise which is a matter of prioritizing my time better.

I also have a confession! Ive been tasting and trying old trigger foods this past week. My restriction is not that good and last night I was able to eat x2 pieces ( 20 mins apart) of toast slathered with butter. :-(

Please dont flame me - Im human and have carb addictions. Im still learning to overcome them and the head hunger. I woke up today and got back on the wagon though, that's the main thing eh?

About 8 years ago a close friend called me, all teared up and said she was dealing with a health scare and her doc and specialist said she had thyroid cancer. Of course I was truly devastated for her and spent months supporting her emotionally over the geographical distance between us since she had moved away.

Over those months after that first call, she began dropping weight - after a year she had dropped 90 lbs and claimed it was stress and medication from treatment but was feeling healthier than ever. She then told me her wonderful news how she was in remission and beat tge cancer. I was elated for her!

Long story short - we slowly grew apart over 4-5 years and I later bumped into her mother (who I hadn't seen since I was a child). I asked after my friend. Her mother casually told me how she and her husband were disappointed that their daughter had gained back all the weight from the gastric band op they paid for 5-6 years earlier. I was astonished. I mentioned the thyroid cancer and her mother said "Oh dear..you're not the only person she spun that story to".

People go to many lengths to hide their surgery. Im keeping my RNY to myself abd support those who choose to, but you'll never catch me lying about it in such a way.

Ok so I am not a happy camper today.... Surgery Oct 29, 2012... That was 15 months ago almost. Started 285 - now 220. Yes that's only 65 pounds an not a one has come off in the last 9 months. So i have figured out- its up to me for the next 50 to come off.. Yes folks- I'm a slow loser and a slow learner. So- recommitting myself to diet and exercise because I can eat anything.

Me too!!!

Me three!

I lost 2 lbs this week. Yay. After last weeks gain of 1.5, I hope I'm back to losing each week. I dont care how slow anymore. ..I just want the scales or measuring tape to always show me smaller numbers each week! Having a gain is panic inducing horror! lol. :-)

Im eating 950 cals per day and walk for an hour about 3x a week on average.

I honestly couldn't survive on 600 cals a day. It takes all my determination to stop at 950 cals. Im really beginning to question my restriction. I can eat alot more than we're supposed to at 3 months out and im hungry to boot. I always do Protein first and choose good sources. But after 15 mins im hungry again. Im focusing hard on having 3 meals a day because I could easily eat every hour otherwise. Water habit is good now. 64 oz daily.

Going on 11 weeks down 32 which I am happy with because I wouldn't have done that on my own, and I know its not good to compare which I try not to do but its hard some days when day after day you follow the rules to a T and the numbers on the scale or clothing not move but than someone else with the same stats not as far out has lost twice that ah o well I will get there at some point.

Congrats on your loss so far. We're only human eh...we know it's not productive, positive or helpful to compare ourselves to others, but its only natural that we do.

Im coming to grips with the slow pace and I'm now trying to conquer fears that I'll stop losing soon and start gaining and that this won't work. Today's gain I had is not helping those fears!! lol

My aim this week is positive self-talk and of course. ...continuing to stick to my plan.

All the best for your coming week. :-)

Week 12 weigh in. I gained 1.5 lbs.

Had anyone heard of any veterans having a gain on their journey?

I haven't had a stall yet. This gain is my first blip. Ive had small losses each week till now. I knew I'd be due for a stall sometime soon - just wasn't expecting a gain!

Thanks Autumn Punkin. ..I needed that hug! ( The timely reminder too)...thanks again.

I guess im so concerned over the slow pace because I continually anticipate my weight loss stopping completely around the 30-35lb mark like it always used to in the old "dieting" days (years, decades).

I also have this fear that I'll only manage to lose a maximum of 40 lbs or less and then regain it ....with extra. I'd be ecstatic with slow weight loss if it meant id still actually reach goal. I wouldn't care if it took 3 years.

All the years of failed diets, together with very slow weight loss after gastric bypass surgery, has me being a pessimistic and negative ol Nelly!

Im trying hard to trust the process. Im also having my first stall right now which doesn't help. It'll explain my wallowing. I have actually gained this week. Official weigh- in will be in a few hrs.

Thanks again...Rach

I had my RNY surgery on 10/21/13.

I am able to tolerate all foods- salads, chicken breast, steak, all veges and my tiny portions of carbs are fine too.

Im a dumper. I had a small leftover Halloween candy in late November which made me feel nauseous for about 30 mins. I next tried "off plan" food at Christmas when I had a tiny portion of most things over 3-4 hours - but oh geez..I paid for it. I was ill all that night and next day!

Before surgery I was a binger on all things sweet. A snack was an entire packet of chocolate Cookies or half a family cheesecake (ok...sometimes a whole one). The mere though of eating that way now brings on terrible waves of nausea which is awesome!

Two weeks ago I began losing my hair. This morning as I was rinsing out the conditioner from my hair, my fingers were completely covered in mats of hair and when I collected it all up, I had a handful!

Not sure how long this can go on for before im bald! Im not overly worried. I hear from everyone that it comes back in soon enough. I got it cut to above my shoulders a few days ago too.

I walk 3-4 times a week for about 40-60 minutes. I eat my Protein and im pretty good at getting in 64 oz Water daily.

But my weight loss is horrendously slow. I had tried to be positive.

I tried to hang out in the slow losers thread as I felt like too much of a failure to post here with my surgery month peeps. :-( I feel like I don't belong cos im not meeting standard goals. I even put off my nut appt this week. She was expecting a 8-10 lb loss since my last visit but ive only lost 4 lbs. I'll have to face her next week.

Yep..im tracking via MFP. I take in 900 cals daily on average.

Its hard to stay positive. Especially when my biggest fear pre-op was that I'd be the one person thus didn't work for.

Im nearly 12 weeks out and only 26lbs down.

I feel hunger and sone days I feel very little restriction. My surgeon appt is mid February. I'll definitely be having a goid chat to him then.

Other than slow going...im doing well! My back pain is lessening and my pants ftom pre-op are finally loose. I've been trying to shrink them in the dryer but still too baggy.

Im counting my blessings for these accomplishments and trying to be patient.

It's wonderful reading everyone's succeses..congrats to you all!