Hi Guys!

I am reaching out because I am very discouraged and frustrated. My highest weight was 362 in April 2013. I was 350 at time of application to have surgery and 338 on surgery date (8-14-13). Today I bounce between 277 and 274. I have only lost about 5-10 lbs in the last 2 mths. I will bounce up and down between several pounds before I drop down and stay down, then I bounce around between those weights (make sense? it sounds confusing!) I have my 6 month follow up appointment next week and I am really discouraged about the weight loss so far. My Dr. wanted me to have lost 90 lbs from surgery date and I am at 64. I am on 2 antidepressants and a mood stabilizer as well as breastfeeding a toddler. It seems like I eat a lot more now and rarely get in all my Water. I get my vits in most of the time and always meet my Protein goals. I think I am addicted to sugar again and am having a hard time kicking it. I just need some help and some encouragement and maybe some tips. I know that I need to eat better and workout, but it feels like I am in the same boat I was pre surgery and that I am stuck at this weight forever. It doesn't help that people are constantly asking me how much I have lost and the numbers change so slow that they look at me funny when I say the same number for several weeks.

Please Help!!

It's tough it really is. My weight loss practically stopped about 8 months post op. Culprits were carbs, including Protein bars!! That is when I got serious about carb (basically sugar) control. I also changed up my workout to high intensity shorter duration. I went from losing 2-3 pounds a month back to 10-12 a month and made it to goal.

I think you should discuss with a good nutritionalist since nursing adds some nutritional issues I didn't deal with.

Hang in there! Kick the sugar/bad carb addiction and life gets better.

Jane already gave some great advice for getting back on track. I'll add that I have a major sugary carb addiction and there have been 2 times post sleeve when I skidded off the track in that regard. I stalled nearly a month at 7 months post-op and finally the scale is moving down again. What works for me to get back in control of the sugar desire is to revisit my 2 week pre-surgery diet for a few days (3 Protein shakes and 1 lean protein + veggie laden meal) because drinking those Protein Shakes every day made me hate sweet tasting things for a long time. Try buying Protein powder that has minimal sugar. To thicken it up I usually add a tablespoon of sugar free fat free pudding mix. For meals steer clear of bread, Pasta or rice and focus on your protein and vegetable. After a few days you will miss the carbs less, and most likely you'll kick the weight loss back into gear. Exercise is important too. Vary up the routine so your body doesn't have time to get used to it.

You most certainly have not reached the end. You've accomplished a lot and it is absolutely within your power to keep going. You can do it!!

You are not alone. My surgery was in August as well. I lost weight through November. Then the holidays put back on 7 pounds, and I am struggling to get back down and start loosing again. I have been trying for weeks and I just keep losing and gaining the same few pounds. But I am determined to keep trying. One day I will break through and the scale will start moving again.

Thanks Cowgirl Jane, your story helps a lot!

Carbs and sugar allow you to squeeze soo many calories into a small amount of food. since I'm not that far out I don't feel right giving advice, but id think that switching back to eating Protein first may prevent you from getting sugar in

I'm nursing post-op, too, and it sure can be tempting to reach for those carby quick energy foods that we've relied on for so long. I echo a couple of suggestions here that you do focus on reaching for protein. It's as easy and certainly more filling to reach for a cheese stick and a couple of slices of lunch meat as it is to reach for a bag of chips. Don't justify those carby snacks and excess calories with "eating for two," because that's just false. I have a nearly 30 pound seven month old who still relies heavily on my milk supply. I eat five times a day, and I take in 850-1000 calories per day and 85-100g protein per day per my nutritionist and baby's pediatrician, and my milk supply is fantastic. I always take all of my vitamins, and I hit my water goals every day. Per my team, these are the things that keep my milk supply where it needs to be while encourage good health and weight loss for me. Best of luck!