Hiya..So here's the deal..

I'm 8 months post op tomorrow. I was self pay in Mexico, so while I understand, the whole "talk to your Dr" thing isn't going to help me since he's 1000+ miles away and there are ZERO Bariatric Drs in my area.

HW: 226 CW:170(ish) GW:135 And I'm 5'1" because hey..it matters! I've lost 55(again..-ish) lbs. I was supposed to hit 135lbs by April of this year. That's not happening.

I'm really really discouraged with the whole thing right now. I'm struggling every day with hunger & headaches from it. I TRY to stay between 800-1100 calories a day, I always eat my Protein first and I have no issues getting my liquids in. I still crave sweets but even with that, I eat VERY small amounts or just a Protein shake. I track daily, i exercise 3-4 times per week (Yoga, dancing & cardio).

I've been gaining and losing the same damn 5 lbs for 3 months! UGGGHHH!! It doesn't matter what I do, it's the same. I exercise more, I eat no carbs or more carbs, I up the Water..Nothing! I've gotten really really down about it and i find myself sinking back into bad habits...especially the thinking of "This isnt working so why bother?"

This is, quite honestly, my ultimate fear ever since I decided to have surgery. I KNOW there are people that don't lose weight or gain it all back after the sleeve. I'm terrified that I went through all of that, not to mention PAID all of that money...and I'm still considered obese. I feel like I'm doing what I'm supposed to do and my "tool" is not working. and i just want to cry. At 8months in, I thought I'd still be having the weight loss.

I weigh my food but I still feel like I can eat more than most people. I don't think it's head hunger but what do I know? Maybe I'm wrong about that. I'm so very lost in this.

I found a dietician here who I'm seeing but she has limited experience with bariatrics. She's trying to help but to her, my 800-1100 per day and eating logs makes sense. But she also says that 135 is going to be difficult for me to achieve and that stings. Heck, 135 is STILL considered overweight for me!! UGH. :-(

Support & suggestions welcome. TYIA

Great article: https://authoritynutrition.com/starvation-mode/

15 hours ago, Samara1974 said:

It may be contrary but it has worked for me (lost 140lbs and only two stalls) 11lbs away from goal at 13 months post surgery.

13 months? lol, that's not the success of the calorie variance day by day. That is the definition of the honeymoon phase.

15 hours ago, Samara1974 said:

lowest calorie days are 800 and my highest are 1600 (max calories for my goal weight).

Higher calorie days also correspond with workout days.

So you are eating more on the days that you expend more energy? I don't think the key of your weight loss is the "no two days with the same amount of calories" thing, I'm betting you are just fueling your activities at the appropriate levels.

Seriously though, I'm glad that whatever you are doing is working for you.Too many times people are complaining they haven't goal but are still eating Ho-Ho'sand Ding-Dong's. I don't care if a person comes up with a eating habit of pickled pigs feet and veggimite, if they are getting healthy and maintaining, more power to them.

Maybe try varying a little of your work out. And agree with the advice, truly a fantastic way to see the big picture.

Focus on Whole Foods--whole grain for anything grain related, lean protein, vegetables and a little fruit. With high quality food, you can increase calories to 1000-1200. Daily movement is key. Strength training 3 x per week is like magic. This works, don't lose momentum.

I was eating to few calories in a day. I was stalled for awhile and gaining and loosing the same pound over and over. I called my NUT who told me to up my calories, lost 5 pounds the next week and have been loosing 2-3 steady since. According to my NUT, getting above 1,000 calories per day as soon as possible is the goal. I'm currently 13 wks and average 900-1000 calories a day. I've lost 41 pounds in 3 months.

The goal weight/April expectation was set by the Dr & Nutritionist.
*nods* Im going to talk to the Dietitian about upping my calories..see if it helps. I haven't figured my calories for my goal weight but Illl look into that.
I truly am happy with what I've done so far..just discouraged for the most part and confused when ive been doing what I was told to do.
Thanks for the suggestions! [emoji4]

Excellent advice. Read about ADF (Alternate Day Fasting) and Intermittent Fasting. There is tremendous research about EXTENDING LIFE EXPECTANCY as well as losing weight. It has nothing to do with fad diets. It's about living longer and healthier. A great start is a documentary called Eat Fast Live Longer