I am six months into this journey with just about 50% of my excess weight lost. I am finally at my sweet spot with 8.5 cc in a 10 cc band.

Since this last fill I am eating VERy small amounts, typical day like yesterday was:

b: 1/2 cup oatmeal and large cup of coffee

l: 1/2 diced chicken breast with egg, etc from the salad bar

d: 1/2 cup of soup and a small spring roll

3-4 cups of water (I know I need more) and no drinks containing calories.

I am just starting week two of the couch to 5 k running program so I am exercising about 45 minutes, 3 times per week.

I expected to start dropping the pounds - but nothing. I have stayed the same. Wondering:

Is the new found exercise causing me to 'build muscle' and thus the scale is not moving? For you runners out there, did you experience anything similar?

Are my calories too low? If so, not sure how I can get around this restriction and eat more?

Is protein a real requirement to lose weight? I am not getting 50+ grams a day but pretty close?

Thanks for your help an guidance - I appreciate your support

You and I are in very similar boats....weight-wise, food-wise, surgery-date-wise. I don't really feel that I'm at my sweet spot yet--but my doctor thinks I'm "just about there." Last time I saw him (April 3), he said he wanted me to sit on this fill for three months before I go in again. So, this Friday, it will be one month down, 2 to go.

I don't know how much help I can be for you, besides empathisizing, but I felt compelled to respond. I DEFINITELY have restriction--and haven't been too much of a stranger to getting stuck--but it seems like I'm hungry ALL THE TIME! And talking about bad choices, I feel like I've been on a "bender" for the last 5 days; although I guess it would NEVER compare to how I used to eat! I think I've gained 2 pounds this last week, and even just finished a snack-size bag of Gardetto's from the vending machine!

As far as your running goes, I don't think you're "building muscle" from running. I finished the C25K program myself a couple of months ago, and I don't really think I built muscle, I definitely was experiencing a slow-down in weight loss. I think your "not eating enough" theory is more like it. From your typical day you listed up there, it doesn't seem like you're getting enough calories. I would try adding a proten shake in there to get some good fuel in your body...it will be easy to injest, good nutrition, and probably be a nice calorie-boost. I know people drink all sorts of protein drinks on here, but I personally prefer the EAS AdvantEDGE Carb Control Shakes in Chocolate Fudge or Dark Chocolate. The Cafe Caramel is NOT good, and I haven't had the courage to try the vanilla or strawberry. These shakes taste good, have 17 g of protein, no sugar, and are all-around a smart choice.

Although I've been messing up A LOT the past few days, I DO start every one of them with one of these shakes and a yogurt. It's a good "mushy" way to start the day on a "orning-tight" band, and keeps me satisfied till lunch. It's after lunch that I start having the problems!!!!

Good luck...hopefully I've been some help...or at least you'll get some comfort in knowing that you're not alone!!!!!

I was just re-reading my post and noticed that I invented a new word--empathisizing! Wow, it's a mouth-full, but I think I like it!!! LOL!!!

Are my calories too low? If so, not sure how I can get around this restriction and eat more?

If that's a typical day, then yep, I think your calories probably are too low.

I don't know your schedule, but can you add in a snack between lunch & dinner, and/or an evening snack? With exactly 3 meals, you must have a long gap in there somewhere.

How about a mid-morning latte?

Molly - thanks, I will do that - it is so weird adding in more food, especialy when I am finally not hungry

Stranger - WOW, we are band twins, huh? I know how you feel, the afternoons were rough for me until this last fill. But, you are right, nothing compared to the binging I used to do. I actually am surprised that I was not heavier than 222 considering all the massive binging that I used to do. Let me know how things go for you. I would have a stroke if my Dr. told me to wait 3 months to come in, luckily they will accomodate me and my annoying behavior.

All in all, I try to be grateful since I have not seen the mid 180's on my scale since 1995. Life is good.

Thanks again for all the help - the comments really help me put my experience into perspective. Gotta go get a snack!!!

I have lost 67lbs since 18 sep 2007, i found when not eating enough was not losing. i do 30minute to 40 minute walk every second day try for everyday, but normally every second or third at moment. What i have eaten so far today ,and not at dinner time yet:

medium bowl cereal and low fat milk,small bannana,quarter of a large rockmellon, small packet of nuts,skinny cappacino, pea and ham soup medium bowl, and 10 rice crackers - the small ones.3 prunes.