Scales have read the same for months?

[susie-q53]

I had the sleeve done in Nov.2010 and I've only lost 27 lbs. since. The scales don't seem to budge! I'm eating less and try to get my walks in every day. I'm really getting depressed about this. I don't see my Dr. until May for my 6 month check-up. I have lost some inches but not as many as I think I should have by now. I think about food all of the time, I feel like some of the others saying they feel like they are on a diet all of the time.
I'm just really depressed about this!

[kitsonk]

When you say you have lost 27lbs, how much of the weight did you plan to lose was that? I'm 6'1" and so 27lbs on me is a lot different than 27lbs on someone around 5ft (not saying you are).

About how many calories do you eat a day?

If you read the forum, people do plateau quite often, especially women. I can understand it is depressing. On the other hand, you have had WLS now and the thing you need to do is make the best you can of it. A lot of time there can be other factors going on, either chemical or emotional, that could be causing the challenges.

Let us know a little more, and I am sure you will find a lot of support and comfort in the forum and maybe even hear a bright idea or two. The good news is you are among friends here who understand how tough it can be at times.

[Johnny]

Perhaps you should make an appointment and see your doctor. You don't have to wait for the 6 month checkup.

Are you tracking your calories? Do you know the breakdown of those calories? If not, I would encourage you to be tracking this.

Good luck!!

[fluttershy]

I had surgery in October, and I know that it's frustrating for me too when the scale doesn't move. What I've learned is that my Sleeve really is a tool. Although my Surgeon said in a group setting that yes, in the beginning some weight will drop off even if we're not following our specific plan, that will not be the case for long. So, now I need to "Work my Sleeve" as the others say. During the crucial weight loss months we are on controlled diets. I realize that when I stray from that, I don't lose weight, or I yo-yo for several days. Those few bites of starchy food are recognized by my body. So, I'm trying to be more strict with myself. I know it is hard, but every new day is a little better than the physical life I used to have.

Without going into my diet plan, It would be best for you to contact your Surgeon and make an appointment. There are so many factors regarding your personal surgery and weight loss.

Protein, Vitamins, Fluids, Fiber... Exercise... it's all very important, and new to me. But we can do this!

Please, don't feel defeated. It's a new environment. There are things you can do to create change and weight loss... and you're on that path right now. Please keep us updated!

[Kaye]

When I plateaued, I set up an appointment with the nutritionist. She was very helpful and reminded me of the weight I HAD lost. Your nutritionist can give you lots of good ideas. By the time you see your doctor for your 6 month check up, you'll be well on your way. Hang in there.

[patsgoal2010]

I would suggest that you really look at the types of foods you are eating and when you are eating. Are you listening to your stomach when it tells you to stop. I understand that it is hard. I have decided that this is not a diet but it is the way that I have chosen to live. Honestly I am beginning to feel better about it and about myself. I have been journeling about my food. The reason for it was to understand the food I was eating and know the amounts of protein, carbs etc I consume. I can honestly say, I am beginning to live again within my new limits and it is not that bad. I eat what I want understanding that I do not and can not go wild any longer. I make wise choices. good luck and I hope you begin to feel better.

[accordingtome]

Try not to get tied up in the numbers. Measure yourself and use that as your guide to how you are doing. Keep up the good work!

[kitsonk]

I maybe wrong and people may get a little mad at me, from my point of view, I find it difficult to "cheat" on the sleeve. Really difficult. As long as I don't drink my calories in the day, my body seems to naturally limit me and coupled with the fact that true "hunger" is all but disappeared and when it does come, a couple bites of something has me feel satisfied.

I don't know if people who are "stuck" and who truly aren't drinking huge amount of calories are actually eating too much.

Of course a lot of us are prone to fool ourselves, so having conversations with medical professionals, including counselors and psychiatrist is a good idea if we find ourselves in a stuck situation, but I think saying "you are eating wrong" might not be accurate. The body is a funny thing and especially in women who is still menstruating, the body will hold onto fat and weight in a way that doesn't seem possible.

I spent 4 weeks + 2 weeks in a residential weight loss clinic, I saw some of my friends, who I knew were not cheating, eating medically controlled amounts of calories and exercising right next to me, barely lose any weight at all. It was embarrassing, because I was eating 1800 calories a day, while some smaller females were eating 1200 and I was shedding 7-10lbs a week and they might lose 1lb a week.

[MoreFitDiane]

Back to the point I've made before...everyone is different. Men lose more quickly because their bodies have greater muscle mass, and muscle burns fat. So if you want to lose more quickly, you need to increase the exercise. Cardio workouts 5 x's a week, or more. Walking doesn't become a cardio form of workout unless you are walking at a rapid pace and the cardio benefits don't kick in until about 15-20 minutes into the walk. So basically, you have to walk for about an hour at a brisk pace for the walk to count as a cardio workout. Sounds depressing, I know, but until we get more fit and can kick up the pace, it's the best we can do. That's why the protein is so important...so we don't lose muscle mass while we are losing weight.

[Nana Renan]

I had the sleeve done in Nov.2010 and I've only lost 27 lbs. since. The scales don't seem to budge! I'm eating less and try to get my walks in every day. I'm really getting depressed about this. I don't see my Dr. until May for my 6 month check-up. I have lost some inches but not as many as I think I should have by now. I think about food all of the time, I feel like some of the others saying they feel like they are on a diet all of the time.
I'm just really depressed about this!

Hi, Susie -- (I lived in Garland for 20+ years! in Houston now.)

I feel your pain, Girl. I was banded March 10 and lost 11, then promptly gained back 2. It has done a number on my head!!!

My suggestion would be to alternate -- increase your calories just a smidge with proteins for a week, then the following week, increase your walk -- either distance or time or speed. Keep alternating like that until the scales start moving again.

Some of us have bodies that just adapt to whatever our current intake/output status IS and figures out quickly how to maintain all of its glorious voluptuousness.

When it figures out it can't maintain your current weight with the exercise demands you're making or the measly amount of food you're giving it, it will, reluctantly, drop a chunk of pounds.

Hang in there, Girl -- we'll make it!

[bjcarey2005]

Protein, protein, protein!! If you start eating - less and less your body with go into "hoarding fat" mode. It will think it is in "starvation mode" and hold onto the fat instead of releasing it... that is why you are not losing! Eat as many vegs, and fruits that you can, and lean meat - plus yogurt, milk, protein drinks, tons of water.

Always have sugar free pudding, jello, or applesauce on hand. Remember why you started this.. remember the journey it took to get here, to this moment now. I would log your food for a week or so... figure out how much protein you are getting per day. Even drinking a 8 oz glass of 2% milk with help with protein. But I think your number one problem is not getting enough food/protein - just make sure they are the right choices!! I wish you the very best, you can do this!!

A great protein drink if your tired of the same ole same ole is:

8 to 10 oz of V-8 Splash
4 - 6 Tablespoons of Plain Yogurt
4 - 6 Frozen Strawberries (or blueberries or even add half a frozen banana)
2 Scoops Body Fortress Vanilla Whey Protein

Blend well, let sit in fridge for about a half hour! It is soooo Yummy! And Good for You!

Huggles and God Bless
~Bren~