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Pookie this isn't longwinded, its ooodles of information for folks who are struggling just like you. It would be good to make this a sticky and call it something like "WLS and Plateau's"

I'm sure it would keep other folks experiencing the same thing as you from hitting their heads on the wall.

BRAVO !!! to you and I'm happy you broke that nasty plateau.

YOU ROCK!!!

Pookie, How much have you lost? I had lunch with my friend Pam who had surgery in July and she was feeling low because she has not lost as quickly as she thought she would. And like you, she has hit a plateau. I will pass on this info to her, but let me tell you, I could definately telly she had lost a lot of weight since her surgery!

Keep up the good work, and stay doing what you know to do, and you'll be fine.

Pookie,

You got some really good information today.

I think alot of us go through times where we think we'll be the only one the surgery doesn't work for. It's a terrifying thought!

It seemed like it took forever for me to notice the difference, perhaps because I started out with so much to lose. It took a good six months for my weight loss to be dramatic enough that it was noticeable to just about anyone. It seemed like a very long six months, especially when I was hearing about how quickly everyone else was losing.

That said, don't compare yourself to others. I know it is hard not to, but this is YOUR weight loss journey. It is unique to you. The surgery you had may be the same as lots of other people, but you are an individual. Your results will be individual too.

About the diet thing, it really is a learning process. I think the word "diet" is scary. It reminds us of all the past failures. I prefer to think of it as learning to eat well. There really is a difference.

As the weight came off I began to feel so good, I could hardly believe it. I think the weight creeps on slowly, over years, and we don't realize exactly HOW awful it makes us feel until it comes off. It is an amazing thing, to simply do the normal activities of life without exhaustion and pain. Add the newfound joys of exercise to that, and it is simply amazing. For me, I want to enhance the gift I've been given, of a second chance at life. I want to eat well, because, just like everyone else, my body will be healthier and do more for me if I treat it well.

There are no absolutes (depending on your surgery and what your doctor advises anyway). For me, nothing is off limits forever. I just choose to focus on the better choices, and keep the unhealthier items as a treat every so often. It really doesn't feel like much of a sacrifice, if at all.

I know it is easy for me to say now, at this end of the journey, but try not to let the scale become an obsession. Whether those pounds come off this week or next, or this month or next, is really inconsequential in the whole scheme of things, but boy can it ever feel like it!

You have done your research and know what you got yourself into. I am sure that you will be one of the smart ones, one of the lucky ones, who will make this work for you, forever. Hang in there, and try to enjoy the process.

Dawna

Hi Ookiepay,
It sounds to me like you're doing just fine. I read so many posts on other sites where people are saying they're worried because they're not losing fast enough. It seems to be a very common feeling. And then - poof - the weight starts coming off gangbusters. So just hang in there, sweets!

I know how hard it is not to compare yourself to others. There are times I have a hard time not comparing myself to you RNY girls too. It gets a little discouraging, but I knew going in that I would lose slower and that I'm doing just fine. I just have to talk to myself all the time - which I'm sure you have to do too.

Dawna, that was a great post! My favorite point that you made is when you said that diet is such a scary word. You're right that it reminds us of all the times in the past where we dieted and lost, only to gain it back. You are so right about focusing on making good food choices and eating well instead of "dieting". This little band of mine has allowed me the chance to change my mindset.

Keep on keeping on Pook!

Chickadee

Pookie, we are in the same place. You and I had surgery on the same day, I don't know if you remember that or not. I've only lost 38 pounds as of today. I had a 3 week plateau, also. I didn't loose any weight before surgery. I was starting to feel sad that my weight loss was going so slow. I feel better knowing that I'm not alone. Good for you that you busted that plateau!!! What a woman!!!!!!

Sure you can be my 5th monkey, but you might want to talk to the other four before you commit yourself. They say that I'm bossy I make them do stuff like take out the garbage and clean up after themselves. I also make them take a bath and change their underwear once a month

I've been in such a good mood since I read you post earlier today. I was really feeling discouraged. I feel so much better now. Glad you do too