You could be building muscle when you walk and work out! Muscle weighs a lot more than fat so in reality you could have lost more but gained muscle which is a good thing - also if you are getting the protien that is required about 40-45 grams a day it also helps maintain your muscle mass! 18 lbs is awesome and you should not be discouraged in any way. Also people are built differenlty and metabolize differently so even though the journey might be a little slower for you right now you may blow past someone later that hits a plateau! Slow and steady wins the race - your body will thank you for it in the end! Best wishes for continued success!

When I mentioned to my surgeon that I didn't think I was losing quick like everyone else...she just asked me how much did i ever lose with conventional dieting. I knew what she was talking about. I believe everyone gets "stuck" at times. It will change...don't get down on yourself...You took a big step to get healthy, be patient and give your body a chance!! Good Luck and bestest wishes!!

When I was first banded I was not journaling my food, I told my husband "But I am doing everything right!" and he said "um, no your not". Once I started journaling, weighing and measuring my food, I was able to make small adjustments that really made a big difference.

I agree with Leigha, I definitely do better when I'm journaling (even though I hate it) because I tend to "forget" things. Also though, you are at the beginning and probably haven't reached proper restriction. Keep focused and do what you need to do...you are going in the right direction!!

Everyone's comments are right on the money . .. I would only add that remember this is a life long journey and I've said over and over, I don't care how slowly it comes off, as long as it STAYS off . .. . that's the difference, in the end you will win!

When I was first banded I was not journaling my food, I told my husband "But I am doing everything right!" and he said "um, no your not". Once I started journaling, weighing and measuring my food, I was able to make small adjustments that really made a big difference.

Yes, you are totally right! I remembered "just licking" a little of my husbands homemade icing off a spoon and I surely didn't count that! The little things do add up.

Everyone's comments are right on the money . .. I would only add that remember this is a life long journey and I've said over and over, I don't care how slowly it comes off, as long as it STAYS off . .. . that's the difference, in the end you will win!

Staying off! :smile2:Yes, Very good point!

Thanks!

I agree with Leigha, I definitely do better when I'm journaling (even though I hate it) because I tend to "forget" things. Also though, you are at the beginning and probably haven't reached proper restriction. Keep focused and do what you need to do...you are going in the right direction!!

Thank you for the encouragement!

When I mentioned to my surgeon that I didn't think I was losing quick like everyone else...she just asked me how much did i ever lose with conventional dieting. I knew what she was talking about. I believe everyone gets "stuck" at times. It will change...don't get down on yourself...You took a big step to get healthy, be patient and give your body a chance!! Good Luck and bestest wishes!!

Thanks so much! Reading everone's post has made me fell so much better!

You could be building muscle when you walk and work out! Muscle weighs a lot more than fat so in reality you could have lost more but gained muscle which is a good thing - also if you are getting the protien that is required about 40-45 grams a day it also helps maintain your muscle mass! 18 lbs is awesome and you should not be discouraged in any way. Also people are built differenlty and metabolize differently so even though the journey might be a little slower for you right now you may blow past someone later that hits a plateau! Slow and steady wins the race - your body will thank you for it in the end! Best wishes for continued success!

Thank you! Thank you! Building muscle is what I need. I carry my weight in my hips, buttocks, thighs and calves! I find that my upper body comes down faster. I do see a difference in jeans I bought in May, so that's encouraging.