Need support/encouragement/advice 15 months post op

[mi75 1,239]

Hi everyone, it has been a couple months since I posted last and everything is going pretty good. I am now 15 months post op. I lost about 65-69 lbs total and still have about 18 lbs to lose. However, things have completely stalled out and i haven't lost anything in many months.

my stress level is sky high with grad school two kids, a new job, and life in general. i have noticed over the past few months that my stomach fat is much more noticeable and although the scale hadn't changed (THEN, but haven't weighed in 1 month) things just are sitting differently. i actually FEEL very similar to how my stomach felt pre op, but i'm still wearing the same size pants, it's just very bothersome to me.

my main issue right now is i just started a new night nursing job which i really love, but not being a night owl, i find myself eating small Protein, fruit, snack and drink portions (not all together) through the night to stay awake and functional. although it is a VERY busy unit, we get very quiet and sit down around 1AM and don't do much for a few hours (this time is the hardest for me). i have found i got reactive hypoglycemia a few times when i tried to go without eating and then started my morning rush. i try to NOT eat much during the days before work, knowing that i'll eat a few small meals when i'm there, but i AM getting plenty of calories each 24 hr period. further, we aren't allowed to leave the floor regularly on night shift, so going for a walk or something isn't really an option, we eat our meal and hang out in the break room area.

Anybody who works nights, especially those in healthcare who only work 3 shifts a week may be able to relate. there is no 'regular' schedule anymore. however, i enjoy my team and prefer nights for my graduate school demands. but i don't know when is the best time to weigh, how to count meals anymore, etc!

i am also trying to help my hubs lose some pounds as he has put on about 20 lbs in the past year.

i can eat mostly everything. i only get dumping issues when i eat something REALLY packed with sugar (tried a small scoop of ice cream once-never again!) i eat around 1200 cals per day. i only exercise by walking a few times a week.

Here is my plan:

1. Go back to including a Protein shake DAILY maybe as a smoothie for 'breakfast' on non-work nights and take with me as a meal supplement when i do work.

2. try to fit in a walk every 24 hour period

3. can't abate the stress much, but MAYBE trying some basic yoga or stretching regularly

4. start logging on here every day and seeking the same level of support and involvement i did pre op and immediately post op ( my area support group meets while i am working, and the nutritionist that works with my surgeon now is very specific to meeting only with people who have gained more than 20 lbs back OR are still pre op!)

anybody have any other suggestions or support for me? i really need to lose these final pounds. i also need to get in to see my surgeon and wanted to in the next 8 weeks, and DO NOT want to be the same weight i was the last time he saw me!

[Wendyfm 494]

It sounds like you have a good plan.

[AlanaRN 419]

I'm a nurse as well. Mostly work day shift but do work some nights. I eat small Protein Snacks throughout the night. I never eat anything heavy but I eat something small about every 3 hours. It's never been a problem for me.

[mi75 1,239]

thanks for input. i stepped on the scale today, and there is ZERO change in my weight, which i'm really grateful for! i think that maybe things have just shifted a bit. going to stick to my plan and see if it makes any difference over the coming weeks and months

[AlanaRN 419]

Yeah, you might just be bloated! Lol

[PerryLowell 2]

A good destresser is coloring... gel pens and an adult coloring book.