Discouraged!!!!

[svince 0]

Hi, all. I was banded on December 18th and I was prepared for "bandster hell", but I was not prepared for GAINING weight even though I am trying so hard. I am on soft foods now, and I feel like I am making great choices and eating much less than ever before, plus I am walking 2.5 miles per day (not strolling either...I am really moving) and I have gained 3 lbs. since my post-op visit on 12/29. I am just so frustrated, I have never been so dedicated to staying the course but to not see results is killing me. This morning when I weighed I almost cried....I need to see that all the things I am doing are having an effect. I have seen posts before like this and I know everyone says it takes time to start seeing results but when it's your situation it feels so much more urgent. Any ideas on how to jump-start the weight loss? I am scheduled for my first fill on January 14th, but honestly I don't see how that will help. I don't eat that much now and I don't even snack between meals, it just feels hopeless. Sorry to sound so negative, I'm normally a much more positive person but I am really bummed today! Thanks for listening.

Steph:)

[SunnyRachel 7]

I don't have an answer; I just have a hug. I'm sorry you are feeling down. I'm still pretty new at this too. I just wanted you to know someone listened and hopes you feel better.

[babbs3772 1]

Steph, from what I have read, from my own experience it is not that unusual - although highly frustrating! to gain before you have restriction from a fill -

ok so you already know this I can see from your post and I do understand the urgency - been there.

Just keep plugging along, is my advice, sooner or later it will come off, drink your Water, count calories if that is helpful? (for me it is essential) keep walking and remember that you are never alone!

Hugs, good thoughts and patience to you :thumbup:

[Jodi_620 37]

First, don't worry about three pounds that could be from a number of things and could disappear by the end of the day. My weight often fluctuates that much within a day.

Second, don't depend so much on the scale. In the beginning my clothes were getting looser even when the scale would not budge.

Third, your metabolism is all out of whack due to pre-op and post-op dieting and the surgery itself. You likely have swelling and Water gain. Give your body time to get settled.

Focus on healing and the weight loss will come, with your determination I have no doubt about that.

[als74 1]

I know you have heard that right now is about healing, not loosing weight, but I hate that! If I am going to suffer, I want some results darn it!

That being said- even if you are eating little, make sure it is Protein, not starch. You may be temped to have crackers and mash potatoes, but Protein burns fat first, and carbs burn carbs and leave the fat. Drink your protein drinks/shakes, and don't cut out meals. It is better to eat small things several times a day. It keeps you matabalism going. If you starve yourself, your body will rebell and store up.

[LoveIslovely 0]

It does take time! We are all different. I had days where I gained 4 pounds and the next day lost two, then after i gained .5 but at the end of the week, Id lose it all and more. Thats why I think, is better to weight yourself once a week. Then again, I dont lol, I weight myself at least everyday, just so I know what my pounds are when I eat or do certain things. Dont get discouraged and keep up with your exercise, that is what has sped up my weight loss. I am 3 months out and down 75 pounds, all post up and my secret is, busting my booty in the gym and eating right. Your are doing the same, so keep it up!!!

[V-Dallas 0]

Hi I am in the same boat. I will get my first fill on Monday 1/12. Since the surgery 3 weeks ago I have lost 14 lbs. and have been at a stand still for 1 week. Yesterday after a good workout and I was like you I gained 1 lb and went into a panic. I don't eat much as well since they said they left 3cc in. I am just hoping that the fill will help and by the sound of everyone 20 lbs including pre-op diet is on track. Don't get discouraged I am trying not to.

Good Luck on your journey we are with you!!!!

Huggs , Prayers & Blessing

Your way.....

V....

[V-Dallas 0]

Should I keep drinking the Protein Shakes? I stopped after surgery. Should they replace a meal?

Thanks

V---

[Jodi_620 37]

Should I keep drinking the Protein Shakes? I stopped after surgery. Should they replace a meal?

Thanks

V---

You should of course do what your doctor says but for me, I only use shakes as a supplement. Once on solids, I was instructed to eat only solids for my three meals. If I am not getting my recommended 60G of Protein per day then I can supplement with a shake in between meals.

[V-Dallas 0]

Any good meal tips for my stage of this process. 3 week post op. Of course I am drawn to soft solids but for me that is the grits in the morning and mashed potatoes. This is all new to me and I think that is why I am at a stand still. Any meal tips would greatly appreciated

Thanks a bunch!!!!

V-----

[als74 1]

If you are not of full solids, and not getting enough protien, then yes, drink Protein Shakes for you inbetween meal, not as a replacement though.

[als74 1]

I am full liquids and can have cottage cheese, creamed Soup, veggie Soup, bean Soups, (which creamed and bean are Protein AND starch...) oatmeal, yogurt, stuff like that.

I recommend (though not a doc)

Breakfast (oatmeal or yogurt)

Protein shake/drink for snack

lunch (cottage cheese- 1 cup)4-8 oz

protein shake/drink for snack here or after dinner

dinner (1 cup of soup, with a couple crackers in the soup)4-8oz

Lots of Water in between

This is what my day generally looks like.

[TQUAD64 9]

Don't forget that when you exercise you are building up muscle. Muscle weighs more. Measure your inches. Are your clothes feeling looser?

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,282]

Hi, all. I was banded on December 18th and I was prepared for "bandster hell", but I was not prepared for GAINING weight even though I am trying so hard. I am on soft foods now, and I feel like I am making great choices and eating much less than ever before, plus I am walking 2.5 miles per day (not strolling either...I am really moving) and I have gained 3 lbs. since my post-op visit on 12/29. I am just so frustrated, I have never been so dedicated to staying the course but to not see results is killing me. This morning when I weighed I almost cried....I need to see that all the things I am doing are having an effect. I have seen posts before like this and I know everyone says it takes time to start seeing results but when it's your situation it feels so much more urgent. Any ideas on how to jump-start the weight loss? I am scheduled for my first fill on January 14th, but honestly I don't see how that will help. I don't eat that much now and I don't even snack between meals, it just feels hopeless. Sorry to sound so negative, I'm normally a much more positive person but I am really bummed today! Thanks for listening.

Steph:)

First I think the most important thing to keep in mind is to not get discouraged. Having a negative outlook, rather than positive leads down a road you don't want to embark. Instead, think of everything you have accomplished and consider what you have done to get there.

Second, there are a very many reasons why you might be experiencing a little bit of a gain. Note here that 3 pounds is very slight on the blip of how much you may need to actually lose. You could be retaining Water right now, for a great many reasons, even the fact maybe you are not hydrating yourself enough. Be sure to drink plenty of water. I tend to drink around 80 oz. per day, and I've noticed when I drink less I tend to retain more. Even not going "number 2" on a regular basis can be the difference in a few pounds per day. I remember not being very regular during the liquid phases.

Third, even weighing yourself at different times of the day can have an effect. I do weigh every single day, but I do net get over zealous with it. I wake up, go potty and hop on the scale. That is how I do it, and if I were to get on the scale in the afternoon, I could very well be a few pounds heavier or even lighter (usually heavier).

It is very common to gain a little during the liquid phase even. The best thing to do is to relax and it will happen for you. You sound like you are taking all the right steps to lose the weight, the only thing left to do is to be patient.

[Annie0341 0]

Hi~

I was also banded on the 18th, and I'm in the same boat as you are!

I kind of expected it though since my month long pre-op was nothing but 500 cals per day of Medifast shakes, that was starvation to me! Now I'm eating more regular food and taking in more than those measly 500 a day. I don't own a scale so don't know my actual weight, I thought it was best or I would obsess and be on it 2-3 times a day! At my post op on 12/29 I was down 8.5 since surgery but know I've put some on.I can schedule a fill around the 18th and I can hardly wait. I guess we have to remember that is when the actual loss starts to come into play.

Good luck to you....we will do this