Question:
Am I going to miss my window of opportunity?
I lost 40 pounds in the first 4 weeks after surgery. Now, I have plateaued for the last 4 weeks. I am getting so discouraged. I am so worried that I will not lose fast enough and totally miss my window of opportunity. I realize I am not even two months postop yet but was anyone else in my situation. I have heard you lose the most in the first six months. At this rate I will never get rid of this weight! Protein is a big problem for me and I struggle everyday and get in about 30 grams. — Jeannie4 (posted on September 3, 2003)
September 3, 2003
You need to get in at least 60-80 grams of protein a day. I Know that
sounds like alot but it is the best way to keep the weight coming off.Also
keep your carbs down to a minimum. I have a protien shake aday consisting
of 35grams of protein and only 2 carbs. Its ready made and called Pure
Protein and it is made by Worldwide Sports Nutrition. But always remember
Protein first. If there is anythiong else I can help you with feel free to
email me [email protected].
— jwd430
September 3, 2003
You need more protein than that to keep your body losing. I was told my
body uses 50% more effort to metabolize protein than and only 10% effort
metabolize carbohydrates. Carbs burn more slowly and that why you'll lose
more slowly if you have a lot of carbs per day. Also are you getting in
64 oz. (minimum) of water per day? That also helps.
— Cathy S.
September 3, 2003
I plateau for 3 weeks out of every month - then out of now where I drop
alot of weight. I have done this every month for the last 5. Hang in there.
If you stick to the program, it will come off. You need at least 60 grams
of protein each day or you will lose muscle tone!! Also take everyone'
advice and remember to eat your required amounts of everthing on your diet
- every day. If you eat too little your body will think it is starving and
it will hang onto every ounce.
— M B.
September 3, 2003
I did the same thing w/ the early (or so I thought) plateu. Of course when
I went in for my check up my dr laughed and said, if you kept losing at the
rate you started there would be nothing left of you by summer. And I had
been thinking I had major surgery to only lose 30 # . now it is 115 in 11
months and I am tickled pink and couldnot be more thrilled with my results.
— **willow**
September 3, 2003
With all due respect to the other posters, you do not need at least 60
grams of protein to lose if you are on food only and your body is in max
ketosis. The ketosis protects your body from going after the protein and
muscle in your body and instead uses the fat stores for energy, buring the
fat. It also did not slow the weight loss, as the ketosis kicks that into
high gear.
<p>However, if this poster's eating plan is using protein drinks and
her plan allows more than really low carbs, then the 60 grams is critical,
as well as getting 600 calories, which can only be done with protein drinks
at this stage. No one can eat enough food at this stage to get to 60
grams. This is assuming the person had an RNY. I can now get in 75-110
grams of protein but I am 7 months out. So whether the 30 grams is
acceptable or not depends totally on your post-op eating plan. I was
getting in about 35-40 grams at the same stage, but again my plan was total
food (no protein drinks) and used max ketosis.
<p>As far as your window of opportunity do not panic. You are at an
average of 20 lbs a month. I am 7 months today and have lost a total of
162 and 141 since surgery, which is an average of 20 lbs a month. I lost
40-45 at 2 months, so I was no further ahead than you. I was also a SMO
and assumed I would lose like 40 lbs the first month but lost 22.
<p>Like the others said take a look at what you can do to up the
protein. Get in your water, as that is very important too. Watch the
carbs and take some strolls around the block. Do not sweat the plateau, as
the weight will move as long as you do your part. Your body is still doing
lots of healing and adjusting, so give it the time it needs to heal, keep
doing what you should be, and it will all balance out in the end. Have
Faith!
— zoedogcbr
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