Weight Loss Concern

Hi everyone, My name is Sharon and I had my surgery on Feb. 10, 2004. When I went for my 2 week check up, on the 24th my surgeon showed that I had lost 23 pounds. I started out at 220 lbs at weigh in at the hospital day of surgery was at 197 at 2 week post op visit. Since then I have gained 2 pounds and have not come off of it. I didn't measure myself before surgery but can tell that I have lost inches. I joined a fitness club right after my two week check up and have been exercing everyday. My bmi on day of surgery was 35 had diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol and asthma. Can't understand why I am not losing anymore weight. Am getting anywhere from 50 to 64 oz of liquids a day and at least 60 grams of protein, sometimes using protein shake. Am really starting to get discouraged. Could really use some pointers.

Sharon, I am having the same problem as you. The weight will come off, even if it looks like we have gained for this week. I am much more active now (walking every day) than I was before the surgery and I think that I have started to gain muscle. Muscle weighs almost double what fat weighs, but in a short time the muscles that we are gaining will start to consume the fat on our bodies and we will start to see rapid weight loss. My only tip for you is to be patient, I am trying very hard to remain patient. I weigh much more than you do, but I have been strictly following the guidelines for water, food and protein. If you think about it, there is no possible way for us to gain weight with the calories that we are taking in, you will see next week. It also may be water gain, before my period I could gain anywhere up to 10 pounds that melts off as soon as it starts. Good luck and try not to be so concerned about the numbers on the scales, remember that we did this to get healthier (not weigh a certain magical scale number).

Dorothy, I don't have the problem of the cycle every month. and you're right about being healthier and that has happened for me. That I thank God for every day. It just makes you feel like that you have done something wrong even though you know you haven't. Thanks for being there to support me.

I had the same problem between week 2 & 3, didn't loose any weight, but I lost 6.5 inches. Your body just has to catch up with the loss. Today I am 4 weeks out (28 days) I have lost 28 lbs and 19.5 inches. I have found that I tend to loose a bunch of weight and then I loose the inches. I'm just happy that I am loosing and feeling better. Marj

Marjorie, I'll just hang in there, because I know that I am doing everything that I need to be doing, and like I said I am taking off the inches. Thanks for listening to me. You all have made me feel so much better.

Try not to get discouraged. Water weight can be the culprit, especially if it is before your cycle or you have drank a lot of higher sodium broth or you have done any carbs. Also our body is getting by on so few calories right now that it may revert to a "hibernation mode" which slows your metabolism way down and holds on to everything it can. Keep doing the right things and your body will respond. I know it is frustrating, but it sounds like it is fairly common to have happen.

I am also in the same boat. I had surgery on 2-17-04. I went for my 2 week post op exam and I had lost 27 pounds. (My scale hows 28 but who's counting? ME!! lol) Anyhow I am stuck. I started out at 268 and did jumping jacks when the scale showed 239. Now I am back up to 241 or 242. I don't know why. I am eating half the amount of my kids! Oh well...I know it will come off eventually!

Sandy, I'm in your situation also. I had surgery 2/12, lost 26 pounds, and after week 3 I am holding steady. I emailed my doctor to follow up, and she mentioned to me that after the first 2 weeks your body is in "starvation mode" and it may take awhile for your metabolism to get back to normal. She said to increase water, increase exercise, and not sweat it! It's only a phase and you'll start losing again. She said not to get hung up on the numbers of the scale. Alice Lee