What to expect this first month

Okay... I'm having a real hard time here. I'm a slave to the scale and I'm getting disappointed that it isn't doing anything. I lost 10 lbs the first week after surgery and my surgeon said it was all "water weight" which I tend to believe since I was so dyhydrated those first few days. Having said that, I wasn't surprised when I went back up 4 pounds once I was able to drink easily again. The scale hasn't moved since. I've been walking, drinking water and doing pretty darn good with the protein (even though it made me hurl). I'm sticking to the diet. I'm not expecting to drop 50 pounds my first month. I made the mistake of using the "Post Op Planner" on the OH main page. Even at an estimated liberal 65%, I should lose around 22 pounds this first month. I feel great for the most part. I don't like that I'm always hungry but I don't know what to do about that. My main reason for having this surgery was because I eat when I'm hungry and I thought this would help me to feel full faster. I only been full once since this surgery so I'm feeling kind of odd about it. I have been told to try and lose about 165 pounds but I think I'll strive for 140. I'm just sad that my "tools" don't seem to be helping. Everyone else seems to be doing so good... and then there's me. What is realistic for me to expect this first month?

You won't feel full for a while. During surgery all the stomach nerves etc were cut, and they will not send that full feeling to your brain. Once your healed, about 2-3 months out you will start getting those signals. At 3 months out my husband all of a sudden couldn't eat as much because he started getting the full feeling. For now you need to follow your surgeons plan. Mine gave me what amount I should be eating (2-3oz right now), I eat what Im told.... and I don't get that full feeling yet... but I measure my foods and stop. You can't just eat when your hungry. Plan your meals and snacks. Give your body a chance, your just newly post-op.... and STAY AWAY FROM THE SCALE!!!! Seriously. Darlene

It's so hard to stay away from the scale. I'm think of just throwing it away and getting another one after my 6 week check-up. I don't know how much that will do since I work in an emergency room and there are scales everyone. Not to mention the one that stares me in the face at the gym. I am planning my meals. Right now I don't have breakfast, per say, because I'm trying to get the protein in. I was drinking shakes, but that's changing thanks to some very helpful post a couple of days ago. Other than that, jello, soup and thinned applesauce is all there is. I think the scale is just going to have to go. Either that or my sanity! Thanks!

Hi I am SO GLAD you posted b/c I am right there with you!!! I am 3 weeks out and have only lost 11 pounds too. I lost 8 the first week, 3 more the next few days--and then nothing.....I have not lost anything in TWO WEEKS. I'm ready to scream. I have 120 #'s to lose and I feel like if this doesn't start off with a bang--the weight loss is just never going to happen. I read over and over about people who have lost 100#'s in six months and I think --I'm already behind. I've been sticking to everything I've been told to do religiously. I feel like I might be the only person to ever fail at GBS. On regular diets, I'm not a fast loser, but I'm not a slow loser either. It doesn't help that my husband had GBS 3 months ago and lost FORTY pounds the first month. I know better than to expect his results, but i thought I'd at least be down 20#. I don't see how I can be "eating" around 700 calories a day and NOT lose weight. Sorry to vent too, but i just had to tell you, you're not alone, it's not just you I will cross my fingers for both of us and hope this changes soon! GL to you! Rebeka

Thanks Rebeka! I was starting to feel like I am in this alone. My thoughts exactly about the 700 calories thing. I guess we will just have to wait and see what happens. Thanks for responding GL to you too! MsKeara

I have been told your body thinks it is starving and will not give the fat up. If you are following the rules it will fall off. Also, you must drink the water and consume the protein. Throw your scale away--the stress is too much. I promised mysel I will only weight at the surgeons office. I went 10 days out for a check up and had only lost 7 lbs and have another appt--4 weeks check up on Monday. Be strong and positive--bj

My husband has kindly agreed to take the scale away tomorrow while I'm at work. I will not check it again until the end of the first week in May at my 6 week check up. Thanks for the feedback!

Hi Ms Keara, my scale did not move for what seemed like forever. Then it moved. And now it's stuck again. I wish, while my surgeon was inside my body, he could have inserted a little more patience! Are you measuring yourself? I have found that I only lost 17 pounds the first month, but I lost 10.75 inches. That statistic made me feel better. It will come off! Best, Stephanie

I haven't measured myself but I am certainly planning to do that soon. Today was my first day back at work. I'm 12 days post op and I just worked at 10 hours shift without missing a beat. My energy level is up. That's for sure. I noticed my clothes fit better (well, they don't really fit) so I was planning to measure when I got home. Now I'm to tired and will have to do that tomorrow. I'll have to let you know what happens! Thanks!