Weight Stall after a few weeks "WHY Answer"

I have read a lot of posts regarding stalls after 2 or 3 weeks. I read this reply as to why a few times so I saved the info so I could reprint it. Please read......


A "stall" at this point is inevitable, and here is why. 

 

Our bodies use glycogen for short term energy storage. Glycogen is not very soluble, but it is stored in our muscles for quick energy -- one pound of glycogen requires 4 lbs of water to keep it soluble, and the average glycogen storage capacity is about 2 lbs. So, when you are not getting in enough food, your body turns first to stored glycogen, which is easy to break down for energy. And when you use up 2 lbs of glycogen, you also lose 8 lbs of water that was used to store it -- voila -- the "easy" 10 lbs that most people lose in the first week of a diet.

As you stay in caloric deficit, however, your body starts to realize that this is not a short term problem. You start mobilizing fat from your adipose tissue and burning fat for energy. But your body also realizes that fat can't be used for short bursts of energy -- like, to outrun a sabertooth tiger. So, it starts converting some of the fat into glycogen, and rebuilding the glycogen stores. And as it puts back the 2 lbs of glycogen into the muscle, 8 lbs of water has to be stored with it to keep it soluble. So, even though you might still be LOSING energy content to your body, your weight will not go down or you might even GAIN for a while as you retain water to dissolve the glycogen that is being reformed and stored.

Woow.... It's logic.... I'm stalled right now, so basically that what happens, good to know

So how do we get passed it? Very interesting!

Your body will adjust as it becomes accostumed to what it needs for survival and after a while when it knows it is not in danger will change back to letting you loose. This is going to happen more than once.

I sometimes think we forget that before our WLS we could not even loose 5 pounds in a month but now after loosing more than 30 pounds think we are not doing well. This is a journey, a lifestyle change and our weight loss will vary and stall. Be proud of what you have lost, look forward to loosing more and learn to live without weight obsession. Be happy now and don't wait until you are at goal.

Thanks wonderling for your very sensible and balanced advice! We all need a reality check with our progress. This is not just about today, this week, or this month! It's the rest of our lives!

Essentially it is what is called the starvation diet.  This happened to me pre second WLS, I had a tooth removed, and could not really eat for a few days.  But I really did not lose weight.  My WW leader said my body started storing everything it had because I was not replenishing it.  She said I should have just gotten that full on fat and calories shake to make up for it.   I am suprised that my body has not gone into shock from such a low cal diet right now since I am on liquids for another week.  But I am trying to at least increase that a bit with my protein drink, I get in 25 extra calories and a bit of sugar to make sure I do not have blood sugar dropping.

Thanks Wonderling!  Great info.
I am trying VERY HARD to make sure I get all my water/meals/protein/shakes in every day...but so far it's been too much food! I am almost hitting the required water amount, but dang, I am constantly sipping, anywhere and everywhere. I think once my body heals more and I get everything in that I need to I will lose more. Right now it's stuck at 1/2 lb a day since Tuesday...waahhh.. I know it takes time, it's not magic! THanks