Stalling or a plateau?

I have lost 52 pounds since surgery, but have not lost any weight for almost 3 weeks. Is this normal at this stage? I didn't expect to plateau this soon.

Yes, plateaus can happen this early on. Don't worry, it'll pass soon. Your body needs a breather. Be sure to try on clothing and check your tape measure. You may be surprised to see inch changes which the number of the scale doesn't! Best wishes, Kathy

I've been retaining water (about 9-12 pounds worth) for a week now. It's very very very very very frustrating! I've been working out like crazy, getting in my protein, drinking my water, and still NOTHING! Eeek!

I worked out like crazy during post-op weeks 4-6 burning up to about 800 calories a day... Average was about 600-800 according to the treadmill digital readout... this did not include the calories expended during swimming, weight lifting, or 3 day a week pilates class. Well, I pulled a muscle in my leg and had to stop for a few days. First day I didn't exercise I gained 3 pounds... those three pounds took 6 days to remove. I swore I wouldn't approach the gym again until I was back minus the original three pounds... and then, just for good measure, I didn't return until I lost 6 pounds (original 3 plus 3 more)... All this to say, surprise your body. Change up a bit so it won't think it is in "starvation mode."

I was losing weight really slow for like 3 weeks (only 5.4 lbs in 3 weeks). Last Thursday I started eating more protein, example: Breakfast - Slimfast low carb slim fast (20 gr), mid morning snack - 4 oz low carb dannon yogurt (5 gr), Lunch - 4 oz tuna salad or tuna/egg salad (about 26 gr), mid afternoon snack (and right before excercise) - 1 oz cheese (7 gr), and dinner - 3 oz of barbecued chicken (about 30-35 gr). I also increased my exercise a little. On Mon, Wed & Fri I do 45 min on the bike (alternate between fatburning and aerobic), then about 40 min weight. Tues, Thurs, Sat I do 1 hr on the bike (again alternating between fatburning and aerobic) and Sunday I take that day off. Anyway, I've lost 3.4 lbs in 5 days. Try something like this and maybe that will jump start you too.

A true plateau lasts about a month.

I know EXACTLY how you feel, Patty. I think a stall is probably normal for this stage because I too have been on a three week stall. My weekly weigh-in two days ago did show a one-pound loss for the week but this was after two weeks of no loss at all. I'm not convinced that my stall is truly over. Plus, Auntie Flo is visiting this week and I feel extremely bloated. Anyway, hang in there, Patty. Hopefully, the scale will start moving for both of us real soon! Good luck. Hugs, Tracy

I've lost 69 pounds since my surgery back on March 28th, 2005. I've been at a standstill for about 2 weeks now, and am feeling somewhat frustrated, but know that this too will pass. So, don't feel so bad. Just know that things will get back to normal.

Same here. I've lost right at 50 lbs and I've been stuck here for almost 2 weeks. A friend of mine that had the surgery done almost 2 years ago said the same thing happened to her, as well. Hang in there! We'll start being losers again before long.