BEYOND TEARS! HELP ME!

Has there ever been anyone to not lose weight having had this surgery? I'm 3 weeks post op today. I left the hospital weighing 272. I came home and in the first week 1/2 I dropped weight like super easy down to 250. The past week 1/2 not only have I not lost a single lb but this morning I got on the scale and had gained 6lbs from 250 to 256. I am beyond tears. I've been constipated for over a week. Actually, I've been constipated since I left the hospital. My surgeon suggested that I take a laxative. I did that the first two times to have a BM however I hate having to continue doing so. I work out ridiculous amounts. 3-5miles a day on the treadmill, 3-6 miles a day riding my bike, I joined Curves yesterday and have worked out two days in a row there. I'm getting all of my protien in mixed with food and shakes (60-80g a day). Never missed a dose of vitamins. Not eating anything I shouldn't be. I don't get it. Yes, I know that there is a common 3 week plaetu... but i've been on it since a week 1/2 out and now I'm gaining weight.

Hi Megan, First of all, I know what you mean about not losing. I had my surgery 5/15 and I've lost 22.5 lbs so far, but for the past two days my scale hasn't moved. It's frustrating, yes. As for your situation, all I can say is remember that when you exercise you gain muscle, which could most probably account for your gain. Also, don't forget that as women our bodies fluctuate with water retention due to our monthy cycles and things like that, so don't be discouraged. I know it's disheartening, but I'm sure things will get back into a rhythm again and the weight will start coming off. I know it's easier said than done, but don't fret. You're on the losing side... just keep that in mind. As for me, I'm staying off the scale for a few days so I don't drive myself insane. You're doing great!!!! Think about how it feels when you get into your old clothes.... they feel loose or even big by now; right? Look at yourself in the mirror... you see you've lost. Keep those positives in mind. Michele

Hey Megan, Another though,....watch your calories, and I don't mean cut back, you may actually need to up your calories with the amount of exercise your doing. Check with your nutritionist, he/she may want you to up your protein as well. Keep the Faith ! .......You're Doing Great ! Humbly, Jeff

Hi Megan! I'm sorry you hit a plateau! I know how frustrating that is cuz I hit a stall too! Anyway, maybe you're exercising too much??? You're getting in an awful lot of exercise into one day ... that coupled with the small amount of calories you're consuming probably is making it hard for your body to compensate for. Just an idea! I hope you get your "plumbing" worked out too! Deanna

I had surgery 5/15 and I was 222 the day of surgery and I am only down 7 pounds from the first week. I know your frustration. I don't know if the fact that I lost 22 pre-op had anything to do with it. It took me three months to lose that 22 pounds. I am a slow loser and I'm only 32. Like they say once you hit 30 its all down hill from there. LOL. Good luck to us all. Keep us updated. I think the scale will drop soon. I am a hopefull.

U are doing a lot of working out and u need to remember that you are carrying a lot of weight which in essence is like you are carrying weights on u. this builds muscle rather quickly. A problem i have is i build muscle really easy so I actually have to be careful with that, I am actually doing very little exercise to keep from building more muscle. There is nothing wrong with what ur doing, it will just take a little longer to see the results of your weight loss. One day u will jump on that scale and be amazed at what u have lost. give it time. it will show up.. I bet your clothes are getting loser as we speak.. good luck on your weight loss. I am joining curves next week myself...lol... good luck

Hi Megan, Im 29 days post op I have not lost anything either in 2 weeks. I have lost a total of 26 but I did tape measurement before surgery. And let me tell you I will take the inches lost. I am loosing tremedous inches. The pounds will come off. My surgeon says that pounds are usually slow the first month your body is readjusting from a major surgery and nutritional changes. For example Preop we usually got our nutrition from food. Now our bods are lucky they are getting the proper Vits and protien every day. You will start loosing..I also agree with the poster about adjusting your calories. If your exercise is intense you need to feed for fuel to burn more fat. Sue

Hi Megan - I'm having a mini-plateu as well. I'm 2 weeks out and my weight hasn't changed in 4 days, after losing about 12 pounds since surgery. I'm trying not to get discouraged, but its hard not knowing what's "normal" at this state. I've noticed that my period definitely affects the weight loss, as well as constipation. I would try to get the constipation worked out (no pun intended) first, and if that doesn't work, maybe make sure you are getting enough calories given your vigorous workout schedule. Also, since you are majorly exercsing, you may need more water. Hang in there - you're doing great! Heather RNY 5/17/06 254/233/221

Megan You don't mention anything about your water intake. I had WLS May 8, and am struggling to get in everything I should be, but when I'm under the 64 oz water my surgeon suggested, I get constipated. I up my water intake, and it makes a big difference. The constipation may be causing the weight stall, too. I think you should contact the surgeon again and let him know that you're continually constipated. I agree that laxatives are not the way to go on a regular basis. Have you tried a little bit of watered down prune juice? It works, and is not as harsh as laxatives. I agree with the others that you are probably putting on muscle because of all the exercise. It weighs more than fat. If you measured yourself pre-op, do it again. Or pay attention to how your clothes are fitting. You may see the loss there. And when you go back to the surgeon (1 month check-up?), his scale may show what percent of weight is fat and what is muscle. Mine does, and that is very reassuring when the lbs don't seem to be dropping. Also, you might try locking up the scale for a while. We all seem to compulsively weight ourselves, sometimes more than once a day. That's not good. Try to avpid that, 'cause it's just frustrating. Good luck in your journey. You've made the first step. Just keep moving. It'll happen. Candy W.

Hi Megan, I agree with the other posters here: you have to remember you are gaining muscle, but losing inches. I have been slow to lose as well, I had been hoping for a 4-5 lb per week weight loss, but my surgeon just told me that is unrealistic, especially in the first month after surgery. Be as patient as you can, your body is going to take some time to readjust post surgery. It sounds like you are doing all the right things, getting in your vitamins, protein and water. Just try to ignore that scale for a while and congratulate yourself on your new dedication to a healthier lifestyle. I'm rooting for you!!!