On Plateaus...

I posted this in my surgeon's private support group. I thought it might be useful here too, since others are struggling as well. Today I'm 7 1/2 weeks out. In the last 16 days I haven't lost even 1 oz. Admittedly, I was getting really frustrated, because I knew I was doing everything right, and certainly didn't surgery to lose just 40 lbs.! I want to share this because I want to emphasize the importance of not being slave to the scale and what it says to gauge your progress -- you'll drive yourself mad. I have to admit it was so hard not make everything rely on that danged number! You just want it to happen so fast! It reminded me of my old Weigh****chers days where when I didn't see results on the scale I would allow it to dictate my disposition for the day. Because of that, I've really been trying to keep positive and focus on other non-scale victories; this is one of the behaviors I really want to change. Despite my best effort to stay positive, on Saturday I was really feeling down, because the scale still hadn't moved. Through all my reading and many others who have had WLS before me, I found they are right (like I ever really doubted them?). When the scale stops moving, your body starts re-shaping. It's true... it's really true! On Saturday my trainer measured me and confirmed what everyone has said all along. I was relieved, and fine with the fact the scale wasn't moving when I saw the number of inches lost. So to add to the list of accomplishments of no longer being symptomatic of Diabetes and no sleep apnea, I can also say that I've lost nearly 16" across my body; approximately 10" from the deadly mid-section (hips and waist) alone since November 1st, when I started with my trainer. I had surgery on November 15th. Not to sound hoakie, I think it's okay to befriend the scale, but be friendly to yourself and focus on the non-scale victories when you start to feel like you're not making progress. Just my two cents... Donna ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* -40 lbs. and proud! 304/264/146 http://donnainhouston.blogspot.com/

Good post Donna. I am at a plateau for over a week now. I'm 10 lbs. behind you and had surgery the same day. I am a lightweight, so I attribute some of the slow loss to that. But you are right about the measurements. I have been meaning to measure for weeks. Now this morning I put on my brown suit pants, the ones I wore the last day of work before surgery, and they are hanging on me. I can't wear these anymore. They are WAY to big. I know I've lost at least 7" in my waist alone. That's really something for 7 weeks. So, even though I can't seem to stay away from the scale for more than 2 days, I am trying not to fret. It's an emotional game I play with myself, and I'd like to stop that. Thanks for posting.

Thank you Donna for posting this. It is nice to be reminded that this is happening. Christy

Great Post Donna!! I agree. I have reached a plateau, and I have been frustrated. I am having an 8 oz. swing. One morning 276 the next 277. So I pulled out my measurements from before surgery, the night before. I have lost 6 off my hips, 4 off my waist, and 7 as if I really wanted to, off my chest. So I may not be losing weight but I sure have lost inches!! I am down 43 - 44 pounds and I will be at 7 weeks on Monday. Take care and keep that positive attitude!! Sheryl open RNY 11/20/06 344/276/150

I'm glad you made this post. I have not lost any weight since last week, and I was starting to get discouraged. I had my surgery Nov 9 and have lost 41 pounds and was feeling pretty good about it until my first stall. Thanks for saying that it's normal.

THANKS DONNA. I went in and weighed on my 6-week follow-up and actually gained two pounds! EEK. But the doctor says that is an usual plateau - because, since we all recouperating from surgery and our bodies are still adjusting to everything. And like you, I do see the inches falling away, clothes are getting looser, and I can go shopping in my closet again. One woman told me that we are to "weigh our food, not ourselves". I thought that was a priceless gem and I liked that. I don't have a scale at my house, so I don't have that temptation to jump on the scale every day. So for now its 50# and proud that I've taken those first steps to make my dreams come true. Wishing you well in your journey, Tracey B in LV 404/355/150 Lap RNY 11-21-06 http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/traceyb_lv/

I know the feeling on the whole plateau thing. I havent lost anything all week and it is driving me bonkers. I got messured again yesterday tho. Sine October 15, which was before my surgery, I am down 4 in. on my chest, 6 on my waist and 6 on my hips... wooo hoo. I have to put the scale in the closet and bring it out like once a month, because dang it makes me angry lol