3.5 weeks post-op and I have questions

Hi, I have been reading the message board for some time, but just recently joined the OH site.  It has provided such wonderful information and inspiration. I had my surgery on 8-13-07 and I am now beginning to have the questions "is this normal". First, I lost 10 lbs with the pre-op diet then immediately lost 10lbs in the first 2 weeks.  But, I have not lost another pound in the last 10 days.  Actually some days it goes up 1 then back down 1 lb.  Is this normal?  I have thought that this may be the period where my body is holding on to every calorie for fear of starvation (something it has never experienced -LOL). Second, I am pushing the pureed diet to the very limit.   I absolutely could not eat pureed meats, but I can easily tolerate soft, mushy meats and other foods.  The question is, I have never experienced dumping or vomitting, even with finely chewed chicken (which I have heard is the worst after surgery).  I certainly don't wish to be sick, but I was convinced that this would be the piece that would help force me to be successful.  Is this normal? Third, after almost every meal, regardless of the food, I get really hot and sweaty.  Is this normal? Thanks so much for your help!  I am really getting concerned that this may not be working for me.  But surely, even on the days I eat all carbs, I can't be getting very many calories in (much less absorbed).

First of all, congratulations on your successful surgery. It sounds like you are doing just fine! I had exactly the same questions as you ... I had nearly the same scenario. (Feel free to read my profile for more info.) I lost about 20 lbs before surgery. I dropped 15 lbs in 10 days and then I did what you are doing. It seemed like everyone else was moving at lightening speed and I was stalled. It's so very normal. Your body is doing everything in it's power to hold onto it's most precious resource ... though, we want to get rid of it. You're body has endured significant injury and is trying to recover, on top of that, you're not feeding it. So, it's gone into "conservation" or "hibernation" mode. Your lack of caloric intake will take care of that in due time. You'll find that you'll drop some weight ... level off, and hold for a while, then drop some more. Some folks call this "Drop and Stop."

It really drove me crazy for a while. Everytime, I quit losing I was sure that I was either doing something wrong or "it wouldn't work for me." Neither are true.

It helps if you can not weigh all the time, but that's hard. So, what I did was decided to track my weight once a week. I might (and do) get on the scale more than once a week, but I only "track" the weight on Tuesdays (because I had my surgery on a Tuesday.) At any rate, this helps give me some perspective and it also shows me how my body seems to lose in cycles. This has really made it a lot easier for me and I don't fret about the rate of loss as much anymore. The other thing, is that I'm what many consider to be a "lightweight", meaning that I just has a little more than 100 lbs to lose, so I don't lose as fast as those that had a higher BMI.

The reason that many people have an issue with chicken, sometimes eggs, beef, etc. is the consistency. I have done fairly well, if I chew well ... however, just this week end I had some sliced turkey ... ate too fast and it just wouldn't stay down. Should have know better. But there's a real learning curve to this.

I think when you are getting hot and sweaty, it sounds like it may be a form a of dumping. Sometimes if I overeat, I have that happen. Try to slow down and see if that helps.

This is working for you ... you just need to work through it some. Also, you are very new post op ... You won't be healed internally until you are somewhere between 4 and 6 weeks post op. You probably still can't injest much. It takes time, and it will get better.

Again, feel free to visit my profile and ask any questions you might have.

We are all here to help and support.

Wishing you all the best,

Barb

I concur with Barb.  Each of us has different bodies and they adapt to our newfound anatomy and weight loss in different ways.  I have not had a complete stop since having RNY (I know it is coming though..) , but when I did Atkins a few years back I would go a couple weeks without loosing, then it was like *WHOOSH* I would drop 8 pounds.  Just be patient.  Comparing yourself to any of us here is like comparing apples to oranges.  I have to tell you that I becuase I am Dr. K's patient too.. I know he cut your stomach down enough.  Even at 7 weeks out I can only eat 2 ounces at a time.   I would also agree with Barb that your hot and sweaty feeling could be a mild form of dumping. I am sure it is more pleasurable than what some of us experience.  LOL And BARB... Are we really lighweights?  Never heard that before.  Makes me kinda happy.  LOL

RE: Lightweights ... I guess it must be a matter of perspective. I have to admit that when I went to a number of seminars and support groups even before I had my surgery, a number of people thought I must have had it already, or couldn't believe that they would perform the surgery on me. However, at 5'6" and 233 at surgery, I wasn't a lightwieght as far as I or my dr's were concerned. I do strive to get there though ... :-) Don't we all?

 

Thanks Barb and Jenn, I really appreciate the advice.  Sometimes, patience is the hardest thing. Elizabeth

Congrats on your surgery! The first 2 weeks post-op I lost nothing, then finally lost 3lbs. I suggest picking ONE weigh day a week and sticking to it... the scale could drive you insane. Most times when you lose a large amount of weight quickly your body will go thru a 'recovery' period and the scale wont move. Keep in mind to also check your inches weekly.. sometimes the scale wont move but the tape measure will. I am 1 year out and have never dumped or vomited. The majority of people do not dump... I think only something like 40% do? So you *cannot* rely on dumping to deter you... if you were the best is to just avoid foods that you hope you would dump off of and dont test the waters. As for getting hot and sweaty... that could be mild dumping depending on what you are eating. Also could be you are waiting too long to eat and your metabolism is spiking raising your heart rate and getting you hot and sweaty. Make sure you are sticking to the plan your surgeon gave and eating every few hours. The best advice I can give.. be patient. It took time to put the weight on, it takes time to come off. The surgery is more than a number on the scale - how do you look? most important, how are you feeling?? You will lose the weight and this will work for you!

Elizabeth,   I had my surgery on the 16th of August. I to lost about 10 lbs the first week. Since then I have lost about 3 lbs. I will gain and lose those 3 lbs over and over. My surgeon said that when my body adjust and I start to increase my activity levels that all that will change. Its not going to happen overnight, be patient. I agree with Jennifer pick a day to weigh yourself once a week. Hang in there. Peace, Karla