New poster, recently had VSG and need weight loss advice/insight

hi all,

New here.  I began my journey almost 4 months ago.  I'm a 48 year old man, 5'11" tall.  I was 306lb at my heaviest back in March.  I lost 23 pounds in the 3 months leading up to my surgery on June 19.  Surgery went well and I was on my feet that afternoon.  I have had no problem taking in my recommended fluids and protein from day 1.  

In the nearly 3 weeks following surgery I lost another 19 pounds, weighing in this morning at 264 (my ultimate goal is 200).   I am following my diet and exercise plan exactly, not deviating so much as an inch to the right or the left.

My question.....In the past 7 days I have NOT LOST AN OUNCE!!!  I mean, not one bloody ounce.  I am following my diet plan to the letter.  Not a morsel of food passes my lips without being logged into MyFitnessPal.  I am averaging between 625 and 725 calories per day.  That's it.  Very low fat, mostly protein and vegetables.  I am meeting my nutritionist's protein goal of 90g per day as well.  On top of that I walk or ride my bike for at least an hour every day.  How can it be that I have not lost an ounce in a solid week at so few calories?  I am not hungry so it is not as though I feel like I am starving myself for nothing, but still...it is very frustrating to not have lost an ounce.

Has anyone else experienced this?  Is this normal?  Should I be concerned?  Should I contact my nutritionist or doctor?  Any advice would be welcome.

Mathew

Only about 99 percent of people go through this. Congratulations, you're in the majority.

so you're saying this is normal?  I just don't understand how it is physically possible to consume only 700 calories per day at my body weight and not lose an ounce in over a week (it is actually 9 days now).  It just doesn't seem possible.

But if you say it is normal and I shouldn't worry...well...i'll still worry I guess :-) but at least I'll know it's normal.

M

You're confusing weight with fat. You've been burning fat consistently. But your body is complex, and makes lots of adjustments. Some of those adjustments mean your weight will fluctuate. It could even go up a little.

Water is the most common culprit. I could drink a gallon of water right now and gain 8 pounds. But did I really gain 8 pounds?

I think that we all do in the early days, anywhere from 2 or 3 weeks for maybe up to 3 weeks.. Oh and by the way, it's called the 3-week stall.  You are right on track.  I know it is frustrating to be going along so well and up in the clouds and then all of a sudden BAM...screeching halt.  I think it is just the body trying to catch up and adjust to the new eating pattern and do some readjusting.  Quite normal hon.  Just keep doing what you are doing and it will eventually fall back into place.  These stalls happen all along the journey/path for most of us.  Just keep to the plan and be happy.  You are doing great so far.  Congratulations and welcome to the loser's bench. Pam

Thanks for the input.  I feel better knowing I'm not alone.

Mathew

Do a search (small magnifying glass at the top of the page) for 3 week stall. You will feel much better reading that this is a very common occurence. 7 days is nothing compared to the dreaded 3 week stall that many of us have experienced. (And you may have several during your weight loss journey). Just keep doing what you are doing and you will eventually start losing again. Hang in there!

wow...thanks for that bit of advice.  i did the search and read several posts about it.  I guess I am indeed experiencing the 3 week stall...and coincidentally....it began EXACTLY TO THE DAY 3 weeks post op.  Whoever thought of the name is a genius.  lol.

There was an article on one of the posts that explained it.  Makes perfect sense.  Has to do with glycogen stores and the amount of water needed to maintain the reserve.  So even though the scale is not moving, fat is most likely being burned and body mass is moving in the  right direction.

Thanks for the support everyone.  I'm glad I found this forum.

Mathew

Some people lose in a stair-step pattern. Lose a bunch, then lose nothing for a week or two, lose some more, repeat.

Dayam...look at YOU Grim!!!  Nearly 300lbs!!!  That's amazing, and I know it wasn't easy.  That took deep dedication, and continued commitment keeping it off.  You my friend are an inspiration.  Congratulations.

M