Direction, assurance, motivation

I know you all have seen this post a million times but it's just so frustrating and discouraging when it happens to you.  I'm 5'5", started this process at 208 lbs.  lost 22.4 lbs the first month but have only lost 2.8 lbs this month, actually, I gained 1.2 lbs this week so really only lost 1.6 lbs in the last 3 weeks.  I had a stricture in the beginning and didn't really eat for weeks.  That's taken care of and over the last 3 weeks I've averaged a little under 600 calories/day, carbs have averaged 13 and protein has averaged 73.  I only eat dense protein with the occasional yogurt.  I recently found out that I have a bad gallbladder and a blocked bile duct but I don't see anything saying that will effect weighloss.  I recognize that my overall weight loss is great, I've lost 33% of my excess weight, but I don't think the thought ever crossed my mind that I would only lose 1.6 pounds over 3 weeks, especially this early, while eating 600 cals/day.  The math doesn't work out.  I only weigh weekly but when I step on that scale and see little to no movement, I just want to do what I've always done and give up.  Suggestions on what you would do differently?

Sorry you're feeling frustrated. I'm kinda in the same boat right now as well. It looks like you had your surgery the day before I had mine so I can really relate to the fast weight drop in the first month and then it slowing down significantly. For me, when I get on the scale one day and it's down I'm so happy and feeling like I'm doing everything I'm supposed to and then if I get on it the next day and I'm suddenly up two-three pounds OVERNIGHT I feel really discouraged and angry/pissed off (just being honest).. there have actually been mornings where I catch myself cussing at my scale haha. Everyone keeps telling me to just stick with it and that stalls happen and if we just keep going it's all going to pay off. So I'm just going to repeat their advice: Stick with it! Don't get discouraged even though it's hard. You made this change for a reason and it's far too early to give up. You can totally do this and we're all here for support.

As far as suggestions on doing things differently goes I'm not sure. I'm still too new to know much about that. I have just started my cardio/weights though so maybe that could make a difference for both of us? I've also been struggling with getting all of my water in lately so maybe that could have something to do with it as well. If I come up with anything then I will for sure let ya know. I'm sure there are going to be more folks posting that will have way more advice and insight than I do so just hang in there. You've got this!!! 

Lot of people on this forum lose weight in a stair fashion... lose some, then nothing for a while, then some again, and so on.  i lose that way.  Five pounds, then nothing for a week or two or even three.  Someone posted an article couple of months ago about why but essentially your body has to regroup after dumping weight.  As long as you are doing what you are supposed to do you will lose again.  Are you drinking enough liquids?  The article said that it is so important to get at LEAST 64 ounces of liquids in every day.

I stopped getting on my scale every day.  I am only four months out, and I am mostly following my surgeons orders, so I know the weight will continue to come off.  

Be patient with your body!

Many people hit the week three stall... yours came a little later, mine came a little earler. One week after surgery I went into a stall that lasted 3 1/2 weeks...zero, zilch, nada for over 3 weeks...I thought I would lose my mind, would I be the only person this didn't work for?

It taught me a valuable lesson, I needed to get over myself and my diet mentality, this was my new life, no going back. I needed to do what I needed to do, and keep moving forward no matter what.

You can do this!

Your surgery was the day after mine.  I too am in a stall, and have been since Jan 16.  I think it's our bodies just trying to adjust to all the weight we've lost.  Everyone just keeps saying "keep doing it and the weight will come off" but I feel ya with the whole frustration aspect.  Hang in there!  

Thank you everyone!

Focus on NSVs. They help get through times like this. 

I know that it is frustrating, but stalls are a part of this journey.  This may be your first one, but I can guarantee it won't be your last.  You have to find a way to get through them without making yourself crazy.  Remember, that math you did?  That only works over the long haul, and not short term week to week.  If you stay on plan, and I mean REALLY on plan, you will lose the weight.  If weighing often distresses you, you would be well served to put your scale away.  Your weight will go down, go up and stay the same.  It's normal.  And frustrating. But normal.  Hang in there.  You've got this!