Question:
I'm using mostly protein supplements....

I'm sorry to post another question about a post~op diet, but I'm 24 days post~op and haven't lost a pound in 10 days. <p>I'm almost 6' tall, and currently weight about 268 lbs. I've lost 22 lbs. since surgery. Prior to surgery, I had lost 110 lbs. through eating healthily and exercising (I'm a fitness instructor, albeit a larger one! LOL) I have plenty of experience with protein bars/shakes! <p>I'm not sure why I'm not dropping a couple pounds, especially this close to surgery. This is what I typically eat/drink during my day~ low carb, low sugar (less than 3g) protein bar for breakfast (30g protein). Lunch is typically 3 oz. of tuna or crab or the like. For dinner I usually have a protein shake with Designer Protein in chocolate made with 2-4 oz. milk, water, and ice. (About 30-35g protein.) I'm getting in about 80g protein/day, and at least 80 oz. water/liquid/day! <p>I'm wondering if I should "try <b>something different</b>" and am open to suggestions! (BTW, I went back to my gym 9 days post~op with my doctor's blessing. I'm up to 60 minutes of sweaty cardio 3-4x/week and am lifting again, albeit with lighter weights than normal for now!) Thanks in advance for your thoughts!    — Cristie L. (posted on January 3, 2002)

January 2, 2002
Christie, This is just my guess, but it sounds like you are gaining muscle and STILL losing fat. With the excellent amount of protein and exercise you are getting, you are probably building up a lot of muscle which, in turn, will speed up your fat burning later on. Have you done any measurements lately? How are your clothes fitting? See if any of those have changed. If you are losing inches and your clothes are starting to feel looser, than you are doing very well and STILL losing.
   — Karen B.

January 2, 2002
What is happening to you is fairly common - a big initial drop off, then nothing for 2 weeks or so. Your body is simply trying to not starve to death. It shuts down your metabolism to try and survive the famine, since it doesn't realize you still have 100 lbs of fat/energy to burn. You should start up again in a few days. Meanwhile, take it easy on your body.
   — M. A. B.