Question:
I'm 5 weeks post-op and 2 weeks into a plateau. Help!

How much water should I be drinking now? How much should I be eating? I'm concentrating on protein but find I can't eat much yet. My scale hasn't moved in 2 weeks and it's upsetting me. Thanks.    — Janice P. (posted on February 13, 2002)

February 12, 2002
Hi Janice - First, congratulations on doimg this wonderful thing for yourself. Next - please drink the water! WAter and protein, water and proteim - the most important things. Didn't your doctor or nutritionist advise you ahout how much? In any event, at least 64oz of water a day! And, basically, almost everything you eat right now should be protein. My nutritionist (not the one affiliated with my doctor) told me to have eggs every day (whole eggs, yolk included). He said they are the best source of protein. Until I could tolerate them scrambled, I had them soft boiled. He also wanted me to have salmon every day, which I cooked in water with vegetables, then put everything through the food processor and made into a wonderful soup. Easy to tolerate, very nutritious, and delicious! I did the same thing with pieces of turkey. My understanding is, if you dont eat enough protein and drink enough water, you lose less weight! Next - stop weighing yourself so much! I only get weighted when I go to either my nutritionist or my surgeon. I avoid the angst of getting on that scale and judging myself and the quality of my day and my life by those numbers! You will lose weight! Just eat the right things. The scale is your enemy! It is not who you are or how you are doing. At least, if you can manage it, do not weigh more than once a month. Anyway, that's my advice. I wish you well and hope you can let go of relying on the numbers. Nancy
   — Nancy Z.

February 12, 2002
I am 8 weeks Postop. I have lost 55 pounds so far, and have been plateuing for 2 weeks also. seems I lost really fast in the beginning, and now it is crawling off of me. I just noticed yesterday I lost a couple more pounds so it has started again, but for how long, who knows. I drink a protein shake everyday, and eat cheese for a little fat, and extra protein. I get an orange in for Complex Carbs for energy, and I drink water all day long, but still it is going so slow. some people say 55 pounds is good in eight weeks, but it doesn't seem so when 40 pounds of that came off in the first 4 weeks. just gotta keep plugging away. They say not to weigh yourself everyday, which is good advice, but I cannot help it. I HAVE to know what I weigh...
   — sbinkerd1

February 12, 2002
Hi Janice, I am also 5 weeks post op from LAP RNY. I lost a great deal in the first month..28lbs and now my scale has stopped moving for the last 2 weeks, but I look smaller when I look at my body and everyone says I look like I have lost way more than 28lbs. I started at 225, so I expected a slow loss.Losing 28lbs so quickly made me feel horrible and I am glad that I have had this time for my body to catch up with my loss.I am still having problems getting all my fluids in daily. I try like crazy. My doc says 48oz is sufficient,but I really have to push the fluids.I am eating 3 oz of protein at each meal with no problem at all.In fact I am hungry alot, so that is when I keep sipping water in between meals.I have also incorporated yogurt and cheese with no problems.I don't do the shakes anymore cause they make me nauseous.Try to relax and just follow the instructions of your nutritionist and Doc and the weight will come off. I think your body is doing the same thing mine is. It is readjusting to the loss and trying to find it own equilibrium.The scale will move agin, just give it time. Our Bodies are not machines and with this surgery we kind of try to trick it but sometimes its smarter.It knows you lost weight and is holding back any more loss.Let it catch up with itself.Good Luck and hang in there<3
   — garyzgurl

February 13, 2002
Congratulations on your WLS Janice! Right now though you don't need help :) you need patience! I am 5 months post-op and didn't think I was EVER going to get off my first plateau! They definately come, but they also definately go! Keep to your diet, drink LOTS of water, get your protein in, and if you are able to, get in some exercise. Time may seem slow when the scales don't move, and it is sooooo very aggrevating, but in a few more months you will be shocked at how much you have lost! Good luck and keep your chin up!
   — DonnaCarol

February 13, 2002
Plateaus are normal and you should thank the Lord for them -- for without them, you'd have loads of flabby, flappy skin! My advice: take your measurements monthly on the date of your surgery, weigh once a week, work the program and EXPECT plenty of plateaus which can sometimes last for 4 weeks. The weight and the inches will fall off of you, guaranteed. I'm almost 2 years postop RNY and I look perfectly normal and don't need any plastic surgery or tummy tucks. WALK daily, don't overdo, but don't underdo either. Walking tightens the muscles throughout your body -- pump your arms as you walk. Best wishes!
   — Cindy H.