Question:
6 Weeks Post Op Plateaued, Seeking Advice

I am 5ft 2in. and started at 238, at 6 weeks post op I've lost 22.5 lbs and the first ten was at 10 days post op. I was down 18 at 4 weeks and now 22.5 at 6 weeks. I walk daily and do a mild weight workout 3-4 times a week. I drink 70-80 plus ounces of water daily, I get 45-52 grams of protein in shakes plus my food. I eat my recommended protein and I can't figure out what is going on. I am very disappointed. Many people have posted that you slow down and stop after several months and if I do this I will definately not get near goal. I had so hoped to be under 200 or close by this point and it still seems far away.    — Noreen M. (posted on June 27, 2003)

June 27, 2003
I wish that doctors would let every patient know that the majority of WLS patients will experience a "plateau" (which really isn't a plateau, unless you've been stalled at least 3 weeks with zero weight-loss) at the 3 to 8 week mark and your body will rest for a couple of weeks. That it's normal and there's really not much you can do about it except continue with what you've been doing (since you seem to be doing everything you should be) and just have to be patient. I wish I had a magic answer for you, but you really seem to be doing fine. Hang tough and congrats on 22.5 gone!
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 27, 2003
I am so with you on this - I am 5'1", started at 254 and I'm 15 weeks post-op. I'm now 45 lbs lighter, but have been on a plateau for 5 weeks. I have no problems with food, get all my protein, water, supplements, etc and I'm beginning to think that something is amis with my pouch/staple line and I have an upper GI on Monday to see if this is the case. It's been very frustrating and discouraging, to say the least. I didn't expect to be the fastest loser, but a 5 week plateau at 2 months has been hard to swallow. Don't give up and try to stay positive. Keep doing what you are supposed to be doing and the weight will come off. I don't have lots to offer besides my understanding, but sometimes that's enough, huh? Take care and don't give up. Many blessings, Robin
   — rebalspirit

June 27, 2003
Hi there. I will be 12 weeks out on Monday (open RNY 4/7/03). I am 5'2 and started out at 235. Currently I weigh 186 and am down 49 lbs. I get at least an hours worth of exercise nearly every day and am taking in anywhere from 500-750 calories per day. I do 45 minutes on the elliptical machine plus alternate doing weight training, tennis and walking (in addition to the elliptical). I would expect with the amount of exercise I am getting I would be losing alot faster, but it seems that I am now pretty much stuck at 2 to 2 1/2 lbs per week (which is reasonable). Some times the scale doesn't budge for days, then all of a sudden I'll drop 3 or 4 lbs. Are you getting any cardio exercise? That seems to help, plus it makes me feel better. Barb 4/7/03 235/186/125-130
   — Barbara C.

June 27, 2003
Hi there- this will sound weird, but can I suggest that you RAISE your calorie count? If your body thinks it's starving, it tends to "hold on" to pounds (as it has been explained to me). Also, try making those extra calories protein rather than carbs as blood sugar issues from carbs can apparently also cause plateaus...and since we don't absorb protein the way "normal" stomachs do (assuming you had a bypass), and since each person's absorbtion varies, you may really not be getting enough protein for your body, although it would be enough for some others.
   — gamboge

June 27, 2003
Lisa W - I have tried increasing my calories, but at this point it is pretty much a struggle to even get in 750! I am not hungry at all and try to get in more calories, but it's pretty hard when you're trying to stay aaway from carbs. Most foods that I seem to find that are low in carbs are also low in calories, so you have to eat even more! Help! Barb 4/7/03 235/186/125-130
   — Barbara C.

June 27, 2003
It's been said before, but I'll say it again: The best thing you can do is stay off the scale, and concentrate on your new eating and exercise regime. I can't be sure if you're getting 52 grams of protein total, or if that's shakes plus some unknown extra protein grams from food, but I also agree with the posters who suggest maybe you could eat more protein. There are four calories per gram of protein, so at 52 grams a day, that's a little over 200 calories in protein -- surely you can take it a lot more than that, even at six weeks out. Good luck!
   — Suzy C.

June 27, 2003
I'm six weeks post-op (lap RNY) and have just broken my plateau of 3 weeks! :) I am 5'5", started at 250 and am down 25 pounds as of today. I know it's hard waiting for the plateau to break, but it will. It was very hard to get on the scale and not see it move for 3 weeks! (maybe 1-2 pounds) It will break, I promise. Just keep doing what you are. Once your body re-adjusts the pounds will be falling off again. Keep up the good work!
   — adeas

June 28, 2003
PLEASE don't be discouraged!!!! I will be 8 weeks post op on Tuesday and have lost 31 pounds (as of 6/25 when I went for my 6 week follow up with my doc). Everyone loses at a different rate, and the more you weigh (your weight is not very high compared to many) the faster you lose, especially in the beginning. It sounds like you're doing all the right things, so please, just keep plugging away. It will come off eventually, just give it some time and don't compare your weight loss to anyone else. Keep up the good work!!!
   — Ceil G.