Question:
Why am I at a plateau

I am only ten days post op. I lost 13 pounds in the first 4 days. I lost an additional 3 pounds the last 2 days for a total of 16 pounds. That seems very sporadic and I wonder if this is normal. I thought the first 13 pounds was awfully fast but I didn't expect to stay at the same weight for 3 days now. I'm really confused on the weight loss process. As per my doctors instructions am at the soft mushy food stage. I'm eating mostly creamed soups and cottage cheese. I'm drinking lots of water too. I have a hard time with protein shakes because they sit so heavy on my stomach and I was feeling uncomfortable so I went back to the liquid for a day and now back to the cream soups and cottage cheese. Any ideas?    — trenansac (posted on December 14, 2006)

December 14, 2006
You are normal, everyone goes thru this at different times and some the same times. Just keep doing what you are doing. Take your measurements now so that in a month you can retake them and you will see you are losing inches. This will get you thru the scale weight stalls. Also on the protein drinks. Try www.bariatriceating.com and try some of their sample packs. The also have a board.
   — ccstann

December 14, 2006
You can't have plateau 10 days out of surgery, you are completely normal! 16 pounds in 10 days is great! It seems you are weighing daily, why is that? It won't come off faster if you watch it. Weigh once a week and do what your doctor says, eat small and right, drink water, and exercise like crazy and you will have few problems with plateaus. Many people forget the 3rd item. I am almost 3 years out, and it took me about 1 year to lose 120 pounds, but it was mostly 2-3 pounds per week, no big numbers, but it was consistent. I drank water, ate protein, and walked upto 5 miles a day. You be consistent and faithful, and your body will come on board and do it's thing, it's way. Don't drive yourself crazy with daily weigh ins. One day we are up, water weight, mensus stuff, it can drive you crazy. Do right and let your body do right. Relax, and be sure to exercise! Start small and them bump it up. Learn to like it, it will be a lifestyle if you want to take off the pounds and not have them come back. This is a tool, not a miracle and we have to use our tool wisely. Best to you, Patricia P
   — Patricia P

December 15, 2006
Hey Trena... Let's first start off by giving you congrats for your surgery. Now, stop weighing yourself daily. Weigh once weekly. You can fluctuate in your weight as much as 5 lbs. Don't be a slave to the scale.... use how you are feeling and how your clothes are fitting as a better scale on how you are doing.... Also the first initial 13# was most likely fluid that you lost. So keep up the good work and welcome to the losing team.....
   — Kari_K

December 17, 2006
I think I answered another questio of yours! I knowq the shakes taste awful and are heavy, but you have to drink them. Just drink them slowly. You are doing great with your weight loss! I wish I had done so well in the first month! It is normal for the body to take a "time out" on the weight loss, while your system readjusts.
   — Novashannon