Question:
HELP....NO weight loss in 4 weeks and only 7wks p/o

I am only 7 weeeks post op and have not lost a pound in a month. What am I doing wrong I am exercisig and drinking about 40 ozs of water and I know that needs increased but now I am so depressed. Please advise    — Monica T. (posted on August 14, 2003)

August 14, 2003
What kind of exercise are you doing? I was walking everyday but it wasn't enough to lose weight. I had to do aerobics (at least 30 min) and have added some weights for my arms. That helped a bit.
   — mrsmyranow

August 14, 2003
Well, as you said you do need to up your water. How much protein are you getting per day? About the exercise i wouldn't know since have never done any but they do say it helps. I have lost well without it. I am 56 and have no saggy skin at this point that i didn't have due to old age (lol) pre-op. I hit the plateau from hell at two weeks out and like you, was stuck for about three or four weeks then things picked up again. I feel that you are probably on a plateau.
   — Delores S.

August 14, 2003
Hi, the loss will start up again, but double check what you are eating. Most everyone hits a plateau early on, mine lasted 3 weeks....
   — Kriola

August 14, 2003
The best advice I can give you is to follow your eating plan and STAY OFF THE SCALES. Everyone loses at a different rate and frequently you will lose a lot at one time and then not lose for a while. Try to increase your drinking - it's important for lots of reasons - not just to aid in the weight loss. You could get a serious kidney problem if you don't get enough fluids. By the way, anything you drink that isn't caffeinated counts toward your fluid comsumption. By 7 weeks, I was getting 60 ounces or more a day in.
   — Patty_Butler

August 15, 2003
Its normal to hit the first plateau at around 3-4 weeks post-op. Mine lasted a good two weeks but others have reported a month to 6 weeks, then the loss starts up again. Everyone is different and even tho your profile doesn't give us a clue, you may not be doing anything wrong other than not enough water. How much are you eating and how often? I'd suggest 2-4 oz, at least 6 times a day (every few hours) of protein based foods. Add a protein shake a day, some good green veggies, avoid the white carbs and sugars, and you've got a good diet. Now are you doing heart pumping, cardio exercise? Only the heart pumping type burns calories. Up the water, definitely. Carry that water bottle around with you all day-its the only way I can get it all in too. Don't be depressed-its way too early for that. Try to enjoy the journey!
   — Cindy R.