Question:
I don't know why I am in STARVATION MODE? :(

I am in forth week post op and eating FAR FAR less then Pre op but my weight loss is stalled. How can i prevent starvation mode?    — AussieKatie (posted on January 8, 2008)

January 8, 2008
Katie, how much, and what are you eating? im 5 wks.out and down 45 lbs. as of today. i too have NO appetite. i told me surgeron today, he wasent so much worried about that as the fluid intake. i havent hit a starvation mode. i still eat soft foods. and very little. and i feel fine. i wish you luck, please keep your fluids in...
   — kimcrain

January 8, 2008
It's something that our bodies just naturally do after surgery. Nothing to my knowledge that you can do about it except ride it out. Note that you are probably losing inches during this time and have faith that you WILL start losing again, just make sure you are getting your fluid intake and protein. At 4 weeks you might have been cleared for exercise-- go for it, that might also jump start it. Good luck, God bless and welcome to the losing side!
   — crystalsno

January 8, 2008
It's just what happens. You've hit a plateau or a stall. Be patient, and keep doing the good things you're doing for yourself (eating right, exercise and fluids) and your weight loss will resume. I'm 9 weeks postop tomorrow and had a two week stall. It stinks but it's part of the process. You'll probably have it happen more than once, so best learn now to push through it. Good Luck!
   — Shirley D.

January 8, 2008
If you haven't started already, exercise..... or change up/increase what you are doing. If you have only been walking, maybe it's time to try some strength training or a light class. (of course with doctor's permission) At my fourth week I did this program with our clinic that was two days a week for 1.5 hours. It was designed for WLS patients so the trainer was sensitive to our needs. I know it was a blessing b/c it was very inexpensive and I never plateau'd. If you don't have this opportunity the library has videos that would be a light impact aerobics that may help. Good luck!
   — connie M.

January 8, 2008
Hi Katie, thanks for writing. The starvation mode you speak of is absolutely normal, and it is a head issue that feels like a body issue. It is one we all have to fight, and if you don't win, you will continue to stall your weight loss. Weight loss is a head issue with a body consequence. You are in for the fight of your life, but you can fight it. Eat good proteins, drink lots of water and warm decaf tea. You have to eat enough to know you have had enough, then ignore the "feelings" and stop. You have to let truth rule over emotional feeling. It takes work, but it is worth the fight. Take care. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P