Question:
8 weeks post-op, not losing

I hit what I thought was a plateau at about 3.5 weeks post-op. Since then, I've lost 5 lbs. I don't know why my weight loss has slowed down so much. I'm following my dr's orders. I started at 331 lbs the day of surgery, and as of today am at 300 lbs. I feel like I'm one of the few who WLS doesn't work for :'( Any advice or support would be very much appreciated.    — Ginger V. (posted on July 3, 2006)

July 3, 2006
Ginger, I feel ya girl. I had my surgery 8 weeks ago also and although its VERY slow going, I'm only dropping a few pounds here and there. I dropped an average of a pound a day for the first 2 weeks and then it slowed dramatically. All I can say is keep doing what you're doing and hopefully it will begin again. Every one is different and I have to remind myself that we can't compare ourselves to what others are losing. And as long as we stick to what we're supposed to do, have faith that it will eventually start again and the weight will come off. Oddly enough I'm at the same loss rate as you. I just figured it out and from day of surgery, I too have only lost 31 pounds. Mine was 266 day of surgery and today at 235. Sarah
   — sarahp1101

July 3, 2006
Ginger, I want to fist say congats on your 31 pounds weight loss!!!! I was 7 weeks out when I hit my first plateau, I was very upset and call the doc. He said "so how long has it been since you lost 34 pounds in 7 weeks?". That shut me up!!! LOL. Since then I have moved right along, until this last week, NOTHING LOST!!!! I am 3 months post op tomorrow and have lost 63 pounds and now at another plateau. I am following everything as well and I aslo spend 1 -2 hours at the gym 5 times a week. I have stayed up late for the last 3 nights reading profile after profile and almost everyone of them has gone through the same thing, not to mention that my doctor also told me that this was normal and that I might even gain a pound or two. He also made it very clear to me that it could take me 2 years to get to goal. I am going to the next support group, they say it helps. Keep your chin up... You lost 31 pounds!!!!! If you need someone to talk to feel free to email me. Jules
   — Jules O.

July 3, 2006
Hi Ginger, I am 3months post op and I too hit this plateau. I lost a total of 65lbs since WLS and some weeks are slower then others. Make sure you are exercising and getting in all your water/fluids. I still have problems with drinking all that water on some days but I am very happy with my total loss. Don't get discouraged because you may be losing lots of inches while the scale is not moving. GOOD LUCK!!!!!
   — toni J.

July 3, 2006
Ginger, try to relax and stay away from the scale. First off congratulations on the 31 lb loss. Are you tracking your protein, calories, carbs and fats? How much water are you drinking? What about vitamins, are you being faithful to taking them? Exericse???? Feel free to email if me your daily food intake and let's see if maybe there is something I can suggest to help you get over the hump. I know it's discouraging to go through major surgery to not lose as fast as you think you should. It will happen though, stay on course, ok? My email address is [email protected]. I'll do what I can to help you over this hump. Dana
   — cajungirl

July 4, 2006
Congrats! 31lbs. down "has" to feel good already! :O) But, I have to agree with Cajun Girl, write what you ARE doing so that people can offer more sound suggestions....Good Luck and don't give up! Trish
   — zoeysgrami

July 6, 2006
Hey Ginger! Congrats on the 31 llbs! I know exactly what you're going through! I had my surgery 8 weeks ago today and have also been on a plateau since about week 3 or 4. So far I've lost 34 lbs. I am exercising like the dr says, eating like the nutritionist says and nothing is happening with the scale. Try not to worry, everyone I talk to tells me this is normal and that as long as we keep doing what we're supposed to, the weight will start coming off again. I guess we just have to have faith that they've been there and know what they're taking about! =) If you want to vent or just want to chat, just drop me a line ([email protected] or [email protected]). Keep up the good work! Hang in there! Patti
   — Patti M.

July 8, 2006
you lost 31 pounds in tewo months, and that is very good! congratulations! You have lost an average of fifteen pounds a month! i only lose an average of ten, at first, and now only five or less per month. you are doing very well, keep it up!
   — Novashannon