Question:
Just barely eating

i posted a previous question that i am having difficulty getting in what is "required" on a daily basis, but 1 week after surgery, i haven't lost any weight-is that normal?    — Godsvirtuoswoman (posted on August 28, 2008)

August 28, 2008
First of all I think practically everyone has difficulty in the beginning getting all your liquids and proteins. I mean, you've just had surgery on your stomach and it's swollen. You just have to make the best effort ...there's nothing more than anyone can do but do their best. My first week back I didn't lose any weight either...in fact I'd gained from the hospital. Now common sense will tell you that it would be impossible to gain real weight during a time when you've eaten practically nothing. A lot of the "right after surgery" weight is water retention and it will come off. Be patient...realize that you didn't get obese in a day and it's going to take some time for your body to figure out what's going on but it will respond. THe first 2 weeks to 1 month were the hardest...mentally and physically. Time stood still and the scale didn't move enough. Now I don't even think about it and I'm still losing...after 8 months I've lost 90 pounds.
   — cjjordan

August 28, 2008
Just be patient. You will lose weight. In the next few weeks you'll see the pounds start to drop. It took me approximately 1 year to lose all of my weight. Even though you can't keep much down yet, be sure that you are staying hydrated and drinking water. That will help with the weight loss, too.
   — jenandkk1

August 28, 2008
You are only a week post op. The first week I was only allowed clear liquids then from there it was strictly protein shakes. It took me a good 2-3 weeks before I noticed any weight loss. You'll be fine just make sure you stay hydrated.
   — Danielle T.

August 28, 2008
I have the same problem at 7 weeks post-op, not wanting to eat any food. I think this is a phase period. I force myself to get because I need the nut and I read some where that not eating can slow weight loss. I don't know if that is true for us or not. I am drinking fluid s, water and protein drinks, and glad because at first this was a problem. Maybe some one has an answer for us.
   — Toby2

August 28, 2008
I didin't lose any weight until week 3. I guess since I had lost 17 lbs before surgery, my body decided to have it's first stall right after surgery. I actually gained 5 lbs right after surgery due to the water gain from IVs and who know what else. It's discouraging, but hang in there.
   — [Deactivated Member]

August 28, 2008
It is a common condition that a lot of us will gain a little after surgery based on the IV fluids we received in the hospital, the body's normal response to trauma (surgery) is to hold on to it's fluids and calories to heal itself. Also, with such a decrease in calories, your body may go into starvation mode hanging on to every one. I remember crying at my one week check up as I was not happy with the scales and felt I had done a lot of "suffering" and should have lost at least 20# with the starvation I felt I was doing and the massive diarrhea I had because of the antibiotics. My family was seeing my body shrinking, and were telling me the weight was just falling off, but the scales said something else. Are there any non-scale victories you can celebrate until the scales keep moving? Are you losing inches, are your clothes a little loser? Have your blood pressure and blood sugar come down? Please try to hang in there and remember the most important thing... you just survived major surgery... that in itself is a big deal. We are in this for the long haul.. it will happen in time. Follow your instructions and it will happen. Keep walking and drinking and try to keep a positive attitude. Good luck, Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
   — DawnVic

August 28, 2008
Due to all the fluids being pumped into you during and immediately after surgery, it can take 2-3 weeks to really begin seeing yourself lose weight. I was very concerned at first as well, but then during the 2nd week I dropped down 10lbs, which my surgeon said is completely normal. Some people lose more, some less. I have noticed though that the weight loss speeds up once you moved on to pureed foods.
   — Mandee B.

August 28, 2008
It will all even out in the end. I am 4 months post-op (yesterday) and I had and sometimes still have the same problem. It does get better..just keep your head up..Before you know it, the weight will just start coming off..And yes, as the previous post said..if you do not eat, you will not lose. I had that problem..eat when you can..don't sweat it. You can do this! Good luck!
   — gonnaB1hotmama