Question:
few questions about post op issues

Hi First I want to say that I lost 30lbs preop and 18 post op (2 weeks). Is this typical? I haven't lost anything in a couple of days. I need to stop weighing every day. If I am at a plateau, how long do they usually last? Second, I feel very tired and weak and my back aches. My nut says not to worry about nutrition yet because we can live off our own fat for months. I am only on full liquids and she said we will worry about protein at my next stage. Could lack of nutrition be the possible answer for these symptoms or just from recoperating from surgery itself?    — bikermama (posted on May 19, 2008)

May 19, 2008
WOW! You're doing great! I would definitely stay off the scale. Once a week max. Feeling tired and weak and back ache can all be attributed to surgery. Tired and weak from the monumental stress of surgery. It can a real physical shock to some people. Your back could hurt for a number of reasons. Position during surgery, being in bed a lot after surgery, recliners, even weight loss as your body weight shifts, your muscles are being used differently for a the first time in a while and need to adjust. Try ice or cold packs and when you lie down, try placing pillows under your knees to relieve the stress on you lower back. Good luck. If problems continue, be sure to give your surgeon a call.
   — waterlover

May 19, 2008
Plateaus can last up to three weeks, so stay off the scales. I would start looking for some protien shakes as you need the protein to for energy, hair retention and streinth. Check out www. unjury.com for good sugar free protein shakes. Also you need B-12 is you are tired. There is a under the tounge spray available from www.bbvitamins.com. You might need to check with your regular doctor to get a shot of b-12 just to get up and going. Best of success to you.
   — William (Bill) wmil

May 19, 2008
Your weight loss so far is excellent... I went through a 3 week plateau myself, but they do and will "break"... I also had back pain for a several weeks after surgery, but it went away, so don't worry...
   — Gina S.

May 19, 2008
I have had several plateaus, the latest has lasted about 10 weeks. I am 8 months post RNY. I did have back aches for about 3 months, but they finally went away.
   — Roxy_

May 19, 2008
You are doing great. I lost 12 pounds pre-op and then another 15 in my 1st month. I have been losing about 8-10 pounds the rest of the time. It is slowing down right now but the doctor told me that you lose your most weight in the first 9-14 months and he sees more 9 months than 14 months. He told me that I am right on track now. I should reach my goal in another few months. I think that you are feeling tired and week from the surgery. You have to remember that you and your body has gone through some major surgery and changes. it is going to take time for your body to adjust. As long as you are getting your protein from the shakes you are going to be fine. My back also ached something terrible after surgery. I thought that it was just my major back problems hurting but after a couple of weeks (it didn't hurt right at the beginning, it started about a week after surgery) it didn't hurt near as bad. I was told that it is from laying on the operating table so long. I wish you luck in your journey. Keep up the wonderful work and things are soon going to be normal for you. Just give it time.
   — Brenda R.

May 20, 2008
You have done a great job losing. Please keep in mind that the 30 pounds you lost pre op is still 30 pounds gone. Your body knows it has lost almost 50 pounds. It doesn't come off quicker after surgery when you pre lose, at least that has been what I have noticed with many men and women. You are not at a plateau. A Plateau by definition is no weight loss for 90 days, 3 months, not days. Please understand that weight loss is a gradual thing, even with wls, it is not a huge leap and bound with many people. I lost about 2 pounds per week average for one year. There were a few peaks and a few valleys, but usually about 2 pounds each week. I was thankful for that. To lose that I walked 5 miles a day, careful with what I ate and drank water and no pop. In one year I had everything I wanted and more. Lost 120 pounds and wear a size 6. Being tired and weak could be from feeling ill, I was in bed for 2 days recently with the same ache and weakness, but no other symptoms. After a few days for me it passed. My age and the consequences of being obese for 30 years plays a factor in your overall health and welbeing. Give it time, take one day at a time, and bump up your exercise little by little, and get a good amount of rest. You are only 2 weeks post op, so don't go too fast, but do move forward. You will be glad you did. Take care and I wish you well. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P