Question:
Starting to freak...weight at a standstill!

Ok, I'm trying not to panic but I am post-op since June 16 and since July 7 I have been holding at the same weight since then (in fact, even going up and down one or two pounds). Others have told me it's the body's reaction to the shock of losing weight so fast (I lost 25 pounds the first 3 weeks before stalling, and 20 pounds before surgery), and I understand that. But now, though I'm not that focused on the scale, I am feeling nervous because it seems something should be happening. I'm eating well and beginning to incorporate light exercise (I previously couldn't do any), and just can't fathom why nothing is happening. Can anyone speak more to this situation? Has it happened to anyone here? I just need to hear some more reassuring words, I guess. Thanks, muchly.    — Egyirba H. (posted on August 9, 2010)

August 9, 2010
Hi! I posted a similar situation today on the NC Forum. I was told exactly what you already seem to know. It takes some time. Keep on keeping on and it will start again. Keep track of your food and activity so you can see what you're intake is. Don't panic. :)
   — spitfire0379

August 9, 2010
I had the same feelings as you post op. For about a month things more or less stayed the same for me. I think the initial weight loss pre-op and immediately post-op, sets us up to expect that pattern to continue at that rate. I worried that I was going to be the one person that surgery didn't work for...I knew I wasn't eating too much - I was following my dr.s orders,so I was patient, and once I started excercising with the trainer, I began to loose again. Don't worry...you will start losing again and soon, I'm sure! Good luck!
   — totally_blessed2

August 9, 2010
I can only speak for myself and only about me, when I had my surgery a year ago my NUT and Dr gave me a food plan to follow. Until I lost 70% of my weight I could NOT have any carbs. Once I added carbs my weight loss was slower. My NUT told me some folks continued on no carbs until they lost all their weight. I now have the opposite problem, I am losing too much weight. However, I do not eat simple carbs and I follow phase 5 of my nutritional program. First, protein then complex carbs. Do you walk at all? When I first had my surgery I would walk everyday at my grocery store, it was cool and I found it quite nice, plus I used the shopping cart to help me when I was weak. My weight loss sister it is a rough road, but so worth it! Good luck!
   — FSUMom

August 9, 2010
Egyirba, Take heart friend. It is normal. Our bodies have a mind of their own. I believe the medical phrase is ketosis. The body senses it is being starved and therefore latches on to everything it can to maintain stasis. You need to be patient. This is not a race. If you're like me, your weight didn't go on in the blink of an eye, nor will it come off that way. I grant you it does seem a bit odd but just stay the course. You will lose again. Have you spoken to your gastro-doc at all? Above all else remain calm and patient. You're in a race with no one and you have the rest of your life which you have just prolonged by taking the step you did. I'm 5 years out and there's not a minute in my day I ever regret doing the RNY. Personally, I found prayer worked too. Be patient, stay the course, and God Bless You !!
   — Arl3rd

August 9, 2010
I had lapband surgery Sept. 2009 and I've only lost 35 pounds... and I'm at a standstill too. I am eating 'ok', and unfortunately not exercising as much as I should... and let me tell you I am frustrated too... I see my friends who have had RNY almost at goal, and it hurts because I know I'm doing the best I can. I'm uping my intake of protein and writing things down as best I can.. but I nkow your pain... hang in there!!
   — LinnieJean

August 10, 2010
Good morning.I had Vertical Sleeve Gasectromy a little over 2 years ago. I have lost 80 pounds and have maintained for over a year now. I remember the terrible stalls that were often times so discouraging. I finally came to a place where I put my bathroom scales away in my closet because every time I got on the scales and saw that I had not lost any weight or very few pounds it would discourage me. I knew that I was doing everything I was supposed to and then some. I only allowed myself to weigh once a month. Now that was encouraging! When I got on the scales and saw the change in the numbers I was so excited! That worked for me. But I agree with others here who have said that our bodies has it's own way of responding to all of these changes that we are going through. If you stay focused, eat healthy and stay away from carbs right now, the weight has NO choice but to come off. Just think how many years it took us to gain the weight that we did. The surgery itself is quite a shock to our systems. And it just takes time for everything to readjust. But, when it does you will be so thankful that you remained persistent and steady! You WILL reach your goals! And even more importantly, you will be so much healthier! Just try to remember that exercise is so very important during this time. The more you are able to keep moving, the more the weight will come off. It doesn't have to be extreme. Doesn't have to be aerobics. Just do what you are able to do every day! Consistency is important as well. If you don't have a treadmill, walk outside....Build the distance a little more each day till you are able to go further and build your endurance. Exercise combined with the healthy eating habits is the key to seeing the weight fall off! Drink lots of water and keep up your protein! You are gonna be just fine! God Bless, Jodi
   — Jodi L.

August 12, 2010
Since you are this far out post op, and I don't know how much you need to lose, but you are probably at the point where you are losing inches and inches don't show up on a scale. So measure yourself from neck to calves, and also look at the way your clothes are fitting. Those are sure tell signs that you are still losing; just not pounds. I can't explain how that works but there is a logical explanation for it, I just don't remember what it is. LOL
   — Kristy