Question:
I am 7 weeks post op today and I am not losing much weight.

At 3 weeks I had lost 14 lbs and today at 7 weeks I have only lost a total of 22 lbs. I am 5' 2" and started at 228. I am eating very little, mostly meats to get my protein, but I find that every time I eat I feel like the food gets stuck in my chest. I feel like I have a lump stuck right between my breats. I am so discouraged and not sure if I am doing something wrong or if i might have a medical problem. I did mention the food stuck problem at my 3 week check up and the doctor told me this could not be surgery related as nothing was done that high. I do have a hiatal hernia but I always had problems with acid backup not a stuck problem. Anyone out there had this problem??    — debbie G. (posted on June 2, 2003)

June 2, 2003
I get that feeling when I eat too fast or something dry like plain meat. Chew really good and eat really slow.
   — Kristie M.

June 2, 2003
I also have that feeling in my chest at times. It only happens when I overeat, I don't chew well enough or my bites are too big. As far as the losing slowly, I will tell you what my doctor told me last week. I have only lost 20 pounds in 7 weeks and I was kind of complaining about it. She said "Have you ever been on a diet in which you've lost 20 pounds in 6 weeks? And do you feel like you're on a diet?" I answered no to both questions. She also said that she'd be concerned if I'd lose it much faster because that's a sign of poor appetite and dehydration. Best wishes to you!!
   — Jessica C.

June 2, 2003
Debbie, You are doing just fine!! From what I have seen and read it seems like those who are a little higher in weight seem to loose more at first. Just continue with what you are doing and follow your doc's orders. Stay focused.
   — Felicia J.

June 2, 2003
If they're getting stuck, I'd recommend that you reconsider meats as a primary source of your protein at this early stage. Protein shakes (good ones) are worth considering and using, despite the wrinkle-up-your-nose reaction of many folks -- I think when you're not able to each much, and things are getting stuck, it's time to give them another go. Ironically, not eating enough can slow weight loss, and it can certainly make you too weak to get any kind of exercise regime going. Try samples from vitalady.com or wlssuccess.com. Over time, if things are *still* getting stuck, maybe a second opinion from a gastrointestinal specialist would be in order.
   — Suzy C.

June 2, 2003
If they're getting stuck, I'd recommend that you reconsider meats as a primary source of your protein at this early stage. Protein shakes (good ones) are worth considering and using, despite the wrinkle-up-your-nose reaction of many folks -- I think when you're not able to each much, and things are getting stuck, it's time to give them another go. Ironically, not eating enough can slow weight loss, and it can certainly make you too weak to get any kind of exercise regime going. Try samples from vitalady.com or wlssuccess.com. Over time, if things are *still* getting stuck, maybe a second opinion from a gastrointestinal specialist would be in order.
   — Suzy C.

June 2, 2003
I am also a slow loser. I am 5 foot even and started at 220. I am 9 weeks out and have only lost 36 lbs. I have the same stuck feeling in my throat and have been told that it is air refluxing in my esophagus (not acid reflux, but air pockets creating a refluxing action...pushing the food up or making it sit on top of the air pocket making it difficult for it to go down). I've been check to make sure I didn't have a narrowing in my esophagus which can cause the same sensation. Prior to having surgery, I had to have my esophagus stretched multiple times due to a narrowing in my esophagus. You may want to talk to you PCP or have them refer you to a GI doctor. Hope you start feeling better soon! (hugs)
   — Renee B.

June 2, 2003
Hi Debbie! I've been where you are so maybe I can help you. I am 5'3" and weighed 226 on the day of surgery. Today I am VERY happy to say I am flucuating between 136-138, and wear a size 6/8 jeans and 4/6 shirt, my bra size went from 38/40 C to a 34B, and my ring size went from 8 1/2 to 6 1/2. My weight loss was very slow (read my profile and you'll see I wasn't always happy about that....) There was an upside to losing it slowly, my skin had a chance to keep up with me. My arms and my neck do not sag at all. My tummy...well...that's another story...but its not so saggy that I HAVE to have a Tummy tuck. Even in a bathing suit, its not noticeable (now when I bend over, wellllll...lol). Be patient, although its difficult at times. I am almost 13 mnths post op and I feel great and look pretty cute too (hee hee!) Seriously, losing it slowly has great benefits so drink your water and eat your protein and let nature work wonders on you! As far as the "stuck" issues, whenever I overeat or rush, I get a lump in that same area. I often have to throw up to get over that feeling. I don't condone that, its just something I've done because I couldn't tolerate that feeling for one more minute! Around the 6 or 7th month me and food seemed to be more agreeable. Good luck on your weight loss!!
   — blueyez2668

June 3, 2003
Debbie, I get that "stuck" feeling too, if I eat too fast or just that little bit too much. I take a short walk through the housed when I feel like that to help get things moving. I belch (just a little one) and I feel so much better. I'm almost 3 weeks post-op. Good Luck!
   — adeas