Question:
I am 23 days post op and am now gaining weight, am I not eating enough?

Typical day---I have cream of wheat(made with water 1/2 c.) for breakfast, protein shakes 22 oz a day--if that (4times a day), and broth or sf jello, water is hard to get in--maybe 24-30 oz a day, I added Taco Bell's Pintos and cheese (1/2 portion) three times is that how I might have gained 4 # back this week?    — who A. (posted on July 2, 2003)

July 2, 2003
I am a big believer in keeping carbs to a minimum-- if you are going to be having Cream of Wheat for the protein, don't have the Taco Bell stuff. Having loved Cream of Wheat before surgery, I vowed that I wouldn't have it post-op (I knew it would be too tempting to overindulge). Also, you might consider increasing your protein to at least 60 grm a day (many studies show that with increases in protein intake, weight loss improves). You also might want to check on the type of protein shake you are using--- some are much higher in carbs than are others (I've had the best luck with the Atkins shakes).
   — SteveColarossi

July 2, 2003
Hi, I hope I can be helpful. Your food intake sound normal, but you didn't mention any exercise routine. Any form of exercise will help, walking is very important. I try to walk before and after every meal, it help your body start the fat burning process. Once you get your body to start burning fat, it will take off on it's own, as long as you keep up the daily exercise. Good luck on your WLS journey, and don't give, ever, the weight will come off.
   — Ralph P.

July 2, 2003
It's probably fluid retention. You need to UP the water to get rid of the fluid, not to mention flush out the fat you're losing. Good Luck!
   — ZZ S.

July 2, 2003
I wish more surgeons would tell their patients that it is absolutely expected and normal to plataeu or even gain a little weight sometime in the three to five week post-op period. It is simply your body adjusting to the drastic changes you're putting it through. It happens to almost everybody. Luckily, my dietitian told me what to expect ahead of time so I was not concerned when this happened to me. Also, I wouldn't worry too much about carbs at this very early stage. It's very important to eat enough, and your choices are limited (it sounds like you're in the pureed stage). Pay attention to carbs when you get to eating regular food, but not now. Right now, you actually need carbs to fuel your immediate needs (brain, heart, lungs), and to give you any level of energy. I think you're doing just fine, though I have to eat more frequently during the day than it seems you are (about every three hours). If anything, you're not eating enough. The pintos and cheese are a good choice at this point; they have both protein and carbs that you need now. Keep it up; you're doing fine!
   — Vespa R.

July 3, 2003
Jill my hubby had his RNY May 8th, 2003. His Dr. told him about 3-4 weeks post-op his body would catch up on fluids. She also said he may even gain a little.
   — annasgranma

July 3, 2003
Jill, Vespa is right, it is not abnormal to have a slight weight gain or a stall in weight loss during the first month. Your body is trying to adjust to this new way of fueling it. However, there are a few things that you should work on. First, try eating a protein breakfast instead of cream of wheat. Try an egg, or cottage cheese, or if you have to have the cream of wheat, put milk instead of water in it. Try upping your water intake- I know its hard and this will take time to work on... Also, think about eating several mini meals of just a few ounces, like 6 or so a day. Pintos and cheese is fine and will not cause a weight gain-thats a good protein food for an early post-op.
   — Cindy R.