Question:
What am I doing wrong?

I am 4 wks out and have only lost 14 lbs and that was in the first three weeks. I started at 203 lbs - now at 189. I am getting my 40 g of protein in and 32 oz of water (per dietician's orders). My calorie intake is 450-550 a day and I'm not losing any more. In fact, I've gained a pound! I'm walking on my treadmill (slowly) for 20-30 minutes every day. What is going on? Why am I not losing and what can I do about it? Please help. I'm beginning to think I had surgery for nothing. sigh....... :o( --Pam    — pjnick (posted on November 11, 2002)

November 11, 2002
Pam~ You are a lightweight - you WILL lose slower than others. 14 pounds is great! So you are on a little bit of a plateua, it will pass and you'll be losing again in no time. As for gaining the pound - stop weighing yourself! Look at inches. You have been exercising and muscle is more dense than fat. A pound of muscle takes up less room than a pound of fat. Also, depends on when you weighed yourself - if you are drinking 64 ounces of water each day, remember that that is 4 pounds of water. One pound will not be a big difference either way. (You all need to remind me that I said this when I am worrying after surgery)
   — Toni C.

November 11, 2002
Hon, you aren't doing anything "WRONG". Everyone's body deals with the surgery a bit differently. Believe it or not, your body is in shock because of the surgery and the decrease in your daily caloric intake. It goes into what we call Preservation Mode. It will slow down to "protect" you. Don't worry though!!! Things will resolve and you will start losing again. I know that you said that your nutritionist said that 32 oz of water a day was okay but I have to wonder if that might be one of the causes. I know everyone is different but I am 3 months post op NOW and when I first came home from the hospital, my surgeon was telling me to try to shoot for 70-90 grams of protein a day (OMG it was HARD!!! Had to supplement!) and drink no less than 1.5 liters of water. When I was 2.5 weeks out, I hit my first plateau and was so upset. So I decided to bump up the water and protein and it seemed to help. NOW I manage to get about 3 liters of water in a day. I have lost 84 pounds in 13 weeks. Granted, I started out a bit higher than you (5'3, 297) but the principle is the same; You need the water to flush out the fat. My recommendation: Drink as much water as you can stand. So much that you feel it coming out of your eyeballs!!! I try not to drink the Crystal Light stuff anymore or Tea because I found that I don't get in my liquids when I do. I am a purist... Just plain old water. And the exercise is great!! Keep it up!!! I work out every day and I feel it makes a difference. HANG IN THERE!! You are doing great hon. Don't you worry. The surgery WILL work. Sometimes it just doesn't happen as fast as we expect or want it to. Good luck! Hugs, Kathie (in Hawaii)...............
   — KathieInHawaii

November 11, 2002
Looks like you're getting half the protein & half the water your body is crying for. So, it's holding onto to EVERYTHING you put in, burning none. The calories look kinda low, but it depends on what kind of calories they are. Milk and sugar calories are simply wasted & your body doesn't count them as anything truly useful. You might try making your protein supplements 30g each time, and doing 3 per day. Then, move the water up toward 64 oz. NOt that a number needs to be exact, but you've got to get enough to fuel all the systems AND wash the fat away. The body prioritizes and weight loss is the last thing on the list. Got to get enough stuff on board for the body to feel there is "plenty", and the it can afford to "spend" a few calories & let the fat go.
   — vitalady

November 11, 2002
Most of the posts I've seen here talk about protein requirements of AT LEAST 50 grams per day and water 48+ oz a day (at least in the beginning). My surgeon insisted on 70+ grams of protein and 64 oz EVERY day. You need the protein to maintain muscle mass and promote healing. The water flushes your system and aids in the weight loss. At your stage I was instructed to increase my calories to 700-800 calories a day to keep the weight loss going. Try pushing as much fluid as you can and increase that protein! :)
   — LLinderman

November 11, 2002
Gosh, double your protein and water!!!!!!!
   — Debby M.