Question:
12 Weeks Post Op, Wondering why I am only losing 5-8 pds a month?

I need some expert advise I am 12 weeks post op and am down 45 pounds, I still am also wearing the same size as pre-op. It's loose but still the same size. The only time I have lost weight in the last five weeks has been when I am on my period. I am working out 3-5 days a week and eat about 800-1000 caloriers a day. I try to get in 2 protein drinks a day and I get in about 60 ounces of water. I know I need to up my water and get better with my protein and I have been really working on mini goals. My dietician says that as long as I am eating what is on my ok'd list I am doing fine (I am only eating what my dr has ok'd). I eat mostly protein, but do get about 40 grams of carbs in a day, is that my problem? I eat three meals a day with no snacking. How can I tell if I am retaining water? If my weight loss has slowed this quickly will it pick back up? Am I eating enough for my body? I still want/need to lose a hundred pounds.    — Marcy S. (posted on May 28, 2003)

May 28, 2003
Marcy, it sounds like you are doing everything right (woo HOO!). Did you lose a big chunk right after surgery, and then slow down? It could be your body is adjusting to that trauma before it picks up on weight loss again.<P>When I was about 3 months out, I remember complaining that, ignoring that big post-surgical weight drop, I was losing weight at the same rate that I'd lost it when on Weight Watchers as a pre-op. I showed up late at support meetings specifically because I didn't want to say my weight loss, 'cause everybody else was losing faster. I knew the surgery would "work," but I wondered at that point if I'd ever get to the goal I had in mind, despite all my efforts (like yours) to set mini-"mental" goals.<P>Eventually, I realized I was losing faster than I thought, and I wound up reaching goal at less than nine months out (I was soooo sure at three months out that it would take at least a year, and be higher than where I wound up). You could not have convinced me of any of that at 12 weeks out, however. I know how you feel ... but I also know how delightfully wrong you probably are about how well (or not well) you think you'll do. ;~) Uh uh. You will be laughing at your negativity in six months or less. Hang in there ... stick with the program ... you'll get there! :-D
   — Suzy C.

May 28, 2003
I know it's frustrating, and we all want the weight to come off faster...but you are doing great! When was the last time you lost 45 pounds in three months...or at all for that matter? As far as still being the same size...I think it took me until I had lost around 50 pounds to really notice any change in clothing sizes (those darn elastic waists - lol)...but now it seems I go down a size every 15ish pounds. Just hang in there...keep up with the protein, water, and exercise and it will come off. Also, you didn't say how long you were working out each day, if it's less than 30 minutes, maybe try upping it to 30-45.
   — eaamc

May 28, 2003
I just have a comment on the carb thing. I eat about 40 carbs per day too. Sometimes less but usually about 35-45 per day. The average person with a healthy diet eats 300-400 carbs per day. As a woman you would need to break the 100 mark to get out of ketosis. I would just keep doing what you are doing. It sounds like you are doing all the right stuff. You are actually averaging almost 4 pounds per week and that is awesome! If you keep up at this pace
   — Carol S.

May 28, 2003
OOPS!!! I hit the post button a minute too soon! What I meant to say was that if you keep up this pace you will be at your goal in no time. Please try not to compare yourself to anyone else. I lose 2-3 pounds a week and at 4+ months post op I figure it is great to not have hit any plateaus and I feel good! Slow and steady really can win the race! Good Luck!!!
   — Carol S.

May 29, 2003
It sounds like you are doing all the right things..upping the water would also be good. Everyone loses at different rates, even those who start at the same height/weight/age etc. Its just the way it is...slow and steady is good.Try not to compare yourself to others or you will go nuts. You'll always find someone who lost 100 pounds in 2 months as well as those who are puttering along, slowly but steadily. It all works out in the end!
   — Cindy R.