Question:
2 Weeks Post-Op - Haven't lost anything in a week?!

Hi everyone... I was looking through the library for anything related to this, but I can't find anything. I had surgery on 9/30/02 (lap) in San Diego and everything went great. I was sent home the following week and had lost 14 pounds. I weighed myself 2 days later and had lost an additional 3 pounds. For the past week I've been fluctuating between those 3 pounds, and haven't lost anything additional. What is wrong with me?! Here's a couple of extra things: 1) I try as hard as I can, but can't get in all of my water just yet. I probably drink 30-40 oz/day. 2) I eat mushy stuff (cottage cheese, scrambled eggs, creamy soups, mashed potatoes) only. 3. I have exercised by walking since I've been home, using a new treadmill. What do you all think? Is it only because I'm not getting my water in? I'm trying, but just can't do it yet. I thought that for the first couple of weeks, people lose weight no matter what. Any advice would be SO appreciated.    — Renae (posted on October 16, 2002)

October 16, 2002
First thing you need to do is put that scale in the closet. Increase the water if you can. Go for protein first in your meal. Hang in there - the weight will come off, but you have to stop obsessing about it by weighing yourself every day.
   — John Rushton

October 16, 2002
Ihad surgery 9/16/02. Lost 24# the first 10days and only 2# the second 10 days. The next week I lost 7 more pounds. Don't get weighed more than once a week. You'll drive yourself nuts and you ARE going to lose, it just won't be predictable. Good luck.
   — Dana S.

October 16, 2002
I hit my first plateau at 2 weeks post op. It lasted about a week to week and a half. You will hit plateaus through out your whole journey. Some last longer than others. Dont worry....they will pass. I am now (as of today) 1 year post op and well below my goal. I started at 230 pounds. I am 5'7". My goal was to get to 135 pounds. I am now 129 pounds. I FEEL GREAT!!! Dont worry, you will do just fine!! Peace!!
   — skymaxjr

October 16, 2002
Renae, I don't have a scale in my home. I knew that this surgery would work if I took the steps to make it work and I did not want the mental agony of having to step on that thing everyday (in my case probably every hour) Yup you guessed it I have scale anxiety, I think they need to name it and give it it's own phobia. You have to go to the Dr frequently enough in the beginning that when you do get on one it is a pleasant suprise. Our bodies are going thru so much right now it doesnt know whether to keep it or get rid of it. That is just my opinion stay away from the scale set one time a week that you face it and don't go near it any other time. Good Luck you had surgery on my birthday!!!!! Peggy open rny 9/20 -30#'s
   — Peggy A.

October 17, 2002
I will tell you what I've said many times before. STAY OFF THE SCALES. My surgeon asks his patients not to weight except at his office or at support group meetings. I was weighed at 12 days post-op and then not again for two months. After that, my next appointment was for 6 months later but because I had some problems (which turned out not to be related to the surgery) I was in his office more often. But stiil, I have not weighed more than once a month. By doing this, you avoid the stress and depression of not seeing the weight loss on a regular basis We tend to lose in spurts. A big drop, then a rest while the body catches up, then another spurt. My best advice to you is to stay away from the scales - store them, give them away or whatever - theya re not your friend. This has worked very well for me. I don't get obsessed with the nubmers and I've suffered no depression or worries about plateaus and I've lost over 150 pounds in 10 months. Good luck to you.
   — Patty_Butler