Question:
Why am I plateauing at 4 weeks post op?

4 weeks post op, not loosing anything!! The first 2 weeks after surgery I lost 20lbs. Which I thought was great. However, 2 more weeks later I have not lost a pound! I realize that I'm not going to loose 20 lbs every two weeks, but this is ridiculous!! I am eating no more than 500 calories a day (all I can tolorate right know) So, I would think I should be loosing something. I am getting physical activity everyday also. Anybody no why this might be happening? Thanks.    — Karen A. (posted on March 2, 2001)

March 2, 2001
It's not how MANY calories, but the kind of calories you eat. If they are milk & sugar calories, you're getting 100% of the calories from the sugars, but not much nutrition. Are you drinking water like mad? How much protein supplement are you getting in? Are eating solids? How much at one time? So many variables.......
   — vitalady

March 2, 2001
I have done the same thing. I had surgery on 1/24, but I lost 21 pounds during the two weeks prior to surgery, so my "water weight" was already off. I've only lost about 25 pounds since surgery, and how it happens is I'll go two weeks or longer without anything, then drop 4 or 5 at once it seems. I'm hoping this ends and I lose consistent. I read somewhere it can take up to 2 months for your body to release all the fluids from the IVs and stuff, and then weight loss gets better, but I just don't know. I do know it's depressing during that time it isn't dropping!
   — Tina C.

March 2, 2001
What is happening is perfectly normal. I have consistently lost with plateau intervals of 2 to almost 4 weeks in between. This is my body's way of playing catch-up to the weight loss. During the plateau periods, I did consistently lose inches -- so be sure you've taken your measurements. I recommend you don't weigh more than weekly. I choose to weigh on Tuesdays, cause that's my surgery date and also monthly on my surgery date anniversary. I take and record weight and measurements on my monthly date. ALWAYS weigh first thing in the morning before eating or drinking to find your lowest weight. Also, at 500 calories or less a day, you are putting your body into a starvation mode and it works against your weight loss efforts for as long as it can, thinking you are trying to kill it. I had to increase my calorie intake to boost weight loss early on. My surgeon recommended 800 calories or so. Best wishes and no more complaints about plateaus, ok? ; )
   — Cindy H.

April 17, 2003
Thanks so much to all who commented. I am so discouraged because I have just finished 4 weeks post op and have lost 35 pounds and then nothing. All of your answers gave me encouragement and new ideas to try. Good luck to all of you and thanks again. Sherry.
   — Sherry D.