Question:
I can't get in enough water and food.

Hi everyone! I'm going on 6 weeks post op and haven't lost a lb in over 3 weeks now. Yes, I know a lot of you are saying " that will happen, be patient, your body is adjusting". I can't get in 64 oz. of plain water and I don't think I'm eating enough. Maybe my body has gone into starvation mode - holding on because I'm not taking enough in? I'm beginning to feel like my surgery was a waste!! Can anyone out there help? Maybe if I had a daily diet plan to follow that I could print out and hang on the kitchen cabinets and cross of my intake daily (some of us need this discipline I think) maybe this would help me keep better on track with my daily intake. Can anyone help me - PLEASE!!You can e-mail me at [email protected]    — jennifer H. (posted on December 19, 1999)

December 19, 1999
When I was a few weeks post-op I hit a plateau as well (as did quite a few others I know). No amount of exercise, water, or protein seemed to help. Then one day as suddenly as it started I began to lose weight again. Now Ive been averaging 5 lbs. a week, dont exercise at all and dont usually get my 64 ozs. of water in. Ive been maintaining this respectable weight loss for weeks now. Be patient and things will click in again. Drinking gets easier with time as does eating. If it makes you feel better, maximize your protein intake and drink as much as possible at this time but I think your body is just preparing itself for some good future weight loss. I had second doubts the first few weeks after my surgery as well. Be patient. I guarantee you wont be having regrets a few months from now.
   — [Anonymous]

December 19, 1999
Hi Jennifer: Yep! Been there, done that! I've been hitting plateaus from the beginning. Some of them have lasted for 10 days or more. One thing that I've found helps is walking. Even if you're still weak from the surgery and having pain, walk in your house, back and forth if you have to. That way you're building your stamina and burning a few calories, too. And I know it's tough, but drink more. Keep a glass of water handy, and every time you look at it take a sip. Things WILL get easier with time, and plateaus DO end. Good luck! Jaye Carl, open proximal RNY 7-29-99, 84 pounds gone forever!
   — Jaye C.

December 20, 1999
Thanks for posting this. I am about 3 weeks post-op. I lost about 21 lbs the first 2 weeks and now this week only 1. I was so depressed because everyone asks how I am doing and now I feel I have done something wrong or that surgery was a waste. I hope it gets better for us both. Take care!!
   — Toni K.

December 21, 1999
Hang in there Jennifer! I promise--the surgery was NOT a waste! You will start losing weight again--I have had several plataues where I did not lose anything for a week or two and then suddenly 5-10 lbs just seem to drop off within a few days. It is of course important that you get enough fluids in so you don't become dehydrated and I do think that there is some truth to the "starvation mode" thing so I would try and eat as much as you can. Keep a log of what you eat in a day. Do this for a few days and then maybe give your dietician a call and run it by her. Good luck and please don't get discouraged! I am 3 months postop today and have lost 62 lbs so far--from 286 lbs to 224 today. I have been on a plateau for a week now with no loss but I am not worried--I'm looking forward to the drop I know is coming. Sorry this is so long--write me if you want--
   — Cheryl W.

March 15, 2000
I had an open RNY on 2-28. I met with a nutritionist yesterday who explained plateaus to me. She said that the body is still breaking down fat, but the body is not excreting it. Retaining water causes the fat to be retained too. She explained that when the body start to excrete water again, the fat will go. I assume that she knew what she was taking about.
   — joanne R.