Question:
Almost 3 weeks Post-Op and lost no weight in a week, Help??

I am almost 3 weeks post-op. I had RNY--The first 2 weeks I lost 22 lbs. but got very dehydrated. For the last 9 days I have not lost a pound. Anyone had this? I am going through that period where I feel like the surgery did not work and I am sure a lot of your felt this too. Any advice?    — Kelly P. (posted on July 11, 2003)

July 11, 2003
My advice, quit weighing yourself. Weigh yourself only at your Doctors office. The scale is a liar, it can flucutate daily and never give you a proper reading- leading YOU to assume "something" must be wrong! You've just had major surgery and your body is in shock, it probably is holding onto what it can with a vengance to protect itself. Dehydration ain't so good either- as you try and replace what you've lost, you really COULD be losing weight but the water your holding onto now may not let it show up on the scale. SO, go and read the database as there was a zillion people who have had this happen to them- to reassure yourself that you are normal.
   — Karen R.

July 11, 2003
I feel for you, I really do. It's funny how our expereinces color our responses to things. When I was first post-op and steadily losing weight, these questions irritated me - now that I'm 4 months post-op, have had my own 5 week pateau experience and am now back to losing, I feel much more sympathy and compassion for posters struggling with this. We hear it said so often when someone talks about food cravings, that this surgery is not "brain surgery", and this saying also applies to all aspects of our relationship with food, our bodies, the scale, losing weight, etc. That said, if you want to wiegh yourself everyday, then by all means do so. Just remember, that there are many factors that affect the numbers, and that what you are really struggling with is the fear that this surgery will fail just like all other weight loss attempts have failed. But this is not true. You may be a slow loser, an average loser, or a fast loser, but this surgery is not likely to fail, and only does so in rare cases. Maybe you should consider counseling to help you adjust to life post-op. there are so many changes, so many expectations, and so many things to deal with, i have found counseling to be an invaluable help as I learn to adjust to this new life.
   — rebalspirit

July 11, 2003
***Original Poster*** Robin, It is all in my head. I have been really battling in the last couple of weeks. My doctor has a psychiatrist come into his office 2 times per month in the evening. It is a group meeting so I am sure I am not the only person feeling this way. I am going to attend Monday. Thanks for your understanding post.
   — Kelly P.

July 11, 2003
Lots of people have early plateaus ( mine was from weeks 3-6). Unfortunately, they seem to correspond with a lot of turmoil in your body and brain (hormones, effects of major surgery, anaesthesia after effects, etc.) and it all culminates in "what have I done to myself!" LOL Be sure to keep your measurements in addition to weighing. They will probably show that you are losing inches even if the scale is not cooperating. Be patient . . . the weight will come off. I know, I know. Easy to say, hard to DO! :P
   — ctyst

July 11, 2003
Kelly, RELAX your body is adjusting. Just be patient. it will come, I promise you! Heather Open RNY 8-15-02 305/189/150
   — heathercross

July 11, 2003
I am 8 weeks post op and at 3 weeks I hit a plateau also. It was maddening because I still felt tired, no MAJOR weight loss at that point, and could barely eat. I thought... no way! But it does pass. Your body is adjusting and you are in starvation mode. As soon as you are able to get a little more active and eat a little more, the weight will fall off. God bless and enjoy your journey.
   — Happy I.