Question:
Why is weight loss is so slow for me?
I'm 5 weeks post op and I've only lost 21 lousy pounds. It's messing with my head when I hear of other's huge weight losses. All of that was lost the 1st 3 weeks. Maybe 5 lbs down in the last 2 weeks. What am I doing wrong. I'm drinking, exercising as best I can, blah, blah. Any suggestions? — Georgia H. (posted on July 16, 2002)
July 16, 2002
I am in the same boat. I have been out 6 weeks and have only lost 22
pounds.I don't know why. I thought perhaps it could be slow metabolism
that needs to readjust. I am going to try to up my protein, drink all my
water and to eat frquent small meals and also watc the fat intake. Email
me privately and maybe we can support each other. [email protected]
— MsGlitterDiva
July 16, 2002
I am also considered a slow loser here, my doctor says there is no such
thing. If you are losing you are doing good, your body will lose at the
rate it feels comfortable, considering it is being forced to do so. I
started at 278lbs and at 7months out have lost 83lbs and bunches of inches.
I have not been that good at taking my measurements, I would suggest that
because when the lbs are not moving the inches most likely are and that
helps alot! In all honesty I could have done more to lose more, I did not
start exercising until a few weeks ago and I know I do not get the right
amount of water in, The protien is good but I probably have to many carbs
somedays. If you really feel that you are doing the right
eating/drinking/exercising than unless your doctor thinks something is
wrong, just relax at it will happen, Unless there is a mechanical error,
you will lose weight this first 6 months! After that you had better have
some good habits inplace to keeps things moving along smoothly!
Best wishes!
— Patricia R.
July 17, 2002
Hi Georgia! I am 52, 3 months post op and have lost 56#. I'm losing about
4 pounds a week which to me seems really slow but I'm feeling great, can
eat most anything and have had no complications. I think some are slow
losers in our eyes but in reality, losing is losing. What has worked for
me though if I feel like its just too slow is I go back to basics for a
little bit: protein, broth, jello, etc. cut carbs, really push the water
always (about 100 ounces a day or more and try to make myself get that
exercise in. Especially when on plateaus this can push you over them.
Sounds like though you are doing great. My best to you.
— AJC750
July 17, 2002
Hi,
I have been on a plateau for 3 weeks now, and I am told I am a "slow
loser" as well. This somewhat depressed me, until I saw a commercial
for Slim Fast. A woman was overjoyed and boasting of having lost 50 lbs. in
just 7 months! Then I start thinking ... im only 6 weeks out, and not that
far behind her ... I am doing GOOD! Hope this helps and cheers you up a
little!
— Dawn M.
July 17, 2002
HI Georgia! I am sorry I dont have any suggestions, but I want you to know
you are not alone!
I had a great loss [-27 lbs.] my first month post-op....but only lost 7
lbs. my second month p.o, and only 6 lbs my 3rd month p.o. It can really
be discouraging.
I eat protein at every meal, dont eat much at meals, [I average 350-500 cal
a day] only have a couple of sugar free popsicles for my snacks, drink at
least 64 oz of non-calorie fluids a day, and exercise 75 min every day.
I dont know what else to do, and my dr is happy, so I just keep on and hope
it will all come off before the loss completely stops!
I am interested in reading the suggestions you might get from your post!
Take care and God bless!
Reenie
— Reenie K.
July 17, 2002
Are you eating enough??? If you get below a certain threshold (600-800
calories) your body will think you are starving (you are!) and hold onto
the fat. I use www.fitday.com for a quick, free spot-check tool. When
you're in the first month postop, you just have to do the best you can, but
once you are on real food, try to eat every few hours to keep your
metabolism steady. That plus water, exercise, blah blah blah . . . You know
the drill. Don't compromise your weight loss by crashing your
metabolism!<p>That said, I was on an early plateau--only lost like 25
pounds in the first 3 months. I went on to reach my top goal in 7 months
and current weight at 10. Just cuz you start out slow doesn't mean you
won't get there! Good luck and happy losing!
— ctyst
July 17, 2002
Hi!!. I am just like the rest, I am losing slow also, to make it worse my
Dr said that my weight loss was not excessive. I am down only 48lb and I am
3 months post-op (18lb the first month). The weird thing is I really don't
eat and get full off of just 3 or 4 bite of meat and I exercise 3-4 times a
week. I have very poor nutrition and trying my hardest to do what I need to
do to get all my protein in. One little piece of advise my Dr gave me was
that you will lose your weight and it may take more than 1yr to get where
you want to be but stay more focused on your health than your weight..You
be fine..Good luck
— Lovett
July 17, 2002
Georgia, your body is just catching up with whats been done with it. Most
of us reach our first plateau at 3 weeks post-op so the fact that you have
lost 5 pounds from week 3-5 is good. Don't sweat it, many of us are slow
losers. The point is, we still lose. As long as you follow the rules:
PROTEIN first, lots of water, some exercise, low carbs and low sugar, you
will lose. Eat frequently too-if you eat too little your body thinks that
you are starving it and will resist the weight loss. Also be prepared for
plateaus-it happens to all of us.
— Cindy R.
July 17, 2002
Hang in there!!! At 5 weeks post, I think I was down like 20 pounds. I am
8 weeks out now (down 33) and I have lost like 7 pounds THIS WEEK. I have
lost 2 pounds a day for the last 3 days. Here is what I have done
differently, though I am not sure of the correlation. I am less nauseated
now, so I can FINALLY get all of my fluids in (well, maybe the hot
95-degree days has something to do with that!). I am eating more. Used to
keep it between 6 and 8 hundred calories, now I eat when I am hungry, or if
I haven't eaten for 6 hours or so, I force myself to drink an instant
breakfast. The only carbs I eat are milk and Orange Juice -- OJ is a good
source of potassium, and it really helps me get going on my fluids. I try
to have 3 instant breakfasts during the day -- protein and fluids there! --
and supplement with cheese and eggs. And I am getting more and more
active. Hang tight. A lot of people lose weight FAST right away, but
maybe some of us need to heal a bit before we can get all the protein and
fluids in to help us lose faster. Still -- 8 weeks, down 33 -- I am not a
marathon loser, but I flew Monday and Tuesday with out a seatbelt extender
for 3 of 8 flights, and could put my tray down on all of them. It's been a
while. Keep up the good work. E-mail me if you need more reassurance!
— Karen F.
July 18, 2002
I am 5 weeks post and just came back from the surgeon's. I lost 28 pounds.
I thought that was low, but my doc said it is completely normal (I also
hit a plateau). But weight loss has started again. I try not to get hung
up on it. So hang in there.
— emilyfink
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