Question:
3 weeks out....stuck

I lost 23 pounds in the first week after surgery...then the past 2 weeks i've stayed the same? Any suggestions...im eating high protein foods...like beans, cheese, and drinking my water...i am at a loss for words..any help out there?    — Eugenia K. (posted on September 3, 2003)

September 3, 2003
I wish I could go to the home of every WLS postop and BURN their scales!! Please put yours away, do waht you are supposed to do--just like you're doing--and have a little faith. You've lost 23 lbs in 3 weeks. That's a lot, and if today had been your first weigh-in you'd be thrilled, wouldn't you? :-) Plateaus are normal, but I'm almost 15 months out and don't know if I've ever had any...because I only weigh once a month. There may even have been times when I gained a pound or 2, but it was all in blissful ignorance. My clothes keep getting looser, and that is the most joyful way to keep track, trust me!
   — Chris T.

September 3, 2003
TOTALLY happened to me. I was freaking out and very discouraged. You're already dealing with so much emotional stress post op that it's hard not to see results for an extended period of time. I started weighing myself ONLY once a week, and tried to increase my water. You might also increase or vary your excercise a little bit. Honestly though I don't think it was anything I did - the plateau just broke itself after about 2 weeks, and now I'm losing 3 to 5 pounds per week without even trying. Don't worry - it will pass. I'm exactly 2 months out now and have lost 42 pounds. Not spectacular, but I was a lightweight to begin with so I'm happy with the pace. Once your clothes start falling off you and people start complimenting you, it will all be worth it - I promise! Don't worry!!!
   — Tiffany J.

September 3, 2003
I am glad to see I am not the only one that did great the first 2 weeks then platued. I stayed positive and did manage to lose 10 more pounds in the next 5 weeks. I KNOW it will happen, it is just a matter of time. I am now 7 weeks post op and till I hit the 5 week mark I felt terrible!!! Once I found a good protein drink everything changed. I am very shocked at what protein can do for a person. Good luck, just remember it will happen!
   — TheresaC

September 3, 2003
WOW I'm SO GLAD you guys posted all this positive stuff. I'm 16 days out and -25 lbs. But haven't lost anything in like 4 days, and today am actually +1.5-2lbs. I'm so glad this is normal!! Thanks to all of you!! PS I'm asking hubby to move the scale into an undisclosed location. I cant leave the bathroom without weighing.
   — kathy B.

September 3, 2003
I weigh my self 4 to 5 times a day its a sickening obsession so i wont go there but I can tell you I went from wee 3 to week 8 with no loss thats 5 whole weeks it was awful then all of a suden I lost 7 pounds in one week then gained 3 back all i can say is keep positive and keep busy it will happed patience is a virtue
   — Monica T.

September 3, 2003
It is quite common to hit a 3 week plateau, I think due to starvation mode. It does pass. I hit it also but I'm almost 4 months out and have lost 80 lbs.
   — Happy I.