Question:
I've plateaued after only 2 1/2 weeks! Is this strange?

I lost 30lbs in the first 2 1/2 weeks, and not a pound sence and I am 4 weeks post op. While I know my weight loss was more than typical for the first two weeks, so does that have something to do with this plateau maybe? I'm having the "I'm the only one gastic bypass isnt going to work for, in the world" feeling and am really going through a mental beating with this plateau. I dont exspect to loose at the rate I was but something would be nice, just to keep hope up. If any one has advise on this I would love to hear! How long will this last? and will it fix its self?    — reagan H. (posted on May 17, 2005)

May 16, 2005
In a word, no it is not strange. It has happened to most of us. Your body is just taking a break and getting used to the reduction of calories and the shock of having major surgery. Do not be so hard on yourself, you will get back into the loosing mode. A true plateau is when you stop loosing weight AND inches for 30 days straight. Just keep on doing what you are doing and the loss will start again soon. It may take 2-3 weeks
   — ChristineB

May 17, 2005
I'm 7 weeks post op. The EXACT SAME THING happened to me. I'm not sure you've stopped losing you're body has just slowed down. I think it tries to slow down your metabolism. So what I did is start to excersize. At first I just got on a treadmill and walked for 20 min at a really slow speed..then 30 min..up to an hour. Never going very fast al all. Then I would walk slow..speed up for 5 min..slow down..back and forth..never too fast as to hurt, but enought to feel like I was doing something. I also did the excersize when I first got up before I ate. I felt then I was forcing my body to use the fat stores as energy. The weight loss started again. There were other major benefits as well: I wasn't so cold all the time. I had way more energy. I slept better at night. I felt happier. I also started keeping track of everything I ate on the website fitday. There I was able to make healthier choices for my foods, and keep track of what I was putting into my body. I started to learn about what foods are high in bad stuff. What food choices I could make to give my body the fuel it needed. I actually started to wake up hungry. WHICH IS AN AWESOME SIGN.. it means my metabolism is going, my body needs the fuel. It also prepares me for when I do lose my weight, I need to learn how to eat healthy NOW! So when I'm down I don't gain it all back. Now is the perfect time to meet those destructive eating habits head-on! I read the puch rules on the internet and started putting those into place. I try to eat three meals a day with little snacking. I drink TONS of water way more than 8 glasses. The only snacks I allow myself is if I see on the fitday thing that I haven't eaten enough. I am usually between 600-800 calories. I try to have my protien shake once a day. (mine has 40g protein and no carbs, From GNC) I try to keep my carbs between 40-50grams and keep my fats low too. I stay away from high glucose index carbs like potatoes and corn. (Read the book 'before and after' she has a list of the high glucose index carbs and good carbs.) I stay away from refined things and I stop eating two-three hours before I go to bed. Your weightloss is actually better than mine. I lost 15lbs the first week and then nothing.... (actually I was still losing about 2lbs per week, but after the first quick loos that seemed like nothing). I have decided not to weigh myself weekly any longer but monthly. I think I will lose about 15-20lbs this month. I have heard at this stage your body goes all over with the water weight. Water is heavy. So you could be losing fat and still look like you are gaining even. So Keep doing the right things... it will work!!!! I think everyone goes through this early. Your body is in shock and is trying to stabalize..don't let it!!! Bettyanne
   — bettya

May 17, 2005
It is not a true plateau unless it lasts at least 4 weeks. But at this early out most of us stopped losing pounds but kept losing inches. It is VERY common and you should not worry.
   — TheresaC

May 17, 2005
What is happening to you has happened to most of us, and yes as a new post-op it freaks us out. Your body is basically in shock, it doesn't know what is happening. I did the exact same thing and mine last about 10 days then the scale showed 6 lbs. gone overnight. Don't get discouraged enjoy this awesome journey. It will happen for you just like everyone else. Good Luck!
   — cajungirl

May 18, 2005
I am also 2 1/2 wks post op and I dropped 41 lbs and now nothing so I would say this is normal. I am starting to exercise more and make sure I drink lots of water. I heard those are the 2 key things to do. Good luck with your weight loss and I am sure you will start again soon. Stormy :wave: 346/305/151
   — Stormy71

May 18, 2005
Hon, This is not a problem. With the gastric bypass you can't help but lose weight. It will start again, and make sure you are following the diet to a T and exercising. It is very important to exercise. I hope this helps.
   — Angelfirewithwings

May 18, 2005
I am about five months post. Will add my words of wisdom to the rest. What you are experiencing happens to me just about monthly. I do everything right (mostly), but sometimes the scale will not move for 10 days, then it starts again. I remember the first time panicking, but I have meade friends that told me that they had experienced the same, and that no, "I would not be the only person in the world that WLS did not work for". Take heed, we know how you feel. I started out at 214, am now 162. Because I am considered a lightweight (not to me), my weightloss is slower. I keep track of my loss on my calendar, and also use fitday.com. In this way, you see your progress over time. My best to you. Congratulations on the wonderful thirty pounds gone forever!
   — lindarodham6