Question:
Are you newly postop and feeling frustrated by slow weight loss?

I've seen so many of these posts by new postops that I felt compelled to post to all of them at once. Your body has just gone through a major trauma (surgery) and it is going to take a long time to heal! You probably won't feel like yourself for several weeks, maybe more. Please, don't worry about how much weight you're losing the first 6 weeks postop. This is a time that you need to concentrate on doing what you can to help your body heal. Listen to your body. If it needs more sleep, give it more sleep. If it can only walk for five minutes, don't push it. Build up the exercise gradually. Especially important is making sure you are giving it all the nutrients it needs to heal. This includes protein (your dietician should've given you a protein goal to meet every day), vitamins (the more broken down the vitamin is when you ingest it the less the body has to work to break it down and the more it can absorb - chewables, liquids, powders, etc.), water (try for plain water so it can be quickly absorbed). Also, I had good luck with taking biotin and zinc, starting from the first day home from the hospital, and I didn't have any hair loss. It seems like most early postops go through some type of, "What did I do to myself?!" feeling after surgery. They are sick, sore, disappointed that the weight hasn't been "falling" off. Please keep in mind that this is a long journey. You should lose weight for the next two years, so you have plenty of time. I know that you want the weight off NOW but your body has it's own plans. You're only setting yourself up for frustration if you try and make your body lose weight faster than it can. We're here for you and we understand what you're feeling. Your body has been too heavy and, in most cases, has been unhealthy for a long time...give it a break and give it some time to adjust to a new way of living. Health should be the ultimate objective, not just weight loss. I know a lot of thin people who aren't necessarily healthy or in shape. You'll feel a little better every day and you'll start being able to do things you couldn't do before, like walking to the mailbox without being short of breath, fitting into booths and movie theater seats, or running a marathon. Good luck to all of you! Hope this helps. :-)    — Kellie L. (posted on March 10, 2001)

March 9, 2001
Amen to that! And also, please don't feel compelled to compare your losses to those of other people. There are so many variables -- age, sex, what other drugs you are on, body type, family history, how long you've been overweight, your metabolism, etc. Plateaus are a regular part of the weight loss process -- they may happen regularly and they may happen very early. They may last for 3 or perhaps even 4 weeks. I suggest that everyone take their body measurements preop, then take them monthly on your surgery date. I lost slowly, and I found that even when on plateaus, I was still losing inches. Use the early months to learn new eating habits and slowly getting into the habit of exercise (both of which become easier to do with the aid of the surgery). Best wishes to all.
   — Cindy H.

March 10, 2001
Thanks for the pep talk. I am just a little over 3 months post op and have lost 51 lbs. I have been feeling like this is not enough and not quick enough but your post really helped me put things in perspective. If I had been on a regular diet I would not have lost anywhere near this amount of weight in the same amount of time. I know I am doing all the right things as far as diet and excercise are concerned and I am confident that my body will fall right in line. Looking forward to reaching my goal no matter what the time frame.
   — Heather P.

March 10, 2001
Cindy H: I totally SECOND your idea to keep body measurements!!! I am almost 6 weeks post-op (Laparoscopic BPD/DS) and I've lost about 25 lbs in that time. It's about 'on target' but certainly not as much as many others have lost. I have been on a plateau at 282 (from 307 pre=op) for about 2 weeks now.... the scale just won't move! LOL However, I took my measurements again and I HAVE LOST INCHES! At least 2 in many places! That is SO consoling to know that my body is 'shrinking' even though the scale won't move! I also appreciated the original post about placing an emphasis on HEALTH, getting PROTEIN in and LISTENING to one's body. I've actually felt so great post-op (no complications or problems eating, etc.) that it's very easy for me to overdo it and get exhausted. I'm just going to ride my 'first plateau' out and keep up the walking, eating right/getting protein in, and keeping hydrated! :) These posts came at JUST the right time - thanks and {{{hugs}}} All the best, ([email protected]),
   — Teresa N.

March 10, 2001
Kellie, bless you for writing what you did; it certainly helped me! Best regards~
   — Gail R.

March 10, 2001
Thank you so much for this post! It certainly cheered me up! I agree with what everyone else responded with. God Bless,
   — Tina C.

March 14, 2001
Kellie, THANK-YOU sooo much for the advice and encouragment. I'm 2 weeks post-op and am in the "What did I do to myself?" stage. Everything you said makes sense and helped me feel a little better. God Bless.
   — Gina L.

July 9, 2001
Kelli.....Amen! Well said! Thanks for the needed response on this subject. Kim
   — Kim W.