3 weeks post-op help
SassyAshleigh
Posts: 78 Member
Hi everyone. I wanted some input if I am on the right track, because I got very discouraged this morning when I hopped on the scale. I only lost 2.2 lbs since last week and I am 3 weeks post-op. I am getting as much water and protein as possible in, but not meeting the goal every single day (man it's hard eating 3-4 oz at a time). I have not eaten one thing that I am not allowed to eat (PROMISE!) I get to start working out and doing weights this week, as approved by my doctor. Am I on track? I feel behind and discouraged since I only lost 2.2 lbs since last week. Thank you in advance!
7/28/15 - Started 2 week all-liquid diet - 305.6 (0.0 lbs lost)
8/11/15 - Surgery date - 287 (-18.6 lbs)
8/17/15 - 1 week post-op - 283 (-22.6 lbs)
8/24/15 - 2 weeks post-op - 279.2 (-26.4 lbs)
8/31/15 - 3 weeks post-op - 277 (-28.2 lbs)
7/28/15 - Started 2 week all-liquid diet - 305.6 (0.0 lbs lost)
8/11/15 - Surgery date - 287 (-18.6 lbs)
8/17/15 - 1 week post-op - 283 (-22.6 lbs)
8/24/15 - 2 weeks post-op - 279.2 (-26.4 lbs)
8/31/15 - 3 weeks post-op - 277 (-28.2 lbs)
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Replies
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You're still healing, which can really mess with the weight loss. Not everyone loses at the same rate, so take a deep breath, do what you're supposed to do, and trust the process. It'll happen in its own time frame.0
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Thank you for the encouraging words. I am doing everything I am supposed to (even trying to get in all the water and protein I can). Just needed to know if I am off track. Thanks!
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Hi! A lot of what you lost in the two weeks before your surgery was water weight - it's the only way you can lose almost 20 lbs in 2 weeks. I'm sure you've been losing fat, as well, and mostly fat since surgery - and perhaps gaining some of the water and muscle back. Last week (I am 4 weeks out today), I lost 3.5. Totally on plan and, because I was on vacation, I was super active. Their is a thread from one week ago about plateaus that is also helpful.0
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Should I be hitting a plateau this early, though? It's only been 3 weeks....0
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The three week stall is kind of infamous, actually. It's pretty common. Keep in mind you may still be holding fluid retention from the IVs you were placed on and other things as your bladder and bowels start waking back up from the anesthesia. Give yourself a bit of time to get all of your systems healed and you'll start seeing the weight fly off soon.0
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cmchandler74 wrote: »The three week stall is kind of infamous, actually. It's pretty common. Keep in mind you may still be holding fluid retention from the IVs you were placed on and other things as your bladder and bowels start waking back up from the anesthesia. Give yourself a bit of time to get all of your systems healed and you'll start seeing the weight fly off soon.
I had never heard about the 3-week issue. Thank you for letting me know! This was very helpful.0 -
3 week plateau is the most common. And most frustrating since it is usually the first one you are dealing with mentally. Keep eating right and being active. Realize that you have lost almost 30lbs in a month and that's an amazing feat but it won't stay that high. I had a very similar starting weight as you and only lost about 18 my first month. I average 12-13 now for months 2-6 and that's about 3 lbs a week. Some weeks it is zero, some weeks it is 5 but it's pretty steady overall. Like others said, just trust in it. There will be worse plateaus numbers wise but this is the worst one emotionally. And remember, 2.2 lbs a week is 114 lbs in a year - that is a pretty incredible weight loss and that's at your plateau rate! Perspective is very difficult at first but it gets easier :-)0
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blairmundy wrote: »3 week plateau is the most common. And most frustrating since it is usually the first one you are dealing with mentally. Keep eating right and being active. Realize that you have lost almost 30lbs in a month and that's an amazing feat but it won't stay that high. I had a very similar starting weight as you and only lost about 18 my first month. I average 12-13 now for months 2-6 and that's about 3 lbs a week. Some weeks it is zero, some weeks it is 5 but it's pretty steady overall. Like others said, just trust in it. There will be worse plateaus numbers wise but this is the worst one emotionally. And remember, 2.2 lbs a week is 114 lbs in a year - that is a pretty incredible weight loss and that's at your plateau rate! Perspective is very difficult at first but it gets easier :-)
You are fantastic! Your positive perspective is very kind and helpful. Thank you for your encouragement and knowledge!0 -
Three weeks post-op, and the scale had not moved in 7 days. Actually, after the surgery, I lost the IV fluids, then stopped. I'm only 2 pounds less than surgery date 3 weeks ago. But since I've been reading all these posts to calm down about plateaus, I have been really zen and not let it freak me out. This morning I spot checked 2 body measurements, and yup, have lost a few inches in 3 weeks. So, thumbs up. My body is doing its work!0
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I'm having the same problem. I'm 4 weeks post op and haven't lost anything since week 2. I keep doing what I'm supposed to and hoping for some movement on the scale sometime soon.0
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martabeerich wrote: »Three weeks post-op, and the scale had not moved in 7 days. Actually, after the surgery, I lost the IV fluids, then stopped. I'm only 2 pounds less than surgery date 3 weeks ago. But since I've been reading all these posts to calm down about plateaus, I have been really zen and not let it freak me out. This morning I spot checked 2 body measurements, and yup, have lost a few inches in 3 weeks. So, thumbs up. My body is doing its work!
I am so happy you are seeing progress in the inches and can see that it is working. I hope you continue to see positive results! 0 -
gonzalesvikki wrote: »I'm having the same problem. I'm 4 weeks post op and haven't lost anything since week 2. I keep doing what I'm supposed to and hoping for some movement on the scale sometime soon.
Maybe we need to do like Martabeerich and do measurements instead of lbs and see what difference there is 0 -
I find that I lose more inches when the scale stops. I drop weight for several weeks and then plateau for a week or 2, and suddenly my pants are falling off of me. Measurements are great, I take mine every 4-6 weeks and record them to compare. Weight loss, even after surgery, isn't a straight line down. It looks more like a staircase.0
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Sinderstorm, I've noticed the same pattern as well0
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sinderstorm wrote: »I find that I lose more inches when the scale stops. I drop weight for several weeks and then plateau for a week or 2, and suddenly my pants are falling off of me. Measurements are great, I take mine every 4-6 weeks and record them to compare. Weight loss, even after surgery, isn't a straight line down. It looks more like a staircase.
That is great to know! I should have done my measurements before surgery. I will need to start keeping up with them. I will keep this in mind, thank you! 0 -
Yep...I had a three week stall as well...Our bodies have been through a lot and needs time to heal. I know we all wish we could snap our fingers and wish this weight was gone. But it is going to take time and patience. You got this Sassy!! Don't get discouraged! You can do this!0
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klingerman73 wrote: »Yep...I had a three week stall as well...Our bodies have been through a lot and needs time to heal. I know we all wish we could snap our fingers and wish this weight was gone. But it is going to take time and patience. You got this Sassy!! Don't get discouraged! You can do this!
Thank you so much for the encouraging words! I appreciate it greatly!
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I think this is a common panic for newbies. I know it was for me! What I learned early on is to not compare your journey to others. It will mess with your head. I noticed early on for me I was comparing my progress to others and I thought "gee what am I doing wrong?" Well I wasn't doing anything wrong, it's just how my body was handeling the recovery of a major surgery. Stick to your plan, which it sounds like you are. My advice is to focus on water and protein intake not the scale at first. It will move, there is no other option but for it to move if you stick to your doc's plan for you.0
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I think this is a common panic for newbies. I know it was for me! What I learned early on is to not compare your journey to others. It will mess with your head. I noticed early on for me I was comparing my progress to others and I thought "gee what am I doing wrong?" Well I wasn't doing anything wrong, it's just how my body was handeling the recovery of a major surgery. Stick to your plan, which it sounds like you are. My advice is to focus on water and protein intake not the scale at first. It will move, there is no other option but for it to move if you stick to your doc's plan for you.
Thank you! And you are exactly right, if I stick to the requirements and recommendations the scale will move. I was doing exactly as you stated: comparing myself to others and their progress. I find it still hard to get all my water and protein in, but I am trying my best. Thank you again!
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I'm going to echo what everyone else has said - the scale is wicked bi@%$ and doesn't move like I want her to; however, the inches are dropping off. My weight loss is sporadic; I will hover around a weight for 5-10 days, then drop 3 pounds every other days for a couple of days. I, as others have mentioned, find that measuring myself and looking at how my clothes fit is a more accurate reflection of my progress. I have started exercising and lifting weights; I suspect that I am building muscle and losing fat.
Last bit of advice - everybody is an experiment of One. Your progress will not necessarily mimic everyone else's. Some lose weight faster than others. Count those NSVs - those are the changes that affect your quality of life. The scale only reflects you're relationship with gravity...0 -
greenbaymichk wrote: »I'm going to echo what everyone else has said - the scale is wicked bi@%$ and doesn't move like I want her to; however, the inches are dropping off. My weight loss is sporadic; I will hover around a weight for 5-10 days, then drop 3 pounds every other days for a couple of days. I, as others have mentioned, find that measuring myself and looking at how my clothes fit is a more accurate reflection of my progress. I have started exercising and lifting weights; I suspect that I am building muscle and losing fat.
Last bit of advice - everybody is an experiment of One. Your progress will not necessarily mimic everyone else's. Some lose weight faster than others. Count those NSVs - those are the changes that affect your quality of life. The scale only reflects you're relationship with gravity...
Dang scale! well said.
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greenbaymichk wrote: »I'm going to echo what everyone else has said - the scale is wicked bi@%$ and doesn't move like I want her to; however, the inches are dropping off. My weight loss is sporadic; I will hover around a weight for 5-10 days, then drop 3 pounds every other days for a couple of days. I, as others have mentioned, find that measuring myself and looking at how my clothes fit is a more accurate reflection of my progress. I have started exercising and lifting weights; I suspect that I am building muscle and losing fat.
Last bit of advice - everybody is an experiment of One. Your progress will not necessarily mimic everyone else's. Some lose weight faster than others. Count those NSVs - those are the changes that affect your quality of life. The scale only reflects you're relationship with gravity...
That was wonderful! Thank you for the humorous and enlightening advice! It was awesome!0 -
UPDATE: Last week I stuck to what I was supposed to do, as each of you told me and I lost 4.8 lbs. Thank you to everyone for your encouraging words and help! I greatly appreciate it!0
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Excellent work!0
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Yay SassyAshleigh! Woot woot!0
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