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MyFitnessPal Community

Dissapointing results 1 month out - Advice?

Tristaan

Just had my 1 month check up and only lost 4 lbs!

Even my nurse said that's "quite low". She did say it's not unheard of...she's seen slow starters but eventually the weight loss suddenly kicks in and they catch up pretty quickly. Still, I am discouraged and want to do everything I can to maximize my results. I have followed the diet exactly, so I know it isn't overeating or eating the wrong things. Looking back through my log - I do realize that there are a few days I didn't get my 64oz water. I wonder if I could be mildly dehydrated and retaining water and/or slowing my fat burning? My plan is to really focus on the liquids and make sure I get the required amount for the next couple weeks and see if the scale starts moving.

The other thing that occurs to me is that my PCP has told me in the past that my thyroid was "a little low", and when I had my pre-surgery blood work - it came back a bit low again. The PCP decided to keep an eye on it, but I've not been medicated or referred to a specialist to date. Maybe the low thyroid is causing an issue?

Anyone had any experience with lower than usual weight loss this soon after surgery? How did you get over the hump?

Replies

Agate69

Be patient. Sleeve or RNY.? I just looked at my own progress chart and it was 5 pounds. A lot of swelling going on. Drink your water, get enough protein and walk and walk some. More.

Tristaan

RNY...thanks for the encouragement. I guess I have to stick to the plan and be patient!

ruby_brewer

What are your post surgery eating requirements? I know that across the board they vary greatly from surgeon to surgeon but for me, I had 3 weeks of liquids after surgery and then pureed foods on the fourth week. I gained 10lbs just from being at the hospital due to all the fluids they give you so always keep that in mind too

Work the plan and follow the rules --- and get as much exercise as you can........you will see your weight drop!

stroynaya

Did you gain weight in the hospital (pretty common). If you gained 10 pounds in the hospital that would mean you actually lost 14 in the first month, but only counted the four from your pre-surgery weight.

Also, you talked about following the diet, but what about exercise? Get 30 minutes minimum a day. That should also help with a low metabolism.

Tristaan

Great point! Even though I was following the diet, I really think I was overestimating how much exercise I was getting. I rejoined my gym and have been going six days. I've also really been watching my water and making sure I get that 64oz or more EVERY day. I'm down about 8 lbs over the past two weeks. I did gain 10 lbs after surgery, but lost it within the first week. I wasn't counting that. I guess from my Dr appt a week before surgery til now I'm down about 35 lbs in 6 weeks - not so bad really.

pattycakes726

I had the sleeve and didn't lose anything in the first month. At my 6 week check I was down 8 or 9 lbs. It was very frustrating! But, hang in there, it does come off. I'm now a little ahead of where my doc expects.

bikrchk

I had the sleeve and lost well on the liquid stage, but the 3 weeks I was on purees, not so much. It's kicked back up again since I've progressed to solid food. Trying to "eat" my protein rather than "drink" so much of it, but still using 1 shake\day to get to 70+g of protein. Also if you're building muscle that could be masking fat loss. Take your measurements and see if they've changed.

DiamondWater1

I completely sympathize. I'm in my 3rd week, going into 4th and only lost 9 pounds. I really thought it would be a faster process.

You're not alone.

shirleygirl910

I've had two surgeries, unfortunately. Every time they put me on liquid diets I gain.

My best advice, don't watch the scale. Take the first year to learn what you are suppose to do. The kinds of things to eat, how to eat them, and find a form of exercise you will enjoy for life. It can be several types of exercise not just one, but the exercise is what will help you maintain later on. These eating habits and exercise will be so valuable later on.

gramsoffive

My weight loss seems slow as well!! From week 7 to week 8 post op, I didn't lose anything. Today, week 9, I finally lost 4 pounds. So I have a total of 37 since pre op weight. I see others with much higher losses. It can get pretty depressing. My knees are really bad so walking is out of the question. Getting in my protein daily but not always enough water. I'm really working to get the water in. Others say they are never hungry & I'm hungry all the time. What is the deal??

Tristaan

Not sure...I'm trying to follow the advice NOT to compare my results to others, especially early on. I do think the liquid intake is more key than I realized because after I posted this I looked back through my diary and realized I was not being as consistent as I thought about my liquids or my exercise. I'm not going to say it's melting off, but after adding the treadmill 3-4 times a week, and ensuring my liquid intake was a minimum of 64oz every day, it has started coming off. I've lost 20 more lbs since Thanksgiving week. Before my surgery, I was on a BP pill with a diuretic. That was changed to just a BP pill after surgery because dehydration can be such an issue for WL patients. I find that my ankles swell pretty easily if I go one day not getting enough liquid - and I don't have to be short by much, only missing 8ozs will affect me pretty quickly. Can you do water aerobics or swimming at a local YMCA or gym? My niece has Lupus (she's not overweight but it affects her joints terribly so she cannot do exercises that will aggravate them) and her doctor suggested this type of exercise to relieve wear on her joints.

gramsoffive

Good idea...I need to really make sure I'm getting in the water!! I am always short on that. I used to love water, now not so much. I just need to keep it moving. I'm working on pool exercise right how. I'm hoping that will be more effective in the loses.

Thanks!

PaulaKro

How much protein are you getting? That really helps stave off the hunger. For me, eating processed carbs still makes me crave food. So low-carb/high-protein keeps me full and satisfied. The sleeve only makes me feel full after I've eaten solids. Liquids go right through.

I still have stalls (1-3 weeks) but when they end a bunch drops off. If I'm on track I try not to sweat it (tho it can still be frustrating), because when you're eating under 800 calories a day, you are going to lose weight.

Agate69

A lot about weight loss is variable from person to person. Metabolism, genetics, sleep, attitude, all make a difference. At three years out I can loose at 800 cal but maintain at 1200. I do not get enough protein at 800 cal, so I no longer stress about maintains. I gain at 2000 cal so I have a big window for maintain acne , provided I eat protein first, green veggies next , then all is good. Keep it up, sleeves loose slower but end up in almost the same place.

Hunger is a mind game, practice recognizing feeling full after you have eaten. Most of the time hunger is head hunger brought on by boredom, stress, and habit (time of day). Watching others eat. I am not always hungry at normal meal time. I attribute my success to eating only when hungry and needing fuel for my body. Practice eating small amounts and do not wash solid god down with liquid. If I eat and dr k at same times never get a full signal.

Christmas this year has been hard, too much temptation and eating to keep others company. Tomorrow we go to the north woods for a week of outdoor fun in the snow and cold! Below zero farenheight here. Shoul burn calories just keeping warm.

PaulaKro

...and do not wash solid food down with liquid. If I eat and drink at same times never get a full signal.

Good to know! One thing I miss is drinking with meals, and have been tempted lately. Now I'll be more careful. Thanks!