Post Op Weight Loss Struggle (Sleeve)
Nakerr5
Posts: 4
Hi all,
I recently had the Gastric Sleeve done on Dec 16th. I have lost a total of 30 pounds - 10 of which was from the Liver Reduction Diet in the 10 days before surgery- between then and my first follow up on Dec 27th. I am concerned though because even though I am following the stages as prescribed, I have not lost one additional pound since the 27th. I am getting about 50-60 g of protien per day, sometimes more and am getting in about an average of 700-800 calories a day. I am drinking all my waters and as I said above following the diet guidelines. I have been doing the resistance band exercises and should be clear to go back to the gym in about a week or so.
For some background, in the last five years I was gaining weight uncontrollable , even though my diet/exercise hadn't changed drastically - and has continued undiagnosed by every doctor and specialist. the end result was about a 130 lb weight gain. I have tried everything to lose that weight, from pills to personal trainers, weight watchers, low carb high protien diets, doing things like couch to 5k programs, gym regularly, I was even placed on an 800 calorie diet for a while. They looked at PCOS as a likely factor, and I had several of the symptoms, but not the ones that are most prominent with PCOS, they determined a gluten intolerance as well, but ultimately the weight wouldnt come off and this surgery was recommended.
With that being said, you can understand why I am deathly afraid that I have gone through all of this, had this surgery and am now having a complete panic attack that the scale hasnt moved in 2.5 weeks. Its like reliving the last 5 years all over. This is supposed to be the rapid weight loss phase. Is it normal to have not lost ANY weight in 2.5 weeks? Has this happened to anyone else out there? Is there something I am doing wrong? I know I could stand to eat more protien grams - and am working on that. Looking for any advice available at this point..
I recently had the Gastric Sleeve done on Dec 16th. I have lost a total of 30 pounds - 10 of which was from the Liver Reduction Diet in the 10 days before surgery- between then and my first follow up on Dec 27th. I am concerned though because even though I am following the stages as prescribed, I have not lost one additional pound since the 27th. I am getting about 50-60 g of protien per day, sometimes more and am getting in about an average of 700-800 calories a day. I am drinking all my waters and as I said above following the diet guidelines. I have been doing the resistance band exercises and should be clear to go back to the gym in about a week or so.
For some background, in the last five years I was gaining weight uncontrollable , even though my diet/exercise hadn't changed drastically - and has continued undiagnosed by every doctor and specialist. the end result was about a 130 lb weight gain. I have tried everything to lose that weight, from pills to personal trainers, weight watchers, low carb high protien diets, doing things like couch to 5k programs, gym regularly, I was even placed on an 800 calorie diet for a while. They looked at PCOS as a likely factor, and I had several of the symptoms, but not the ones that are most prominent with PCOS, they determined a gluten intolerance as well, but ultimately the weight wouldnt come off and this surgery was recommended.
With that being said, you can understand why I am deathly afraid that I have gone through all of this, had this surgery and am now having a complete panic attack that the scale hasnt moved in 2.5 weeks. Its like reliving the last 5 years all over. This is supposed to be the rapid weight loss phase. Is it normal to have not lost ANY weight in 2.5 weeks? Has this happened to anyone else out there? Is there something I am doing wrong? I know I could stand to eat more protien grams - and am working on that. Looking for any advice available at this point..
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Replies
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Hi Nakerr5.....do not lose heart. Most of us have experience this two to three weeks out from surgery. My friend Norma went almost 5 weeks before she started dropping again. Just keep with the plan. You will be in my prayers because I know how dishearting it can be. I am sending you a friend request please add me.0
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Thank you so much for that! It truly makes me feel better & have hope again! I was getting so panicked! Thank you!0
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Hang in there. I lost okay on liquids immediately post surgery, but the 3 weeks on purees... Not so much. 2lbs total while I was on purees, I think. Once I started eating a variety of healthy food, the losses racked back up again. If you're doing what you're supposed to be doing, it WILL happen.0
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Whatever you do don't fall into the habit of grazing. Give yourself the 30 min to get your food down and no food between meals. Measure weigh and log everything. Get all your water and protein in. Walk as much as you possibly can. If you are doing all this you will push on thru. Your body just thinks it is starving and has plummeted your metabolism. Make sure you are not constipated. You will get thru and likely drop 3 lb quickly.0
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My friend Karen & I both hit stalls. It's really fun when it drops off. Let us know when it happens, okay?
Stalls can be all kinds of things, muscle buildup, water weight, food processing slower and staying inside longer. But if you're eating your protein, drinking your water, exercising, and taking your vitamins and medicine, then you should be fine.
Upping your protein sounds good (I go for 60-80+gm/day). You want to make sure your body gets the nutrition you need. Your energy should be good.
Asking for feedback on MFP is a great way to check in. Have you called your nutritionist, doctor's office or nurse? Also, you can look up local support groups, that helps with morale too.0 -
I was sleeved on September 12, 2013. I did not lose a pound for about 3 weeks. I was just like you regretting my decision.
I am 4 months out now and down 56 pounds total. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Follow the diet and do exactly what the doctor has told you and do not compare yourself to others. I did at first, comparrison is the theif of joy! I would also recommend only weighing once a week to take some of that pressure off yourself.
You CAN do this! I am here for you!0 -
Thank you all for all your kind words and encouragement. I am about 6 weeks out now and since my original post i have lost about 3 more lbs. I have been really trying to get more protien and have been exercising now (mostly cardio and hand weights). I know I shouldn't compare myself to others , but it sure is hard. I considered going back to stage one and starting on liquids all over again. Has anyone done that before?
Again, I really appreciate the advice, encouragement and motivation! It helps me SOOOOO much!0 -
I'm only a week post-op and have only lost 2 lbs. In order to get all my protein in I have found two products that taste amazing and are quick to do: Six Star Whey Isolate Protein Shake Mix and Nature's Bounty Complete Protein & Vitamin Shake Mix. Both come in Decadent Chocolate (what I have) and I always carry a couple of zip lock bags of mix in case I'm somewhere that doesn't have anything I can ingest yet as I'm still on full liquids. The shakes taste so good and I'm not a shake person. I also mix with a little less milk, put into a small bowl and freeze--tastes just like ice cream. Both of these products have 30 - 40 grams protein per serving and they are reasonably priced.
If I'm in a hurry in the a.m. I just drink 8 oz of milk - which is considered a meal and a good source of protein. By mid-morning snack I can have my Protein Shake or Ice Cream.' If you like yogurt, try Yoplait Greek - great source of protein.
I also drink a great deal of water, but have noticed I'm not that thirsty these days. Remember, water is supplemented by Decaf coffee, tea etc.
I don't have a scale in the house and do not at this time intend on buying one. I think it will put too much pressure and focus on the scale and not on the lifestyle change in my eating habits I'm trying to adjust to. My plan is to focus on eating the right things in the right amounts (protein first always), 5 or 6 smaller meals per day, adding exercise and the fit of my clothes.0
