Wondering if I made a mistake
SmokeRising
Posts: 33 Member
I am 3 weeks post op. The first two weeks were pretty awful with pain and nausea. During the first two weeks I lost at least a pound a day but was only getting 200 - 400 calories a day and less than 20g protein. Of course my doctor wasn't pleased with the protein numbers. For the third week, I increased to about 500 calories and protein is between 50 and 60 grams. I know that is still a little short on protein. However I haven't lost a single pound. In fact, I gained a pound. I don't understand how that happens with only 500 calories per day (mostly fish and tuna). What really scares me is this is the weight that I was always stuck on at weight watchers. Literally for months I was stuck at this weight and finally quit ww. Of course I am no where close to goal. I am terrified I went through all of this pain and the financial cost for nothing.
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Sounds like you did make a mistake. But not for the reasons you think. IMO you're not mentally prepared to be healthy. You're focusing too much in weight.
Don't weigh yourself for a while. Isn't the goal to be healthy? You had a post COMPLAINING about losing 17 lbs in two weeks. Are you kidding??? So now you're down 16 lbs in 3 weeks. Pretty good if you ask me.
Be positive and move forward. Follow best practices and you'll be fine.1 -
That is a pretty broad assumption based on 2 posts aztec4life. I have questioned the weight loss because that is what baffles me. My doctor told me I should lose 20 -30 pounds in first two weeks. At 2 week checkup I had lost 17. My calories were under 400 and protein intake very low at 20g. Doc said to get protein up. She said I was exercising too much at this stage and should slow down. I did both of these. She said that I should expect to lose 10 pounds by 4 week post op appointment. Since I haven't lost anything in 3rd week, it is doubtful I will lose 10 pounds in the 4th week. I know I am making healthy choices...doc even reviewed by food journal. It does make one feel like a failure if the doctor states weight loss goals and can't meet them.0
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You're thinking of the calories in, calories out, concept. This isn't always true! Just because calories are low doesn't guarantee scale drops! Your body is in the process of healing itself, and this takes time. While healing the body will pause weight loss to deal with those issues along the way. Then resume losing weight once the issue is dealt with. Weight loss isn't linear, it's a series of stair steps, and sometimes is a rollercoaster ride! Try to ignore the scale for a bit. Measure yourself and use them as a motivator for when the scale doesn't move (there will be more times when it doesn't, or you can see unexplainable gains!)! Do not ever allow the scale to dictate your food choices! Stay on plan, and the scale will catch up! But remember, the scale isn't going to always be kind to you, so don't give it power over you!
Hang in there! This will pass!3 -
The first month or so is not indicative of what you can expect for the majority of your weight loss after that. First of all, you're retaining post-op fluids from the IVs you were given. I still had some fluid retention from that when I went to my six-week checkup. A good way to tell - poke your ankle area. Does it take a second or two for your skin to "fill back in?" If so, you're probably retaining fluids. Once your bladder fully awakens from surgery (mine took several weeks), you'll start getting rid of those extra fluids.
Secondly, grab a tape measure. Stalls are very much a part of this process, and usually the first one hits right around weeks 3 and 4. Your body is adjusting to a MASSIVE change. It takes a moment to readjust what it needs to in the form of halting your weight loss, but you're usually losing mass even when that happens. Take your measurements, try some smaller clothing sizes, etc. Chances are that you'll still be seeing your measurements go down even if the number on the scale is not. This is the first stall you've seen, but I can guarantee you that it won't be your last. I am 14 months out and I'm in one at the moment myself. They happen. They're frustrating, but eventually they break as long as you stick with what you're supposed to do.
What you're looking for is an overall trend downward. Right now, you've lost 16 lbs. in a month. That's just about half a pound a day. Half a pound a day! That's massive! Cut your body a break, keep sipping and think about what you've accomplished so far and what is still to come.
You've got this.4 -
Hang in there --- each day and each week will get better (as far as pain and nausea goes) and you will be able to slowly add in exercise which will greatly assist in your health goals. I found it to be overwhelming at first because of the severe nausea I was experiencing. I also stalled a lot (and still do) and lose weight very, very slowly. But, my one year labs were remarkable and I was very pleased even as I realize I still have much work to do. Sip your protein drinks and water throughout the day and even at night (I used to take a blender bottle to bed with me so I would sip until I fell asleep and as soon as I woke up) to get in the nutrition needed. Be consistent and do what you know you need to do and it will fall into place. Best wishes!1
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Don't focus on the numbers so much. Focus on healing. Also, know that everyone is different. I was in danger of being a "statistical failure" at my 2-month follow up. When I saw my surgeon at 4 months he was shocked. Now at 6 1/2 months I've already surpassed by surgeon's one year goal.
Take a deep breath and focus on the process and not the outcome.1 -
As much as the scale is important, I really wish folks wouldn't take those numbers to heart. They're going to fluctuate, especially as you're healing. The next year or two will be a scale roller coaster, so you have 2 choices...
1. Weigh and take each number to heart, fret over increases, and fret over losses and whether they're enough.
2. Weigh and pay attention to an 8-week trend line, fret over nothing, and trust the process.
It's your choice, but as someone who's 16mo post-RNY and just this morning weighed in with 155lbs lost, 135lbs since my surgery, I highly suggest #2.3 -
I agree. Don't focus on the scales. I'm a month post op from lapband. The weight will come off. Focus on your health. Focus on following your plan. Doing what you are supposed and let your body set it's course for recovery and weight loss. Seriously. I don't even own a set of scales. I weigh myself once a week at work but don't consider those numbers "official." I only worry about the numbers at the Doc office.
Be kind and loving to yourself. Be patient and just focus on what day at a time.2 -
I'm honestly surprised that your doctor said you would lose 20-30 lbs in the first two weeks. That seems almost impossible even in the best case scenario. I lost 8 lbs the first two weeks and my doctor was super happy. Now 2 1/2 years later I am down over 200 lbs, so I am glad I didn't dwell on the numbers along the way. Like others have said, stick with the plan and you will see the results long term. Don't focus on numbers or fluctuation. It will all even out in the end and as long as you do what you are supposed to do, you will get results.8
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Please also consider that you could be feeling a little more emotional and/or less logical right now. Fat governs quite a few hormonal activities and the release of said hormones during a period of rapid weight loss can wreak a little havoc. Combined with pain, fatigue, and low calories...not the best time for reflecting on life's decisions!
You could be battling with a "set" weight--the theory that our body may stick at certain weights. At least two of the PAUSES I've had in the past 10 months were at weights where I could remember being for a significant amount of time. Probably coincidence but I buckled down and worked extra hard to get things started again. I reached my initial weight goal this past weekend (a loss of 135 pounds)...a year and a week after starting my journey and less than 10 months after surgery.
Try unflavored protein powder in warm bone broth...I found warm things went down easier than cold, creamy protein shakes. It is important for healing. I like Syntrax Nectar unflavored medical protein and Pacific Organic Bone Broth in Turkey Rosemary flavor or the Chicken Lemongrass...they'll both need salt!3 -
The first month or so is not generally a lot of fun. Relax. Your doctor shouldn't have predicted a specific loss for you per month. It will come off. And your weight will stall sometimes. It'll work. IT WILL WORK.4
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My first thought was that at 6 weeks out I have just been cleared for meat/tuna...is 3 weeks a little early? Maybe it's just my surgeon. The first 2 weeks were liquid diet for me followed by 4 weeks of "mush". Best of luck!!!
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You're thinking of the calories in, calories out, concept. This isn't always true! Just because calories are low doesn't guarantee scale drops! Your body is in the process of healing itself, and this takes time. While healing the body will pause weight loss to deal with those issues along the way. Then resume losing weight once the issue is dealt with. Weight loss isn't linear, it's a series of stair steps, and sometimes is a rollercoaster ride! Try to ignore the scale for a bit. Measure yourself and use them as a motivator for when the scale doesn't move (there will be more times when it doesn't, or you can see unexplainable gains!)! Do not ever allow the scale to dictate your food choices! Stay on plan, and the scale will catch up! But remember, the scale isn't going to always be kind to you, so don't give it power over you!
Hang in there! This will pass!
Thank you so much. Very helpful. Especially "the scale isn't going to always be kind to you, so don't give it power over you". That makes sense!1 -
cmchandler74 wrote: »The first month or so is not indicative of what you can expect for the majority of your weight loss after that. First of all, you're retaining post-op fluids from the IVs you were given. I still had some fluid retention from that when I went to my six-week checkup. A good way to tell - poke your ankle area. Does it take a second or two for your skin to "fill back in?" If so, you're probably retaining fluids. Once your bladder fully awakens from surgery (mine took several weeks), you'll start getting rid of those extra fluids.
Secondly, grab a tape measure. Stalls are very much a part of this process, and usually the first one hits right around weeks 3 and 4. Your body is adjusting to a MASSIVE change. It takes a moment to readjust what it needs to in the form of halting your weight loss, but you're usually losing mass even when that happens. Take your measurements, try some smaller clothing sizes, etc. Chances are that you'll still be seeing your measurements go down even if the number on the scale is not. This is the first stall you've seen, but I can guarantee you that it won't be your last. I am 14 months out and I'm in one at the moment myself. They happen. They're frustrating, but eventually they break as long as you stick with what you're supposed to do.
What you're looking for is an overall trend downward. Right now, you've lost 16 lbs. in a month. That's just about half a pound a day. Half a pound a day! That's massive! Cut your body a break, keep sipping and think about what you've accomplished so far and what is still to come.
You've got this.
That makes sense. I thought the first month would be like the first month of any diet where you lost the most weight. I haven't measured at all. I probably need to try that. Thank you so much!0 -
NicoleL874 wrote: »Don't focus on the numbers so much. Focus on healing. Also, know that everyone is different. I was in danger of being a "statistical failure" at my 2-month follow up. When I saw my surgeon at 4 months he was shocked. Now at 6 1/2 months I've already surpassed by surgeon's one year goal.
Take a deep breath and focus on the process and not the outcome.
That is a remarkable turn around. Congrats!!! I hope I can be that successful!0 -
As much as the scale is important, I really wish folks wouldn't take those numbers to heart. They're going to fluctuate, especially as you're healing. The next year or two will be a scale roller coaster, so you have 2 choices...
1. Weigh and take each number to heart, fret over increases, and fret over losses and whether they're enough.
2. Weigh and pay attention to an 8-week trend line, fret over nothing, and trust the process.
It's your choice, but as someone who's 16mo post-RNY and just this morning weighed in with 155lbs lost, 135lbs since my surgery, I highly suggest #2.
Wow..135 pounds is awesome. Congrats! It is very hard to not focus on the scales. When you are over weight, everyone focuses on how much you weigh. When you are losing weight, everyone tells you not to focus on weight. Difficult to change habits but I get what you are saying. Thank you !!0 -
I'm honestly surprised that your doctor said you would lose 20-30 lbs in the first two weeks. That seems almost impossible even in the best case scenario. I lost 8 lbs the first two weeks and my doctor was super happy. Now 2 1/2 years later I am down over 200 lbs, so I am glad I didn't dwell on the numbers along the way. Like others have said, stick with the plan and you will see the results long term. Don't focus on numbers or fluctuation. It will all even out in the end and as long as you do what you are supposed to do, you will get results.
Yes, the nurse practitioner told me that. I spoke to my doctor yesterday and she said I was at the minimum BMI to even get surgery so I would not lose weight at the same rate as other patients. She told me I looked very healthy and needed to concentrate on getting more protein in. I am not as frazzled after speaking to her yesterday. Hopefully I will be as successful as you. 200 pounds...wow! That is awesome and shows such discipline!0 -
amandacanales wrote: »Please also consider that you could be feeling a little more emotional and/or less logical right now. Fat governs quite a few hormonal activities and the release of said hormones during a period of rapid weight loss can wreak a little havoc. Combined with pain, fatigue, and low calories...not the best time for reflecting on life's decisions!
You could be battling with a "set" weight--the theory that our body may stick at certain weights. At least two of the PAUSES I've had in the past 10 months were at weights where I could remember being for a significant amount of time. Probably coincidence but I buckled down and worked extra hard to get things started again. I reached my initial weight goal this past weekend (a loss of 135 pounds)...a year and a week after starting my journey and less than 10 months after surgery.
Try unflavored protein powder in warm bone broth...I found warm things went down easier than cold, creamy protein shakes. It is important for healing. I like Syntrax Nectar unflavored medical protein and Pacific Organic Bone Broth in Turkey Rosemary flavor or the Chicken Lemongrass...they'll both need salt!
Thank you! I had not thought of the hormone issues.0 -
My first thought was that at 6 weeks out I have just been cleared for meat/tuna...is 3 weeks a little early? Maybe it's just my surgeon. The first 2 weeks were liquid diet for me followed by 4 weeks of "mush". Best of luck!!!
Yes she cleared me to eat the meat in soups, soft fish and tuna..like those tuna creations where the tuna is shredded. I am not cleared to go eat a steak. LOL0
