Rogofulm

Congratulations! You have reached The Dreaded Week-3 Stall. It's perfectly normal, and just about all of us have suffered through it. You're not crazy, and your doctor didn't screw up. In fact, you might not lose any weight for two weeks or even longer. But don't worry – after that, the weight will start falling off if you stick to your program. And, the inches will continue to come off even while the scale isn't budging. Here's a good article that explains why it happens and why we all have to go through it. Hang in there. Pretty soon it'll be in the rear-view mirror and you'll be dropping weight again! (Apologies to BP regulars who have seen this repeatedly, but it's a big deal to those who are going through it!)

That...is...so...fan...tastic! Congratulations on making it to goal -- you must be very proud!!!!! So now, what's your plan for maintenance? Seriously, those of us who are getting close would love to keep hearing how you're doing. And if you learn any tricks that we can follow, please share them. Good luck in the next phase of your journey!!!

Time to get back to basics. You remember how this thing works, right? Protein, Protein, protein.... fluids, fluids, fluids. I wish you all the (renewed) success in the world!!! And please keep us posted on your progress. Your's is the kind of cautionary story we all need to hear!

Congratulations! You have reached The Dreaded Week-3 Stall. It's perfectly normal, and just about all of us have suffered through it. You're not crazy, and your doctor didn't screw up. In fact, you might not lose any weight for two weeks or even longer. But don't worry – after that, the weight will start falling off if you stick to your program. And, the inches will continue to come off even while the scale isn't budging. Here's a good article that explains why it happens and why we all have to go through it. Hang in there. Pretty soon it'll be in the rear-view mirror and you'll be dropping weight again! (Apologies to BP regulars who have seen this repeatedly, but it's a big deal to those who are going through it!)

Not interested an anything from Mickey D's. I could eat a 5-6 ounce beef pattie with a bite or two of veggies, but that's about it. But I'm only 7.5 months out.

I'm with ya!!! I got to within one pound of goal for about five minutes. Since then I've bounced around 2-4 pounds above my goal for over a week. I also have a stretch goal that's four pounds below my stated goal, so this is killin' me! Okay, not really. I feel good at this weight, but I'm a numbers guy, and I'm sooooooo close! Like you, I'm determined to make it, and with that attitude, it's just a matter of time until we do. I've never "done" anything to break a stall, just kept on keepin' on. So let's just keep doing what got us this far, and when the time is right, we'll get the next drop, and then (eventually) the next one until we make it. Good luck!!! Just wanted to let you know you're not alone.....

Congratulations! You have reached The Dreaded Week-3 Stall. It's perfectly normal, and just about all of us have suffered through it. You're not crazy, and your doctor didn't screw up. In fact, you might not lose any weight for two weeks or even longer. But don't worry – after that, the weight will start falling off if you stick to your program. And, the inches will continue to come off even while the scale isn't budging. Here's a good article that explains why it happens and why we all have to go through it. Hang in there. Pretty soon it'll be in the rear-view mirror and you'll be dropping weight again! (Apologies to BP regulars who have seen this repeatedly, but it's a big deal to those who are going through it!)

I echo what everyone else has said. It won't happen until he's ready. Sounds like he may be depressed over your success and his failure at weight loss. No point in encouraging/nagging him any more because we all know that won't work. So tell him that while you're really worried about his health, you still love him unconditionally (assuming that's true). Then continue to be a shining example of what he *could* be. And don't bring any unhealthy foods into your home. If he wants them, he'll have to go get them himself. Oh, and if you haven't already, start using smaller plates at meal time. Good luck! I'm hoping that once you take the pressure off, he'll figure it out for himself.

You bet! My wife didn't have anywhere near as much to lose as I did, but she has adopted many of my new habits, only not to the same degree. The whole family now eats off of smaller dishes, and many meals feature 2 veggies instead of one veggie and a starch. I, of course, only eat the Protein and some veggies. My weight is now below where my wife started, so she strives not to let me catch her.

I've chosen to use a "normal" BMI as my target. So my stated goal is exactly one pound into that range. But in order to maintain that, I'll need to get below my target. Since my goal is BMI-based, it would suck to go "overweight" every time I splurge during maintenance. So my stretch goal is four pounds lower. But whatever system you use to determine your goal weight, go a little below it to give yourself a cushion, and use your original goal as your upper weight target. If you start approaching it, you'll need to buckle down and get back to your "cushion" weight. Does that make sense?

I'm almost 7.5 months out and one pound from my original goal of reaching a "normal" BMI. After that, I'm going for 4 more pounds to give myself a small cushion so I won't go "overweight" every time I splurge a little.

Hi Susan, My number yesterday was 156. Thanks! Rog

You're an inspiration, Steve! I'm 7 months out and 5 pounds from goal. Once I get there, I may ask you for maintenence advice. What about the skin? Did it redistribute by itself over the 2 years? Thanks and congratulations!!!

My doc's advice was to keep carbs as low as possible. So I don't bother counting them, because the only carbs I get are in Protein shakes and green veggies and legumes. As I get to my goal weight, I'll need to intriduce some more carbs. If my weight starts going up as a result, I'll definitely start counting them.

I second the B-12 nomination. I find, however, that the sub-lingual variety makes me edgy and cranky. The timed-release ones last all day and keep me on an even keel. That and 3 cups of coffee throughout the day.

If you aren't already, you might try taking B12 supplements. Most people recommend the sublingual variety, but I found that they made me crankier, like being over caffeinated. But the time-release B-12s keep me energetic and happy all day long.

This is a very interesting article with some good insight, but I must point out that is was written in 1980 and is geared towards bypass patients with a pouch. Still, many of the points are helpful, although those of us with other surgeries may need to pick and choose what applies to our situation. But the discussion about why WLS can fail is eye-opening. Thanks for sharing this, @@bcal2015!

Great point, KeeWee! It's also an excellent motivator to look at your license and think, "No way in H-E-double-hockey-stix do I want to look/feel like that again!"

Yup, Crystal Light (or the generic equivalent) has a decaffeinated, sugar-free iced tea. I think it's too sweet, so I water it down a lot. It's supposed to make 2 quarts, so I make it in a 3-quart jug and it's perfect. Halfway between tea and water. Very refreshing! As for caffeine, I'm drinking more coffee now than I ever have. Probably because I'm cold all the time, and sometimes need the energy boost. Another source of energy while losing weight is Vitamin B-12. Many people take the sublingual variety, but I find that makes me jittery. I take a time-release B-12 every day, and it really helps!

Are you getting enough fluids, or have they dropped off over time? Often hunger is really thirst in disguise. I find that drinking TONS of fluids keeps my sleeve full and I stay satisfied longer. Just something to think about. Good luck!

Have to admit that I was worried about hair loss too. But 7 months and 110 lbs. later it hasn't happened. All I can say is that I've had a 30-gram Protein shake every single morning for Breakfast since before my surgery. And ever since two weeks post op, I eat at least 80 grams of protein and drink 64-120+ ounces of Fluid every day. And I take a Biotin supplement every night. Maybe the hair loss is still on the way, but my doc thinks I would have seen it by now. Don't know if that's the winning formula, or if I'm just genetically blessed in that regard. But I do know that it's a great formula for weight loss. So for you newbies who are worried about hair loss, why not give it a try? It certainly can't hurt!

For what it's worth, here's my "typical" day's menu: As for carbs, mostly I get them from my shakes, Greek yogurt, and the very limited veggies I'm able to fit in after my Protein. Other doctors and nutritionists give you carb targets, but my doctor just says to limit them as much as possible. If you're not logging your food yet, I'd suggest using http://www.myfitnesspal.com/. It helps you keep track of your protein and fluids, but also can help you figure out if anything is going off track and affecting your weight loss. Okay, here's an example of my day: I keep a 2-quart jug and a 24-oz Tervis tumbler (with a handle) both at home and at work. I count my morning Protein shake as a meal, not a Fluid. (30 grams of protein) 30-60 minutes later, I have a cup of coffee. (Count it as a fluid if you like.) After that, I drink a 24-oz. tumbler of decaf, sugar-free iced tea, like Crystal Light throughout the morning. (Lots of frequent sips) Then I walk for 40+ minutes. Then it's lunchtime - tuna salad or chicken salad, or leftover protein from dinner. (16-22 grams of protein) and maybe a bite of veggies if there's room. About 45 minutes after lunch, I'll fill another 24-oz tumbler of iced tea and sip that throughout the afternoon, finishing by 30 minutes before my afternoon snack. At around 4:00 or 4:30, my afternoon snack is usually a Greek yogurt (12 grams of protein) or some leftovers. (This is also a good time to get in some veggies or a V-8 if you're getting enough protein at other times.) Maybe a cup of hot tea in the later afternoon. (Count it as a fluid you like.) Then dinner – again, getting 20-25 grams of protein from lean steak, fish, chicken, or pork, and maybe a bite or two of veggies. Finally, another 24-oz cup of iced tea or Water 30-45 minutes after dinner that I sip throughout the evening. If I'm hungry later, sugar-free Jello or sugar-free popsicles are good. And if I'm short on protein or still hungry, another yogurt or protein shake. (I'm not worried about the calories because this menu only provides 700-900 per day.) So that's 70+ grams of protein and 72+ ounces of fluid, with some exercise as well. If you have a regular enough schedule, you can follow it every day. If not, maybe a modified version will work. The big trick is in pre-planning your meals and your fluids, especially if you're going to be away from home or work. In those cases, I always make sure there will be something I can eat, or I bring along a Protein shake or some kind of meat to carry me through. I've also gotten pretty good at restaurant eating. I avoid the bread and salad, order chicken, steak, lamb, fish, or pork, trade in the starch for a second veggie, skip the dessert.... and end up taking half of the meat, and almost all of the veggies home. I know we need to learn to eat "normally", but I'm not there yet – especially when it comes to carbs. When I get to goal weight, I'll work on finding my new low-carb "normal". Hope that helps! Rog

I had no problem with either the host or the tiny sip of wine. You might wait a few weeks after surgery, but after that you'll be fine.

Yeah, I've been kinda cranky too. (Just ask my wife.) But a month or so ago she pointed it out to me, and since then I've made a concerted effort to cut it out. And for the most part it seems to be working. Just being aware of it can help a bit.

I'll echo what so many others have said. My wife was completely supportive, while my mother was concerned about the surgery. "Can't you give dieting another try?" Look, I've been "dieting" for 48 years. How was that working out? I had diabetes, apnea, asthma, high cholesterol, and borderline diabetes. I told my mother that I appreciated her concern, but that I had made up my mind and I would like her support. Then she got on board. Now, I'm down 110 pounds, ALL of my diseases are gone, and my mom is bursting with pride. As is my wife. It's the third best decision I ever made behind marrying my wife and having a child together. (Oh yeah, quitting smoking was right up there too.) Now, I hope to live a much longer and fuller life with my family. So, if as @@SuperDave suggested, your mom reads this thread, I'd like to tell her that you really need her support right now, and I predict that in a few months she'll be thrilled with her happier and much healthier daughter! Good luck!!!