SleeveMeToIt

This right here! I am the same, I can lose significant weight doing low carb, but I can't live the rest of my life like that. Or should I say, I don't want to live the rest of my life like that.
I have taken the same approach of "smart-carbs" and limiting simple and highly processed carbs. I want my body to learn that no food is off limits and respond with huge weight gains.
Overall trying about to be smarter about food choices, focusing on protein first. I'm learning that carbs aren't the enemy. But high carbs + high fat can go wrong fast.

This right here! I am the same, I can lose significant weight doing low carb, but I can't live the rest of my life like that. Or should I say, I don't want to live the rest of my life like that.
I have taken the same approach of "smart-carbs" and limiting simple and highly processed carbs. I want my body to learn that no food is off limits and respond with huge weight gains.
Overall trying about to be smarter about food choices, focusing on protein first. I'm learning that carbs aren't the enemy. But high carbs + high fat can go wrong fast.

This right here! I am the same, I can lose significant weight doing low carb, but I can't live the rest of my life like that. Or should I say, I don't want to live the rest of my life like that.
I have taken the same approach of "smart-carbs" and limiting simple and highly processed carbs. I want my body to learn that no food is off limits and respond with huge weight gains.
Overall trying about to be smarter about food choices, focusing on protein first. I'm learning that carbs aren't the enemy. But high carbs + high fat can go wrong fast.

Sorry for the novel folks, but maybe before getting to tips and tricks, let's talk a bit about what causes plateaus:
First, the most common reason for any stall, including the dreaded 3-week stall is simply that you are retaining more water. There are a few reasons this happens, but around the 3-week mark it comes down to the fact that your body is adjusting to a low carb intake after converting from glycogen to ketones for energy. More water is needed to burn glycogen, so you were retaining more water pre-surgery than you are now that you're using primarily ketones for energy. At about the 3-week mark, your body eventually recognizes that the water loss is long term, so other mechanisms have started kicking in to start holding on to more water. This water loss due to the change between glycogen and ketones is the primary reason for "keto flu", and something that increases your risk of dehydration early after surgery.
The other "reasons" for plateaus really don't apply as much at the 3 week mark, but will become more important later in the process. Let's cover those too though so you're prepared:
As you lose more weight, your overall metabolic rate will slow down. People sometimes think fat is not metabolically active, but that's not true. Less fat means your metabolism slows down, even if you retain the same amount of muscle. As you lose weight, it takes less effort to move, so the amount of calories you burn from activity also drops quite a bit. As you progress, you'll be able to eat more and especially if you're not tracking intake closely by weighing and measuring your food, you can easily be eating a lot more than you think. This one may be TMI for some, but you may simply be retaining more stool. This is going to be hard for some people to hear, but I can tell you one thing it's not, and that's hormones. Yes, various hormonal processes negatively impact weight loss in a myriad of ways, but they don't overcome basic physics: if you eat less than you are burning, you'll lose weight. What these hormones can do if they're out of whack, is not good things like slowing your metabolism, increasing your hunger, screwing with water weight, or even fooling you into thinking you're eating less than you are.
So, with all that sciency stuff out of the way, what do we actually do if we're in a stall? Well, I think it depends on when it happens and how long it lasts:
If it's early (a.k.a. the 3-week stall), just keep doing what you're doing and you should be fine. I know people don't like that advice, but as I said, it's just water, so don't worry about it. Later on, especially if the stall is lasting longer than 2-3 weeks. that's when I think it's important that you look closely at what you are actually burning, as well as really tracking what you are eating. If you don't know your BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate), you should. The closer you are to goal, the harder it is to get the balance right between intake and output to make sure you're not eating too much, so fixing this starts with knowing your BMR and accurate food logging. There's a lot of anecdotal advice thrown around about "ways to break a stall", but there seems to be little scientific evidence for any of it. Most of it certainly won't hurt to try, e.g. breaking up your routine in terms of diet or exercise, but just understand that this change may or may not have had any impact. If it makes you feel better to be proactive, go for it. Longer term, there is one piece of solid advice that's backed up by lots of research: Even if you don't really like working out, do it anyway. Those WLS patients that make a regular habit of exercising for 45 minutes to an hour most days a week are significantly more likely to reach their goal and maintain the weight loss. (One caveat here: significantly changing your exercise routine can make you retain water and possibly even add muscle, so don't freak out if you see a stall or even a gain.) I'll take that exercise advice one step further and say you really should be doing some form of strength training. This is also backed up by lots of studies, but the great thing about strength training is that it makes your burn more calories even at rest (in other words, it increases your metabolic rate). There are lots of other benefits, but the metabolic benefit is the most germaine to the stall question. Those that do strength training are less likely to stall during weight loss.

Same, same and same! 10lbs pre-op. About 13lbs in first 14 days. Then nothing for almost 3 weeks now. I can't walk much because of a hip and knee issue I need addressed. Was hoping to get some weight off before any replacement surgery. I'm frustrated but staying the course. Almost a week late on my cycle too. Which was like clockwork pre-op.
I keep saying that patience will prevail here. That and staying the course!

You all are amazing! I’ve started to shift my thinking. I eat healthy, work out and track my food everyday. And like it was said above at least I’m not gaining. And I really feel eventually something is going to give ❤️

My therapist (who I got to help combat my food issues) said cravings usually last 30 mins or less. Try to keep that in mind when you are craving something.
I think you are like me. I am going to have to be very careful around certain foods (carb heavy hitters like bread and pasta for me). If I start, I won't stop. Kind of like an alcoholic in recovery. Some people can have a little bit and not suffer from "withdrawals", but if I were to have a little bit then my cravings spike and can spin out of control fast.
My recommendations:
1. Track what you are eating in an app if possible cause sometimes that will help reign it in
2. Wait 30 mins when craving something and drink water. Go for a walk or pick an activity to distract you. After 30 mins, see how you are feeling and what your body may really be after (protein/more water/?)
3. Try to find healthy substitutes for what you are wanting. Pizza? Find a low carb recipe that tastes good and fills that urge. Sweets? Are some sugar free options or low carb options a possibility?
4. Journal and track when these cravings are happening. What's going on when they do? Are you stressed/bored/angry? Are you around others who are eating things you want? Are you out of the house and having to do fast food as quick options? Etc. See where your weak points are and then start identifying ways to help deal with them.
5. Get a supportive therapist to help you deal with your mindset around food. You can outeat wls. For many of us, this is going to be a lifelong addiction that we can defeat but will always have to be mindful of.

I started my period 2 weeks early while on pre-op diet. Started the day of my surgery. That was NOT fun. Nurses told me that it is a common thing among women during rapid weight loss pre-surgery.
Now about 5 weeks later, I'm a week late. I have felt PMS'y for the entire week (actually about 10 days) without the relief of a period starting.
It's maddening, but I am reassured by my bariatric staff that this is all usual.

Well, this is something squarely in my wheelhouse! Maybe I can help.
You should first check your short-term disability policy (ask HR for a copy), because some of them have a 5- or 7-day elimination period, which is the number of days you have to be out before the benefit starts. So if the first week is not payable, it makes no sense to file a claim for just one week.
The amount of time off you need depends on the type of work you do. If you have a physical job (lots of standing, walking, lifting/carrying greater than 10 pounds), then your doctor will probably recommend you take more time off and the claim will be approved. If your job is mostly sitting at a desk, your doctor will have to give specific reasons for your inability to work. Depending on your procedure, most doctors already have a set number of weeks they will sign off on for recovery.
Either way, you aren't tied to the initial number of weeks you requested: you can always return to work sooner if you feel well enough, or you can apply for more time off if there were complications.

I'm glad for a couple of things for you. That you have a team willing to work to find answers. That the surgery DID actually happen - has to be a relief to you! My doc said the hernias can cause some swelling, I wonder if that is a factor here? Or if they repaired it and it recurred so quickly, why?
Keep after it! Finding answers and staying the course. I KNOW you must want to quit some days. Don't do that. Try to focus on the behaviors that you are doing, that will ultimately lead to a healthier body. And when your body gets sorted out, you will be in such a better place to have tangible, noticeable losses. Cheering you on!!

Hi there!
Just sending you a bunch of support because I can imagine how frustrated you are. I've been stalled for 2.5 weeks - since week 2. Have lost 13lbs since surgery day and I'm about 4.5 weeks out and losing my mind. I knew to expect the stalls, but they are major mind f*cks when you feel like you are doing everything right.
I hope you and your team of docs and dietician can find out what's going on and that weight loss starts back up soon.
In the meantime, forget the scale and keep focus on your daily behaviors- sounds like you're doing well at that. My scale is in the back of my closet because I can't take the idea of this drastic effort not working.
Here's to hoping for a big whoosh soon!

Thank you everyone I really do appreciate the insight, encouragement and suggestions:)

Oh girl, I'm right there with you. It's a total mind f*ck. I tell myself I won't weigh. Then I weigh. I hit the dreaded 3 week stall and am frustrated. I'm about to put my scale in a closet in another room to take away the fact that it's staring at me in the bathroom every morning.
I think we are just so anxious to be further along in the journey, with the results to show for it. For me - I also think there is a bit of amazement that it is working and fear when the scale doesn't move that maybe it's NOT working. I just need to chill, trust the process and focus on what I can control. Water, protein, vitamins and nutrition in general, and movement.

Oh girl, I'm right there with you. It's a total mind f*ck. I tell myself I won't weigh. Then I weigh. I hit the dreaded 3 week stall and am frustrated. I'm about to put my scale in a closet in another room to take away the fact that it's staring at me in the bathroom every morning.
I think we are just so anxious to be further along in the journey, with the results to show for it. For me - I also think there is a bit of amazement that it is working and fear when the scale doesn't move that maybe it's NOT working. I just need to chill, trust the process and focus on what I can control. Water, protein, vitamins and nutrition in general, and movement.

Totally agree with that especially weight loss and moving through stages of food! But kellyarw95 and NewmeDC, here are a few practical things that I learned:
You will be very, very tired when you get home. I don’t recall nausea (I know for sure I didn’t vomit) but the gas is for real. Walking helps and a heating pad on your back/shoulders. Take it slow and do laps in your house. I didn’t experience too much pain but definitely needed meds for the whole week mainly for the laparoscopic incisions and the largest one has some really deep internal sutures that are painful. Stay hydrated - tiny, tiny sips of Water. You can figure out Protein later but you will 100 legit not be hungry - it’s weird.
Forget it if you are a side sleeper…invest in a back support pillow because you will need it. I’ve also seen that a lot of people lounge/sleep in a recliner…if I had it to do over again I would likely have invested in one. Roll out of bed holding a pillow to your tummy and letting gravity assist. Do not lift heavy things or reach for things overhead/down low. Hope that’s helpful. Good luck!

For those of you that I've seen talking about starving during pre-op, I was that way too until I changed my strategy. 90% of the liquid I consumed had protein in it. Protein water with additional protein gels. I love the Protein2O. Also the single serve protein shots from this site. Started my day with that shot, had another one mid afternoon. Sipped on the protein water with extra protein once in am, 2nd on in PM. Then had a protein chicken or beef broth around dinner time, and I wasn't even that hungry by that point. Threw in some plain water here and there. I got all of the supplies off of this site besides the protein water that I got off Amazon. I couldn't do shakes, but this approach really took care of my hunger! Hope this helps someone.

I found this Gastric Sleeve Food List By Stage that I thought that may be helpful. It’s close to mirroring what I received from my nutritionist with a few little exceptions (each plan can be so different!)

Figured it might be a nice guide to refer to - might give you ideas for each stage to have variety.

Yes! Just what you explained. I'm not really interested in food, but feel a stomach cramping that is familiar to hunger. Actually got better after I took my PPI for the day. Thanks for the response. Makes me feel a little less crazy! The video was great.

Definitely hard to tell between hunger and gas! I don’t feel like I have been hungry. It feels different all the way around. I have been trying to make myself eat on a schedule so that hopefully I can tell what feeling is what! And as always I am still pushing my limits and plan on going back to work Monday!

Oh yes, more observations. At some points over the last couple days since surgery I have felt hunger. Or what I thought was hunger. May be the effects of gas though, hard to discern what I'm feeling because everything is still kind of weird. I was feeling very disappointed about it, was very much hoping for no hunger. But again, not sure if it is pressure from gas, maybe acid?
I'm still okay, it is helped by drinking water and fluids. Focusing today on getting enough fluids down.
Anyone else experience this? The maybe hungry type feeling?
*I know I didn't explain that well, just don't quite have words to describe the feeling.

Hey Sptember pals,
Had my VSG on 9/15. Stayed in hospital overnight. First day after surgery I slept most of the day while anesthesia wore off. Had a catheter, so didn't have to worry about going to the bathroom. Fun surprise though, my period started two weeks early. Doc said it happens a lot to women that have been on liquid diet. I was really light and actually forgot until I got up about 8hr after surgery. No biggie, they had put a pad on me post surgery.
Anyhow, had no problems walking. Pain wasn't bad, but I had pain meds. IV pain meds until about midnight when they switched to oxycodone to see how I'd react to it going home. Also had a nausea patch. No nausea and pain wasn't too bad.
Worst part was getting in and out of bed. Or rolling over in bed. That remains now that I'm home. Came home yesterday around noon. Stayed on top of the pain meds every 4 hours and still walked around the house a bit.
Today, feeling better. May fully switch to Tylenol by this evening.

Well have my surgery time 730am tommorow morning, i think my nervous ? jitters are easing up, im soo ready

I'm so proud of everyone who has already gone through the surgery! Yall are all an inspiration that I can make it through this 2 weeks of liquid diet. Officially started today!!

40 F, 5'11" 08/25/2021. HW 463 SW 430 CW 325.
Sent from my SM-G991U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hell9 all new to the group, scheduled surgery is September 15,the initially wanted the sleeve, but I've been having issues with Gerd so decided to switch to bypass, just started2 week post-op diet ,its hard 2 protien shakes a day and 3 oz protien, meat, salads, ect and snack if i get hungry which i do uugh but i got this i can do it