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screwed up menstrual cycles seem to be very common in the first few weeks or months after surgery. It's supposedly due to the fact that estrogen is stored in fat cells, and it starts flooding your body during rapid weight loss. It'll stabilize once your weight loss slows way down. a couple of people mentioned Depo-Provera. I don't know about the side effects after WLS as I didn't have WLS until I was post-menopausal, but I was on Depo when I was in my 30s. I gained about 45 lbs on it, and I switched to another birth control method after my ob/gyn couldn't guarantee that the weight gain would eventually stop. It has to do with its effect on hormones.

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.

Aliana I think you are confused and need to reread the ENTIRE thread. I have not lost 21 pounds in a month. I wish!! Surgery Aug 12 wishing that week I was at my family dr who weighed me in at 367. this morning……almost eight weeks later… I WEIGH 364. Sooooo my math says 3 pounds since Aug 19 dr appointment. so I have lost 3 pounds in 2.5 months. It’s very frustrating to me when people say oh well you’ve lost 21 pounds in a month when that’s clearly not the case and like I had mentioned before it was water weight my body likes to hold onto every drop of water. I mean we’re even at the point now we’re doctors and dieticians are saying somethings wrong so it’s not just me being crazy

Hi all, Just a shout out to the November 2021 guys - how is everyone doing now? I'm exactly 11 months post op now, 5lbs below my original goal of 160. I lost 10lbs last month after losing only 3 the previous month so stalls are clearly still a thing - I thought that was me done but apparently not! My ideal weight (what even is that???) is 147lbs apparently, which is now 8lbs away, so the closer I can get to that the happier I will be, but I'm not setting an official new goal of anything, seems clear the loss will just stop when it stops. Then starts the *really* hard work. I hope everyone is happy with how they are doing. Please check in and let me know - seems like yesterday we were just starting this journey together. 😍

You have lost 21 pounds in a month. That is very good for weight loss surgery. As for the timing of it, it seems like sometimes the loss happens in a weird way, like not evenly. Some people will lose 5 pounds steadily every week, but other people will lose 20 pounds in 2 weeks and then lose nothing for the next 2 weeks. It can be weird like that. But overall, you have lost 21 pounds in 1 month, which is good.

You took the words out of my mouth. Having a week 5 stall.

I can tell you what my dietitian and exercise guide told me. There are 3 things to try, eat more calories, eat more protein and make sure you are getting enough vitamins. I seem to stall and even gain weight when constipated, so usually my stalls have been fixed by doing a laxative. Not every day though, like once a week. Good luck and if you find something that really works well, please share!

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.

Thanks for the info guys. I'm not curently on birth control, never have been. My weight loss is starting to slow down since i'm almost 10 months in from surgery i'm maybe only losing a Kilo per week and then some weeks nothing. Me and my husband want to start a family next year.

YES PLEASE!! I’m going on my third week of one so I’m right there with you. I’ve been hearing “just stick with the program” which I’m doing but surely somebody has some wisdom out here!!!

It's crazy to me how different doctors have different schedules for the post op diet. I also had the sleeve on 10/11 and have another week of liquids to go before I can do pureed/soft. Though, it makes me happy to hear you can handle the foods. Gives me hope that when I get started maybe I won't face many issues. Congrats!

I am a year and a half out and have been around these boards for the same amount of time. This has popped up quite a few times for many women having unusual or missed cycles, spotting, heavier, lighter, cramping etc. it seems to stabalize as the weight loss slows down. I am on birth control and I had breakthrough bleeding and longer periods for about three months as best as I can recall.

I am about 7 months post-op and on the pill. I have been on the pill for years, only changing it when I had to get off estrogen for surgery. I like to skip the "period pills" and never had a problem doing so. Sometimes I would get a little crampy but didn't get my period. NOW after surgery, if I try to skip the period pills. I still get my period and then it goes kinda crazy like I will have it off and on for like 2 weeks. Then it goes away and by that time I am back to the period pills in my pack. I notice when I take them normal and just suck it up and have my period when those pills hit i stay normal and have no issues. It is annoying me, I am thinking about moving on to the IUD but that weirds me out so I haven't decided yet.

I've been doing pretty well. My stall is finally over. I was stuck at the same weight for about 3 weeks, now it is falling off. I'm down 30 lbs since surgery and 53 lbs total. I have had some issues with constipation and my hair has been falling out (which I don't have much to spare anyway because of the alopecia from PCOS). My knees haven't hurt at all and we are going to Disney next month. I am still dreading fitting into the rides, but I'm hoping it goes well. I was pulled aside in front of everyone in line to get checked in a test seat to see if I fit last time we went to Universal. Everyone was watching, and it was super embarrassing. I don't want to go through that again.

Ok guys types and tricks to breaking stalls!! AND GO!!

I dont think you can be over prepared. I mean I dont even have surgery date and I already want to order every thing and pack a bag!!!😅My surgery will probably not be until January or Feburary. Im a planner so thats what I want to do and the fact that I dont have a date is driving me crazy!!! I want to prep meals for my son and husband so I dont have to cook for the 1st couple of weeks. But my hubby keeps telling me its too early to start making stuff!!

Hi guys I have couple of questions I'm I At 7.5 cc in 10cc band I had my fill a week ago in still doing liquids because I tried thicker and slimed and it was not cool like yesterday I was able to have protein shake a creamy soup I even had a Jamba juice smoothie with extra protein today well diff story I woke up and drank my hot tea which helps loosen the band in my opinion since I'm tighter in the morning and it was all hell I couldn't keep anything down without it gurgling and bothering me I find chewing ice helps the inflammation in stomach from pb or sliming or it coming up whatever u wanna call it have any of u gone threw this my Dr said if. Not having heart burn or cough and able to have those soups yesterday then it's not to night ur just swollen. And the band will fit looser when u loose weight especially cuz we have fat the part the band stays . I lost another 10 lbs after I've platue for longest. I've lost total of 50 lbs since my surgery in January I want to hear all ur experiences as u have tighter adjustments please Sent from my DE2118 using BariatricPal mobile app

Some people do experience diarrhoea. I had a terrible case on day three & a friend had attacks for about a week. Try some immodium to help. (It was on my list of meds to have on hand post surgery.) Don’t worry the constipation will come. PS - Watch out for wet farts. An unpleasant surprise.

Thanks so much, Kelly. I appreciate you sharing how you are doing after just a week and that makes me feel better for sure. Cheers!!! Sent from my SM-S908U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

Further to my post a while ago, I had my first micro needling session about a month ago but I had derma pen which is deeper & more precise. My reaction lasted about four days instead of the usual 1-2 days of redness. I spoke to my cosmetic physician & she’s going to do subsequent sessions more lightly as my skin is more sensitive. I’m expecting to have 4 sessions in total six weeks apart. It takes about three months for your skin to go through a renewal cycle & therefore to see any results. I decided to try it because of my cystic acne scaring & open pores. If it helps with loose skin that would be a bonus. My doctor also recommends a maintenance session every year. This pxt is about 6 hours after it was done. It was more rash like in the following days & no makeup didn’t cover the rashy blotchiness.

I’m at 7 weeks, 40 lbs down since starting my pre-op diet and 26 lbs since surgery. Finding it tough to hit the fluid/protein goals. Restriction is no joke. My doctor encouraged me to exercise as much as possible. I feel like I’m perpetually dehydrated. Hope everyone else is doing great!

I'm losing so slow...like a pound a week. I also messed up and ate too much this weekend at a restaurant. My throat felt like it was on fire and I had the foamies. All in all, I've had a relatively easy time after surgery. I'm still so happy I had this surgery. I'm still learning lessons and taking it a day at a time. How have you been@SuziDavis?

Libby- I struggled with food staying down. I had to stay on liquid and slops longer. The most I can have in one sitting is 150ml. This helps. I’m on soft diets still. I also am on medication I take before I eat to help. shorty- that is fantastic news. Glad you got to enjoy your time suzi- I have to set a time every 2.5 hrs to eat. Otherwise I don’t eat. denise- that is great news about your walking. I am managing to walk without getting worn out or feeling sore back. kiky- try senior exercises. They are low impact low mobility. I use to do these a few months before surgery. myself- my weight stalled for almost a month. But with being sick and all I wasn’t able to exercise or eat well. This last week the weight has managed to start to fall off slowly. I have lost 33pds since surgery. I’m also keeping a diary on my sleeve journey with all the food and protein, calories. As mentioned above, we have worked out my stomach intake is actually smaller then the gastric recommendation. I can tolerate 150mls. So I have to fit in another 2 feeds per day. Still on soft diets and meal prep every Sunday evening. I’m also walking an hour a day without back or feet pain. But sitting in my office for 6-7 hrs a day is hurting my buttocks.

thanks for your response, kaylee. did your doctor predict the right # of eggs for you? mine said that she was only expecting 4 eggs based on the # of antral follicles that i had. i have 2 that are the "right" size but the other 2 are too small/grew too slowly. my doctor did not adjust my meds at all, sadly, during the course of this first round. i'm going to look into some who know more about working with women with pcos to see if they can offer any more advice. and also work like hell to lose as much as i can in the next 6 weeks before starting this again!

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!