8 days post op..."weight loss" stalled?

[bostonmomma 1]

Ok...I know what you all are going to say:wink:...but I am 8 days post op, on full liquids for another 6 days. Since surgery, I have lost ummmm....about 7 or 8 ish pounds. The scale has stalled at the same weight for 3 days now. I "know" you can lose like 1 or 2 pounds A DAY forever.....but I am thinking....GEEESH...I am drinking freakin' liquids here people...you'd think it would keep falling off for now.

Anyone experience this stall so "early" in the post op phase? I sort of expected it when we add food back in....maybe it's my body's way of healing? Who knows. I am not discouraged but just wondering if I am doing anything "wrong"....:bored:

[bambam 0]

Nope you are not doing anything wrong, it is normal. You just had major surgery and your body is trying to heal. I know you've probably read it over and over, but this is a time to heal, not for weight loss (but like you I found it hard to see the scale stop.)

My doc told me I may even gain a bit in this period, so just do what your doc says, and give your body time to heal. The scale will start moving again. In the meantime, keep track of your measurements when you don't see movement on the scale. Hang in there!

[BetsyB 9]

I am going to sound tremendously blunt, but will say it anyway: your expectations are unrealistic.

Right now, you are on Clear Liquids NOT to promote weight loss, but rather to allow your body time to heal. Many, many people gain during this time---due to meds, the stress of surgery, tissue swelling, the increase in Fluid intake (IVs and oral), Fluid retention, and so on.

The liquid diet is not intended to result in lasting weight loss. When you reintroduce solids, it's likely you'll see a little upward blip.

But after that you can expect steady--but not rapid--loss. Many will tell you that loss won't come until you have restriction; this is not true. If you choose to manage what you eat during the period known as bandster hell, you can lose very effectively.

But whether you choose to diet or wait for restrictino, things just aren't going to move all that quickly. The band is not a fast route to weight loss--but it is an effective route.

I know it's very frustrating, especially at the beginning. If the scale frustrates you, you might want to take it out of your routine for a while.

[coilygirl 0]

I have been seeing posts like this lately and I have to agree with Betsy. You are being a little unrealistic. First, stop weighing yourself everyday. You just had surgery, use this time to heal and not lose weight. The purpose of the liquid diet is not weight loss, it is to allow yourself to heal.

You had lap band surgery and not bypass, so the preocess is going to be slower and more work.

[bostonmomma 1]

LOL...Oh no no no....you must have misunderstood me....matter of fact, I just read my post and it should have said..." I KNOW YOU CAN'T lost 1 or 2 pounds everyday....not can! LOL...silly me.....must be the lack of caffeine affecting my head!

I said in my original post that "I know what you are going to say"....and I do! My question is that....I thought most people lost consistently on the liquid phase of the diet and the scale slowed down when you introduced actual food. And to clarify...I am not on clear liquids..I am on full liquids. I even can have milk based Protein shakes. I thought it was just odd that my scaled hasn't moved "much" and then not at all for the past 3 days. Weird having only like 500-600 calories a day...one would think it would "melt off"! LOL

again...I "know" all of this....was just wondering if anyone else saw the same thing happen. I really don't have unrealistic expectations....just askin a question is all! :bored:

[JoJo1 0]

Yes I did this too. I lost 9 1/2 the first week, then about a pound a week since then. One pound a week is a realistic expectation, and I seem to be sticking with that. I did put the scale away though, and I only take it out once a week. I don't lose every week, but some weeks I lose more than one, so it is still staying at about a pound a week. Exercise has helped me more than I ever thought it would. One bit of advice, up your calories to about 1000 or maybe even 1100. Too little calories is just as bad as too many!!! Hang in there you are doing great!!!!

[bostonmomma 1]

Thanks Donna Jo from Idaho! Thats just what I was looking for! I guess I am normal! :glare:

I figured it was my bodies was of saying...."hold on there....what's going on." I typically hate the scale and never ever step on it. I have had the doc's office and a nurse from the my health insurance call to see how I was doing and what my weight was...so I stepped on and I was surprised to see the same number!

I look forward to upping the calories!:sleep: and getting clearance to exercise! I can't complain about the full liquid diet toooooo much. My muscle milk light shakes are pretty good, as are the other Protein shakes I have going on....but still....real food is around the corner I suppose!

I have an appt with the surgeon/dietician on Monday....hopefully they will be happy with the weight loss so far. :bored:

[READYIN2010 0]

I lost 10 lbs the first 2 weeks after my surgery then just maintained for another 4 weeks. My appetite went through the roof and I was feeling down til I came here and read so many just like me and talked to my doctor.. My doc said it was because the swelling from my surgery was going down that I felt that way and that when I have my first fill I would notice a major difference which is so true. I had it 2 days ago and lost 2 lbs since and am back loving my full feeling.

[jaymie 0]

I think you should keep in mind too that many people get banded with BMI's much higher than yours... so I would guess that the weight won't come off of you as fast as say, someone with 150 pounds to lose.

Keep positive!

[bostonmomma 1]

true true....good to know I am "in the norm". Yes...my bmi just squeaked by at 40.....

[BetsyB 9]

I was just below a BMI of 40 when banded (40 when the process started)---and didn't lose anything on the preop diet or the liquid phase post-op (which was blessedly short).

It really is quite normal. You'll lose! It gets so much better.

Are you starting to feel well (aside from hunger)?

[bostonmomma 1]

I do feel well! Just the port site is bothering me these days. Getting hungrier as the days go by, but still not very hungry...which I guess is a good thing! Thanks for the pep talk....now, what Protein Shake shall it be tonight....SIGH

[lisagus 0]

Thanks for that reply Betsy. It helps me to prepare for the surgery next week and to not have all of these unrealistic expectations immediately following the surgery. Not sure if you remember me but I am the one that will be having surgery with Dr. Joyce. Very excited to get to next week!!!

[BetsyB 9]

Lisa, I'm so excited for you! You will have a wonderful experience with Dr. Joyce. He and Dr. Lahmann are the best--and Silver Cross is wonderful.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers on Tuesday!

[Manda87 3]

It seems that new bandsters are NOT doing research. I have seen more "OMG I'M 3 DAYS OUT AND OMG BUT I CAN'T LOSE WEIGHT! OMG OMG OMG OMG!" Good Gosh! The band is not magic. I'm a month out from surgery and I've lost 1.2 pounds. I'M FINE WITH THAT! Because I know that I will lose more weight later.

You're still healing. I'm still healing. Have patience, PLEASE!