Hi all! Ok so today I am 3 weeks post op. I am down 16lbs and about 8 inches. But have been for over a week. The scale has not budged any further. So I am sitting here thinking to myself, "Did I really have surgery for 16lbs!?" I know I need to be patient but argggh!

I am walking 3 miles a day about 4 to 5 days a week. The doctor is releasing me to start running on Friday and I can go back to normal activity. The scars are starting to heal nicely. The doctor did not use staples or stitches but almost like a hot wax looking material for my incisions (much better in my opinion!) and he took the drain out before I left the hospital. Thank GOD!

I have started taking Pepcid twice a day for the heartburn and have started on soft foods about one week early. But I seem to be handling that better. I am still trying to get all of my fluids in and it appears that I may now be lactose intolerant. I also find if I don't drink enough Fluid it burns when I go numero uno. Oh the joys of the sleeve. It is such a learning process. I had literally a half sandwich yesterday and it took me almost 2 hours to eat it! I feel more energetic and my clothes are hanging off of me. It's funny because I always had fat clothes in my closet so trying to find something that doesn't look like a tent is a challenge!

I am guessing that I am in the dreaded stall phase. But I did not expect it to start so early in the process nor last so long. So that is it in a nutshell. Just trying to stay positive!

When compare to my weight loss and many others on here, you are right on target!! There is a VERY common "3rd week stall". Don't panic. It will pass. I promise. I thought the same as you. "Did I do this for16lbs?". I'm now 2 1/2 months post op and down 44 lbs. Yay! Heck, you think you're clothes are hanging off now. You just wait!!

I must say I am a little concerned about you eating a half of a sandwich because I was told not to have bread until much later. Just make sure to follow your doctor/nutritionist's instructions.

One thing to ask your nutritionist about is the number of calories you need since you're exercising as much as you do. I have found my body will go into a stall if I don't eat enough calories with my level of exercise. It's like my body says to me "Hey, we need calories here! If you're not gonna take in enough, I have no choice but to NOT burn calories or fat!". LOL! Well it's true for me. Anyways, you are doing great. Keep doing what you are doing and ask your nutritionist about your caloric needs. Best wishes.

Yeah, I have read about the dreaded 3rd week stall. Mine happened in week two. I didn't lose 1 lb and I was drinking all my water and getting all of my protein in. I think our bodies are just saying "hey, what are you doing to me?" Hang in there. Sounds like you are doing great and staying positive. It will pass, I am sure it!

Thank you for the support! I am happily looking forward to being down 44 lbs! A big happy dance will be going on in my house on that day!

As for the half sandwich, I double checked and bread is allowed on my soft foods list. Thank goodness! I was about to panic. I think the fact that it takes so long to eat helps. Plus, because of working out I certainly do need the energy because that is the only carbs I get during the day. The rest of my day is a Protein fest.

That is insane that your surgeon allows bread on "soft" foods. Wow....just wow. Good luck with that.

Hmmm...this bread thing seems to be causing a stir. When did most of you start adding bread into your diet? Maybe I will just forget about bread for a while. Any input would be appreciated. I thought I was doing good going by the list the NUT gave me :/

You are doing well. I just personally think your NUT is very mis guided. Bread is a "never again" food for some people and is generally not tolerated well until several months out. It definitely does not belong on a "soft foods" list.

Thank you for the feedback! I have decided to follow this boards advice! I will not be adding any more bread to my menu until much further out.

Thank you for keeping me from making a big mistake! I think I am more comfortable with the decision not to eat bread yet!

It just amazes me about the differences in post-op nutritional requirements. I will be on Clear liquids until 2 weeks out, full liquids for another two weeks and then mushies for another two week. When I read "Sandwich" my eyes nearly bugged out.

My surgeon is a tyrant

Bread??? wow. Bread wasn't on my nut list nor my Dr.'s. I just thought that it was one of those forbidden things after surgery. I must admit that I've had texas toast without any problems......but so far as having a sandwich---no way. I just feel like it'll get stuck. Blessing2u--bj