I am 9 days post op and although I said I wouldn't get on the scale I did. AND of course no weight loss. I have gone from clear liquids (day 1-6) to full liquids until next weekend. I still have my drain which will be removed tomorrow. I feel I'm doing well I am up and around. I am walking several times a day and am almost off all pain meds except at night. I know about the swelling and I do still feel like my stomach looks swollen especially around the incision spots (7 including drain spot) which seems more than some others. I don't know why I am so upset because my doctor told me that I would lose slower BUT I am still bummed I guess I thought I would see something. Has anyone else's journey started like this? My starting weight was 219, day of surgery 211, today 210. Thanks for your help.

Pam

OMG! you have just begun your journey. You do have a swollen tummy and probably have water weight to boot from the IV drips. This is not a race, it is a marathon. You will loose the weight, it just takes time. I really wouldn't waste any time on focusing on a possible failure to lose weight, because it's not a failure. Your body is different. You can not fail at losing, It will happen. It will take some time, just like putting on the weight. Just follow the diet and take it day by day. Really focus on not weighing yourself and being thankful for having this wonderful tool. Oh, and make sure you are not putting a toxic drug like sugar in your body! Drinks lots of liquids and keep yourself from getting dehydrated. Try a little protein shake if you can. I love the Premier Shakes from Costco or Sam's Club. This will happen. Focus on healing and walking and before you know it, the weight will go down. This will work.

I am 5 weeks out Monday. Until a few days ago, my stomach was 2.5 inches bigger than it was pre-surgery. The swelling takes a long time to go down. It's still 1 inch bigger, (though the sides of my stomach went down so much.

You have a drain. The drain tube is pretty long on the outside and on the inside. That adds weight too. I know you feel disappointed but you still are smaller than if you didn't have surgery. I can visibly see that my stomach is still swollen.

They cut your tummy in 1/2 and added titanium staples...the swelling is big inside your tummy and outside your tummy so that is going to take a while to go down. When you start feeling like you aren't progressing, start measuring yourself. It does come down.

At 9 days post-op is when the emotional turmoil comes into play. Not sure why it happens, but it seems to happen to everyone. I cried for no real reason, it's part of it. Some people say it's the medication leaving your system, some say that as fat starts burning, it releases stored hormones in your fat cells. Whatever the reason it happens.

Cut yourself some slack, as long as you are doing what you are suppose to be doing the weight will come off.

Best wishes.

I did the same thing my second week. I remember crying I was so upset. I did start losing again. I have lost between 1-2 lbs a week since. Some weeks it's four lbs, some weeks it's less than a pound. Try to stay off the scale, but once a week and use the same scale every week.

Thank you both for the encouragement. I am sticking to program and haven't had a problem with getting the liquids in or the protein. I was worried about what protein shakes I would be able to handle so I got some of the Bariwise and Protidiet from Bariatric Choice. They are like Crystal light but with protein. I also have been using the Nectar. Thanks for pointing out the obvious. I forget what the inside of my body must look like and the toll the surgery has taken on it. Onward I go. Thanks again!!

I just have to keep reminding myself I didn't gain the weight overnight, so I can't lose it overnight. Take a deep breath and smile! You are on your way!