Rate Of Weight Loss, Those Starting Under 200 Lb?

[Butterthebean 8,146]

How do I find the link?? I am not on here much . Thanks for responding to my post

Here. I'll just cut and paste.....

Weight Loss Stall or Plateau

A weight loss stall or plateau is an extended period of time during reducing efforts where is there is no weight loss according to the scale and no loss of inches according to the tape measure. This is why it is so important to take your body measurements before surgery, so you'll have a reference as your weight loss progresses post-op. We suggest you take measurements of your chest, waist and hip, neck, upper arm, thigh and calf.

Be aware it is very common for your weight loss to "stall" shortly after surgery. Diana explains the reason for this below.

The Inevitable Stall

By Diana C.

A "stall" a few weeks out is inevitable, and here's why.

Our bodies use glycogen for short term energy storage. Glycogen is not very soluble, but it is stored in our muscles for quick energy -- one pound of glycogen requires 4 lbs of Water to keep it soluble, and the average glycogen storage capacity is about 2 lbs. So, when you are not getting in enough food, your body turns first to stored glycogen, which is easy to break down for energy. And when you use up 2 lbs of glycogen, you also lose 8 lbs of Water that was used to store it -- voila -- the "easy" 10 lbs that most people lose in the first week of a diet.

As you stay in caloric deficit, however, your body starts to realize that this is not a short term problem. You start mobilizing fat from your adipose tissue and burning fat for energy. But your body also realizes that fat can't be used for short bursts of energy -- like, to outrun a saber tooth tiger. So, it starts converting some of the fat into glycogen, and rebuilding the glycogen stores. And as it puts back the 2 lbs of glycogen into the muscle, 8 lbs of water has to be stored with it to keep it soluble. So, even though you might still be LOSING energy content to your body, your weight will not go down or you might even GAIN for a while as you retain water to dissolve the glycogen that is being reformed and stored.

Breathe, and fuggedaboudit for a few days.

What You Can Do About a Stall or Plateau

If you are experiencing a post-op weight loss stall or plateau further out there are a few possible causes. First, check that are you really in a stall. If the scale has stopped moving you may be losing inches, so check your measurements.

Too Many Carbs?

Carbohydrates can start sneaking into your foods without you being aware of how quickly they are adding up. For more information on carbs, see our section on Carbohydrates. If you are struggling with your weight loss you may want to examine your daily carb count. You can try to keep your carbs under 50g a day and see if that makes a difference in your weight loss. Do not eat carbs before bedtime as it triggers insulin and initiates fat storage. There are some great web site resources you can use to keep track of what you are eating.

Fit Day

Spark People - If you join Spark People also join the DS group.

The Daily Plate

Calorie King

For more tips on keeping a food journal see the Personal Nutrition Guide.

Eating Enough?

If you are under-eating or go more than 4-5 hours without eating, your body will shift into fasting mode, slow your metabolism and conserve your stored energy (fat). This can contribute to a weight loss stall or plateau. Make sure you are eating small meals or small Snacks throughout the day and also ensure you meet your daily Protein requirements. Try eating some Protein with every meal or snack. For more information on protein requirements see our section on Protein.

Drinking Enough?

An adequate level of water in your body aids in the effective breakdown of fat. The daily minimum recommendation is 64 Fluid oz of water a day. If you are in ketosis you will need to drink even more water to ensure the ketones are flushed out of your system. You may also need more than the minimum amount of water if you are exercising or live in a warmer or dry environment.

Exercising?

Exercise can increase your metabolism and burn fat. Strength training will build muscles and will boost fat burning. In a stall you can try increasing your volume of exercise or changing up your routine to overcome a weight loss stall or plateau. If you have been doing mainly aerobic activity, try doing a bit of strength training, and if you have been doing mainly strength training, try an aerobic work-out.

The High Fat - High Calorie Stall Buster

Many DSers swear by the fat/calorie shock as an effective weight loss stall or plateau buster. Having a day of higher fat and calorie eating followed by a returning to consistent low carb eating can sometimes "shock" your body back into weight loss mode.

[krystalherrington 29]

I started at 188 5'4". Lost 8 lbs on preop and 19, 11 weeks out. Super slow! Stalled for 3 weeks. Now I'm loosing .5 a week. I'll take it!

[marfar7 1,528]

I started at 174 and a bmi of 28 (I was a band revision). I've only lost 22 lbs in 5 mths. Not 1 lb in 3 mths. My doing. Decided to maintain till after the holidays then tackle the last 22. If I just cut out my nightime snacking I think that will have a huge impact. The less u weigh, the slower you'll lose. Just look at Biggest Loser. And ur gender makes a difference too. Men tend to lose faster (totally unfair)

Good luck...

[jessieg9783 0]

I was 245 when I started the peocess, by the time I had surgery I was 225. I am now 194 and stuck in a RUT big time. I havn't lost weight in almost 3 months!! I am working out at the gym at least 4 times a week for 1- 1 1/2 hours per work out. I am eating salads for lunch the only thing i can think of is that I am not getting enough Protein. I work in a busy Doctors office and dont have time to sit down and have healthy Snacks i need something that I can grab eat and go. I need HELP!! I need to start loosing weight I am getting very discouraged and very depressed. I feel like I am failing!! Someone please give me some advise, I am desprite!!

[krystalherrington 29]

Try beef Jerky for more Protein. Also, (don't be shocked), try not working out for a week and eating a bit more and then go back to the plan. Sometimes you can trick your body out of a plateau! I was stuck at 166 for an entire month. Stopped working out. Started eating and boom in 1.5 weeks I'm down to 163.5.

Also, try using an app like fitness pal or my net diary and see what you are really eating!!

Good luck and be proud of you amazing success thus far!!!!!!

[NMJG 1,266]

I had my 4 month check up yesterday. I'm down 40ish lbs. since surgery, which I thought was not great, but my surgeon was thrilled. He said pounds are irrelevant, it is the percent of excess weight that is a true measure. Mine is 40% of excess weight gone since surgery and that is apparently right on track. For someone with a higher BMI, that might be 80 lbs., but the % is the key. Gamergirl has said this a number of times, and it is really a good way of looking at it.

[gamergirl 4,609]

I was 245 when I started the peocess, by the time I had surgery I was 225. I am now 194 and stuck in a RUT big time. I havn't lost weight in almost 3 months!! I am working out at the gym at least 4 times a week for 1- 1 1/2 hours per work out. I am eating salads for lunch the only thing i can think of is that I am not getting enough Protein. I work in a busy Doctors office and dont have time to sit down and have healthy Snacks i need something that I can grab eat and go. I need HELP!! I need to start loosing weight I am getting very discouraged and very depressed. I feel like I am failing!! Someone please give me some advise, I am desprite!!

Okay a little tough love coming your way. Last three weeks, I have worked mostly 18 hour days. Every week, I travelled to at least one city if not two by plane. I was in airports, offices, and hotels. Mostly I have slept less than 6hours a night. Yet I managed to eat healthy. So you too can do it

Protein shakes, Greek yogurt, deli meat, cheeses, Jerky, edamame, can all be eaten Witjiut sitting down to a meal. Set your alarm for 3 meals and 2 Snacks and every time the alarm goes off, eat a little Protein. Stop all junk if you've been eating any, and before you know it, you'll be back on the plan.

Good luck!

[moonlitestarbrite 902]

I was 245 when I started the peocess, by the time I had surgery I was 225. I am now 194 and stuck in a RUT big time. I havn't lost weight in almost 3 months!! I am working out at the gym at least 4 times a week for 1- 1 1/2 hours per work out. I am eating salads for lunch the only thing i can think of is that I am not getting enough Protein. I work in a busy Doctors office and dont have time to sit down and have healthy Snacks i need something that I can grab eat and go. I need HELP!! I need to start loosing weight I am getting very discouraged and very depressed. I feel like I am failing!! Someone please give me some advise, I am desprite!!

your body is in starvation mode. not enough calories and Protein. ease up on the exercising and track your food to make sure you are getting enough in. when the NP at the hospital found out i was doing yoga, swimming, walking and dancing... she told me no vigorous cardio (i'm not) until i was eating 1000 cal or more a day. you need a fitbit or bodybug to track how many calories you are burning at work plus working out. if you are too far into negative calorie land... your body just shuts down and hangs on to every ounce. get some data and then you will know what to do.

[krystalherrington 29]

Thanks for this comment. I started at 188. Set a goal of 55 lbs and I'm down 26.5 which is almost 50% of my goal in 10 weeks, so I guess I'm doing pretty fabulous!!!

I had my 4 month check up yesterday. I'm down 40ish lbs. since surgery, which I thought was not great, but my surgeon was thrilled. He said pounds are irrelevant, it is the percent of excess weight that is a true measure. Mine is 40% of excess weight gone since surgery and that is apparently right on track. For someone with a higher BMI, that might be 80 lbs., but the % is the key. Gamergirl has said this a number of times, and it is really a good way of looking at it.

[funinthesun00 156]

You can see my rate of loss in my signature. Generally I lost 1.5-2 lbs a week. Slow and steady. It will happen, just be patient. Today I'm at 115. Things really slowed down at the 8 month mark, but I was happy with how I was looking by then so I was good with that. I actually don't want to lose anymore.

[EarthyGoalie 253]

I lose about 1.5 to 2 lbs a week. I hope it doesn't slow down-- at least not too much! Lol.

[NothingUpMySleeve 244]

Thanks for the responses. It's so helpful to see real world examples

[twinmommy2014 7]

I am 207 preop and was wondering if others are similar weights who had surgery as a lot of people are 300 or more. I am 5'1 and BMI is just under 40. So glad to see Im not alone

[CrissyRing77 232]

I am 207 preop and was wondering if others are similar weights who had surgery as a lot of people are 300 or more. I am 5'1 and BMI is just under 40. So glad to see Im not alone

I'm 5' staring weight at preop diet 211, surgery weight 202.5, current weight 5 weeks out today 181.

I lost super slow weeks 2&3 then I picked up from 3-5 like crazy!

[twinmommy2014 7]

Did you guys have complications? Ive read some people throw up a lot. Not sure if I'm getting sleeve or gastric bypass. I vomited for 9 months with the band and don't want to do that again. Also was there a lot of loose sin with weight loss