Well, it seems I've hit my first plateau. I've been fluctuating between 206-207 for close to two weeks now. Nothing has changed as far as my diet (in "phase 3" - soft/ground meat, soft veggies, most fruit, etc.) and I still have a minimal appetite. I do weigh myself at the same time every day (morning) and under the same conditions (after going to the bathroom, before eating/drinking, etc.). While I'm down 41# since my highest weight - which was in February 2020 - I'm really only down 16# since surgery on 8/19. I'm sure this is 100% normal, but I find it frustrating. I've increased walking & bike riding (can't really work out as I have terrible arthritis in my back & hips) but I'm not sure what else I can do to jump-start weight loss again. Any suggestions?

Edited September 18, 20205 yr by LAJ23

it'll start up again on its own as long as you stick to your program. No need to increase or decrease calories or exercise - just stick to your clinic's plan. And stay off the scale for a few days if you have to. Your weight loss WILL start up again.

as for 16 lbs in the last month, that's very normal. Most of us lose in the 15-25 lb range the first month. I know people often expect more, but I think a lot of expectations come from shows like "My 600 lb Life", but you have to remember that those people are starting at a MUCH higher BMI than the average WLS patient. For us more "normal" WLS patients, that kind of loss is the exception, not the rule. You are doing just fine!

28 minutes ago, LAJ23 said:

Well, it seems I've hit my first plateau. I've been fluctuating between 206-207 for close to two weeks now. Nothing has changed as far as my diet (in "phase 3" - soft/ground meat, soft veggies, most fruit, etc.) and I still have a minimal appetite. I do weigh myself at the same time every day (morning) and under the same conditions (after going to the bathroom, before eating/drinking, etc.). While I'm down 41# since my highest weight - which was in February 2020 - I'm really only down 16# since surgery on 8/19. I'm sure this is 100% normal, but I find it frustrating. I've increased walking & bike riding (can't really work out as I have terrible arthritis in my back & hips) but I'm not sure what else I can do to jump-start weight loss again. Any suggestions?

If you are completely following your program, as you seem to be, you are doing it right. Don't change a thing. The scale is lying to you.

I should copy and paste.

I was too large for any scale but my surgeons'. So I couldn't do to me what you are doing to you. Yet, in month 5 I only lost 8 pounds. Grrrr. My Doc couldn't care less about my weight if I was following my plan and feeling well. For the record, the next month I lost my second largest amount, and I didn't change a thing. I also don't ever weigh myself except at annual physicals. I do what Doc did: I measure how I feel, am I content, am I on program. You know, the important stuff. Numbers on a scale? Not important.

There are a ton of things that can result in the scale not moving. By now, you've read about the ones both real and imagined. It doesn't matter. The scale doesn't matter.

Don't let the scale do you. You do you.

Tek

You are doing great, and are almost in ONEderland!! Congrats!!!

Sometimes the scale is generous, sometimes it owes you one! In my signature you can see my monthly tallies, and they went up and down, even though I've stuck to my program the entire time. Sometimes it's retained fluid or constipation, and sometimes the body isn't ready to let go just yet.

Hang in there, and keep doing what you're doing!

5 hours ago, LAJ23 said:

Well, it seems I've hit my first plateau. I've been fluctuating between 206-207 for close to two weeks now. Nothing has changed as far as my diet (in "phase 3" - soft/ground meat, soft veggies, most fruit, etc.) and I still have a minimal appetite. I do weigh myself at the same time every day (morning) and under the same conditions (after going to the bathroom, before eating/drinking, etc.). While I'm down 41# since my highest weight - which was in February 2020 - I'm really only down 16# since surgery on 8/19. I'm sure this is 100% normal, but I find it frustrating. I've increased walking & bike riding (can't really work out as I have terrible arthritis in my back & hips) but I'm not sure what else I can do to jump-start weight loss again. Any suggestions?

Congrats on your weightloss so far! ??‍♀️ Take a minute to celebrate the accomplishment and keep on going ?‍♀️