Mind Games (in my own mind)

[TinDE 83]

This whole process really screws with your mind. I'm 10 weeks out. This is what goes on in my head constantly. I lost 50 pounds before surgery and "only" 25 since. Woot! I lost 75 pounds total. I'm "only" losing two pounds a week. OMG I'm losing TWO pounds a week!! I don't feel like I look like I lost 70 pounds. Oh wow! My belt went from one notch to 5!! I feel the restriction. I don't feel the restriction. Maybe I'm eating too much and stretched out my pouch. I gained a half pound in one day...must be Water. I gained a half pound in one day...I'm going to have to go back to my old clothes! I gained a half pound? I probably look exactly as I did day 1. What if this doesn't work? I ruined my life. I'm so glad I had this surgery. I'd never be able to continue losing weight and keep it off.......and repeat.

[catwoman7 10,922]

a two-lb a week loss is pretty common after the first month or so. So you're doing fine!

[Tony B - NJ 641]

It is normal to be thinking like you are. I think most of us do the same thing. It looks like you lost most of the easy weight before surgery. Many of us lose a bunch in the preop diet and the rest of the easy stuff in the first month post op then it slows down considerably. After my 3 week stall which lasted 2.5 weeks I am back to losing about 4 or 5 pounds a week. I anticipate that slowing down considerably as I pass 2 months post op. I obsess over weight from day to day and I know I shouldn't be looking at it every day but I do anyway. I find if I UNDER EAT then my body holds on to the weight a little more, like I am going into starvation preservation internally. I upped my calorie intake from 750-800 to 850-900 and it seems like the weight is coming off again. I tinker with things when I slow down to see if I can get it going again. The nutritionist is good about giving ideas on what to try.

[Sleeve_Me_Alone 654]

I'm 4 weeks PO and have the exact same internal argument all day every day. Weeks 1 & 2 I lost 6lbs each, week 3 was barely 2lbs and I pitched a fit. Its been really helpful to read the stories and experiences of other folks though, it helps me remember that everyone is different, everyone goes at their own pace, and all of the WTF moments are completely normal. I'm really focusing on my mental health as well, working on my relationship with food and my body, etc. Because it is such a mind game, regardless of what the scale says, I want to be HEALTHY, including internally. Just know, you're absolutely not alone!

[Elidh 238]

I agree with what’s been said so far. One tip: you shouldn’t weigh every day, especially when those .5-2 lb gains take you on an emotional roller coaster ride. I know they did for me……in the old pre-VSG diet days (Jenny Craig, LA Weight Loss, Atkins, Keto, etc etc), I would weigh myself daily, sometimes even more often. I weigh now once weekly on the day of my surgery (Thursday), and it’s a relief not to be shackled to the scale!

[vikingbeast 985]

I've never felt so seen. Seriously. Despite all the evidence to the contrary, I find myself convinced I'm going to, I don't know, eat an extra 200 calories and suddenly be back in the Big and Fat Men's store. I am trying to find someone to help me navigate this.

Add to this that even though I am thrilled by the weight loss, it does come with its own annoyances. [CENSORED], I wanted to wear this particular outfit and it looks like a tent on me! Ugh, will this skin resolve on its own? For fox sake, will I ever be able to shop anywhere but the Goodwill and Ross Dress For Less? (I'm cheap—I don't want to buy clothes I'll only wear for a month or two unless they're seconds.)

[TinDE 83]

I know logically 2 pounds a week is great! And I know that a few “extra” calories a day isn’t going to make me gain back 70 pounds overnight. But some days I’m just not feeling logical. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[learn2cook 501]

I feel the same, same argument in my head.