Needing some encouragement

[K Ramirez 7]

Today marks 1 month since my surgery. Little back history for me, my start weight in March during diet for surgery: 280#. My surgery day: 269#. Today, I'm at 256#. I started and am currently still at at class 3 obesity. Posting before and after pictures.

I read and hear so many positive stories on how others lost 30+ pounds their first month. I should be happy with the fact I am losing weight but super slowly. I'm considered a "slow loser" apparently. I'm down 13 pounds in 1 month. I go 5-6 days plateaued same weight before I drop another pound. It's quite annoying. I've been drinking/drinking Protein Shakes, yogurt, cottage cheese and when I'm not working, I drink between 64-96 oz of Water. When I'm working (I work as a warehouse worker and does get to heavy lifting at times), I can hardly down 16 oz of water.

When I work, I get excited thinking, "I'm burning so many calories, I'm bound to finally lose that pound!" Just to be disappointed. I weigh daily, I have a separate nutritionist outside of the place I got my surgery as the nutritionist there hasn't helped much, doesn't respond or pay much attention when I try talking to them. So, I found a different one. I tried not weighing in each day, went a week, only to still be disappointed with the same weight.

I do occasionally lick unhealthy items or chew and spit out just to get some flavor again. It's not often.

Something different about me is I have a lot of muscle naturally. I also have PCOS. I've read PCOS can stall weight loss. I do for sure see changes in my stomach, not so much in my face or my arms...but why can't I be happy about this? Is this like a depression thing others have gone through? I'd love some others opinions, stories, how you're feeling right now.

[NickelChip 1,358]

I am also a slow loser and was diagnosed with PCOS in my 20s. I'm also 50, so perimenopause probably comes into play, too. While I've lost 48 lbs in the past 9 months, only 22 of that is post-surgery (almost 3 months). It's frustrating for sure.

First, though, 13 lbs in a month is great, even if you hoped for more. And it really shows in your photos.

Second, your body retains Fluid for several weeks after surgery, so it's hard to say what's really going on.

But most importantly, this is a journey that will take 12-18 months. You're only 1 month in. And while your doctor can talk about trajectories and averages, each person is unique. Each body does what it wants to do when it wants to do it. Try not to focus on the scale (hard, I know). Focus on your health, developing good lifelong habits, and nonscale victories like loose clothing, getting off a medication, or improved lab results. Just because you started off slow doesn't mean you won't make it to a place that makes you happy.

[summerseeker 2,399]

Who lost 30 pounds in their first month ? Not anyone your size. Who gave you these ridiculous expectations ? It could take a year to 18 months or so for you to be at a healthy weight. Your body will do what it will, you can not force the weight off your body.

Stay off the scales, listen to your team and be patient.

[ShoppGirl 5,073]

You’re showing us the photos which document a significant loss but idk if you can see what we see. Sometimes it’s hard for us to notice the difference in ourselves even with the before and after photo. Have you seen the visual representation of even ONE pound of fat? They sell it on Amazon, just search it and visualize 13 of those. You will see how much you have lost. Also, consider taking measurements each month. That way you can watch the inches decrease because clearly you have lost. And check out the non scale victory thread. See all the things you have to look forward to that have nothing to do with a number on the scale. You are doing great!!

Edited May 4, 2024 by ShoppGirl

[K Ramirez 7]

43 minutes ago, summerseeker said:

Who lost 30 pounds in their first month ? Not anyone your size. Who gave you these ridiculous expectations ? It could take a year to 18 months or so for you to be at a healthy weight. Your body will do what it will, you can not force the weight off your body.

Stay off the scales, listen to your team and be patient.

Though I appreciate the comment, I am listening to my team. Like stated in the post, my nutritionist doesn't seem to care so I had to find a new nutritionist and I'm following her instructions.

This comment is not encouraging at all. Not once did I say I was disappointed I couldn't force myself to lose weight and I didn't say at all I was expecting a healthy weight 1 month post surgery.

Have a good day.

[K Ramirez 7]

23 minutes ago, ShoppGirl said:

You’re showing us the photos which document a significant loss but idk if you can see what we see. Sometimes it’s hard for us to notice the difference in ourselves even with the before and after photo. Have you seen the visual representation of even ONE pound of fat? They sell it on Amazon, just search it and visualize 13 of those. You will see how much you have lost. Also, consider taking measurements each month. That way you can watch the inches decrease because clearly you have lost. And check out the non scale victory thread. See all the things you have to look forward to that have nothing to do with a number on the scale. You are doing great!!

I have thought of taking measurements instead. Something I was going to talk to my nutritionist this coming week. Thank you 😊 I do appreciate your comment

[K Ramirez 7]

53 minutes ago, NickelChip said:

I am also a slow loser and was diagnosed with PCOS in my 20s. I'm also 50, so perimenopause probably comes into play, too. While I've lost 48 lbs in the past 9 months, only 22 of that is post-surgery (almost 3 months). It's frustrating for sure.

First, though, 13 lbs in a month is great, even if you hoped for more. And it really shows in your photos.

Second, your body retains Fluid for several weeks after surgery, so it's hard to say what's really going on.

But most importantly, this is a journey that will take 12-18 months. You're only 1 month in. And while your doctor can talk about trajectories and averages, each person is unique. Each body does what it wants to do when it wants to do it. Try not to focus on the scale (hard, I know). Focus on your health, developing good lifelong habits, and nonscale victories like loose clothing, getting off a medication, or improved lab results. Just because you started off slow doesn't mean you won't make it to a place that makes you happy.

Congratulations on your weight loss so far! I'm happy to hear that for you!

I know it will take time. I had 2 friends do this weight loss surgery too and met with one of her friends who had it. They talked how they lost so much weight their first 3 months. They made me believe in a higher result.

I'm excited to keep on my journey and it's not entirely bad that I'm a slow loser. Means I can get an opportunity to tighten my skin up with workouts when I am allowed to start.

Thank you for your comment and congratulations again on your weight loss! I'm trying to be more positive!

[ShoppGirl 5,073]

14 minutes ago, K Ramirez said:

I have thought of taking measurements instead. Something I was going to talk to my nutritionist this coming week. Thank you 😊 I do appreciate your comment

There is an app called Baritastic where you can log all your measurement info as well as food, Water and even bowel movements. 😂. Some nutritionists participate witb it and they can see your information too. Ypu can still use it even if they don’t participate though.

Edited May 4, 2024 by ShoppGirl

[K Ramirez 7]

16 minutes ago, ShoppGirl said:

There is an app called Baritastic where you can log all your measurement info as well as food, Water and even bowel movements. 😂. Some nutritionists participate witb it and they can see your information too. Ypu can still use it even if they don’t participate though.

I use an app but not made for bariatric, I'll have to give this a try. And ugh... Bowel movements! They're few and far between.

Thank you for your help 🙂

[NickelChip 1,358]

17 minutes ago, K Ramirez said:

I know it will take time. I had 2 friends do this weight loss surgery too and met with one of her friends who had it. They talked how they lost so much weight their first 3 months. They made me believe in a higher result.

I totally get it. My brother had surgery about 15 years ago and his first few months were dramatic. He was losing so much weight daily, and went on to get from 310lbs to 150lbs in the first year or so (he's since regained to about 230lbs). But when I am tempted to compare myself to him negatively, I have to remember he was a guy (they lose 20% more on average) and in his early 30s at the time. I'm female and 50! Plus, his starting BMI was 6 points higher than mine. All that can make a difference. And even with friends who may seem a lot more like you (similar size and age), there are things you can't see like how much inflammation or Water weight a person had, or how much muscle. But yeah, it's hard. Especially as most of us had tried and failed so many times, having a few good months and then coming to a halt and regaining everything plus some, time and time again. When you are a slower loser, it messes with your mind and plays up your fears.

But I definitely second the idea of measurements. In the past 3 weeks, I have barely budged on the scale, losing only about 3 pounds and doing a lot of bouncing up and down. But I took my measurements and I've lost almost an inch in my bust, over an inch in my waist, and an inch and a half in my hips. At the start of April, I was wearing a size 20w in jeans (albeit roomy, but they stayed up). Yesterday, I had on a 16w and they were comfortable, not even skin tight! I haven't worn a 16 in years! So if the scale is messing with you, see if you have a piece of clothing from your skinnier days that you could try on. You might be amazed.

[ShoppGirl 5,073]

22 minutes ago, K Ramirez said:

I use an app but not made for bariatric, I'll have to give this a try. And ugh... Bowel movements! They're few and far between.

Thank you for your help 🙂

Yea check it out. What’s I love about it is if you log your food it allows you to add portions of a serving and it does all the math. Like you can add 1/4 of a bell pepper or so many ounces or chicken instead of just a chicken breast or one bell pepper so it’s pretty darn accurate for your macros. Even with the packaged food you scan in you can add less than a full serving and it calculates everything for you. Also for scanned items they must have a pretty big database because so far it has yet to not recognize anything I’ve scanned. I’m not sure if that’s how all the food tracking apps are or not because this is the first I have tried but it’s far more user friendly than I expected.

Edited May 4, 2024 by ShoppGirl

[ms.sss 15,831]

lots of folks on here post about being disappointed in their amount of weight loss immediately following surgery. i *think* its because they did a lot of reading and remember the huge weight loss numbers then compare it to themselves.

the people who have huge drops are the ones who have waaaaaaaay more weight to lose than you, and frankly, more than most people on here.

someone said it on here before and i'll echo it cuz i think its awesome and bang on: "comparison is the thief of joy".

you are doing awesome. you have lost 13 lbs in one month. and while you may not see it, i TOTALLY see the missing 13 lbs in your before and after pics. like i mean, you have you SEEN the side by side of your midsection?? you finished one month, and you have several more months to go. can you imagine what the result would be in a year if you keep this up? even if you just lost 5 lbs every month for the next 11 months. pretty effing awesome, i think.

keep on keeping on, you are doing great.

[catwoman7 11,284]

People who lose 30 lbs the first month, unless they're the size of the folks on "My 600 lb Life", are outliers. Yes, you'll find a few, but most of us "normal" WLS patients lose somewhere in the 15-25 lb range the first month. On top of that, your surgery day weight is a little lower than a lot ours was. I think you're doing fine. I lost 16 lbs the first month, and I weighed 100 lbs more than you do.

Edited May 4, 2024 by catwoman7

[learn2cook 630]

You are doing great! PCOS or menopause or something did slow things down for me, but the surgery does work. 2+ years out and I’m still tinkering with how carbs and preservatives trigger inflammation in me. I still track when inflammation strikes and you will find your ebbs and flows too. I don’t know if you tried WW or any other plan? I remember the normal loss of 1/2lb a week. Just keep thinking of how this loss compares. WLS does work. Body measurements helped me through the many stalls, speaking of which, you’re probably heading into or out of your “3 week stall.” It’s temporary, you will get to where you hope to go. Here’s to good health!

[SleeveToBypass2023 2,680]

I lost 33 pounds in my first 6 weeks, not in my first month. I also started a good 100 pounds heavier than you. The bigger you are, the faster you initially lose.

I will say that you should go check out the NSV thread here (Non scale Victories). Even if the scale isn't doing what you want, it doesn't mean things aren't happening. Clothes fit differently, rings are looser, you fit into seats with arms better, you're not smooshed when you sit in a booth, you can do more walking and working out without as much difficulty, etc....

Don't weight yourself everyday. Try picking a specific day each week and do it then. Make sure you're prioritizing Protein first, then veggies, then carbs and healthy fats. Move everyday. Can be a workout, can be walking, could be swimming or biking. Just make sure you're moving your body. Try to stay away from sugar and salt as much as possible. Get at least 64oz of fluids daily, if not more.

The first 6 months is when you lose the most, so do everything you can to help that along.