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It's science: A "stall" a few weeks after surgery is not uncommon, 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 a patient is not getting in enough food, the body turns first to stored glycogen, which is easy to break down for energy. Then when 2 lbs. of glycogen is used a patient will 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. However, when the body stays in a caloric deficit state the body starts to realize that this is not a short-term problem. Then the body starts mobilizing fat from adipose tissue and burning fat for energy. But the body also realizes that fat can't be used for short bursts of energy. So, it starts converting some of the fat into glycogen, and rebuilding the glycogen stores. 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 the patient might still be losing energy content to their body, the weight will not go down or it might even gain for a while as the retention of water dissolves the glycogen that is being reformed and stored.

First off, take a deep breath. My journey started exactly as yours did. I could not feel restriction, could eat more than others, had a pretty good appetite and was worried because I didn't lose anything until the 3rd week. I put on 11 pounds of fluid in the hospital and I did lose that in the first two weeks. Keep sticking to your plan and the weight will come off! I can't even believe that your Dr was so discouraging about your loss. When exactly was the last time that you were able to lose 5 pounds per week? Keep telling yourself that the rules of logic dictate that there is absolutely no way that you will not lose weight if you stick to the plan. Sadly, we can't lose it overnight but, the good news is that with our new tool losing it is very doable. Hang in there!

Well I had my surgery yesterday. VSG by Dr David Oliak. Surgery was done at Orange Coast Hospital, in Huntington Beach CA, and I’m in the ICU for a day because Severe OSA. But that’s been fine on their CPAP with my mask. I’ve walked a few times. Last night and this morning. A little sore but really not bad. Still NPO which sucks. I’m so thirsty. Looking forward with little trepidation for the next part of the journey. Good look all.

Do you dilute with water?

Thank you so much. I'm in the healthcare field and this was the first explanation I found that really seems to match what I'm actually feeling. My surgeon does seem to know about the 3 week stall and she is very sweet but she is still relatively new to the field (though a lot of her colleagues seem to really like her and I love her too) so maybe as far as her patients go, most don't have issues until the 3rd week? I've been exploring the forums and online too and I have started to see a few 2 week stallers tho definitely more 3+ wks but the science does make me feel better so all I can do is keep pushing forward. Thank you!

I have 3 different protein waters: Premier Protein Clears: 20g Protein Protein2O: 15g Protein Trimino: 7g Protein I alternate which ones I use depending on the amount of protein I consume. Today I am feeling a bit under the weather and I find drinking the PP Clears and adding 8oz of water helps significantly in getting them down. I dilute most of them with some water because as others have said they are very sweet. My favorite of the bunch is the Trimino as they are more like lemonade to me, but I still dilute them. They have less protein, but I find I get lots of protein in naturally throughout the day with other shakes that on days I don't need an extra boost its my go-to.

What a beautiful story and wonderful plan. I will be watching your stories until the completion date. Both of you Keep us posted. .😛Your new friend Frustr8

Yes we planned for the ICU. Which really was better. The RNs usually are on top of their game and have fewer patients.

That's crazy too. But I get it. I'm just happy to be back to feeling "me".

Thank you Nikki_Nik87 . I guess it is all part of the process for everyone at one point , the not knowing .....and in the other hand is excitement as you say " My new journey begins ".