Search the Community

Hi guys had my surgery 02/02, start weight was 21.9. I got down to 20.9 before my op on the LRD. first week weigh in after surgery was a loss of 8 pounds and this morning week 2 I’ve lost 3.5 pounds. However I got on the scale Sunday and it showed a 3.5 pound loss then, so in 3 days the scale hasn’t moved and I’m still on liquids? what do we reckon, I’m going to be a slow loser? Or I’ve hit the dreaded 3 week stall early? thankyou.

You're experiencing the much dreaded and always frustrating 3-week stall. Almost everyone stalls out at 3 weeks. I had great loss for the first 17 days and then it's been periods of loss followed by longer periods of no loss. I think this is just the way it's going to be. I always felt I could eat more Soup, I just stopped with my measured amount. You definitely feel the restriction when you eat dense Protein. Your experience sounds completely normal. No worries!

Anyone still on that 3 week stall? I don't believe I eat more then 1200 cal a day. And it's mostly Protein. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I think my 3 week stall has begun...I was losing 1lb/day, then lost 3 Friday and the scale hasn't budged since. I'm writing down everything that goes in my mouth, so I know it's not something I'm doing but it was fun watching the weight go down vs seeing the same number. I'm betting on 5 days then I'm back being a loser! Happy Sunday, everyone! And Maggie, are you ok? I've been wondering...

Good morning everyone! Happy June! Surgery: RNY, May 16, 2019 Goal #1: To get back to regular walking/nordic pole walking 6 days a week, 5km per day, by the end of the month. Goal #2: To feel comfortable eating at the table with my family again. I've been eating separately from them since my liquid diet began because it's been too much of a challenge to be around while they're eating real food. No weight related goals as I don't really know what to expect this early out from surgery. And I know my 3 week stall is looming. Day 1: How do I feel at the moment? Emotionally, I think I'm in an okay place right now. No buyers remorse, no new stress, and I'm very pleased with where I'm at right now. Physically, I'm still nursing a wicked cold which is adding to my fatigue. Sent from my SM-G960W using BariatricPal mobile app

Use the search box here and search for "3 week stall" "third week stall" or "week 3 stall" You'll see you haven't messed up, EVERYONE stops losing for a few weeks at three weeks out. Stay off the scale for a couple of weeks. I am amazed and appalled at how many doctors seem to recommend that their patients eat potatoes (of all things!) but that's a rant for another day, and if your doctor told you to do it, it's not messing up. Unless you are nibbling on potatoes all day long, it didn't cause your weight loss to stop. That happens on its own and is completely normal.

Is anyone at 5 weeks out not really loosing weight? I slowed to a stop at three weeks which I assumed was the "dreaded 3 week" stall. But I am still not loosing. I have lost 2 pounds in 2 weeks. I am eating around 700-750 calories, I burn at least 200 of those daily with excercise Anyone have any advice. I am seeing the nut tomorrow to go over my fitness pal. I track everything. I don't want 26 pounds to be it.

I’m in the dreaded three-week stall and it sucks. I knew this was coming. I knew it was going to happen. I thought I even prepared myself for it. I have preached to others that it’s not big deal. That it’s your body saying, “Whoa, what the hell did you do to me?” and, “Your body needs to figure it out before it loses more weight.” I know all that, but it doesn’t make it suck any less and it doesn’t make me any less pissed off. There, I said it. I’m pissed off. I said it again. Rationally, it makes sense. My body is wondering if it’s a time of famine, so it’s not going to allow it’s self to lose any more weight until figures out that this is the new normal. This may take some time – I’m in a Facebook group where some people who had their sleeve operation in November stalled for three weeks. That’s a major blow to my already fragile psyche! After years of yo-yo dieting, when you don’t see the scale move, that when you find the donuts, or bread, or Cookies or (insert vise here). That is not an option. Eating a donut or other off-plan food will not only make me sick, even worse, it could damage my sleeve. It’s also not an option because I must be accountable for my actions. I need to be an adult. I will add that accountability and being an adult sucks, too! :-) So, I am writing this post as much for me as for anyone that reads it. The three-week stall will most likely happen. Try to prepare yourself for it, but know that no matter how much you prepare for it, it’s still going to be difficult when you go through it. What am I going to do about it? I’m going to keep on keepin’ on. That’s all I can do. I am going to stick to my plan – 3 meals and 3 shakes per day with 80-90 grams of protein; just as the doctor ordered. I’m going to continue going to the gym and walking on the treadmill. These are the two things that are going to help me achieve my goals. I cannot lose sight of that. I also know that this is temporary. My rational mind knows the arithmetic behind calories in vs. calories out. I’m consuming 600-800 calories a day right now and I’m burning about 250 on the treadmill daily. That formula will equal weight loss as soon as my body realizes we’re going to be OK. I just wish my body knows what my brain does!

Hooray. My 3 week stall is over! Onward and downward!

I second @@Sophie74656 - don't buy a ton of stuff pre-op because your taste buds may change. I didn't believe it....didn't think it would happen to me. Had a Protein shake I ABSOLUTELY LOVED and when I drank it post-op??!!! BLECH!!!! The other thing I did to keep my sanity - I only weighed at the doctors office for the first two months. Your body is going to want to "stall" about 3-4 weeks out and if you weigh yourself daily or even weekly and don't see a loss a lot of people freak out and think the surgery was a failure. It's not! You can search "3 week stall" and you will see it's normal. Best of luck!

Normal. Many of us hit the 3 week stall which is common. You also need to consider surgical weight gain from Fluid retention. Your TOM will cause Water retention as well as any excess in salt from bad food choices. Hang on, follow plan FOR REAL, and move your body. The weight will come off.

I think what I was experiencing was my 3 week stall, just really early. I lost all that weight the first 10 days, then only .2 for the next 7. I seem to be losing a little again now.

I think what I was experiencing was my 3 week stall, just really early. I lost all that weight the first 10 days, then only .2 for the next 7. I seem to be losing a little again now.

I have had a great 3 weeks post op. I'm walking 2 miles a day and I'm done almost 35 lbs. I think I'm at my 3 week stall. How long does it usually last? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

3 week stall still no change but seeing nsv like I'm in a size 16jean and 14 dress!

Yeah had the 3 week stall lasted 2 weeks lol had the 6 week stall lasted a week had the 9 week stall lasted 4 weeks lol lost 3/4 lbs and I'm right back in a stall its going one a week ATM lmao

Ok friends. The last two weeks I have been disappointed with first a 2lb gain and then a 2lb loss. So I broke even. Now week three, still no loss. What is going on? I am only 5 weeks post op and since the second I stopped liquids and introduced food, I am at a stand still. I am no longer disappointed, but getting depressed. I am watching people around me at work on weight watchers who are eating heartily and losing lots of weight week to week and I am the one who had major surgery and eat nothing in comparison and yet my scale doesn't move. I am doing everything right! When can I expect weight loss? My Dr had set a goal of 6 lbs to lose before my next visit which is in 9 days. It isn't going to be possible. Has anyone else had this experience?????????

Read the link in my sig about stalls. You are getting to the point where you are likely to hit the 3 week stall. That's okay and perfectly normal. Do not try to reduce calories or delay moving on to the next phase because you are afraid of gaining weight. At this point in your journey your calories are so severely reduced if you do not start eating food eventually your body could go into starvation mode and that will really hinder your weight loss efforts.

Our stats are similar (I was 319 lbs pre-op and I am approx. 5'4"). I have lost 104 lbs in 7 months and I'm still dropping. I just went through a 3 week stall, but the weight loss has started again and I'm just "keeping on". My goal weight is 135 lbs and I have NO DOUBT I will make that goal. You will over time change many things about your lifestyle (if you're committed to making and staying at goal). Mostly because it just feels right! Eating healthy (Protein first, veg next and carbs last, if there's room!), exercising (it will become a great habit and you'll miss it if you don't get your workouts in!), not needing most or all of your meds any more, fitting into "normal" clothing and being able to shop wherever you want (and finding your size on the rack!). Your surgeon is probably quoting "average" statistics to help moderate your expectations (and perhaps even lessen the chances of you blaming him if you're not successful, by making you shoot for an easier target!). He/she is quoting the generally accepted medical average loss for ALL VSG patients. So that includes the ones who were non-compliant with their post-op diets, didn't exercise and did not follow post-op instructions, etc. I don't think there is any reason why someone who is generally healthy, follows the post-op diet and exercises can't lose 100% of the excess weight they wish to lose. It just takes discipline, sweat and focus. All without messing with your intestines, having to take supplements for the rest of your life and possibly experiencing dumping syndrome, etc. I like my Pylorus valve where it is, thank you very much! And I WANT to absorb all my nutrition. That being said, each decision is highly personal and everyone is entitled to their choice and opinion. If you've done the research and feel comfortable with your decision to do the sleeve rather than the by-pass, don't let generic stats (even from your surgeon) dissuade you! If there are other health reasons he has for thinking you would benefit more from the bypass, have him explain it in detail, then reaffirm your choice and move forward!

Hi all, i am a fellow October gal...I had a band revision to sleeve...almost died due to complications with the band-but 2 surgeries later I am recovering. Surg Oct 22nd, spent 9 days in the hospital due to all the complications. I am relieved to see a 3 week stall is common, I have lost about 25lbs but nothing since 11/8...makes me sad! I am eating with no difficulty, about 800 cal a day. Please tell me this weight stall is going to go away soon...

Is anyone else on a 3 week stall? I know its normal but frustrating

I bought a knock-off of a bullet at Aldis for $18 and its awesome. Works great for blending 1-2 cups of food at a time. Sleeved 12/11 and on puree now. Initially lost 22lbs but at the 3 week stall now.

Geaux Broncos! Surgery day weight 248 Current weight 220 28 lbs down since Dec. 18th surgery....had nearly a 3 week stall...seriously not a lb was last for 3 weeks! Broke stall this week with 4 lb loss for the week! Yeah!!!! If your stuck just wait it out, my clothes are getting baggy and I purchased larges for the first time in years this week! Geaux December sleevers I am proud of all of y'all!

Hi all, I was sleeved 5 weeks ago(tomorrow). I have lost 19 lbs since surgery. I am hoping I am in the dreaded 3 week stall (for 2 weeks) and not messing up my chances of losing this weight. I have been getting the majority of my protein from protein drinks still and eating very small amounts of soft protein sources. I also have been eating ALOT of popsicles. Both sugarfree and regular. I didn't realize that the popsicles had 8 carbs each until I looked today. Would having my carb intake too high be causing me not to lose? I am getting in between 50 and 60 oz of water and 70+ grams of protein almost every day. I am starting to worry that my beloved popsicles are messing me up. Any words of wisdom would be so greatly appreciated. I started on myfitnesspal.com today as some other gals in my class are doing the same. I kept my calories just below 500 and my carbs were 22. I try to exercise every day but this past week has been pretty spotty. Usually I swim a mile. I am getting scared...is all this surgery and recovery going to be worth it?? I had the sleeve and then 9 days later I had to have my gallbladder out so it has been a slow recovery. I still don't have all my energy back but it is getting better. Thank you all for the encouragement, wisdom and help!!! We newbies REALLY appreciate it!

Sorry for the novel folks, but maybe before getting to tips and tricks, let's talk a bit about what causes plateaus: First, the most common reason for any stall, including the dreaded 3-week stall is simply that you are retaining more water. There are a few reasons this happens, but around the 3-week mark it comes down to the fact that your body is adjusting to a low carb intake after converting from glycogen to ketones for energy. More water is needed to burn glycogen, so you were retaining more water pre-surgery than you are now that you're using primarily ketones for energy. At about the 3-week mark, your body eventually recognizes that the water loss is long term, so other mechanisms have started kicking in to start holding on to more water. This water loss due to the change between glycogen and ketones is the primary reason for "keto flu", and something that increases your risk of dehydration early after surgery. The other "reasons" for plateaus really don't apply as much at the 3 week mark, but will become more important later in the process. Let's cover those too though so you're prepared: As you lose more weight, your overall metabolic rate will slow down. People sometimes think fat is not metabolically active, but that's not true. Less fat means your metabolism slows down, even if you retain the same amount of muscle. As you lose weight, it takes less effort to move, so the amount of calories you burn from activity also drops quite a bit. As you progress, you'll be able to eat more and especially if you're not tracking intake closely by weighing and measuring your food, you can easily be eating a lot more than you think. This one may be TMI for some, but you may simply be retaining more stool. This is going to be hard for some people to hear, but I can tell you one thing it's not, and that's hormones. Yes, various hormonal processes negatively impact weight loss in a myriad of ways, but they don't overcome basic physics: if you eat less than you are burning, you'll lose weight. What these hormones can do if they're out of whack, is not good things like slowing your metabolism, increasing your hunger, screwing with water weight, or even fooling you into thinking you're eating less than you are. So, with all that sciency stuff out of the way, what do we actually do if we're in a stall? Well, I think it depends on when it happens and how long it lasts: If it's early (a.k.a. the 3-week stall), just keep doing what you're doing and you should be fine. I know people don't like that advice, but as I said, it's just water, so don't worry about it. Later on, especially if the stall is lasting longer than 2-3 weeks. that's when I think it's important that you look closely at what you are actually burning, as well as really tracking what you are eating. If you don't know your BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate), you should. The closer you are to goal, the harder it is to get the balance right between intake and output to make sure you're not eating too much, so fixing this starts with knowing your BMR and accurate food logging. There's a lot of anecdotal advice thrown around about "ways to break a stall", but there seems to be little scientific evidence for any of it. Most of it certainly won't hurt to try, e.g. breaking up your routine in terms of diet or exercise, but just understand that this change may or may not have had any impact. If it makes you feel better to be proactive, go for it. Longer term, there is one piece of solid advice that's backed up by lots of research: Even if you don't really like working out, do it anyway. Those WLS patients that make a regular habit of exercising for 45 minutes to an hour most days a week are significantly more likely to reach their goal and maintain the weight loss. (One caveat here: significantly changing your exercise routine can make you retain water and possibly even add muscle, so don't freak out if you see a stall or even a gain.) I'll take that exercise advice one step further and say you really should be doing some form of strength training. This is also backed up by lots of studies, but the great thing about strength training is that it makes your burn more calories even at rest (in other words, it increases your metabolic rate). There are lots of other benefits, but the metabolic benefit is the most germaine to the stall question. Those that do strength training are less likely to stall during weight loss.