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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.

I was sleeved on 7/29 and am down just under 15 lbs since surgery. I lost 13.8 in the first 2 weeks and the last 10 days I've been holding steady. I have lost about 2 lbs in the last 10 days but the scale is fluctuating up and down with those 2 lbs depending on the day. I had heard about the 3 week stall, which is what I am experiencing... but I never knew it would mess with my head so much. I am really concerned about my 1 month post op appt and what my surgeon will say when I've only lost a couple/few pounds since my 2 week post-op appt. ????

Travelling can cause water retention. Also, you may be in the 3 week stall that hits any time between week 2 and 4. ((hugs))

Congrats on the weight lost so far! You will do amazing if you stick to the plan. Protein first of course and get all your fluids in. Beware the 3 week stall, it always happens but inches still come off. If you haven't already do your measurements so you can see it happening when the scale doesn't move. Good luck!

It's crazy how much tastes change! I used to love pickles and now I can't stand them. The first week or so postop I couldn't do cold water and didn't really want room temp water so I drank a lot of gatorade zero. I tried the gatorade zero protein, but could not deal with the after taste. Last week though everything started to taste really sweet so I went back to water and have no issues now with cold water. When I feel like I want something other than water, I just grab a crystal light packet and add it in. Fruit punch is my favorite flavor, but I have to double the water I mix it with because it's pretty strong. Monday was 4 weeks postop for me and it's amazing how much difference 10 days can make! Physically, I feel totally fine - no remaining soreness or pain. My doctor cleared me for soft foods including "chewing non-soft foods to an applesauce consistency" so I haven't stuck to any specific foods but still trying to figure out what works for me which is mostly chicken and shrimp. I finally hit the (delayed) 3 week stall and haven't seen the scale move at all this week, but I'm keeping my motivation up with exercise and hope to see that big dip soon.

1/31 down 24 lbs first 2 weeks, I'm currently in a 3 week stall. Revision 1/31/13 by Dr Cabrera and Venezuela in MX

My "3 week stall" actually occurred at week 5. It was 13 days long. My weight loss pattern between month 1 and month six was basically lose for 2 weeks, stall for 2 weeks, repeat. It was frustrating at first, but got used to it after a while. Let me start with a little personal history. A lot of my weight dropped month 1 and 2, with mostly walking. Month 3-5 dropped about 1/2 rate with mostly ellyptical. Month 5-7 dropped a little faster with mostly running. Now trying to improve fitness and gain back some lean muscle with cross fit, incline running and yoga as well as supplements. One suggestion to limit stalls is to eat more good carbs, lots of Protein (120+ and plenty of Water (100+ oz) during weight loss period. I did eat a lot of quality protein and drank a lot of water, but did not eat good carbs until recently and really leaned out in upper body, mostly due to hard running. There are some supplements I have learned about recently that might help preserve lean muscle such as BCAA (amino acids) and catalyst so your exercise does not eat all your lean muscle during loss.

I've been stalled for a week and gained 2 lbs this week! But in all honestly my eating was horrible this week. I'm down 23 pounds total, 17 lbs down since surgery. I did meal prep this week so I hope that keeps me making better choices and helps move the stall. I still have not made it to a work out today is Monday though so no motivation like a Monday start lol. How long have you had your stall? My Dr. said two to 3 weeks stalls would be normal in between large amounts of weight coming off as your body catches up with the weight loss so not to worry. He recommended just staying on track with good habits such as protien first, then veggies, then carbs when eating and stopping when full and my body would do the rest. My problem is i'm a bored eater. I eat just to have something to do. So i'm drinking water to try and replace that habit. Like i said i did not do good last week and I gained 2lbs sooooo i need to get better habits lol. On that note if anyone else is bored eater and just uses food to fill your time let me know what tips you have done to help curb that habit. Look forward to hearing suggestions. Also if anyone wants to post what your daily food intake looks like that would be helpful.... not sure if i'm eating to much some days i feel like i could eat a house other days i can only eat an egg....

In order for you to get out of the stall phase you have to drink water, water and more water, it will help you push through it and start to drop the weight. I went through the 3 week stall and it was super annoying. I found a youtube video on it, it was a life saver. It was also good yo know that stall is natural. Sent from my SM-N900T using BariatricPal mobile app

So, me and my partner are surviving off food stamps, as we have to right now, and we are out for the month. That doesn't allow me much in the way of what to eat. The foods I can eat I have to ration. Im 3 weeks po and in the dreaded 3 week stall. I ate ramen noodles and meat last night, because I had to get something in. Don't come at me for choices, how unhealthy, etc etc, because I know. They sat ok, no pain, kinda feels like they may still be sitting this morning? Not sure. Guess I am just looking for reassurance that I will be ok. Sent from my SM-N986U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

Finally broke the 3 week stall!!! Down to 216 as of this morning...200 is so close. :wub:

mdm. hang in there sleeve sister. it will get better it has to. have you called the nuts for support. and you might be at the 3 week stall i hear a lot of ppl go throgh that. i have my days also i seem to think the weight will just come off but i know deep down i have to work also. you should really try to get down here for at least one support group its uplifting and helpful at least one. hang in there andpray and call me so we can get through this ok. and its ok to mourn but also turn it over to god just let go and let god. momof all i can do is laugh wow im so tired of all these mixed instructions and rules. im suppose to get in 1200 cal aday how in the heck will i do that with soft foods. i average 600-800 a day i get in over 100g of protien. and under100g of carbs. i hate having to think before i eat funny

239.5. I think I'm up for 3 week stall. Down about 19-20 lbs in 3 weeks!

When i click the link for the facebook page it says not available :-(. Can anyone help? So i was worried about the 3 week stall..so yesterday i had my hubby hide thebscale. Im going to weigh only on the 1st and 15th of each month. Wheeew. Feel so much less stress!!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Good idea Kevin. I'm doing ok. I haven't lost but maybe a pound in the last 2 weeks. It's a bit frustrating but I suppose I'm hitting my 3 week stall a little late. I have lost a total of 28 lbs since surgery. I want more to come off. I need to relax and let the process work. I'm eating right and I exercising. It seems that I stall when I start exercising. I'm talking about walking mostly 2 miles + a day. I did kill my self by doing half squats and some light weigh arm exercises. Boy am I out of shape.

Hi All, Had my surgery Jan 16th, had problems signing in to be a part of this group...finally able to get in to comment. I've been following along since beginning of Jan....so much good info from you guys!!! It's helped me alot!!! I'm down 22 pounds as of this am. Was 23 lbs, but gained a pound this past week?? My visit with Dr. last week went real well. He's pretty much cleared me to eat anything now, stating everyone is different and your stomach will tell you if you shouldn't eat it. Wants me to weigh in once a week instead of everyday. I asked about calorie intake, he's more concerned about protien instead. I've been having a very hard time getting protien in. Cannot drink shakes, tried all of them. Thought I'd do good on Clear Protien water....nope too sweet and I gag when I drink it. Finally found Fairlife Core & Core Elite (from reading comments on here). Also gag now with water!! Never had a problem with water before 3 weeks ago...now it's a struggle. Ice chips work instead. This past week I tried tuna fish!! It goes down easy and high in protien....I find I'm craving salt! I started eating Saltines, letting them "melt" in my mouth. Thinking I maybe eating too many since I have a weight gain this week.(?) I have 2-3 at a time....about 3 times a day. My average calorie intake is 520 or less. Staying within macros guidelines. So I'm a bit upset about the weight gain, since calorie intake is so little. I walk a mile and a half everyday. Ride bike for a mile and do some strengthening excercises for upper body 3 x's a week. I thought I'd be down a pound[emoji53]. Had the 3 week stall, got through that. Thanks to all of you talking me through it![emoji4] I have found I really need to push my plate away, taking the one more bite throws me over into "stuffed", therefore getting that pain where esophagus meets stomach. And boy-oh-boy it hurts!! I'm finally getting a handle on how much my new belly can hold. Thank you all for the good advice you've posted. We are in this together, and you do get me through stuff!! Sent from my SM-G960U using BariatricPal mobile 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...

I did my 3 week stall at week 2, stalled until week 4, lost for 3 days and have been in another stall ever since 😭😭😭. I know it will come off, but stalls are the worst. NSV - I ran on the treadmill for the first time in 6 years this weekend! And I am down two pants sizes.

I'm in the 3 week stall phase right now. Two days and no weight loss. I know that doesn't sound like a lot but after loosing a pound a day since surgery it sucks. LOL. I'm with you this would be the time that I would be on my way to McDonalds for a big mac and fries and large coke. Now I CAN'T do it and thats what is helping me. I'm just trying to stay positive and keep drinking my protein shake and water this morning. Good Luck to everyone stalling.

Dawn: I think that you and I are on the EXACT same page (recall that we were sleeved a day apart). I had the 2-3 week stall, and then I'm going through another. Grrr. And this time, because I can get more types of food into my mouth, I'm starting to blame me for bad food choices. I feel you. It was so much fun to be back stateside and buy a bit of a new wardrobe, but this is discouraging. Hopefully it will break soon, being 40 lbs down isn't enough. (I still haven't gotten back to the gym though, so maybe it's time).

Its great that you are still working out/walking! I would take the little victories where you can and maybe consider going back to Protein shakes and no carbs for a few days just to get past the cravings. Have some sugar-free/fat-free pudding for chocolate. There is a better way to satisfy your appetite, and you know better than anyone what that is....... Use this tool to get back on track for your new lifestyle You can do this. You really want to do this. You really will do this! We all have faith in you, you can, you want to, you will......Just keep saying it. That being said, I have one more week before my food free-for-all and I want meatloaf dammit!!! lol, but I had to go back to 2 shakes a day to get my loss moving again after my 3-week stall. So we all have to make adjustments occasionally.

I have a 10cc band and I was at 7.75cc for several months. Weight loss was slow but steady...1- 1.5 lbs a week with a 2-3 week stall every few week. I had an adjustment on September 20. She added .30cc to bring me to 8.05. I was fine perfectly fine....great restriction....great everything. I got a cold, lost my voice for a couple days and had a weird cough. I had a metallic taste in my mouth and my DH was concerned that I had silent GERD. I went to the doc on Oct 11. I had lost 7 pounds in 3 weeks. She took out .20cc to be on the safe side leaving me with 7.85cc in my band. The cough is gone...but now I am STARVING and I have gained 2 pounds. It doesn't make sense to me-- I have more in my band then I did for the last 3 months. Can a small unfill make you feel like you you don't have a band at all? I mean I am STARVING....worse than any bandster hell I may have gone through. I still have a numbness on my tongue that comes and goes but I am not coughing, spitting up, and I can eat drink just fine. Is this something to worry about? Should I go back and get some put back in my band? Any tricks or advice you can offer?? Thanks!

I am at the 3 week stall too. Getting very frustrated. I did measure And I have lost inches since surgery but I would like to see the scale move too.

Me to please. Thought I was added but not coming up. Thank you sunette.odendal@gmail.com I am at that dreadful 3 week stall. Picked up in stead of losing. Hope it will start coming off soon. Have a nice day;)