Search the Community

Some people here seem to take offense when people reply with silly or humorous comments in posts. I enjoy reading them (in fact it is rumored that I have posted a few myself ). Everything in life doesn't have to be a joke, but when you read about a "3 week stall" or someone having pissy-pants because they are the only one who ever had to follow a post WLS diet, etc. for the umpteenth-hundred time, some humor is well appreciated. People should encourage creativity, otherwise people become like this little boy: (It's a poem I like and why I encourage creativity) He always wanted to say things but no one understood. He always wanted to explain things but to no one cared. So he drew. Sometimes he would just draw and it wasn’t anything. He wanted to carve it in stone or write it in the sky. He would lie out on the grass and look up at the sky and it would be only him and the sky, and the things that needed saying. And it was after that, that he drew the picture. It was a beautiful picture. He kept it under the pillow and would let no one see it. He would look at it every night and think about it. And when it was dark, and his eyes were closed, he could still see it. It was all of him and he loved it. When he started school he brought it with him. Not to show anyone, but just to have like a friend. It was funny about school. He sat in a square brown desk, like all the other square brown desks, and he thought it should be red. And his room was a square brown room like all the other rooms. It was tight and close, and stiff. He hated to hold the pencil, and the chalk, with his arm stiff and his feet flat on the floor, stiff with a teacher watching and watching. And then he had to write a numbers. And they weren’t anything. They were worse than the letters which could be something if you put them together. The numbers were tight and square and he hated the whole thing. The teacher came and spoke to him. She told him to wear a tie like all the other boys. He said he didn’t like them and she said it didn’t matter. After that they drew. He drew all yellow and it was the way he felt about morning. And it was beautiful. The teacher came and smiled at him. “What’s this?” she said. “Why don’t you draw something like Ken’s drawing? Isn’t that beautiful?” It was all questions. After that his mother bought him a tie and he always drew aeroplanes and rocket ships like everyone else. And he threw the old picture away. And when he lay out alone looking at the sky it was big and blue. And all of everything, but he wasn’t any more. He was square inside and brown, and his hands were stiff, and he was like anyone else. And the thing inside him that needed saying didn’t need saying anymore. It has stopped pushing. It was crushed, stiff. Like everything else.

You're 12 days out, just in time for your first stall we all had (dreaded 3 week stall). Totally normal. Never satisfied, make sure you're taking a PPI for stomach acid or just not experiencing head hunger. Both mimic real hunger. Totally normal. Can eat 4 Oz of food because your nerves have been cut in your tummy, and your "full" sensation is probably skewed because of that. Also, once you start healing and eating honest to goodness real food, you will feel more restriction. Also totally normal. Just breath. You've got a long road ahead of you, and if you're ready to throw in the towel at only 12 days out, well I'm afraid you're going to struggle. Just know that all the fear, frustration and everything else you're going through is normal and is only temporary. Then it will be onto the next stage and different challenges.

Hi all. I decided to go ahead and make my "membership" official and join the VIP club. ???? So far BP has been fantastic to read and to participate in(the good and the bad). I thought it was time to fully commit! ????While my program has a monthly in person meeting, it never seems to fall on a day I can go so BP has become my default support group. I have been mostly quiet up to this point but I have been soaking up so much. I am now 5 months since VSG so things are settling down to be more routine. So many of my early questions were answered by reading the responses of the oh so patient veterans on other threads. I can't tell you how much it helped me! I didn't panic after I didn't lose much immediately post op. I didn't get upset when I hit the 3 week stall. (A little discouraged, but it helped to know it wasn't just me) I was prepared for when my hair started to like the floor better than my head. (Not happy, but hopeful since everyone says it will come back!) I learned about lots of new food options (Halo Top ice cream!) and recommendation on vitamins. And most importantly, I feel I am getting to know a group of individuals who on this "project" with me. Don't get me wrong, I have lots of support at home and from friends and family, but it isn't the same as talking to others who are in the same boat. At times I will admit to feeling a bit lonely in this journey. Just reading and sometimes responding on BP has helped feel more connected. So I thought it was time to fully commit to BP and work on starting to give back. ????????

I've really been struggling for the last 2-3 weeks. I had RNY on May 11/15. As of today I am 178 lbs, down from 250 lbs (72 lbs). At 5 & 1/2 months out I feel I should have lost a little more. My weight loss has been quite slow since about the beginning of August. Today I finally came out of a 3 week stall. However, I know that the slowed weight loss is entirely my doing. My appetite has definitely returned and I have been making bad choices quite regularly over the last month or so. I do fairly well during the day, although I have had a slice of pizza more often than I should. However, it's mainly the evenings that are my downfall. After the kids are in bed and chores are done I end up snacking and the Snacks have changed from veggies & fruit to chips, pretzels, popcorn...anything salty and crunchy! I know it's not wise and everyday I tell myself today I won't succumb to the cravings...but I really feel like I'm losing the battle. I truly don't want to screw this up but it's so hard! I've recently joined a gym and have a personal trainer who requires that I keep a food journal but even that doesn't seem to be helping! I am due to see my nutritionist as well as the bariatric centre's psychologist in a couple of weeks and I'm hoping that they will have some support and tools to offer. I just don't know how to wire my brain to keep the motivation. Feeling so down.

Ok, I've heard of the legendary 3 week stall. But, I'm only one week post op and I've been in a stall for two days now. The first four days, weight just flew off. Was down 9 lbs in those four days. Then, I gained a pound and the scale hasn't moved since. I'm on a 3 week, full liquid diet. And I don't honestly think I've had more than 300 calories since this thing started. I probably should eat more, but with all the sip, sip, sipping, I've only been able to "eat" about two meal of watered-down and strained Soup per day. I'm getting in my 60 oz of Water, Crystal Light, or unsweetened decaf tea, and about 20 g of Protein. (My NUT wants us to work up from 20 to 60 g in three weeks following the surgery.) I haven't started working out yet. Giving myself until Monday to start back at the YMCA. But, I've already gone back to work and I run (walk) plenty of errands, so I'm not sedentary. I've read Embrace the Stall, and I'm all for it. But, I guess I just need to hear it from you guys. Is a stall only one week post op abnormal? Has anyone else experienced a stall this early on? Could it be because I'm a "Low BMI'er"? (Started out at 34.5 BMI and was 33 BMI on the day of the surgery.) What is going on, man?!

I've hit the dreaded 3 week stall as well. I just keep plugging away. I hear it takes your body time to kind of catch up and get used to the changes.

@@winklie I was an Oct 1st surgery and the 3-week stall hit me last Monday. From Monday through Friday I did not lose a single pound. Like you my diet was on point... around 700 calories, hitting my Protein requirement and getting enough Water... although I'm not walking nearly as much as you. I did not weight myself this weekend, but as of this morning the scale finally moved. Down 5 lbs compared to last Monday. I bet the stall breaks for you soon.

At just under 3 weeks post op I gained weight then stalled for a week and a half. I wanted to scream. I felt like I was doing something wrong. After reading about this infamous "3 week stall" on here, then double checking that I was getting in all of my Protein, Water, & Vitamins, and making sure I was getting some exercise daily, I just let it go. I started weighing in only once a week and also started doing my measurements once a week. It sucked but apparently it really is just part of the process. If you know you are doing things the way you should be, trust that your body is behaving the way it should. I know that's WAY easier said then done but hopefully if enough people tell you they have been there, done that and it's normal you'll be able to get through it a little easier. It really does sound like you're doing great, keep it up!

Dude, that is a TON of exercise for a body recovering from surgery. I'm preop, so I have no personal experience with the 3-week stall, but postop recovery is something I get paid to help people through. Quite honestly, I'd back off on the exercise and see whether your NUT recommends upping your intake based on the amount of exercise you're doing. Your body is no doubt VERY confused on a cellular level. You're trying to build new cells to heal and breaking them down with so much exercise. In another three weeks or so, you may be ready to take on this much, but I really, really urge you to slow down. Your body's primary job right now is to heal from surgery, not get up the next hill. I realize it's kinda counterintuitive, but it's true. Yeah, you only had a few bandaids on the outside, but there's a whole lot of work going on inside. For now, stop focusing on your heart rate and how long you stay there. Try backing off both on mileage and how fast you're walking by about 20-25%. Not forever, just for a couple-three weeks. Then gradually build up again. Let your body catch up to your motivation, OK? Good luck!

So seems like I've hit the 3-week stall as my weight has stayed the same since Monday. My surgery was Oct 1st and the first couple weeks, I weighed myself every few days. However, with the scale not moving, I've been stepping on every morning in hopes it will change. Very depressing way to start the day when that number doesn't move. I feel better though, so I'm hopefuly I'm just building back up some Water weight and still losing some of the fat. One other thing I did yesterday is start looking around online for local gym/trainer options for when I'm allowed to start lifting weights. I also went to a few exercise forums to looks for info on how to build muscle post gastric bypass (or when on a calorie restrictive diet.) All that really did was bring up a bunch of topics where meatheads got together to discuss how little respect they have for someone that gets weight loss surgery. Very little useful info out there on how to build muscle after surgery. I want to end up in good shape, not just be a skinny fat guy. I'm hoping my NUT/surgeon has some good advice for when I get to that stage. Anyhow, just needed to vent on those two topics as I'm feeling rather frustrated this morning.

When people are starting to research, or are recently post op, their mental/emotional state is often such that they seek a custom answer that applies to them. In other words, even if you have a beautiful search function, many people are unlikely to use it because at that very moment they are feeling very unique. the good news is that those very same people... a few months later can answer those same questions for the newest members! It seems to work. To avoid burnout, I just won't open threads about: - 3 week stall (good heavens has that topic been covered a million times or what!?) - Gas/shoulder pain immediately post op - Why I haven't lost 100 pounds in the first month ..okay, sometimes I can't help myself and try to bring a voice of reason.

I hit a 3 weeks stall at about 2 1/2 weeks after surgery. It was so scary to think I was doing everything wrong. Do track your juice intake to make sure it's not getting out of control but other than that, be patient and kind to yourself. I hit 40 pounds in 70 days today (that included the 3 weeks stall) so it all comes off eventually. Good luck.

Thank you @@mykdzmom for your reply! I had my follow up on Tuesday and the surgeon (not my surgeon, he'd called in sick, so I met someone Ive never met before) was very happy with me. However, since Tuesday nothing's changed (or if it's gone up 0.2kg, I cant really remember atm) I will definitely search for the 3 week stall, I have been trying to, but I guess I was using the wrong search words. But can I ask another question: that little bar that tells you how much is lost and how much is yet to loose, how do I get that to my profile?

Hello @@hbsk and welcome. I was sleeved on 9/30 as well. If you are following your plan, just stay the course. I gained all 8 lbs I had lost on my pre-surgery diet back afrer surgery from the IV fluid in the hospital. I lost then froze (stall) for 7 days. The scale has started to move again now. Don't give up! You can search this site on stall or 3 week stall and you will find it is not common. Good luck on your journey ☺

I can see where this would have freaked you out. If I'd not been warned ahead of time (on here) I would have been standing there scratching my head and reaching for my phone to call the surgeon and make some noise. Much respect for you traveling so soon after surgery. That couldn't have been much fun. I'm prepared for the 3-week stall. Ready indeed.

Sleeved 5/28. Highest weight 337, 327 day of operation, 274 today. At month two, I hit a 3 week stall that really scrambled my head. Weight (and hair) then started coming off more regularly after that. I average a 2#/week loss. I wish it was more as I'm working out 5-6 days per week but my doc is good with the rate.

search for the 3 week stall it happens it sucks but you will be ok your body is just catching up

@ Innersurfergirl: Thanks for the post that started this thread. I had hit a 3 week stall in the beginning of month 5 and I was good at reminding myself not to stress too much but there were days where it was just tough mentally. I thought I was doing ok but hubby was honest this morning and said I was in a bad mood/funk for most of it. Your posting was something that helped remind me to keep focused and not to panic. That you for taking the time to write it. ????

@@FlyInTheOinment - nope don't worry. In three weeks you will worry because you will stall. That is the bodies inevitable response to the weight loss...its NORMAL. (Google 3 week stall). But it sounds like you are doing everything well and you have great support. Three weeks from now when you hit the gym again, keep it light, go up 10% per week, as well you should your Protein and calories until you hit resistance. Then stay there for a week. Then continue. And then please keep posting with your progress. We love to hear of great success. It is encouraging and dang I smile a whole bunch when I hear of people doing good.

The 3 week stall, if not fer here I would have panicked. Love the support here, and love helping others and giving ideas. Almost learn something every day and I def did my research before surgery. This board is amazing!

Today marks exactly one year since I started my preop diet and I was reminded of all the wonderful things I've learned from this site so I thought I'd share a few. 1. Never knew about the 3 week stall until I read it on here. 2. salad Bar-Someone else had posted this tip. I now go to the Salad bar at Safeway right down the street from my house and load up the container with all sorts of veggies and do not add any dressing. Then for the week I just use my precut veggies out of my box. I waste so much less and it's super easy. 3.Powercrunch bars...they are my favorite. 4.Genepro unflavored Protein. Love this stuff heard of a new one called Piping rock that I will try when I run out of GENEPRO. 5.If you stall keep measuring as you're probably losing inches 6.Healthy options at fast food places, recipes, snack ideas And now I've ordered a new moisturizer cream. So much wonderful information on here. I am sure there is more that I am forgetting. How about the rest of you what have you found to be the most helpful? ~LA

Search 3 week stall. If you are weighing yourself daily- STOP. It's normal.

Search for the 3 week stall in the forums. It is a VERY common occurrence. Just stick to your program and stay off the scale if you need to.

So after dropping 31 pounds rather quickly, I hit the dreaded 3 week stall. I was stuck for 13 days before the scale dipped again. I know that stalls are a normal part of the process, but they mess with your head, don't they? I found myself saying that perhaps I should not have my 160 calorie Protein shake, which I immediately knew was ridiculous thinking considering since my calorie intake is around 500 a day and of course I did NOT skip my shake but stuck with the program. My question is, I hear a lot of very smart people on this site say "Embrace the stall". If you are one of those people, would you kindly please explain to me what that means to you? I think I need a different prospective than the one that I have. All sage wisdom is welcome, including sarcasm.

Do a search on 3 week stall. 20lbs in one month is good.You can try eating slower. I mean snails pace slower, sometimes that helps the tummy readjust to eating food again. You can also try taking a step back and doing one shake and/or Soup a day instead. Are you on a PP? Sometimes the acid generated to breakdown food makes the tummy uncomfortable.Have you called your nutritionist or doctor to discuss this? Also keep in mind lower BMI's often lose at a slower pace. Step away from the scale if it making you crazy. Seriously pack it away for a few months and just focus on following the program.