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the vast majority of us experience stalls along our journey. It's an extremely common part of weight loss. Just stick to your program and stay off the scale if you need to whenever you hit one. As long as you're following the plan, the stall will eventually break and you'll be on your way again.

14 lbs in two weeks is a lot, especially given your starting weight isn't nearly as high as some of ours was. I lost 16 lbs the whole first MONTH and I started out at 373 lbs. Not sure what you were expecting, but your loss is very normal . If you're trying to compare your loss to the people on "My 600 lb Life", don't. Those people start off MUCH heavier than the average WLS patient, and starting BMI has a huge effect on how much weight you lose initially. You are fine.

just stick to your plan and stay off the scale if you need to. The weight loss should start up again..

I see you're in Virginia. If you want a nationally known surgeon who specializes in body contouring for massive weight loss patients, then Joseph Michaels in Bethesda is one to consider. I believe he's also on the faculty at Johns-Hopkins, and he does his surgeries at two different hospitals. it's usually cheaper to have more than one procedure done at a time, but some surgeons don't want their patients under anesthesia for more than six hours or so (plus...they get tired! I don't really want some tired guy with a knife working on me!). If yours is one who limits the time, then whether you have it done in one or two surgeries depends on what all you want done. You might want to set up some consults - somewhere between 3-5 consults is good, because some of them will have different ideas than others. Sometimes consults are free, sometimes they'll charge you for them ($100 or so), but if the latter, they'll usually deduct that cost from your surgery if you go with them. Even if they didn't, it's still not bad - they're spending time with you, so... if you're comfortable going to Mexico, you'll usually pay much less for surgery. Just do a lot of research before you go. There are some excellent surgeons there - and some not so good. Francisco Saucedo in Monterrey and Laura Cardina Carmenas in Tijuana also specialize in body contouring for massive weight loss patients and have done several of us. I've read on here that plastic surgery in Miami tends to be cheaper than elsewhere in the US, but i don't know of any surgeons there - but some people on this site have used them and can get you names.

My surgery has been delayed many times due to a hiatal hernia, asthma attacks, GERD, and a questionable Barrett’s esophagus. I had to refocus my attention on my feelings to say weight loss is a goal. It’s a long term goal like achieving my bachelors degree and master’s degree. It’s a long term process that has nothing to do with my worthiness but how much effort I put forth, AND my perseverance. Sometimes I journal my disappointment, distract myself with tictock videos, do a short term task that has immediate results like cleaning. I picture each moment as a small pearl slowly sliding onto a necklace. I get scared thinking about the absolutely giant necklace of healthy living for a lifetime, so instead I try to concentrate on one pearl of living healthy in this moment. I distract myself enough living in the moment, then look back and become proud of the pearl necklace I have built so far. It’s ok to feel all the feelings. Just sit with them, let them become a pearl moment. Yeah, therapy is awesome :)

Is there a specific surgeon that anyone would recommend? Also, is it better to have multiple procedures completed at once, versus having one procedure completed at a time? I am just thinking about the cost financially and the cost that is associated with having multiple procedures completed previously before. I had a breast consult done completed last year and plan to have another consult done to talk about my stomach area but want to loose the remaining weight first (20-30 pounds). Thanks for your recommendations!

I’m 10 days post op. SW 279 CW 250.4. I’m struggling with being able to consume more than 2-3 bites. My concern is the “sick look” most surgery pots have. I want my weight loss to look natural and healthy. I have a family member who had surgery last year she’s lost a lot of weight but it looks sick on her. I’m focusing on nutrient dense vitamin packed foods. I walk 7-8000 steps a day and have been eating Smoothie King mostly n chicken strips. Stay optimistic ❤️

I’m from North Carolina and had my weight loss surgery in Charlotte. My surgeons name is Dr. Kuwada.

I am almost 8 weeks post surg, I am doing great, lost weight, I was on 3 diabetes meds and now only 1, Gerd is doing good, I was on 11 meds and now only 4 including bariatric vitamins. I am so blessed that I have not had a bad experience with my sleeve surgery as others, beyond the first week. My only problem is still BM issues, but I am dealing with it. I am so happy I did this. Hang in there I know it will get better for you all soon. God Bless

It's not uncommon for a stall to last 1-2 weeks. No reason to go back to purees. That doesn't make you lose weight faster. It just aids the healing tummy by giving it softer, easier to digest food that doesn't hurt the healing staple line etc. Just make sure you're eating what you're supposed to be eating according to your surgery center's instructions. Usually high protein, low carb, veggies, and stopping when you're satisfied, not full. No grazing.

So I am 1 month post op and am down 28 lbs. my starting weight was 245 lbs, My surgery day weight was 235 lbs and I’m now 217 lbs. I have no regrets. I had the gastric bypass on 5/6. My heartburn that I’ve experienced for years is GONE. It’s like magic. My sleep apnea is already better and I’m fitting into clothes that have been excruciatingly tight. I have more energy and can climb stairs at work without wanting to die. I have zero regrets. However, this decision was a risk benefit analysis. In my mind the risks of serious health complications secondary to my obesity were way higher than me getting the surgery. That’s not to say that this has been easy. I have a complicated relationship with food. I eat too much, I vomit. I eat something like candy (even the smart low sugar candy) I get dumping. Mashed potatoes, one of my favorite foods makes me dump. But I’m now craving healthy food like salad, fruits and veggies instead of Taco Bell and soda. If you feel like you’re ready and truly understand the risks than go for it. So far the best thing I’ve ever done.

I sincerely believe that we, as consumers of weight loss surgery, because we are or were grossly obese; need to be our own best supporters, and we need to advocate for ourselves, because no one else is going to do it for us. That means for me: 1. Find out everything about each possible surgical procedure and find the one that you can LIVE with - not the one that a particular surgeon likes to perform, or the one that your neighbor had, or the one that has a girl on Tic Toc. Or the one that a TV surgeon does. 2. Weigh the risks and benefits of each surgery and add in your PERSONAL medical and mental health history, support systems, possible issues 10 months out and 10 years out. 3. Work on the mental health part of it BEFORE surgery. Surgery only fixes tummies and intestines; not mindsets, and we should NOT expect it to have any effect on depression, anxiety, or anything else. And those of us who obsessed about being overweight will continue to obsess about it, or how imperfect we still may be. 4. Most people, who have a particular surgery expect to be "cured". Unfortunately this is not always the case. Just like treatment for any physical illness, not every medication works for every person , and not every surgical procedure for weight loss surgery will fix every patient who has it. That does not mean giving up. It means being stubborn and going back to your doctor or finding a different one and figuring out the next step. Be PRO-ACTIVE in your own care. Pre -Op, Post Op, and 10 years or 20 years down the line. Just MY thoughts today

Even on the purée phase if you stick to the portions on your plan you will only be consuming VERY low amount of calories. Your body can’t help but to lose weight. You may coincidentally have the three week stall but it will pass and you will continue to lose. Trust the process.

It will be ok! 😀 My 3-week stall lasted 10 days. Stick to the plan and you will see the weight decrease! Good luck and enjoy the next phase.

It can be frustrating. I did not lose any weight after several days in the hospital. But I lost 12 pounds after 9 days post-op. So about the same. Now down 29 pounds at 7 weeks. So keep following the plan and you will see the weight decrease! Hang in there! 😀

How long does weight stall last. Or should I go back to the puree stage. I on l y need 10 more pounds for my goal weight. Surgery was 3 21 2021. 250lbs today and for last week and a half. Its 180 and 184. I go to gym 2 to 3 days a week. Cardio and light workout. Is this a stall or did I reach my limit.. Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

I didn’t do it gradually, but about 4 months preop I did a low carb/low calorie diet. It was born out of fear that I would have gained during a pre-op period that could have disqualified me from the program. It was intended to be short term but I stuck with it for 4 months and lost 57 lbs with it. I really feel like it helped some of the changes during surgery be less jarring. The liquid diet was no problem at all, because I was already eating small portions and low carb. I don’t deal well with huge changes and I think I could have had some real problems giving up sugar/carbs/huge portions at the same time as I was recovering from surgery. Also I have a huge amount of weight to lose (started at 339, goal of 165) so I was also trying to get a head start. So far so good, I’ve lost 137 of the total 174 lbs I need to lose at almost 7 months post op.

I am two years post op (Gastric Bypass > Route En Y) and I do not regret my decision. I have lost almost 100 pounds and went from a size 16 to a size 4/6. It definitely has been a journey overall, but having the surgery for me put me back in control over my life. It forced me to identify the root/cause of why I was overweight and as I result I sought help mentally/and physically which has changed me forever. Granted, I still have moments where I do ask myself the same question just because I haven’t reached my target/goal weight and I have struggled with remaining consistent with exercise, getting enough fluids in (water) and having excess sagging skin. The ideal image after weight loss surgery that you may see on social media is not applicable for everyone’s situation because each person is different. I have found that theses images that are portrayed are sometimes helpful, but also can be hurtful because the content shared may not be 100% truthful. I am not sure if this is something that you have found to be challenging but for me it has been, because sometimes people on social media portray that sagging skin was completely tightened by exercise when it reality they had skin surgery to remove excess skin; for example. I have also found that after making such a great change, the people who said they supported me, have now began to ostracize me because they are envious, spiteful and refuse to acknowledge that change is necessary to be able to live a fulfilling life. Had I had known, that having weight loss surgery would reveal true intent of others as well, I would have had the weight loss surgery sooner! Regardless, I had the surgery for me, so that I can live freely! Being 2 years post op, I know only take vitamins and 1 maintenance drug to assist with some mental issues that I am still struggling with but besides that all of the health issues/conditions that I faced before have subsided. I also have identified specific food intolerances which I try to stay away from and I’m constantly reminding myself to slow down when eating to prevent indigestion and reflux. I do not eat or use dairy products because I have an dairy allergy/intolerance which existed before the surgery. I also do not have a galbladder, so I there are some foods my body doesn’t digest well. I primarily foods that are dairy free, gluten free, Non-GMO and have either low sugar content/low sodium content. I had a stomach ulcer last year; as a result of having the surgery and as a result I was hospitalized for a week. From my understanding it is common for weight loss surgery patients to have this issue post op. I also had kidney stones last year as well, which was a extremely painful ordeal, but I made it through. Even with all of the challenges that I have faced, I am still grateful that I had the surgery! Sharing my story with others has been liberating, freeing, and inspiring experience and has influenced multiple people to make decisions towards their own weight loss and one person even had weight loss surgery, as well. Overall, I hope that you don’t regret your weight loss surgery decision, because it’s your life and you live it the way you want to live it! I hope that reflecting on how far you have came will increase your inspiration and motivation, because having weight loss surgery is only half the battle. I start over almost everyday, but I refuse to go back to where I came from. I wish you nothing but the best in life and congratulations on your successful journey!

I feel you and have thought about the same things. My surgery was May 19th and since then, 18 days later, I only lost 13 lbs. Now I guess that's not too bad but like you, during the pre op diet of liquid only and very few non starchy veggies, I lost only about 6 lbs in that 11 days time. All I could think is, if I am very limited now in my diet and only taking in roughly 300 calories and I still can't lose, what would the doc or dietician tell me in order to lose weight? Eat less? I mean, that's not really possible. Anyway, I am now in the puree stage and eating about 600-700 calories a day depending on what it is I eat based on the recommended 4 oz per meal, and no new loss. I worry about this and also about moving into soft foods next week. I fear nothing but stalls and it makes me worry that I too did all of this for nothing. I don't know. It's early still so I'm trying not to panic or be too negative. I guess we'll see.

I'm really discouraged [emoji20]. My SW was 255, after 2 week liquid diet I only lost 5 pounds to 250lbs. Right then I told myself that the surgery isn't going to work if 2 weeks of only liquids takes off 5 pounds. I decided that I tried everything else and might as well go through with it. Released from hospital at 247. Weighed myself at home next day and was 243lbs. My home scale has always been a bit lower than hospital scale by 3 or so pounds as I weigh nude. Today a week later weigh 241. Lose and gain like this is common for me with doing Keto. I can lose 14lbs in two weeks doing Keto, just couldn't commit and keep it off. All of this to say, I fear I've done this for nothing. I'm having 2 Boost shakes (240 cal each), 1 Priemere Protien clear waters (90 cal), 3 x16.9 Oz bottles of water, and 2 cups of low sodium chicken broth. I am walking 20 minutes a day. Has anyone else experienced minimal loss and a gain within the first week? I'm starting to think I've made an irreversible mistake. Thanks for taking the time to read this [emoji4] Sent from my SM-A716U using BariatricPal mobile app

Sounds like all is going well for you. Well done on our weight loss so far.

I hate to be the bearer of what you may consider to be bad news, but a large percentage of those who have weight loss surgery experience a stall or stalls. The first stall can typically happen within the first few weeks, google 'three week stall weight loss surgery' and you will find a lot of info about it. A couple of things to remember you won't be alone in experiencing a stall, most of us have been through it and it not an out of the ordinary event even when eating low calories. If you adhere to your post op guidelines you will get through the stall, it may be a week or two (or even longer) but eventually scale weight will catch up with your body changes. Remember you want to lose fat not just weight. Scale weight doesn't always reflect fat loss. Get out the tape measure, start capturing body measurements. Also look to non scale goals and measures to capture your success in fat loss, health and fitness improvements. How far you can walk or swim, improvements in blood tests for cholesterol, fatty liver etc. Improvements in blood pressure etc etc, clothing sizes reducing and so forth.

I'm so sorry this happened to you. Lithium is particularly dangerous because it has such a narrow therapeutic window. Most psych meds don't need to be adjusted so acutely due to weight (there are a few). But I'm sure if you lose like half your body weight some will need to be adjusted. People should keep in touch with their psychiatrist/psychopharmacologist to get levels checked where appropriate and to keep abreast of symptoms.

You should definitely check in with your surgery center to make sure they know your concerns and see if you're on track. You may not lose a ton of weight right away, you didn't put on the weight overnight and it won't come off overnight. You need to be honest with your surgery center about what you're eating to make sure it's on your plan. Also, it sounds like you would benefit from some therapy, as you said, this surgery doesn't fix everything. And many people are still hungry after surgery - sometimes it's head hunger, sometimes it's "true" hunger, sometimes it's thirst, sometimes it's GERD. It's important to talk to your surgery team.

Hi there liz!While I know everyone is different, for me at 35 I was not comfortable with a permanent surgical option. Perhaps if I still need help in 10-20 years time I would opt for surgery, but for where I am in my life currently, the balloon is most suitable. Alongside that, the cost for surgery was well and truly out of my budget (Just doing quick conversions, around 20-22k US for surgery here in New Zealand, not including initial appointment costs or extra and hidden costs, compared to about 7500 US for the 2 balloons back to back that I have). To do something now it has to be this otherwise it would probably take me a decade to save up for surgery, and as I don't even own my own home... well. Money definitely was a huge consideration for me. While I do hope to lose more in the long term, getting below 100kg is my goal for the year while I am using the orbera balloon and it is a milestone that I feel I will be comfortable with if I am unable to lose any further weight. I say a year because I opted for the orbera b2b - back to back. One balloon for 6-8 months, then a second balloon immediately after which can have more liquid in it if you have reached a plateau with your weightloss at that point. I was a very active person when I was younger so I feel that for me the balloon is a way to kick start my health journey and regain control of my health and my life - I am excited to feel physically able to get moving again, perhaps return to martial arts which I loved as a teenager. I've lost almost 20 pounds now in just over two weeks (about 9kg. Constipation has been a recent problem and my usual bloating during my period, but I am glad to still have lost weight despite those things!). This means if I lose 1 pound per week over the next year I will be on track to reach my goal! Getting below 100kg is, I feel, a realistic goal for me, and it's also one that will allow me to shop in regular clothing store sizes again. If I am able to continue my journey beyond that, I will certainly try to, but I will reevaluate after the balloon phase of my journey is complete Thanks for your questions! Sent from my SM-G965F using BariatricPal mobile app