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My 3 week stall lasted for a week. It was pretty annoying. I heard that when you are a little further out that good ways to break a stall are going on a full liquid (including protein shakes) diet for a week. Or the more fun alternative, try to have a day with lots of calories.

Hi Guys, I am 4 weeks post op and I have been at a 3 week stall. I AM JUST Soooooooo Over it !!! However, I did make an appointment with my nutritionist last week and she did tell me about the 3 week stall. No joke I was in tears in her office. I was thinking, I stalled at ONE WEEK. She adjusted my diet slightly an told me I should just about be at the end of it. As of today... I'm not. She told me I was doing everything right and to just keep it up and she "promised" me I would see the weight falling off soon. I don't. All I can truly vouch for is that people have told me they can see a difference. I would say they were just trying to lift my spirits and my bottom lip....BUT.... I have gone down 3 pants sizes post surgery. How I DON'T KNOW. The scale not only says that I'm in a stall, but I put on two pounds. ( Big Sigh ) . Sorry guys ( the men ).... What I was going to say is that I may have som PMS Water weight going on as well. All I know is that I've always been told the scale doesn't lie. I lost like crazy week one. My nutritionist told me that was Fluid and to keep strong and come to the support group. I was too depressed to go to the support group. Now how crazy is THAT. Yes, I really do know better. Oh well, long story cutting short. It is VERY, VERY depressing but I am just going to go with the flow like I'm told because as of now theirs not a thing more I can do. It will happen. (Another Sigh) I really hope so.

How many of you have suffered from this? And how long did it last for you? I'm dealing with it now and it's driving me mental. I'm trying to stay positive, I just thought maybe hearing other people's stories may help!

The 3 week stall.....If you just had surgery and your weight loss has already stalled, read THIS I lifted this link from Butterthebean's signature (thanks for the lend!) If the link doesn't work, look for one of his posts and it's there. I think you're right on the BMR calc. That lines up pretty close to where I'm usually at, and I wear a Bodymedia Fit, so I know how many calories I've burned each day. I don't believe that you have been on a very low calorie diet long enough to have had any major effect on your metabolism, though, our bodies do learn to do the work we ask it to do as efficiently as possible (with the least calorie expenditure). This is one of my biggest fears. I don't want to get down to goal weight and be forced into a 900 cal/day diet for the rest of my life to prevent gain. I want to be able to be healthy, train, and race, and not being a small girl, that's gonna take calories to provide the kind of energy I will need. All that being said, sometimes the math takes a hiatus and doesn't line up for periods of time. I've been running an average of 1800cal daily deficit and over the last 10 days, I've only lost about 2 pounds, but according to the math, it should have been more like 5. We're going to have periods of time that are like that, but an 8 pound gain? I don't know, but that sounds like there's something else going on. I've never had a problem with sugar either, but most, if not all, of the surgeons recommend eliminating, or severely limiting sugar. I don't intend to go so far as to eliminate it, but I will reduce it significantly. I have to be honest, though. I haven't done a ton of research as to exactly what it does to the body, other than the effects on blood sugar, which can in turn create cravings. The good news about cutting sugar, though, is that many people will go through a short withdrawal phase, and then the cravings disappear, so it's a habit that is *relatively* easy to kick. Also, some people have allergies to sugar. Our bodies response to it might not be noticeable when we are heavy, but might be after surgery and we are trying to squeeze every pound of loss that we can. Yeah, all calories are not equivalent when you consider the different effects the macronutrients play in nutrition, and about a zillion other variables that are only partially understood so far. They're really only all the same if you look at it from a purely physical standpoint and not a biological one. One Calorie provides the energy released from food that is equivalent to the energy required to increase the temperature of 1 kilogram of Water by 1 degree at 1 atmosphere of pressure. Doesn't really tell you a lot about how it interacts with the body... Yikes... going too far again... I think the most important thing for you to figure out is exactly what's causing you to gravitate toward selecting the sugary drinks instead of what you know to be healthier options. If you can address that part of the equation, you've got half the battle licked right there. Good luck! Keep working toward the goal!

Doing a basic Basal Metabolic Rest calculation, I should burn at LEAST 2.5k calories. If I take in at most 1.2k calories, that means I burn 1300 calories a day, 7 days a week, that is 2.6 pounds a week. Mathematicaly, .........that doesnt make any sense when I have GAINED in the past week. I will have to ask or find something different. Maybe I should replace my frapp with a latte or something like that. Its not so much the drink, its the sweet tooth and that homey atmosphere of the coffee shop I like. Daydra, what is this 3 week stall thing that you are talking about? Sugar has never been a problem and I always thought calories are calories. Obviously Protein is better, they spammed that in my head enough, but.....what? I have been having Greek Yogurt by Yoplait pretty much every day. I live on that stuff. I havent been working out as much, but I have been active. I have been moving around. Im not sedentary. What worries me though is that my body just got used to the sugary drinks and all that, the amount of food. Instead of feeling pain, I wouldnt feel much at all. Instead of having diarrhea after the frappe, I would just be a little uncomfortable, but not much... I just never thought I would have these problems again..................and this has been an addictive thing, checking the scale. My new clothes are fitting, and Im feeling good, but its invalidated when I check the scale.

It's not the raw number of calories. Even at 1250, OP is still running a significant daily deficit (I weigh about the same and burn roughly 2500cal/day on average, so OP would be running a similar deficit). I think it's far more likely to be the quality of the calories than the total number of calories. Could be partly some metabolic reaction to the sugar intake (speaking of which, OP, are the yogurts sugar free? Each one of those could add another tablespoon of sugar to your total), inflammation, fluid retention, who knows? Plus, OP is right in that "3 week stall" window, where the body may be replacing released glycogen and water. A lot of things could be happening, but my best guess is that cutting out the sugary drink and going back to basics will put OP back to the baseline. If there's still a problem, I would say it's time to talk to the doc.

24.5 is really good! I hear the 3 week stall just is. Happens to all I hear

Haven't posted in awhile, things are going really well, I am a little over 2 weeks out and down 17 pounds, haven't moved from that in 4 days so I figure the dreaded 3 week stall is hitting. Oh well, I have learned its very common. Went to see my surgeon today and dietician. My surgeon was amazed at my recovery,(I must say he is a cutie too!) I have not had any issues, besides nausea with the celebrate vitamins. I am transitioning according to plan. He said "you are what we like to see with this surg" that made me feel good. I have been following rules, although I snuck a peanut butter cracker in the other day. Chewed it till it was mush. I must say it was delightful! But I was satisfied with that amount, unlike before where I would have eaten 15 of them. I asked the surgeon how he closed the stomach after he cut it, (I like gory details) He said he uses titanium staples which are permanent, also sutures a type of goretex material that dissolves along the incision, and he takes some of the omentum(tissue throughout the abdomen) and sutures it around the stomach to keep it in place.(this helps with nausea) These are techniques that are fairly new and that he and his partners created and are being used around the country. The dietician has given me the ok for soft foods and purees, what I don't get is they do not allow eggs, like egg salad or scrambled. But I can have tuna or chick salad. That was weird. I will stay on this for 4 more weeks before real food happens. I have tried mashed potatoes, refried beans and creme of wheat already no issues. I am slowly understanding the feeling of restriction now with this new food. I like to know its there. That is what keeps me on track. I do not have problems with sugar(kinda wish I did) I had a 70 calorie orange creme cicle, and no problems with it. What I am really struggling with is the no drinking during meals, I find myself with dry mouth post op so I always have a glass of water/crystal light around. It is so hard not to reach for the glass during the meal or right after. But I am working on it. I have noticed a change in appearance, nothing substantial, but heck I'm only out 17 days. I do tend to be a bit impatient........ This weekend could be a challenge, sat we may be going to a pig roast for a birthday, no one there knows and I don't feel like telling the story 80 times, but if I do not have a beer in my hand they will all think I am pregnant. Ugh so I may just have to pretend I am drinking. Then sunday we are going to see my husbands grandparents and take them out for their birthdays. Also, folks I don't feel like telling, number one because well people from that generation do not understand weight loss surg, and I don't feel like trying to explain myself 20 times because of hearing aids. But I also know his grandma will be pushing food on my like crazy so I may have to give in on that. Anywho, just though I would update things. I have found a routine, I am making my own protein shakes in the morning and saving the packaged ones for at work or on the go so I don't get too tired of them. I use half a banana, one scoop unflavored unjry, one container of 100cal greek yogurt(berry) and 1/3 cup skim milk and ice. Tastes great and good consistency. Plus its like 36grams of protien. Great start to the day. Till next time.....

Please tell me this 3 week stall will not stay. Is there anything different one can do to help with this stall. My surgery was July 29, and I'm lucky to get on 500-600 calories/ day. I can get 60-65g of protein and 50-60 oz fluid. Not sure what else I can do different.

Everyone, there is a link in my sig explaining the 3 week stall. You're not doing anything wrong and there is really nothing you can or should do to "fix" this. Just give it time and it will correct itself. Check out the link and don't stress too much about it. And yes, the "3 week" stall is just a ball park time frame, not an exact term.

I have to say, the bean soup and the applesauce REALLY helped me yesterday. I do feel so much better today! I woke up and almost the first words out of my mouth were, I'd like to go somewhere and do something today. It's still super hot outside, so we may be reduced to walking in the mall, or taking out the new boat that my husband insisted on buying while we're both still recovering But I agree with you, distraction and focusing on something else really helps. We ended up spending all day yesterday on the go--not planned, just worked out that way. I usually work from home, but this upcoming week, I might go into the office just to get a little separation from recovery, Protein, Water, and more protein. It's good practice because the following week, I have to travel for work so time to get ready. Don't you just love/hate to find out we're all normal? Not only do we get tired after surgery---but ta dah! now it's the 3 week stall!! Thank god for this forum or I'd be freaking out.

The 3 week stall is super common. And gaining with TOM and/or stalling is common too. Don't worry! I always gained a few lbs and/or stalled during TOM...

Oh I had similar ones. One of the reasons our bodies hold onto the weight and we needed this surgery. My PCP said that 80% of her fenale patients she referred for WLS had period issues similar to mine. And the bariatric surgeon said the surgery and weight loss would fix it. We shall see. I am doing alright. Losing slowly but surely and hoping for no 3 week stall! I am in week 3 now! Well, the beginning of it. I am out of the 400's and that will be forever!

Me too exactly! I'm at 8weeks too and have been stuck for the last two weeks. Maybe there's something about 8 weeks, like the famous 3 week stall??? I never stalled then, this is the first and it's making me crazy!!

Same for me!First 10 days post-op I lost 11 pounds and I lost a bunch on the pre-op liquids too. Now for the past two weeks I have lost only 2.5. So disappointing, but I have read on here about a 3 week stall so I figure this is it!

search this forum for "3 weeks stall" posts first. You are in good company

Yes, it's called the 3-week stall but it happened to me at 2 weeks also. Your body just went thru so much and it's adjusting. Just keep drinking water and getting in your protein and walking whenever you can--your body will catch up!

I can't believe it's been a month! ! Yes, Happy Monthiversary to everyone :-D I hope everyone is feeling really good. I thought I broke my 3 week stall, but no such luck. I wonder if I'm gonna be a slow loser. I'm starting to wonder what's going on here.

Search "3-week stall" on this forum and you will quickly see that what you are experiencing is incredibly (almost universal in fact) common. Know it is frustrating, but trust us, you will lose more weight. Stick with your plan and it will be fine.

I am a slow loser. Its frustrating to see the posts for 100lbs in 6 months, etc,etc... I try to skip over the ones that say they have been perfect and thats the only way to get to goal. My thought is that i want to live life. If i want something i adjust my eating and have it, within reason and on plan. My doc released me to eat anything. AND my steel sleeve can :-) My first stall was the 3 week stall. It lasted about 2 1/2 weeks. Its been pretty consistant lose a couple pounds, stall for a week or two and repeat, lol. I have stalled again at 198 and have been here for 10 days. Its all good.

I was hungry at 3 weeks out also (I still get hungry at 7 months out). I think it is perfectly normal. An acid reducer really does help(I take prilosec). I think alot of us had a "3 week stall. i think thats normal too. Dont fret, my dear. It gets better really fast!

I'm in the same boat :-( its 6 weeks out lost 27lbs but have gained 2 urrrggggg! Its frustrating! I measure my waist,thigh,breast, belly and nothing has changed. I eat 60-90g of Protein and try to stay below 30g of Carbs drink my water 64oz but nothing happens!!! I've heard if the 3 week stall but not to be stalled for 3 weeks. I know its a process but still gets frustrating not to see results. Can ya'll tell me what your eating if you are 6 weeks postop ? I'm eating soft foods like fish tuna and soft water crackers protein shakes

I want to have a realistic picture of what this surgery will mean. I am trying to tally up the worst case scenarios, and maybe they are just the "likely" or "eh...could happen" scenarios. From what I've learned on vst, here's what I can expect, in stages: (Although everyone is different!) -Excitement and counting down the days -Hatred of pre-op diet -Nervous, scared, possibly terrified -Sore, nauseous, tired, puking, thirsty -Low energy,trouble drinking, buyer's remorse -Dehydration, weeks of nausea -Sick of Protein shakes, miss chewing -Difficult adjustment, missing food as comfort mechanism, depression -3 week stall, fits and starts, disappointment in slow loss -Judgment from people who know -Trial and error of foods, vomiting when intolerant or too much -Trouble eating in restaurants, missing old life -hair loss, sagging skin, face looking older -Encouraging weight gain, adjustment to new life -Happiness, feeling of accomplishment as getting close to goal -Realization that battle isn't won, won't ever be "over" -Dedication and diligence -Hunger, capacity to eat increases -Rededication after small regain -Acceptance that the fight is eternal I'm the type of person who feels more comfortable having a complete picture of what can happen. I don't want to go into this with rose colored glasses. Any additions? Subtractions? Thoughts? I know that NOT ALL people have all or even some of these. Again -trying to look at possible downsides so I don't get caught up in thinking this is the solution to all life's problems.

I had surgery 7/15 and have only lost 14lbs. This past week, I haven't lost anything. Im sure im part of that 3 week stall I hear about on here. I hope it passes soon so I can start losing again!

My 3 week stall last 2 weeks. I started walking and lost 4 pounds. Now I am at almost 7 weeks and stuck again. My clothes feel like I have lost weight but the scale does not show it. Very aggravated!