Frustrated!

[ofeliamarin29 86]

I'm 4 weeks out and have stalled for 2 weeks!

Sw223

Surg day 12/7/12 205

Post surg 215

Today 1/7/13 195 grrrrrr

I'm not a patient person I would like at least 2 lbs a week or SOMETHING! I've change several things to try to lose weight but it's not working! Any recommendations or stories that will give me a boost of Ego? Please I'm pretty bummed!

[clk 3,519]

It's normal to feel frustrated at various points after surgery.

The only advice I can offer is good advice (I'm sure many vets will agree with me, anyway) but it's not advice you'll want to hear.

You can't control your rate of loss.

You have to let go of any expectations that have to do with how rapidly you'll lose.

You have to stop comparing yourself to the way other people lose.

Easier said than done, I know. And if you search back far enough, you'll probably see grumpy posts from me because I lost more slowly than I wanted to lose, too.

Vent. Come to the boards and vent, but then shake it off and read the RIGHT threads. The ones posted by those of us that lost slowly but still got to our goals and even better, maintained our goal weight. We're here - even if the more popular threads are the ones about folks that fly to goal in nine months!

It took me seventeen months to lose 107 pounds. I had two nine week stalls along the way. There were months when I lost more than ten pounds a month and months where I lost less than three. I lost, on average, just barely over 6 pounds a month.

I got to goal, I got to wear a size six/small and I am no less happy about that because it took me longer. Heck, even pregnant I'm still in a size six/small, just maternity clothes now!

I've probably said this half a dozen times in the last week, but let go of your time goals. Focus less on how quickly you lose and more on building the foundation of good habits that you'll need to maintain goal once you get there.

Good luck, and congrats on your new sleeve. Oh, and put that scale away for a few days before it makes you crazy!

~Cheri

[castiel 66]

During my first 10 days post op, I lost 20 pounds. I was sleeved 12/17 and it the weight loss stopped 12/26. Then, no weight change. I was frustrated. HOW COULD I STOP LOSING AFTER ONLY 10 DAYS?

But today, the scale finally dropped three pounds. My stall finally broke on the 7th. These things take time.

Don't get too discouraged. Our bodies have been through a lot!

[shrinkadonk 14]

Cherish you gave great advice

I needed to hear that too

Op u r not alone

I was sleeved 12/13 lost 30 lbs and haven't lost a damned thing since the new year

Hang in there it will happen

How could it not? I'm barely eat 700-800 calories a day! It WILL come off.

[ofeliamarin29 86]

Thank you both for the boost! I really need it right now! It's been a rough few weeks! I go bk to work this week and hopefully with the distraction of being a nurse and running like a chicken with now head I won't think about my weight!

[ibehere10 163]

I don't worry anymore about stalls as everyone I have had I have lost inches!! If you haven't done your measurements do so and write them down for future comparison!! Hang in you are melting away!!!!!

[Crystal Lavoie 29]

It's normal to feel frustrated at various points after surgery.

The only advice I can offer is good advice (I'm sure many vets will agree with me' date=' anyway) but it's not advice you'll want to hear.

You can't control your rate of loss.

You have to let go of any expectations that have to do with how rapidly you'll lose.

You have to stop comparing yourself to the way other people lose.

Easier said than done, I know. And if you search back far enough, you'll probably see grumpy posts from me because I lost more slowly than I wanted to lose, too.

Vent. Come to the boards and vent, but then shake it off and read the RIGHT threads. The ones posted by those of us that lost slowly but still got to our goals and even better, maintained our goal weight. We're here - even if the more popular threads are the ones about folks that fly to goal in nine months!

It took me seventeen months to lose 107 pounds. I had two nine week stalls along the way. There were months when I lost more than ten pounds a month and months where I lost less than three. I lost, on average, just barely over 6 pounds a month.

I got to goal, I got to wear a size six/small and I am no less happy about that because it took me longer. Heck, even pregnant I'm still in a size six/small, just maternity clothes now!

I've probably said this half a dozen times in the last week, but let go of your time goals. Focus less on how quickly you lose and more on building the foundation of good habits that you'll need to maintain goal once you get there.

Good luck, and congrats on your new sleeve. Oh, and put that scale away for a few days before it makes you crazy!

~Cheri[/quote']

BEST ADVICE EVER!!! Nice to hear others who believe in what I believe in....slow and steady and never compare your journey to others. We all lose at our own rate and if we stick with it and do the right things, the weight will come off.

[Butterthebean 8,146]

You're in what's known around here as the 3 week stall. Many people have a big stall sometime in the first three weeks. This article will help explain why. Just be patient.

Weight Loss Stall or Plateau

A weight loss stall or plateau is an extended period of time during reducing efforts where is there is no weight loss according to the scale and no loss of inches according to the tape measure. This is why it is so important to take your body measurements before surgery, so you'll have a reference as your weight loss progresses post-op. We suggest you take measurements of your chest, waist and hip, neck, upper arm, thigh and calf.

Be aware it is very common for your weight loss to "stall" shortly after surgery. Diana explains the reason for this below.

The Inevitable Stall

By Diana C.

A "stall" a few weeks out is inevitable, and here's why.

Our bodies use glycogen for short term energy storage. Glycogen is not very soluble, but it is stored in our muscles for quick energy -- one pound of glycogen requires 4 lbs of Water to keep it soluble, and the average glycogen storage capacity is about 2 lbs. So, when you are not getting in enough food, your body turns first to stored glycogen, which is easy to break down for energy. And when you use up 2 lbs of glycogen, you also lose 8 lbs of Water that was used to store it -- voila -- the "easy" 10 lbs that most people lose in the first week of a diet.

As you stay in caloric deficit, however, your body starts to realize that this is not a short term problem. You start mobilizing fat from your adipose tissue and burning fat for energy. But your body also realizes that fat can't be used for short bursts of energy -- like, to outrun a saber tooth tiger. So, it starts converting some of the fat into glycogen, and rebuilding the glycogen stores. And as it puts back the 2 lbs of glycogen into the muscle, 8 lbs of water has to be stored with it to keep it soluble. So, even though you might still be LOSING energy content to your body, your weight will not go down or you might even GAIN for a while as you retain water to dissolve the glycogen that is being reformed and stored.

Breathe, and fuggedaboudit for a few days.

What You Can Do About a Stall or Plateau

If you are experiencing a post-op weight loss stall or plateau further out there are a few possible causes. First, check that are you really in a stall. If the scale has stopped moving you may be losing inches, so check your measurements.

Too Many Carbs?

Carbohydrates can start sneaking into your foods without you being aware of how quickly they are adding up. For more information on carbs, see our section on Carbohydrates. If you are struggling with your weight loss you may want to examine your daily carb count. You can try to keep your carbs under 50g a day and see if that makes a difference in your weight loss. Do not eat carbs before bedtime as it triggers insulin and initiates fat storage. There are some great web site resources you can use to keep track of what you are eating.

Fit Day

Spark People - If you join Spark People also join the DS group.

The Daily Plate

Calorie King

For more tips on keeping a food journal see the Personal Nutrition Guide.

Eating Enough?

If you are under-eating or go more than 4-5 hours without eating, your body will shift into fasting mode, slow your metabolism and conserve your stored energy (fat). This can contribute to a weight loss stall or plateau. Make sure you are eating small meals or small Snacks throughout the day and also ensure you meet your daily Protein requirements. Try eating some Protein with every meal or snack. For more information on protein requirements see our section on Protein.

Drinking Enough?

An adequate level of water in your body aids in the effective breakdown of fat. The daily minimum recommendation is 64 Fluid oz of water a day. If you are in ketosis you will need to drink even more water to ensure the ketones are flushed out of your system. You may also need more than the minimum amount of water if you are exercising or live in a warmer or dry environment.

Exercising?

Exercise can increase your metabolism and burn fat. Strength training will build muscles and will boost fat burning. In a stall you can try increasing your volume of exercise or changing up your routine to overcome a weight loss stall or plateau. If you have been doing mainly aerobic activity, try doing a bit of strength training, and if you have been doing mainly strength training, try an aerobic work-out.

The High Fat - High Calorie Stall Buster

Many DSers swear by the fat/calorie shock as an effective weight loss stall or plateau buster. Having a day of higher fat and calorie eating followed by a returning to consistent low carb eating can sometimes "shock" your body back into weight loss mode.

[feedyoureye 3,087]

Yes as the others have said, stalls happen. I had a 3-4 week stall starting at 2 1/2 weeks. Look up "3 week stall" there are tons of threads on this! The best advice has been given right here... just keep on going, do not compare your weight loss with others and follow your Drs advice. This is not a race. Cheer up! This is an adventure!

[ofeliamarin29 86]

Omg this is the best info EVER! Thank you soooooooo much! I can now get off my crazy train! This makes me feel alot better! I was sure I was gunna go crazy!!!!!

[lessofmeismore 1,405]

I just wanted to add that you never know what the future holds so don't worry and just stick to your plan.

I'm at goal at eight months but I certainly never felt like I was flying to goal...just the opposite...at an average loss of ten pounds a month I was a "slow loser" in comparison to others losing during the same time.

We are all different with different amounts to lose. Keep the faith!!

[stomlin75 161]

I stalled Dec. 24 (surgery was Dec. 7) and I am still stalled out. I read the article Butterthebean posted almost everyday to remind myself of what is happening. Boy it sure does suck though!!!

[sarahzamudio1091 185]

Remember you were only 200 and some when you went in just like me . Bigger people lose MUCH faster than smaller people . Don't go by other stories and every body is different , good luck

[RawrrAshleex3 137]

Don't get discouraged, it will end!!!!! Also, just because you're not losing on the scale, doesn't mean you're not losing in inches. Watch what you eat and drink and your fitness and you'll be golden. Also, sucks for us girls but I tend to either maintain or even GAIN a couple days before I get my time.

[ofeliamarin29 86]

I stalled Dec. 24 (surgery was Dec. 7) and I am still stalled out. I read the article Butterthebean posted almost everyday to remind myself of what is happening. Boy it sure does suck though!!!

Totally agree thank you for the encouragement!