Scale isn't moving but inches are flying off...

[alaskanbliss 2]

I am 18 days post-op today. I have ( so far) lost a total of 15.5 pounds since my surgery, and a total of 22.9 since I began the pre-op liquid die be surgery ( 28 days). For whatever reason ( call me crazy) I feel REALLY disappointed in these numbers. Back in 2012, I went on the Medifast 5&1 plan and lost 32.5 pounds in my first 30 days. At this rate, I am not on track to meet ( much less exceed) those numbers from 2012. I cannot seem to physically grasp how that is possible as I have not consumed more than 300 calories in 28 days, and I've "only" lost 22 pounds. I would think someone my size ( starting weight pre-op diet was 299 at 5'8) would lose 35-40 pounds in the first 30 days post-op...particularly given my struggles with intake and swelling that has caused me to be able to consume so little.

The odd thing is, although I sit at 5'8 and 276 pounds, I am wearing a size 16 slacks and an XL top. The day I left for surgery I was in size 22 jeans and a 2x top. So, in those 28 total days I've lost 6 pants sizes ( three technical since pants are sized every two numbers) and 3 shirt sizes. I usually would have to be well below 250 to be able to get into a size 16, and an XL top. I've also lost 19.5 inches off my body as a whole in these 28 days. I guess I just feel disappointed b/c I will be heading to see my primary care doc for my first set of blood draws in about 3 weeks, and I desperately wanted to just have this CRAZY impressive number to whoo her socks off-as she did not support me having WLS ( I had mine in MX due to insurance refusing all bariatric coverage). While I can see how much smaller I am...that is not something she is really going to notice.

My recover has been HELL-ish...far harder than I expected and nearly every non life threatening complication they say is a possibility has happened to me. I drove in t work this morning and sobbed as I asked myself "was 20 freaking pounds worth all this hell?" I know I the weight will come off, I get that. I guess I am scared b/c my body always seems to have this set point that I can never get below ( for me it's about 240-245) and I'm already seeing the signs of my body rebelling against the weight loss. But, scientifically speaking, I do not understand how on 300 calories per day I can be losing so "little". According to my BMR, with this intake my loss should be b/t 1.5-2 pounds per DAY.

Can anyone shed any light? Is this normal? Is it common with VSG for the inches to fly off but for the scale not to move? Anything you can recommend I do to get the actual scale moving a bit more quickly?

I appreciate the insight and support.

[OKCPirate 5,323]

When you get a chance watch this: http://theweightofthenation.hbo.com/watch/bonus-shorts/the-quest-to-understand-the-biology-of-weight-loss

It is a very difficult to understand all the mechanisms for weight loss, but talk to your NUT about increasing your calories, 300 seems really low IMHO.

[IncredibleShrinkingMan 437]

Have you been able to exercise? You may be seeing some Water and glycogen build-up. When I get busy at work and don't make the gym or the trails I see the scale sit still for days at a time, but in those same days I have to tighten one belt hole. You are losing fat, and as soon as you do vigorous exercise, you should see the progress realized on the scale.

[gdub23 9]

I am experiencing the same issue. My surgery date was 8/18. My pre-surgery weight was 312 and my current weight is 284. I lost most of that weight during the first couple weeks, but hit a few stalls. I was stuck at 292 for a full week and 285 for another full week. The scale didn't budge an ounce for days and it became very frustrating. I know I shouldn't be weighing myself every day, but I can't resist. At any rate, during the stalls I noticed the inches falling off. I have gone from a 44 pant size to a 38 and from a 3X shirt to almost fitting in an XL.

I am walking on the treadmill for 3 miles/1 hour a day at least 5 days a week. I am eating about 650 calories a day and getting 65-75grams of Protein daily. I think I am retaining Water during the stalls and need to increase the amount of fluids that I am drinking. I am getting 64oz in each day, but I feel like my weight coupled with the amount of exercise that I am doing necessitates a larger daily intake of Water. I go for my 1 month follow-up this Thursday, so I am going to discuss this topic further.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Focus on getting in all your Protein and Water, and stay off the scale. You have recently had major surgery and are still recovering. What you are going through and feeling is a VERY NORMAL part of the process.

I am so glad you noticed the change in your body and the size of your clothes. Most people at this stage are so focused on the numbers on the scale that they miss this very real indicator that they are losing fat.

There seems to be at least one post on this topic almost daily so please read these forums. You will see that you are not alone and that you will get through this phase.

[alaskanbliss 2]

I guess the logical scientific number person in me still fails to see how it makes any sense. Especially since I lost SO much more and faster eating 3 times the calories I do now. I will search the forums and see what I can find...but, I sure hope that I didn't pay all this money and risk my life and deal with all these horrible complications and never being able to enjoy food again to lose 2 pounds per week. That thought alone makes me just want to sob.

Focus on getting in all your Protein and Water, and stay off the scale. You have recently had major surgery and are still recovering. What you are going through and feeling is a VERY NORMAL part of the process.

I am so glad you noticed the change in your body and the size of your clothes. Most people at this stage are so focused on the numbers on the scale that they miss this very real indicator that they are losing fat.

There seems to be at least one post on this topic almost daily so please read these forums. You will see that you are not alone and that you will get through this phase.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Our bodies are complex systems and not simple machines. Believe it or not, you will probably lose more rapidly once you are able to get in more calories.

The important thing is that you get in your Protein and Water. The weight loss will happen.