Needing some encouragement...

[Champ715 207]

Hi everyone. I'm 6 weeks post op and so far I've lost 25 pounds. I got down to 26 pounds but for the past three weeks I've been stuck in a rut where I gain two pounds, then lose two pounds, then gain one pound, then lose it, and so on. I'm following the program and I know stalls are normal but my head is starting to get the best of me. I have failed at every other diet so I'm having anxiety thinking that I'll fail at this too. Will I be that one person who only loses 25 pounds from this whole thing? I've increased my Water intake and my exercise in hopes of breaking this rut but so far nothing has worked. I know I just have to wait it out. I'm just worried that I won't be successful with this either.

[HopperM 5]

Have you been in touch with your surgeon? Maybe it's not how much you are eating but what you're eating. Are you taking all of the Vitamins you're supposed to be taking? What about your calories? Too little calories can be almost as damaging to your metabolism as too many. Try to stick as closely to the amount that they recommend you eating. I wish you luck!

[Champ715 207]

Have you been in touch with your surgeon? Maybe it's not how much you are eating but what you're eating. Are you taking all of the Vitamins you're supposed to be taking? What about your calories? Too little calories can be almost as damaging to your metabolism as too many. Try to stick as closely to the amount that they recommend you eating. I wish you luck!

They didn't give me any sort of guideline for recommended calories. I'm eating what my plan allows and I'm taking my Vitamins, Protein, etc. Some days I only get 400-500 calories but I just physically cannot hold anymore food. I have a nurse, a nutritionist, and a bariatric coordinator, all of whom told me to stop eating when I start to feel full. I have no idea how many calories per day is normal for someone 6 weeks out. I'm pretty much only allowed high Protein meats and non starchy carbs, none of which are high in calories. The only way for me to get more calories would be to eat something starchy, sweet, etc. which seems to defeat the purpose.

I still have restriction so I'm not able to eat more than 1.5 ounces at a time. I could probably hold 2 ounces if I really tried, but then I'd feel really full and uncomfortable.

[FrankyG 1,450]

You're in a stall. Absolutely nothing to worry about if you're getting your Water, Protein and some exercise.

During these stalls, you probably are losing inches (due to fat loss and muscle building) instead of seeing the needle on the scale move. A pound of fat is much bigger/bulkier than a pound of muscle, so it is suggested that you take your measurements every month (I do arms, bust, waist, hips and thighs/calf) so you can see progress and not get too discouraged.

Even if you're not seeing the scale or the measuring tape change, it doesn't mean you're not doing okay. So don't lose hope. Your body needs time to adjust and sometimes you'll hit one of these for a few days, or a few weeks even.

Stalls will happen many more times in your weight loss journey - just keep on top of your protein/water and exercise and you'll be fine!

There are many threads on here about the stalls including one called "embrace the stall" (will go find and paste in unless someone else beats me to it)

ETA: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/351046-embrace-the-stall/?hl=%2Bembrace

^ here you go!

Edited November 13, 2015 by FrankiesGirl