Week 2-3 Stall!?!

[vsgbeccab 2]

I had my surgery 11/12 and I'm about to complete my Week 3 post op on Thursday. I lost 10 lbs. during my pre-op diet and 8 lbs. so far since surgery. I weighed 239 at surgery and now I've been teetering around 231 for almost two weeks!!! My doctor is definitely more liberal than others and has let me do trial and error (protein first) since the start of Week 2. Why is my weight not dropping during this time when people drop weight like crazy?! A bit frustrated that I'm not seeing the results on the scale.

[Babbs 14,681]

Completely normal. It's a normal, necessary part of the process. Every one of us has gone through it around that time. It even has a name: "The Dreaded 3 Week Stall". Hang in there, work your program, and it will pass! It won't be you're last, either

Here comes the science:

A "stall" a few weeks after surgery is not uncommon, 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 a patient is not getting in enough food, the body turns first to stored glycogen, which is easy to break down for energy. Then when 2 lbs. of glycogen is used a patient will 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.

However, when the body stays in a caloric deficit state the body starts to realize that this is not a short-term problem. Then the body starts mobilizing fat from adipose tissue and burning fat for energy. But the body also realizes that fat can't be used for short bursts of energy. So, it starts converting some of the fat into glycogen, and rebuilding the glycogen stores. 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 the patient might still be losing energy content to their body, the weight will not go down or it might even gain for a while as the retention of water dissolves the glycogen that is being reformed and stored.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

@@Babbs is absolutely right.

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process. No one loses weight at a constant, steady, or predictable rate.

If you intend to lose a large amount of weight, you will experience stalls periodically.

Just follow your program. Focus on getting in all of your Protein and fluids, take your Vitamins and supplements as directed, and exercise.

If you are going to let the numbers on the scale dictate how you feel, then consider weighing no more than once a week or less often.

Embrace the Stall!

http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

[Fatty McFatster 888]

It is quite normal. I had surgery on 11/20 and have experienced it as well. We just had a major surgery and our body is in recovery mode. Just stick to the plan and you will start dropping weight soon.

[palmerone 2]

Can anyone answer this. I'm struggling to get enough clear Water down but I'm able to drink tea with agave and milk. Would cups of tea count towards my Fluid intake. I'm nearly two weeks post op.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Can anyone answer this. I'm struggling to get enough clear Water down but I'm able to drink tea with agave and milk. Would cups of tea count towards my Fluid intake. I'm nearly two weeks post op.

All non-carbonated, non-caffeinated drinks count toward my Fluid totals.

Just check to see if you are allowed milk on Clear liquids. You may have to wait until full liquids to use milk.

As to agave, that is a question for your NUT. I don't use it so don't know.

[amylynn29 0]

Can anyone answer this. I'm struggling to get enough clear Water down but I'm able to drink tea with agave and milk. Would cups of tea count towards my Fluid intake. I'm nearly two weeks post op.

As of yesterday I am one month post-op. And some days I struggle with getting all my liquid in too. My surgeon told me that Decaf tea counts towards fluid intake. But watch how much milk and sweetener go in it because that will add up in extra calories you may not account for. I like to drink diluted crystal light.

[mokt 58]

I am at week 3 and completely stalled. I was happy with my initial loss of 25lbs but it's hard now that there is no movement on the scale. So glad that I knew this would happen, as otherwise this would be (even more!) frustrating.

Just need to stay positive and keep to the plan layers out by my physician.

[curvybritt 53]

I've been stalled for over a week (3 weeks out) and i just measured myself today and i've still lost 14cm in a week (neck, bust, arms, waist, hips, thighs). So you're still losing, your body is just adjusting to your large losses.

[Yaberhoo 358]

It's all part of the process! Embrace the stall. You don't have another choice. They scale will start moving again, I promise. For goodness sakes, HIDE THE scale.< /p>

Also, stop comparing your weight loss to others. Everyone is different. People like me who have 250 TO LOSE will lose weight initially faster that most people with 80 pounds to lose. What everyone needs to realize is that as you get closer to goal, your loss will slow down. Your body will be fighting to keep the extra weight on. Therefore, if you don't have massive amounts to lose when you start, the weight loss will probably seem slower.

[KarenLoh 128]

Babbs' Glycogen post really helped me during my stall. It needs to be repeated over and over gain. Thanks Babbs.

[dee4j 12]

so glad you all are here... I have been very frustrated... I had surgery on 11/12 also, I lost 28 lbs pre-op and 15 lbs after ... and nothing for just over a week now... I'm still struggling with getting all the food & Water in....so I guess what I'm going thru us normal ... trying to increase my activity but I have physical limitations so it's a slow process..

[MojoCAMI 75]

yup normal,

I was sleeved on 11/11 and last week I stalled floating up and down between 3-4lbs. I changed my Protein intake for a couple days maxing out at about 80grams and low and behold the stall barrier was broken and weight dropped below that 3-4lb mark it was holding it.

Stalls will occur as I have read, I have prepared mentally for them so I could identify them and not blame myself for doing something wrong.. once I knew it was a stall I was calm and made some minor adjustments.