Why am I not losing weight??

MariaC · October 6, 2008

I hope someone out there can help me. I was banded September 2nd at NYU. In the 5 weeks since the surgery, I have only lost 4 pounds, and I don't understand why.

I don't eat junk food, amd I'm probably only eating 1000 calories a day. I had my first fill last week, and so far, no difference in my weight.

My sister-in-law, who had the surgery 2 years ago says I won't lose weight unless I exercise. I don't understand - why did I go through this surgery if I won't lose any weight without exercise? I'm eating so much less and so much healthier than I did before.

I was 270 before the pre-op diet, 259 on the day of my surgery, and now 5 weeks out I still weigh 255.

HELP!!!

Willowglen · October 6, 2008

Hi There

I am just over 5 weeks out from banding. I have stuck strictly to the diet that was given by my Doctor. The day after surgery I walked one mile and the next day I walked three miles. At three weeks out I statred going to the gym for one hour and rotating walking 3-6 miles the next day. I have been drinking 64-90 oz. of Water a day and am dowm almost 40#. I know it can be discouraging but you need to work hard to shed the pounds.

ckelly37 · October 6, 2008

The doctor said this isnt like gastric bypass..its a tool u have to work with it to make it work...the band isnt gonna make u lose the weight on ur own u have to eat right and exercise ur butt off to see results...u didnt gain weight overnight so dont expect to be thin overnight it takes time (mentally and physically) eat right and sweat as much as u can...good luck

luluc · October 6, 2008

My sister-in-law, who had the surgery 2 years ago says I won't lose weight unless I exercise. I don't understand - why did I go through this surgery if I won't lose any weight without exercise? I'm eating so much less and so much healthier than I did before.!

you will still lose weight w/out exercise - might be slower, but there are many here who have not set one foot in a gym, or walked around the block once.

your first few wks out you shouldn't worry about what the scale says - it's really a time for healing. many who go back to solids after say 4wks of mostly liquids, will put some weight on & that shouldn't concern you. the avg weightloss should be around 1-2lbs per wk...it's a slow process and there will be wks that you just don't lose. concentrate on making healthier choices as you work towards restriction & the rest will follow.....good luck to ya

October 6, 2008

I agree with Luluc. Right now you need to concentrate on healing. I even gained a few pounds before my first fill. Your swelling from surgery is probably going down and you should be on mushies/soft foods by now. You will start losing once you get to a good restriction level. It may also take you a couple of fills before you are at your "sweet" spot - your perfect restriction level. The first few months being banded is an adjustment period - your body is healing and adjusting. It takes the body a bit to get caught up sometimes. Don't ever judge your weight loss by someone elses. That only leads to heartache. Keep following your doctor's orders. It'll happen in time. You are learning to become healthier - it's not a race. Hang in there.