Help - 4 weeks out and only 12.5 pounds lost; none in last 6 days

Help. It's been 4 weeks since my surgery and I've only lost 12.5 pounds. I haven't lost any weight since July 11 - 6 days ago. I started at 303.25 and now I'm at 290.75. Other than being extremely discouraged, my health feels pretty good.

Did anyone else have this happen?

I'm journaling my food religiously and now eating about 850-900 calories a day (and was eating far less as appropriate dusing Stage 1 & Stage 2). I'm getting my protein in. I'm exercising daily. I know that my calorie intake is about 150-200 calories more than the Stage 3 diet predicts I should eat so that's probably part of the issue. But before the pre-op diet, I was eating 2,000 calories a day and not losing or gaining. And now I'm consistently under 900. How is it the scale is not moving at all?

Did anyone else experience this? I'm feeling so bummed out. This is when the weight loss is supposed to be fast. And this feels so slow compared to other people. And I'm scared that it's going to go even slower over time.

do a search for the "three-week stall". Happens to almost everyone. Just stick to your program and your weight will start to drop again after a week or two.

Thank you! Had not heard of the 3 week stall.

Most people lose weight very quickly only in the first week or two. After that, it slows down to a slow and steady 1 - 2lb per week. Surgery is NOT magic and you will not lose all the weight overnight.

Search for "three week stall." Pretty much EVERYBODY experiences it. Your body is adjusting to surgery and this is completely normal.

Thank you - good to know 1-2 pounds a week is typical. And thanks for info on the 3 week stall. That was new to me.

btw - most of us eat in the 600-800 range for the first several months. You're not too too far over that, but you could try cutting back just a little. But I suspect it's the infamous three-week stall. Mine lasted two weeks. I dropped like 6-8 lbs within a couple of days after it finally broke.

Thank you - I appreciate knowing this isn't unexpected. I was thinking I should try harder and cut back to 700-800. So I will.

I would increase protein, and cut carbs to 20 grms a day untl the stall ends. I had several weeks from wk 4-10 or so my calorie intake was in the 450- 500 range. as long as you have good energy and get liquids in, with low carb+ high proeins you will break the stall. Be sure to start your exercise program.. just brief walks if you are doing nothing...to begin and build slowly.

I missed the stall ,but Dr had to increase my calories from the 90 gram protein very low carbs i was on...because my calorie count was very low at 300. ( by using a rx'd protein supplement ) and I had zero energy.

Everyone adjusts differently...because each of us is different.

Do not compare your weight loss to everyone else.. You are unique and as you learn your body's response you will be able to adjust your diet to get your desired results.

The surgeon gave you a tool. Cheri**** Just work your program..get your liquids, your supplements, and your protein.. everything else can wait til you have better capacity..( edema has completely subsided.).. and your weight loss is going good. Hang in there...

Thanks. The protein boost sounds doable.

Yup, sounds like three-week stall. Mine lasted nearly 6 weeks, then I dropped another 15 lbs in a week. My weight loss has continued like that--long stalls, then sudden drops.

We all lose differently. Try not to weigh yourself too often, you'll go insane. I try for once a week but sometimes I can't help checking more often.