Why me?? Is this normal?

I am three weeks post-op and I am so depressed that I can't stand it.  My first week and a half after surgery I dropped about 10 pounds and it stopped.  Within the last five days I've gained four pounds.  How can this be?  I am just now eating mushy foods.  I have no problem getting down my two protien shakes and my water.  I also don't have any problem eating cream soups, yogurt, eggs and other foods. 

Has anyone else gone through this?  I am so paranoid that I have stretched my pouch and I am over-eating, but I am really not eating that much.  I have been overweight all of my life.  I was wearing adult sizes by the time I was a teenager.  I have this huge fear that I will never lose weight.

Should I be concerned at this point?  Should I contact my surgeon?  I'm so frustrated and discouraged.  Does anyone have any advice?

Measure your foods (get a kitchen scale) keep it around 6 ounces.  Ask your surgeon how much you should be eating at one sitting.  Most wls patients are around 6 oz.  Cream soups may be high in carbs, that could slow down your progress.  I used to be able to gain 4 lbs just from water retension. Hope this helps.  Protein is very important and it makes you feel full longer.

6 oz in the first month? eek.

My doc had me on 3 tablespoons on puree and then when I hit soft and solids I was at 2 oz. i still can barely get in 3 oz at almost 4 mo. out.

The OP has an RNY---she couldn't possibly cram down 6 ounces in one sitting. You have a DS---things are very different for you.

I think we all go thru a phase where we think we will be the ones that won't loose weight... after everything we've been thru - we will be the oddity.

Stick with your diet - keep up your exercise - just walking a little every day helps so much to keep things moving in the right direction. It WILL come off - and it may even get a little scarey when you loose chunks of weight at a time.

Good luck! And stay off that darn scale!

I think its normal to freak out a bit... we have all been on so many "diets" in the past and failed we can't imagine when something will finally work for us so when we stall a bit our old fears creep in. Concentrate on healthy choices, moving the body every day and working on all the why's of why you gained weight (those don't go away with the pounds) Those are the things you can control. Try and remember this is for life... when you hit your goal weight, you wake up the next day to more of the same so make changes you can live with forever.

It really is a very typical time to see scale stall... your body is just realizing its not going to get the same fuel (food & drink) it's used to so it's going to try and hold on for dear life to the fuel (fat) it has in stores. It can't last given the input but it is frustrating. It'll happen a few times as you are in the losing phase. I had one that lasted a month.

A few things... measure your portions and stick to those. Nerves are healing and you won't feel "full" yet. Fluids will go down easy, no pyloric valve to stop them. When you start to eat more dense protein and solid food you will feel the "power of the pouch."

Hope the scale kicks in soon... trust me it will ;)
~Michelle "Shelly"

 This, seriously.

When I make changes in my workouts, i.e. add more etc. it takes at least two weeks to show.  When I go a little food crazy, it doesn't show up right away either.  

Hang on, it's a wild ride but it is so worth it.

If you're still struggling with depression in 30 days please see your PCP, you may need someone to talk to and that is perfectly fine.

Here is my advice - if the numbers on the scale are depressing you - stay off the scale! I didn't even own a scale until I was at goal - what a delight it was to see the dramatic drops at each follow-up with my surgeon!

Instead of keeping track of a silly number, track your progress with actual real-life changes - how are your clothes fitting? Are you hearing compliments? Fitting better in chairs? How about those health issues you may have had?

It sounds like you're on track - keep working the plan - I just know you're gonna be a great success!

 Throw away the scale.  Really. Seriously!  Weigh at your doctors office only and use how your clothes feel to know how you are doing.  The 4 lbs is fluid, you are probably getting your period.  This will work, you will lose weight and you are completely normal, everyone thinks they will be the one this does not work for.  Keep track of your protein and fluid and walk every minute you can, its healthy and helps clear your mind.  In a couple of months the results will be obvious.  Enjoy the attention, never forget why you did this and go have fun!

Thank you all for the wonderful responses.  I will stay off the scale for the time being - I'm not scheduled to follow up again with my surgeon until December.  I can now say that most of my concern was  paranoia and I will definately be measuring and watching my diet closely.  I am also trying to get more exercise.  Thanks again.