Freaking out about lack of weightloss

I swore I would never complain about slow weightloss, but I am really freaked out. When I started this journey in May, I weighed 434 lbs. On the day of surgery, july 17, I weighed 423. On august 3rd, 17 days after surgery, I weighed 402. Today i got my new scale and excitedly set it up. I was horrified to see that it said I weigh 404! Can it possibly be that I have not lost, in fact gained 2 lbs in almost a month? I have been eating mostly protein, a few carbs but not many, 5 small 1/2 cup meals a day. I bought a myweigh XL 440 scale. My husband says the scale is accurate to his weight. I'm walking almost every day, the last 4 days for at least 40 minutes a day. I know I am older and everything, but shouldnt I have lost around 10 more lbs at the very least?

Hey Julie, I think our scales have the same defect!! My weight fluxuates 2 to three pound sometimes in a day. I never know what my real weight is. For instances, this morning I went to the dr and got on the scale..it was 2 pounds more than Monday, however, later on today I got on my scale and the pounds magically disappeared. I don't know the scientific reason for this madness..but it happens to me all the time..especially that time of the month..because I retain so much temporarily. Sometimes I am afraid to say my weight..cause I feel like I must had been lying when I get back on the scale and find a different number. I heard that some people.gain and lose the same 10 pounds over and over..aqnd then one day they are gone forever and they go on to the next plateau. I know that it is frustrating..but I really don't think we are losing our minds completely yet My advise is to "step away from the scale."....weigh only once a week with Marge's Monday weigh in, and get out the trusty old tape measure and record those wow moments. I know that I started dropping sizes before I could really see a difference on the scale.....remember this..this isn't a race to see who gets the skinniest in the quickest time. It's a slow process for me because I too am "older" and am in the process of doing a total lifestyle change for myself..a healthier me at 47!!! (did I just admit that???) HugsGinger

Ginger, Thank you so much for answering me. I was really upset last night, but I am more rational now. I won't weigh more than once a week, but I really thought that since it had been almost a month, there would be SOME weight loss. Everyone says they can see it and I can feel it, I just want proof! I want to be solidly under 400! Anyway, I walked anyway and have been writing down my food to make sure I am not kidding myself. Thanks Ginger. Julie

Your weight naturally will fluctuate up to 5 lbs on any given date, so don't worry yourself too much. Also, different scales unfortunately read differently. My pcp has a top of the line scale that always weighs people 2-4 lbs more than their actual weight. Try not to freak out too much.

Michelle, Thanks, that is true, I just hoped to have lost instead of gained after a month. Julei

I definitely would NOT freak out about the difference in weight based on a new scale. Although we should hypothetically get consistent weights on different scales, I've never found that to be true. So although I get on scales at the gym, doctor's office, etc., I only gauge my weight loss by the numbers of my scale at home. And it's perfectly normal to hit a "mini-plateau" within a few weeks after surgery because your body is adjusting to huge nutritional changes, as well as recovering from major surgery. So take a deep breath, relax and enjoy the ride. Trust me on this one - Kellie Lap RNY 10/25/2005 396/237/150-165?

Ok, Kellie, I'm trusting you. I just don't want to fail. I got the scale because I wanted to be honest with myself about how I was really doing. And I'm so tired of not having an answer when people ask how much? Now I have an answer, but it's not a good one, which is worse. I'm going to hang in there, and not let it get to me. Julie

Julie, You are going to do just fine! Stick with the plan and it will work. Keep in mind that our bodies lose at different rates, plus your body is still recovering from having major surgery. You will find your groove and be successful. It took me about 4 months to find my groove. And I had to learn to like it because I tend to lose weight for 1-2 weeks, then stay the same weight for 2-3 weeks. It's frustrating from a day-to-day perspective, but I'm still averaging a 10 pound loss every 4 weeks. Which is pretty darn good for 10 months out. But I have to say those 2-3 weeks when I'm not losing are tough. I just stay the course and let my body do it's thing. If you do the same, you will succeed. I have faith. Good luck on your continuing journey. Kellie Lap RNY 10/25/2005 396/236.8/150-165?

I remember being were you are right now. I started out at 455 the day of surgery and it took almost 3 months for me to see the 3 in front of my weight. now 2 weeks ago I was 380. I said all of that to say this it will come your body is in shock and is mad right now because it isn't getting what it wants. I know it hard not to jump on that scale but if you can leave it alone. Only weigh when you go to the doctors office other than that only weigh once per month this way you will be able to see a big drop. Well I hope this helps. Lorraine

Lorraine, Thanks for sharing that you had a similar experience. That makes me feel better. I do think my body is mad. I'm mad too. I don't go back to the Dr until October 17th. I will have my husband hide the scale if I can't leave it alone. julie