Question:
I'm 5 weeks post-op and 2 weeks into a plateau. Help!
How much water should I be drinking now? How much should I be eating? I'm concentrating on protein but find I can't eat much yet. My scale hasn't moved in 2 weeks and it's upsetting me. Thanks. — Janice P. (posted on February 13, 2002)
February 12, 2002
Hi Janice - First, congratulations on doimg this wonderful thing for
yourself. Next - please drink the water! WAter and protein, water and
proteim - the most important things. Didn't your doctor or nutritionist
advise you ahout how much? In any event, at least 64oz of water a day!
And, basically, almost everything you eat right now should be protein. My
nutritionist (not the one affiliated with my doctor) told me to have eggs
every day (whole eggs, yolk included). He said they are the best source of
protein. Until I could tolerate them scrambled, I had them soft boiled.
He also wanted me to have salmon every day, which I cooked in water with
vegetables, then put everything through the food processor and made into a
wonderful soup. Easy to tolerate, very nutritious, and delicious! I did
the same thing with pieces of turkey. My understanding is, if you dont eat
enough protein and drink enough water, you lose less weight! Next - stop
weighing yourself so much! I only get weighted when I go to either my
nutritionist or my surgeon. I avoid the angst of getting on that scale and
judging myself and the quality of my day and my life by those numbers! You
will lose weight! Just eat the right things. The scale is your enemy! It
is not who you are or how you are doing. At least, if you can manage it,
do not weigh more than once a month. Anyway, that's my advice. I wish you
well and hope you can let go of relying on the numbers. Nancy
— Nancy Z.
February 12, 2002
I am 8 weeks Postop. I have lost 55 pounds so far, and have been plateuing
for 2 weeks also. seems I lost really fast in the beginning, and now it is
crawling off of me. I just noticed yesterday I lost a couple more pounds so
it has started again, but for how long, who knows.
I drink a protein shake everyday, and eat cheese for a little fat, and
extra protein. I get an orange in for Complex Carbs for energy, and I drink
water all day long, but still it is going so slow.
some people say 55 pounds is good in eight weeks, but it doesn't seem so
when 40 pounds of that came off in the first 4 weeks. just gotta keep
plugging away. They say not to weigh yourself everyday, which is good
advice, but I cannot help it. I HAVE to know what I weigh...
— sbinkerd1
February 12, 2002
Hi Janice,
I am also 5 weeks post op from LAP RNY. I lost a great deal in the first
month..28lbs and now my scale has stopped moving for the last 2 weeks, but
I look smaller when I look at my body and everyone says I look like I have
lost way more than 28lbs. I started at 225, so I expected a slow
loss.Losing 28lbs so quickly made me feel horrible and I am glad that I
have had this time for my body to catch up with my loss.I am still having
problems getting all my fluids in daily. I try like crazy. My doc says 48oz
is sufficient,but I really have to push the fluids.I am eating 3 oz of
protein at each meal with no problem at all.In fact I am hungry alot, so
that is when I keep sipping water in between meals.I have also incorporated
yogurt and cheese with no problems.I don't do the shakes anymore cause they
make me nauseous.Try to relax and just follow the instructions of your
nutritionist and Doc and the weight will come off. I think your body is
doing the same thing mine is. It is readjusting to the loss and trying to
find it own equilibrium.The scale will move agin, just give it time. Our
Bodies are not machines and with this surgery we kind of try to trick it
but sometimes its smarter.It knows you lost weight and is holding back any
more loss.Let it catch up with itself.Good Luck and hang in there<3
— garyzgurl
February 13, 2002
Congratulations on your WLS Janice! Right now though you don't need help
:) you need patience! I am 5 months post-op and didn't think I was EVER
going to get off my first plateau! They definately come, but they also
definately go! Keep to your diet, drink LOTS of water, get your protein
in, and if you are able to, get in some exercise. Time may seem slow when
the scales don't move, and it is sooooo very aggrevating, but in a few more
months you will be shocked at how much you have lost! Good luck and keep
your chin up!
— DonnaCarol
February 13, 2002
Plateaus are normal and you should thank the Lord for them -- for without
them, you'd have loads of flabby, flappy skin! My advice: take your
measurements monthly on the date of your surgery, weigh once a week, work
the program and EXPECT plenty of plateaus which can sometimes last for 4
weeks. The weight and the inches will fall off of you, guaranteed. I'm
almost 2 years postop RNY and I look perfectly normal and don't need any
plastic surgery or tummy tucks. WALK daily, don't overdo, but don't
underdo either. Walking tightens the muscles throughout your body -- pump
your arms as you walk. Best wishes!
— Cindy H.
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