Wondering, why the weight gain?

[rosmom1996]

Hi everyone,

I had my DS on 12/13. I started at 330lbs. I lost 16lbs on my own before surgery. I lost another 23lbs within 2 weeks. All of the sudden the weight loss has stopped and I've gained three pounds. Its been like this since Wednesday. Also on Wednesday I advanced from full liquids to soft foods. I physically feel great. I had no complications and he said it was a very smooth surgery as I didn't have near the adhesions they thought I would. All the sudden, everything I have researched for the last six months has left my brain. When is the "tool" part of this surgery supposed to kick in? I'm feeling very discouraged and feel like I'm the only person this surgery is not going to work for !! I have read that some people go through a plateau a few weeks after surgery. Does anyone know how long that lasts? Thanks for any answers and your help. Although I really like my doc, I get more lifelike answers from people that have been there.

[Joanne]

Oh gosh no, not at all.

Your body is rebalancing fluids, that's all. If I had a nickel for every time someone was about 4 weeks out and had the same thing happen, well I would have a ton of nickels I guess.

There is a scientific explanation that goes into some detail that Diana Cox wrote. I have it stored on a different computer (which is down right now) or I would post it here for you. Someone else is likely to come by and do that, which will help explain.

Lots of people worry that they will be the "one" it didnt work for. I did, too. It comes from a life of failed diets - all the times we put ourselves out there thinking this would be the time we beat our obesity, only to fail. Dont worry, the DS will not let you down.

[hoosiermama]

First, chill out. The DS hasn't failed you. I took my calcium finally and it bloated me up like a balloon and I gained weight and inches. All of our bodies work differently and in their own time. The only thing that matters is making it to the finish line, it's not a race of speed, it's one of progress.

What have you been eating? Have you been tracking it? How many carbs a day? Full liquids can mean a lot of things, how did your doctor define full liquids and soft foods....

Stay off the scale and work your DS. Track your carbs and protein only. I only weigh when I see the doctor or when I just can't stand it but never more often than two weeks.

me

[rosmom1996]

I did read Diana's post and thought maybe that's what was happening. How long does this usually last? Days or weeks? Or is it different for everyone? My full liquids was clear liquids with the introduction of a variety of protein shakes. I'm getting all my supplements in and usually all my water. Not all of my protein yet. At least not from food anyway. Everything feels different in my belly. When I eat, when I get a gas bubble, when I have to have a BM. It's hard for me to determine when I'm full. I'm not sure my stomach has growled for hunger at all. I've started getting on the treadmill for 15 minutes a day and will work up from there. My soft foods are eggs, cheese, canned tuna, canned chicken, canned salmon. After two weeks of that, I get to move to regular diet. Which is eat your protein then low carb veges if you have room.

[rosmom1996]

Oh........I've been tracking my carbs and proteins in Fitday. My carbs don't go above 30g. Should they be less? Honestly have no idea how many I should have a day.

Thanks,
Danielle

[hoosiermama]

Jan 1, 2012 20:22:47 GMT -5 rosmom1996 said:

Oh........I've been tracking my carbs and proteins in Fitday. My carbs don't go above 30g. Should they be less? Honestly have no idea how many I should have a day.

Nope, 30 is great where your at. Out here they say 50 or less is great but you need to listen to your body. I'm not super active so under 50 is great for me.

Don't weigh every day hun, it will make you soooo crazy. Your going to have ups and downs and sideways. When I bloated this weekend, it was so bad that my pants were tight again...I stopped taking my calcium and I'm no longer bloated and can eat. Keep your eye on the prize and not the process. Some people are gonna loose faster than you, some slower. The only one you are racing with is yourself and the race only gets watched every two weeks

Oh, and I'm just waiting to get some Mag Oxide so I can start the calcium again...have to take your vites

me

[Deleted]

Jan 1, 2012 20:19:42 GMT -5 rosmom1996 said:

I did read Diana's post and thought maybe that's what was happening. How long does this usually last? Days or weeks? Or is it different for everyone? My full liquids was clear liquids with the introduction of a variety of protein shakes. I'm getting all my supplements in and usually all my water. Not all of my protein yet. At least not from food anyway. Everything feels different in my belly. When I eat, when I get a gas bubble, when I have to have a BM. It's hard for me to determine when I'm full. I'm not sure my stomach has growled for hunger at all. I've started getting on the treadmill for 15 minutes a day and will work up from there. My soft foods are eggs, cheese, canned tuna, canned chicken, canned salmon. After two weeks of that, I get to move to regular diet. Which is eat your protein then low carb veges if you have room.

Yes, that is what's happening to you. Chill out and stay off the scale for a month. Quit expecting miracles.

[sherbearmama]

I'm in the same boat with you. I had surgery Dec. 5, lost about 22 or so pounds at the 2 week mark, and haven't lost an ounce since. But I know that eventually it'll start coming off. I need to start walking and getting myself back into the same shape (cardiovascular) that I was in before surgery. I personally don't mind weighing often because it's sort of like a science experiment--it doesn't really mean anything but it's interesting to see how much we change or don't change on a semi-regular basis. If I knew that the numbers would truly bother me, I wouldn't weigh myself at all. If it does bother you, put the scale away and just weigh at the doctor's office or weigh once a month--put it on your calendar.

I'm so new out that I have no idea how long this will last but I know it'll change eventually. I wish you luck!!!!

Sheri

[bearmom]

Everyone has given you good advice, and the only thing I'll add is to look at the weight loss like a bouncy ball going down stairs. There are slight ups, but they are always followed by larger drops.

[teachmid]

You've gotten good advice. I remember feeling and saying the exact same thing.

[Joanne]

I also wanted to add that IMHO you're too early out to even be counting carbs. You just dont have the stomach room now to do much. Focus on your fluids - that is the most important thing you can do. You need to be getting 64+ oz fluid a day, non negotiable. Next goal is 30-60g per day of protein (for now, this will need to be worked up as you heal). The rest can wait and will come in time.

Bravo for you, I think (?) on being able to exercise so early out. I was a ball of goo barely able to get out of bed for the first 2-4 weeks. Do what you feel you can do, but there is no reason to push yourself. This surgery works if you stick to the basic rules, and it's not a race.

[hema324]

you guys are all awesome!! i am going thru the same thing! DS on 12/1/11, lost 23lbs pre-op and 12 about 2 weeks after and have gained abt 5 lbs. i figured it was fluids balancing but it still sux to see it. I totally thought i would be the one that it didnt work with. glad to know that's not the case.....at least i hope not!!

[charlee]

Yeah, I had the same panic - even though I had read all the info and expected it. Really, just step away from the scale. Or if you can't, don't take the numbers to heart.

I went through a phase of the damn number moving up and down within a 10 pound range for WEEKS. I was so aggravated about it BUT my clothes kept getting bigger. It was the most bizarre thing - no change on the scale but I dropped 2 pants sizes. O.o

[Happy DSr]

for goodness sakes, you are down 20 pounds in under three weeks. What "diet" have you been on that achieved that same success. Relax, meet the protein and water targets, and you will continue the overall downward trend.

my weight loss followed a pattern of: three weeks basically flat or very slow (plus or minus 0 or 1 or 2 pounds each day), then just as I was beginning to despair, I followed with a 10-15 pound or so loss in week four. Then repeat.

so lesson learned? Just when you are about to shout out that your DS is broken, hold off another week or two and you are likely to see results.

As long as you follow the rules, your weight will come off

[beth28]

I did the same thing. At about 3 weeks, I posted frantically bemoaning the fact that the scales weren't moving. I went with EN's (and other's) advice about not getting on the scales.

Now (like Sherbearmama and others) I only weigh at the doctor's office. I'm much happier now that the scale doesn't own my soul. :-)