Calling all experienced slivers:I've hit a plateau...

[Amymbd]

Help. I had my surgery on May 6th, so Friday will be 4 weeks. I have lost 14 pounds since surgery, but I've been at the same weight for over a week now. I am getting over 10,0000 steps a day, and staying between 500-900 calories a day. I know that mathematically I should be still losing. Any suggestions? (and once again, let me add that I am very grateful, just want to keep moving down.)
Thanks,
Amy

[bjcarey2005]

Hiya Amy..

I also hit a plateau about 5 weeks out... stayed the same weight for like 10 days in a row. I realize I have much more weight to lose then you, so it may come off differently - but wanted to share something with you. My doctor explained to me that my body will "hold" then release the weight, so not to panic on the plateau's you will hit. And also, from the beginning I started tracking how many inches lost on 6 major body parts (neck, upper arm, waist, hips, chest and upper thigh) Sometimes I would not lose much weight, but I'd drop quite abit of inches!! So track those also!

When I started to focus on how much protein per day I was getting - that really seemed to speed up my weightloss. To add extra protein I purchased - Super Whey Protein Shot from Walmart - (my dietician recommended them) they have 26 grms of protein per shot. I won't lie to ya, they taste terrible - but I'd drink half of one (on empty stomach) and then the rest of it a few hours later (also on a empty stomach) (Don't mix them with anything.. as it only really works alone as it is a pure protein) Since I started adding one protein shot a day, my weight as come off almost too fast! (I've lost 36 pds in the past 30 days) I am not sure that it is the protein shot that has me on a really sweet losing cycle or not.. but thought I'd share this info with anyone! Also, since I started drinking the shots (one per day) I have not hit anymore plateau's lasting longer then 2 days.

As for the calories... I think you are supposed to be near 1200 per day, but not sure if that is for 4 weeks out or not. I know my dietician had said if you don't eat enough (complete proteins) & calories per day - that your body will think it is "starvation" mode and hold onto the fat instead of releasing it. But just hang in there... I know I was so frustrated with my first plateau and thought it would never end. Trust me, hang in there... try adding more protein and just keep going' and going (said like dora from nemo) *lol* It will come off! Best of luck

Huggles & God Bless
~Bren~

[nxt2nic]

Ty bj for all the great info... ur doing awesome

[Amymbd]

Thanks so much. I know I am not getting enough protein. I will start tomorrow. I bought some protein shots from bariatric advantage, but walmart sounds so much easier. I would love to see a sample daily diet if you have a chance.
PS-cracking up over slivers instead of sleevers. Dang autocorrect on ipads!

[mom2dms]

That's about when I hit a plateau as well! Protein, protein, protein and CALORIES! I know it sounds weird to be told to make sure you are getting enough calories, but you must or your body will think you are planning to starve yourself and hold on to EVERYTHING! Also, drink, drink, drink! I still struggle with calories and fluid intake..but I average 1-2 lbs per week. I didn't start off with as much weight to lose as most people who have this surgery, so I knew in my head that it would be a little slower, but I do find myself getting frustrated.
I have tried those protein shots and they are horrid!, but if they will get results...I will have to start FORCING myself to drink one a day! I use a protein drink in the morning using Pure Protein chocolate shakes, (one can) a banana, a scoop of EAS 100 % Whey Protein Powder (Vanilla) and ice. This doubles my protein intake first thing in the morning. I also use an unflavored protein powder and put it in my iced tea or crystal light for the day. That gets me another 24 g of protein.
Keep up the great work! You are doing very well! Good luck and keep sharing your successes with us!

[Amymbd]

Ok, I really may not be doing the food thing right.....today I had a half of a scrambled egg with cheese for breakfast and half of a small coffee, a lettuce wrap with turkey, turkey bacon, and avocado for lunch with grapes, and for dinner I had 1 piece of light bread with spaghetti meat sauce and corn(1/4 cup or less). My snacks included an 80 calorie granola treat with dark chocolate on it, and less than an ounce of turkey jerky. Oh yeah, I also had half of the other lettuce turkey wrap after work. I drank some g2(the lower calorie Gatorade) because I feel totally dehydrated constantly. I am sipping water, but I want to gulp it like the old days! ( I'm from Texas and it is already so hot...) anyway, I have focused more on making sure my caloric intake was at 1000 or so, and not so much on grams of protein. I am trying to eat protein before the veggies, fruit, and carbs at each meal, but that has been my only focus. I would love some input on tweaking the diet. I also want people to know that I love my sleeve, but it is still work and concentration -with ultimate lifestyle changes to be made.....

[ManyBeagleDogs]

You can get dietary guidelines here: Cornell Weight Loss Surgery - Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass & Bariatric Surgery New York
Clik: Patient information then look at the column on the right and click: Dietary Guidelines Sleeve Gastrectomy

[gettinskinny1988]

Where can I buy unflavored protein powder from?

[jenssensmom]

I have hit small plateaus here and there. I also have a hard time getting in all the protein and the shakes make me sick. I started eating high protein foods and eating about six small meals per day. I average a couple of pounds per week. I too, did not have the amount of weight to lose that some patients have. I started at 195, was 190 on my surgery date, and my goal is 120. I am very short so 190 made me morbidly obese, but in the scheme of things, the fact that I was under 200 lbs has made me lose slower. I was worried at first that something was wrong when I would stay the same weight for more than a week. I am now 7 weeks out and have lost 26 lbs. I put on a suit in a size 12 this week that I have not worn in eight years! You will get there. Don't worry. I did find now that I can drink about half an Atkins shake and it helps. Plus I take my vitamins daily. The doctors have all said that plateaus will happen and not to worry. Keep up the good work!

[gonnadoit]

@many\beagles what a great resource you have provided from Cornell
good information
thanks