Surgeons office advise for a stall

OK, I am gong on 5 weeks out and I have not lost 1 lb or 1inch since the 5th of this month.  I have tried everything so I called my surgeon's nurse.  I always meet my protein and liquid numbers but my calories are always under 700.  She told me that I am not eating enough calories.  I should be at 1,000 to 1,200 and that my body was in starvation mode and hanging on to every bit of fat (yeah!).  She said that stalls of 4 to 6 weeks are very common at this stage. 

I have such a hard time even getting in the amount of food that I do eat.  Does anyone else eat 1200 calories a day and can you advise me of how you do this?  She advised me to add a shake or two a day and eat slower and take 30 minutes.  I can eat almost a whole piece of fish or some soft protein but it's a struggle and I am stuffed for 1/2 hour, uncomfortable.  Dense chicken or dense anything, I can only do about 2 ozs of, so seafood is better, but I can't eat 4 ozs of it in one sitting. She also told me that when I exercise, I need to work up a sweat.  I try but I'm old, people.  This is going to take time.  I have been walking 30 to 45 minutes every day and next week I start classes at the Y.  I also need to add more healthy fats.  Any advise to get me out of this stall would be sooo appreciated.

I'll defer to the vets.... But curious how much water you are getting in?

Between 60 and 100.

That's a lot of food I am 5 weeks out and can't eat but 2 oz at a time. I can only eat 400 cal in a day.

I did eat 1200 calories a month... but not until month 5 or so.  And, I exercised 6 days a week and really worked up a sweat.  At 5 weeks out I was around 600 calories.  No- do not eat that much this early.  Up your fluids, eat your protein first... the stall will break.  Measure yourself- you are probably losing inches. 

I did eat 1200 calories a month... but not until month 5 or so.  And, I exercised 6 days a week and really worked up a sweat.  At 5 weeks out I was around 600 calories.  No- do not eat that much this early.  Up your fluids, eat your protein first... the stall will break.  Measure yourself- you are probably losing inches. 

I don't think I can.  I usually hit 600 per day.  Made it to 700 today; stuffed.  I did measure.. no loss of inches.  I am increasing protein.  I actually ate 1200 calories before surgery so how can I do that now.  Thanks for the advice... I think you are right.   Its to much.

Current medical research seems to indicated that "starvation mode" is a myth.  I'm sure you can google this yourself, but here's some interesting reading.  

http://www.aworkoutroutine.com/starvation-mode/

http://www.fattyfightsback.com/2009/03/mtyhbusters-starvation-mode.html

http://www.weigh****chers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=1&art_id=35501

etc.

What protein and liquid goals do you have?  

From what I've read,  starvation mode is a myth.  plus, eating 600 to 800 calories a day with plenty of protein, water and vitamins does not compare to real starvation.  I lost weight just fine at 500 to 600 calories when I was one to 3 months out.  I'm now eating 1000 calories a day at 9 months out, and I'm losing 2 pounds a week.  I would not go to 1200 calories even now because it would slow my weight loss.  Just one person's opinion.  But I've lost 180 pounds in a little over a year.

best wishes,

Carol

Do not over eat your sleeve.  That is our main advice from our vets. I still only eat 2 oz of dense protein at a time.  Most days I eat between 700-800 calories and I am 8 months out.  As long as I feel ok and keep track of my protein and fluids , I feel good.   I have lost my weight following this.  I am also older and cannot claim to exercise regularly.   I will do it but the truth is I have lost the weight without it.  Last week I did walk on the treadmill and another day the eliptical machine.  I hope as the spring returns that I will be more motivated.  

Sometimes when I am stuck, I change up what I am eating. I tend to eat the same things most days. I also may have a day that I have 2 protein shakes just to make sure I am getting enough protein. I'll have the shakes for breakfast and dinner.  This seems to give me a kickstart and I'll see weight loss a day or two later. 

You need to figure what works for you.  We are all work in progress- one day at atime. What works for me may not be what helps you.  Make sure you have your protein and drink more than you think you need. That really helps me.  Do not eat until you are uncomfortable.  Maybe your NUT can advise you better than the nurse at the office. You will not starve eating like you are presently.  

Good luck- this is an individual journey.  We are all wired differently.  Look at the information available here and make your own decision.

Nancy