need advice...

Hello, I'm 5 months post op......I've lost 60 pounds so far. started at 240 now down to 180. I've hit a big plateau. I havent lost a pound in almost 8 weeks. What can I do to get out of this plateau? how many calories should I be taking in? should I up the amount of excercise? is it normal to plateau for so long? what do I stay away from? I'm so frustrated right now.... in fact according to the scale...I gained 3 lbs...is that normal? so early after surgery?

Hello Katie I had my surgery 6 days after you 9-20-04. I have lost 72 lbs so far but I have been through about 11 stalls. Some lasting 3 weeks some 1-2 weeks. Yes I have gained 2 pounds once and then 3 days later I lost 5! I think that all of this is pretty normal for all of us. One thing I have found is if I change something that I'm doing it usually helps break the stall. For example if I change my exercise rountine (or start one which I did last friday...I have been in so much pain but excited about it all at the same time...the gym really is addictive!) Anyway.....If I change my eating pattern...increase my protein and water consumption things like that really seem to kick it back in gear...But remember 1st and foremost...that when the scale is not moving we ARE LOSING INCHES!! I don't know about you but sometimes inches are better than pounds for me. I tried on a bathing suit and thought "wow this is tight" I must not be eating right today and then realized that it was a size 8/10 not a 12 and almost fell in the floor!!! All of the stalls are always a bummer but the highs I get for being able to buy "cute" clothes are sooooo worth it!! Keep up the wonderful weight loss success story you have already become And try not to sweat the small stuff You"ve come a long way in a very short period of time....Its not over til the fat lady sings and we are not gonna be the fat ladies anymore!! Hugs and best of luck! Keep in touch, Rebecca 238/166/138

I am so glad you've posted this. I had gained EIGHT lbs following the depo provera shot! I was horrified! I am now hovering right at 200 to 201 lbs (depending on the time of the day), but I was stuck at 208 since December 23rd until just about a week ago! And now, I seem to be stuck at the 200 mark. I am SOOOO frustrated. But to be honest, I have not bee taking care of myself. I have some pretty major health problems, and I am in "survival" mode. I haven't been able to exercise, and I rarely drink enough water. (I have multiple sclerosis and am now testing ++ for lupus too. My pain levels are almost unbearable). I have really GOT to get myself back into a routine and back on weight loss. but, yes, I understand your frustration. I am right there with you. Leslie

Well first of all congrats on your weight loss. You are only 10 pounds aways from MY goal. I was going through a stall. Mine lasted 3 weeks maybe a few days more. I was so scared it was all over and my weight loss had stopped. It was pretty hard because I kept it all in and wouldn't tell my husband why I was so depressed. I decided to try to up my protein 70-90 grams a day, and I went from maybe 550 calories a day to about 800-850. Within a few days I actually started to drop some weight. I was holding at 229, some days going up to 232, then back down. Finally my scale says 223. It is about 6 pounds down and it is pure bliss. I know that if I have another stall that it isn't over. It worked for me and I hope what ever you try works for you. Shannon

Hi, I,m out by 5 months also my surgery was on 9/7/04 and I am down 60lbs too. I want to encourage you to not get to upset over the time frame as we need to remember, how much we have lost and how long it would have taken us normally without the surgery. Try to be patient I know easier said then done! I'm talking to myself now too!!! Best wishes feel free to e mail me ok Veronica

to those of you who took the time to reply to my message.....THANK YOU!!! I really do appreaciate it...... every little bit helps.... I'll try not to be so hard on myself and I will make changes here and there....hopefully they'll make the difference. Thanks again....

Hi Katie, I am Patricia. I had my surgery on 9-29-04. I weighed in at 267 and today I weigh 243 after my 2nd filling. I had one filling where the Dr.'s assisstant did not put it in the port. So I went one month without it. So your results look pretty good to me. I too am going to start exercising, drinking enough****er & protein. Thanks for letting my write.