The Five Month Stall

I've been told by various people that a stall in weight loss is normal at this point. Today, however, I was told this by Jim , my brilliant and all-knowing nutritionist. I have been gaining and losing the same two pounds for over three weeks now and it's so frustrating. Worse, it's scaring the hell out of me. So, I made the appointment with Jim to go over what I'm eating and make sure I am doing things right. For the most part, I am. Of all things, he recommends a few more calories! In the form of carbs! Apparently, I am not taking in enough carbs before exercising and I am making protein do the work of carbs. He said that many times, he's seen people add a few more calories and that was enough to break the stall. So...eat, people, eat!! He also reminded me of the importance of exercise, especially now. The WLS "honeymoon period" is over. Whatever we want to lose now, we will have to work even harder for. Cold reality! So...time for everyone to review their diets, their exercise, and the strength of the new habits they've been developing...and to get ready for the next leg of the journey...stay strong, darlings! Lisa

Lisa... Thanks for the info. I have heard this before, so I added in some calories and carbs - and that's when I lost that one pound that got me to "overweight". But, I've not been exercising like I should. Thanks for kicking my rear and reminding me that the honey moon is OVER and I have to get back to work again. Have to admit though, that I LOVED how the weight was dropping no matter what I did. Guess I got lazy and complacent during that. Now, I'm off to the grocery store...and I'm going to walk up and down every aisle whether I need to or not! LOL Hey...it's exercise. Susan

Hi Lisa Thanks for the information. Did Jim say how many calories we should actually be taking in? How many carbs we are supposed to have a day? And are you saying we're supposed to take carbs in before excercising?

Michelle, Jim gave me the info sheet for six months post op; you'll get it next time you see him. Basically, 750-1000 calories; he said that men are usually nearer the high end of that. As for carbs: 2 servings of veg, 2-3 servings of fruit, and 3-4 servings of starch. And yes, carbs before exercising. That's where the energy comes from and if we're not taking them in, it's not good. During exercise, he suggested getting Gatorade and diluting it with 50% water, to replace all the nutrients we lose while exercising. Lisa

Thanks for the info Lisa. When I read your title, I thought that the stall lasted for five months, not that the stall occured at five months. DUH!!! I have been eating around 800-1000 calories and do get in some carbs. I am afraid of another stall. I have also been trying to get in more exercise. Perhaps now that Dave had his surgery we can exercise together and eat together soon, too. I was hoping for another month before the honeymoon was over. I've still got 30 pounds to go. YIKES!!! We can do this. We are all so strong!!! Hugs to all, Tabby

Thanks Lisa for the Info!! I do know that the more I eat, the more I lose... Luvs and Hugs! Tiff

Hi everyone, Well I WAS in the same weight for 4 weeks and now that i got RED i am loosing again and eating better, thanks for yout info , lots of hugs Maria

Hi everyone, Well I WAS in the same weight for 4 weeks and now that i got RED i am loosing again and eating better, thanks for yout info , lots of hugs Maria

WOW that is great info. Def different than my nuts reccomendation but each one is different. I did notice that when I have added fruits ( carbs ) that I do a little better. Wow that is a total wake up call with the honeymoon though. I am not yet 5 months (I was at the end of Oct) so let me just pray now that I have the rest of the month! Hey one can hope right I am stumped as to how to even think about getting in that many calories though. I am eating a lot I think but getting in the 500-600 range. How ado you get that many in?? I need help! I was with Tabby I thought you were talking about stalling for a period of 5 months. Phew that would not be good. Thank for the info! Melissa

I really needed this info. Just in time for my stall. I will heed to this information! Thanks!! Hugs, Sherry