14 months out - not at goal

Hello everyone, haven't been on the board for awhile. I do't know why I can't get new messages posted to the board to get to my e-mail like they used to. I am 14 months out went from 277 to 169 and still 25 pound from goal. I did 10 day plateau buster to get from 173-169. But, I'm stuck, I'm stuck, I'm stuck! I am frustrated....exercising well, have a fairly active life and not going too overboard with anything. When I get too frustrated I have foud myself craving carbs but up to this point have been pretty good. I wanna, so wanna get below 150. Is anyone else stuck like this? Anyone with any advice? I know all the exercise and protein and fluid requirements, honestly I do. I am going by the rules - no caffeine, no carbination, no alcohol, eat protein first. I am afraid of net getting to goal before I hit my 18 month mark (when the weight loss window closes) Thanks for any input! Stephanie

Stephanie, I'm confident that you know all the rules. Just make sure your calorie intake is not too low to stay out the "starvation mode". I'm sure you will get there, (or come close). The window doesn't close at 18 mo., just more difficult from what I've been told. Stick to the plan, 4 lb. in 10 days is great at 14 mo. out, you will get there! Doug

I would agree anytime i found out that i was stuck it was actually because i wasnt eating enough! It actually seems like after weekends where i have a drink or 2 and dont pay to much attention to what im eating I always seem to drop 1-2 lbs. My nut. suggests 1200 cals and if your exercising add more. HTh Leann 235/129

I am about 25 pounds above my goal as well but I am still losing, so I expect to reach goal--or at least at this point in time! I do find that I need both more calories and more exercise to keep things moving along at a good clip. And I don't think there is agreement on the "window" closing--you just have to work at it more. Good luck, Sally

Hi Stephanie, I haven't been on the board much lately either. I've been at the same weight since October (168). I have 19 lbs. to my goal, and I started at 282. I feel so good that I have lost so much, but still get frustrated in not reaching the "number" goal I would like. I am exercising at least 3x a week, 1.5 hrs at a time, can't seem to fit much more in. I watch what I eat, but no so much that it is obsessing me (which may be my problem). People have stopped me at work and tell me I'm "wasting away", that I look "fabulous" and those compliments have kept me going. Just knowing that I went from a size 26-28 to a 14-16 is so uplifting. Keep up the great work, and I'll also be watching for any advice people have. DianeC.

Hey Stephanie, Looks like WE are not alone! I, too, am about 20 pounds from MY goal. I went from 305 and want to be at, or below, 150. Right now I'm hanging out at 170 (up a pound or two, and then back down from one day to the next.) Thing is, I know why I'm stuck... I'm starting to GRAZE again, but I'm still very watchful that I don't GAIN weight. Also, not exercising often enough; only 1 or 2 days per week of gym time. Of course, this is a huge transformation from NO gym time before, ever. Also, I don't beat myself up over it. I have met my DOCTOR's goal of being under 30 BMI, and I figure I'm 'normal' now, in that I want to lose 20 pounds, rather than 155! I'm just very watchful of my weight and know that if I focus on protein, water, fiber (big one for me!) and activity/exercise, the remaining 20 pounds standing between me and my goal will soon disappear. My philosophy is... this is a life-long journey, not a race. Keep the focus of good health and healthy eating... it will come. Hugs, Tammy

Hi Stephanie! I haven't been on in awhile and am trying to do better with posting and checking in. I am done losing... my weight has been at 178-183 (fluctuates) since October. I, too, was done in early November 2005 and had hoped to get below 170. I stopped exercising over Christmas, had some problems with adhesions and pain, but that is now settled. I don't have trouble with eating high sugars, so I know that eating the small piece or two of chocolate at bedtime isn't helping. But I CRAVE chocolate and something salty.. esp at night. It sound like you are doing everything right... make sure you are doing the protein and fluids.. I know in our support group that the ones that are 1-3 years out say it stops for awhile, then one day, they lose 3-4 pounds..(as long as they keep doing the things that are supposed to.).. then plateau again for a few months. Keep up the good work!!! Jacki K Surgery Nov 4, 2005 283/180/170??

Hello Stephanie-- Hope you're doing great and losing still. What is the 10-day plateau buster? Just curious--I'm hovering about 15-20 pounds above goal, and would love a kickstart! Thanks! Chandra