6 -12 month post op optimal weightloss?

I am at a plateau (again), for a while now...7 months out from surgery, lost 70 pounds, 55 more to go and I am afraid that I will not get anywhere near my goal, and possibly even gain. I have changed up my exercise routine over the last 3 1/2 weeks, and am powerwalking 4 miles 5 - 6 days a week. I have decreased my protein intake to around 60g per day/as per my nut. Still drinking 64 oz + of H2O per day and watching calories(1000 - 1200)/portion etc. I am terrifed that I have lost all that I am going to lose and that the scales are going to creep up again. I read the posts and it seems others who had surgery around the same time, who weighed about the same as me, are more successful...I know not to compare myself to anyone else, but I don't want to stop losing and especially not gain! At my 6 month check up, my surgeon reminded me about measuring portions etc, but mentioned that even if I lose 85% of my goal, it woudl be considered a success...but I even wonder if I am going to get to 85%. Over the last 2 1/2 months I have only lost about 7 - 8 pounds...to make matters worse, I am hovering just over 200 and can't seem to get below that number. I keep missing my goals of getting below it, originally had set the goal (with nut's suggestion) to be under 200 by the end of April, here it is early July and still not there. When evaluating my weightloss in 7 months, it averages to only 10 pounds per month! I feel like a failure and feel that I am losing in the diet game all over again. I do try to concentrate on the positves: I feel better, look better, am healthier, etc...but the scales are killing me!!!! Any suggestions? I have heard of some losing more weight in their second 6 months, and am wondering if anyone can give me some clues as to what they might have done or could do to accomplish this!

((((((((((Karen)))))))))))) It will start to move again. I sat at a plateau for a long time as well , then it finally moved (not much but it did).... I would talk to your nut again.... it doesn't sound like you are getting enough protein to me... I thought you should be getting 80 - 100 grams of protein, but every one is different I guess. Definitely call your surgeon or your nut and let them know your concerns and what is going on. I am sure they will have an answer for you. Don't get discouraged though. Think of how far you have come and how much healthier you are for it. I know it is hard, I get those feelings some days, then I look at pictures and remind myself of where I have come from. Even if you don't lose any more weight, stay focused on not gainng back what you have already lost, don't fall into old habits and keep up the healthier eating and exercise. As long as you are doing that, you will continue to be healthier each passing week. Don't forget you may be gaining muscle and that weighs more than fat, could be why you have not seen the scale move. I wish you much luck and hope you see those numbers go down again soon.... Plauteaus suck!!!! Shawn M.

Karen, I was at a plateau for a while, My personal trainer changed my routine up and I am now on the losing end again. I up my calories from about 900 to around 1200, because I was working out so much and burning a lot of calories which didn't leave many calories left. I also up my protein and water. All of those adjustments started me back on the losing side again. I think our bodies also have to adjust every once and a while as we lose because, it is in a shock. Stay encouraged, we all have come to far to give up. You have done and will do good during this process. Donna

Thanks for the encouraging words. I am seeing the nut this week and hope to get some words of wisdom, I know I will get encouragement too. I also have an appointment scheduled with a fitness trainer next week so hopefully he can give me some ideas about changing up my exercise routine to hopefully start losing again. it is just so frustrating to be at a standstill, but you guys are right, I feel so much better and am a lot healthier! Thanks, Karen