I need some suggestions PLEASE!!

Hi Everyone, I need some help. I had my surgery in Nov.2005. I have lost 135 pounds BUT I have been at a plateau since Oct, 2006. I would like to loose about 20 pounds more. I can't seem to get going again. I joined a gym, started walking changed my eating and still the scale doesn't move. I even bought a new scale because I thought it was stuck. I have not lost or gained a pound since Oct. I talked to the Nutritionist and did what she suggested, but nothing works. Could I just have reached what I will loose and stay here?? Or is there someway I can get my self loosing again? I appreciate any suggestion from everyone. Thanks, Sarah

Hi Sarah, You're just two months past my surgery, and we've lost about the same weight. Congrats, first of all, on all of your success thus far! I'm at the same stage as you, right now. I have not lost any weight (nor gained either, thank God) since last fall. I do need to exercise and up my cardio more, but I don't...and I eat well...I think that my body has had to have some time to "catch up" with how much I lost so far, so that may be a reason why I'm not losing any longer. I'm happy right now and if I never lose or gain another pound, I'm satisified...BUT, of course I'd love to lose about 25 more...It's up to me...I've got to cut out bad carbs, exercise more and make sure I get in all of my protein and fluids in. (I usually do) Maybe this weight that I'm at is the weight my body wants it to be at...I'm teetering at the 200 lb mark and would LOVE to get in the 100's...I get down to 197-199 for half a minute and it goes back up to 200-204... I know that you asked for suggestions here, but, since I'm in the same boat as you are right now, maybe I need some too! Though, I'm not too concerned or worried about it. I love how I look now and feel great. Paula

Thanks Paula, I guess we are paddling together! Congrats to you also!! I would like to loose a little more but if I stay where I am I would be happy too. I do exercise and get in plenty of fluids. I watch what I eat. It is just frustrating not to see the scale move when you have made changes. I have come a long way from a size 24 to a size 12/14. So if the scale never moves I am pleased with my success. I wish you the best on your journey also. Sarah

Some how you have to look at what you are eating and when you are eating it. That seems to be the only key. Obviously what you are eating (calorie intake) and when you are eating it; is sustaining your weight. Are you eating your recommended amount of protein every day? Avoiding empty calorie drinks like milk, juice etc? Have you attended a support group lately? These are just a couple of things that might be holding you at your current weight.

As I said I have discussed this with the nutrionist. I eat my 3 meals a day. I make good food choices with the amount of calories she told me to. I don't drink juice or soda. I have one glass of milk a day. I drink my water and get enough protein in daily. I attend the support groups faithfully. My evening snack is usually nuts or veggies. I have a snack at night because my day starts at 4;30 A.M. and doesn't end until 10:30 p.m. I go to the gym 3 to 4 times a week. I have a very hectic schedule which keeps me going. Thanks for responding. Sarah

Hi Sarah, You have done a great job so far. I had my surgery in Sept. 05 and I too, am at a stand still. but I know it is because I have not been making the same good choices that I had made in the first year. and my exercise has not been up to par either. So I do believe I need to get back to the way I was the first year with eating and exercising. Hope this will help shed some light on your problem. good luck. koukla 338/179

Hi Koukla, Thanks for the response. I do alternate my exercise. Somedays I use the machines and other days I do the classes. Arobics, pilates, step,stretch and sculp,dance. I also walk when I have time. I am quite busy. I am happy the way I am if I don't loose anymore. I can be satisfied with the loss so far. Its a long way from where I was. Good Luck to you also. Sarah

Sarah, congratulations on maintaining that 135lb weight loss. I know how frustrating it can be to not see the scale move when you know you are doing things right. Have you read anything about the set point theory? From what I have read it talks about shaking things up a bit varying your exercises frequently as our bodies get use to same exercises and by varing type, duration and frequency of the exercise may jump start weight loss, also talks about increased protien intake and good carbs. It sounds like you have a very busy schedule and put in long days. Stress and not getting adequate sleep can sabotage our weight loss, so at least you have been able to maintain which is a major accomplishment in itself. It sounds like you have been doing things right and have talked with your nutritionist. I hope that you start to get rewarded for all your effort. Hang in there All my best Sher

Thanks Sher, When I go to the gym I try to alternate what I do. Sometimes I do the machines, sometimes areobics, or step or pilates or just stretch and sculp. Like I said if I stay here I am happy. I just wanted that little extra. I want to congratulate on your weight loose. You look great. I saw you at the last support meeting. Keep up the great job!!! Thanks, Sarah