Help -- Plateaued already???

Hi All, Any suggestions on how to get off the plateau? I had my surgery May 4th - I've lost a total of 28lbs but for the past 5-7 days my scale hasn't shifted one bit. I try to walk 2+ miles everyday, I take in btw 60-80g of protein daily, I still struggle with getting enough water though, could that be the reason? Looking for answers Thanks, Bola.

Hi Bola, First congrats on your weightloss....I too had a plateau at about the 3-4 week period....your body has gone through some incredible changes and perhaps it needs a little adjustment time...plus your body and mind probably feel that it is being starved and thinks it needs to hang on to anything it can.... So, there are very few absolutes in this world, BUT....I bet you will continue to lose...your body just needs some time.... Take a deep breath and enjoy the ride...because it is one glorious ride.... open 4/19/04 down 115 lbs - almost to goal RAE

Thanks Rae ... your response was definitely comforting ... I was starting to panic and think maybe I'm one of those the surgery may not work for. Thanks again. Bola.

Bola - Are you still weighing yourself everyday!!???!!! STOP!! You are going to drive yourself nuts. You really shouldn't do it more than once a week if not every two weeks. Did you ever put that scale in your closet? So many factors in losing weight. Yes, you could be retaining water and weight will fluctuate. So make sure to get those fluids in. Small sips every 10 - 15 minutes. Carry a bottle with you everywhere you go. You also should not compare yourself to anyone else. Everyone will lose weight at different rates. I hesitate on posting this but if it makes you feel better my stats are below so that you know you are not alone. Note that I am down 3lbs the last two weeks. I'm ecstatic with this still!!! I know it is slower for a fact it is from PMS/hormonal changes but I am doing everything right so I still celebrate this progress. Again.. WLS isn't suppose to be some instant gratification. It is a path to a healthier lifestyle. Making the behavioral changes, exercising, getting in the fluids, and following your nutritionists guidelines is more important than what any scale will tell you. You sound like you are doing fantastic already!!! Just work on the extra fluids that you mention that you are having trouble getting in. Try to track the exact intake of fluids for a few days. CHANGES FROM THE LOSING SIDE DATE***WEIGHT**LBS LOST***BODY FAT%*BMI*BP*WEEKS ==================================== 4/19/05***280***0 lbs lost***48%**48.1**148/100**START* 5/03/05***266***14 lbs lost*UNK***45.7***UNK****2 WEEKS 5/17/05***255***25 lbs lost*UNK***43.8***UNK****1 MONTH 5/31/05***253***28 lbs lost*UNK***43.4***UNK****6 WEEKS Good Luck!!!

Thanks Stayce ... yeah I hid the scale for a few days then brought it out this weekend only to find out that I've not lost 1lb ... I guess I panicked cause I want this surgery to work for me ... I appreciate all u said regarding a lifestyle change, the surgery is only a TOOL. I'm focusing on getting the required protein and water in and will stay away for real from the scale this week. Thanks again Stayce.

Bola Hi, 28 pounds.... go pick up 28 pounds... that's a whole lot of weight in a matter of weeks. Sometimes our body needs to time out to catch up.... Measuring yourself is a really good indicator and then re-measure every month. You'll be amazed at how many inches your losing. Relax and remember protein, water and exercise... It will happen.... Best wishes! Lisa

Thanks Lisa ... I guess I want too much too soon. I will relax Bola.

I had my surgery in November of last year - and I panicked when the weight would not budge below 317 - then, 292 - then, 275 - then, 265. I'm now at 250, and have lost over 125 pounds. This is what I've learned, but from experience. I plateau, on average, about a week, and it returns about once a month/every three weeks. But after that, it goes down again. If I had known this would happen, I would have been much more successful with conventional dieting. As far as I have been able to ascertain - your body must plateau to re-adjust to the changes. This is totally normal. Don't panic - you're doing just fine. Everyone loses weight with this - some are faster, and some slower, but it's really pretty effortless.

Thanks Jeffrey ... I was starting to get discouraged but will hang in there.