At a weird stage!

Hi everyone,

I'm almost 7 months out and this month I've only lost about 5lbs but I've also enjoyed some treats (aka small ice coffee once in awhile, birthday cake because we have a few birthdays in the summer) more than I should or am used to plus I know the weight loss goes slower at 6 months. Also, been having more carbs than normal (over 50g a day or a baked potato 1-2 times a week).

I get frustrated when the scale doesn't move or it's been between 2lbs higher or lower BUT I'm also very happy with where I am and ok if I stay where I am. I'm at the centre's goal weight for me now and I feel I look better and feel better.

I just want my mind to pick either that I'm ok with staying where I am OR that I want to lose more. I would also be happy if I lost another 15-30lbs. So confusing!

Just where my mind is at these days and needed to tell you guys because no one else understands! :)

I get it. I'm at a maintenance weight and I'm ok here, then again i'd love to lose another 10. I'm up and down like a yoyo. doesn't help that my plastic surgeon told me not to lose any more just as I had decided to see if I could drop 5 more pounds. I'm at the top end of a normal BMI.

Maintenance is hard. Harder than losing, you get a little addicted to seeing the numbers drop on the scale.

Well from what I surmised you have lost over 80 lbs in 7 months ... sorry that is great ... your body has to catch up and my guess you were not that big in the first place... so congrats girl!

I had my surgery about a week after you. In the last 5 weeks, I have lost 1 pound. ONE! It has been very discouraging. I know I had gotten off plan. I did get back to things and ate great for a week. I was excited to see what the scale said - figured it must be a 5 or 6 pound loss. It was a 2 pound gain. I couldn't believe it.

I had my 6 month appointment at the clinic last week. They stressed getting back to basics, measuring and tracking everything. I asked if this was it - am I done? Will I not lose anymore. I still have quite a bit to go. I was told my body was adjusting. Not to panic.

I've logged everything today. Trying hard to stay on track. Hoping I will have something to show for it at the end of this week.

Maybe it is something about the 6 month mark as I am in a similar boat. Lots of compliments. Feeling good in clothes. Want to lose 30 more but taking too many liberties with the snacking. My new goal is no "unplanned" eating.

Hey Jo, try not to get too discouraged, you have done an amazing job this far, your body likely needs a time out.

All the best, Sonja

It's good to share because then you find out how many members are going through the same thing as you. I'm behind you coming up to ending Month 5, and am doing well this month, but lost 6 lbs. on Month 4. I won't say ONLY because any weight loss is great and I did lose inches. Measuring, to me, is almost more important than weighing because of the fat we are losing and the muscle we are hopefully gaining through renewed exercise.

The key is mindful eating and as Leeann says no unplanned eating. I had not planned well for Boots and Hearts this weekend and lived on two protein bars with half a glass of wine (which I said I would not have for the first year). I KNOW what I am doing right and I KNOW what needs improvement. This is MY CHOICE to either follow the plan or not follow it. You have done fantastic and I believe our bodies do need to plateau, settle, and then move on with more weight loss (if you so choose). Stick to your plan and either maintain or continue to lose. It is confusing but I also believe that we should take advantage of the "honeymoon stage" of our weight loss as it will only get harder to lose from here.

All the best Jo.

You will slow down now. It is even more important to watch what you eat. If you do not track you food I would suggest you do for at least a week. You maybe surprised at how it adds up.

I would suggest you get to your goal or a little lower. You are still in the first year and although it is slower you will still lose easier.

Maintenance is hard and many people have a re-gain of about 10 lbs. The further out you go I find the harder it is to lose that 10

Thanks Pam. I do track every day on MFP and plan on continuing that forever (or finding a better app eventually if one should come about).

I need to get fully back on track! Did well yesterday thankfully and played some beach volleyball for the first time in a LONG time and could actually MOVE well and run in the sand. Felt sooo good to be able to do that easily.

Getting back on track is the key and I can't wait till September when I can start back at the gym fully as I've let my workouts slack over the summer because we've been super busy.

I know the inches are still coming off because I put pants on today that were tighter last week and today I keep having to hike them up. Ugh I need money to buy some new work clothes! I live in yoga pants/skirts outside of work :) lol

You are doing great Jo.

I am 6 months out and have been stalled for 5 weeks now.

It's normal around this time frame after surgery. The Nurse at my 6 month appt yesterday told me the same. Many of us stall at this point...then it picks up again eventually.

I think we all have to wait until 18 months out before our Bodies stabilize.