9 months-what should I change

Hi all, I am just over 9 months out and feel I have done great thus far. I still have a lot to lose as I am only 5'2". I would like to get to at least a 25 BMI and see where I am at. This month things have slowed, I am struggling to hit onderland and growing impatient. I eat 600-800 calories per day and aim for under 20 carbs (usually I'm around 25). Protein is about 60-70 g per day. 64 ounces of water. Has anyone encountered this at 9 months and what worked for you to get the scale moving. I would like to lose 10 pounds a month. I have up till now except one month. I only walk about 3 times a week on the treadmill currently. Any advice is appreciated.

Hi there - you have definitely done great so far! Way to go! We had almost the exact same starting weight. I went from 351 on day of surgery to my goal of 160 just shy of one year after surgery. Weight loss will definitely slow as you get to a lower weight, that's to be expected. Your calories and carbs look great. I would only suggest two tweaks - up your protein closer to 90. And definitely make a goal to do 100+ oz of liquids a day. I drink at least 100 oz of water a day and it really helps in so many ways - keeps me full, keeps me hydrated, prevents me from snacking, etc! I think if you really boost the protein and boost the water (or flavored water or tea or whatever you prefer) you may see some downward scale movement. While exercise is great (for heart health, endorphins, lowering stress) it's really what you eat and drink that will make the most difference.

If you are trying to increase your protein but not calories, make sure you go for dense items like chicken, tuna, shrimp, crab, steak. A light and fit greek yogurt has great stats (80 calories and 12 g of protein) BUT won't keep you full for long.

Good luck and keep on keeping on...you are doing great! Maybe join the "What are you eating" thread on the RNY board - it's a great group of people who can help support you and comment on your menu and you may get some ideas!

Thank you. I will definitely try that. Your advice is appreciated. Sometimes we just need a fresh set of eyes and some encouragement :)

my weight loss slowed down to a crawl when I was about where you are. I kept at it, though - and lost an additional 40 lbs during year 2.

As you lose weight, your body needs fewer calories to operate. So it's completely natural for weight loss to slow down, unfortunately. 10lb per month is a great goal, but it's often not realistic as you get closer to goal; it's very common to slow down to 1 lb per week, slow and steady.

Are you absolutely SURE you're getting 600 - 800 calories? Portion creep happens to a lot of people, and it's really important to make sure you're logging accurately. Using a food scale and measuring spoons can be very useful for getting correct portions and making sure you aren't under-estimating. People also forget to log things like tastes, nibbles, and samples; make sure you're logging EVERYTHING.

Yes I guess I will have to accept things slowing down now :( I do use a scale and spoons. I try and keep my calories in the 650 range because I don't log my calcium chews and crystal light. I figured out that's about 100 calories for both of those bringing me to the 750 range. The bites here and there yes that does happen occasionally and I don't log. It's certainly not an everyday thing. I will try and be even more accurate and double check my food logging as well. Thank you for your input, much appreciated.

I'm just over 10 months out and my weight loss has slowed to 1 pound a week if I'm lucky, oddly though my measurements have still gone down, congrats if you're still managing on 600-800 calories a day, I aim for 1000 - 1200 these days, (I'm also 10 inches taller) I also have issues getting in much exercise although I'm sure it would help. Even though frustrating if the scale is still going down, check your measurements you might be pleasantly surprised.