Question:
how do I break this pateaus

The first week of november I lost 5 pounds, then my period came on the second week 9/12-9/17. it is now 9/28 and I'll be 3 mos on 9/30. I have not lose a pound since. I have up my excercise even included some weight lifting but nothing has helped. Please tell me what to do. I would like to lose a least 10 pounds per month. BTW I had my RNY aug 31, down 55 pound but I thought I would be losing a lot more.Could it be that I'm holding water, since I'm always thirsty? Would water pills help? Or do I just have to wait this pateau out. Thanks, anyhelp will be greatly appreciated.    — blank first name B. (posted on November 28, 2001)

November 28, 2001
Hi! I can totally emphasize. I've been on quite a few myself at now 10 months out. I don't have a lot of specific information on how to 'break' a plateau and the strategies I mention *may or may not* work for you... But, for us DSers, it has been said that high fat meals can do the trick (we do not absorb a majority of our fat intake so it supposedly 'cleans' the intestines out and moves things along faster). I think upping the protein always helps. The one thing I've noticed is I DON'T feel like eating when I'm on a plateau. I think my body kind of goes into 'starvation' mode and conserves every ounce of everything it has. By increasing your protein and continuing to eat (not to stuff it in but make sure you get the protein in even if it's a shake), I think you will send signals to your body's metabolism to get moving again. LOL I'm not saying go into ketosis and only eat protein, but to just make sure you are making your protein requirements and/or up it a little more on plateaus. I then become pretty RAVENOUS when my plateau finally breaks... I think that the arrival of one's period definately can put anywhere from 2-4 lbs of water retention on (it does for me - I have my period now, too). Essentially, I think plateaus are needed for the body to recouperate and readjust to the new weight. I think they are necessary evils, in other words. I totally understand you wanting to lose as much as you can as quickly as possible, but I think one's body really needs the plateaus and they will last as long as the body needs to 'readjust'. I know, this logic really doesn't help much when you're in the middle of a plateau, but..... Keep well hydrated, try keeping the protein level at a good level and sit tight! It WILL happen! :) All the best, (lap ds with gallbladder removal, January 25, 2001, preop: 307 lbs/bmi 45; now: 203 lbs/size sweet 16 :)
   — Teresa N.

November 28, 2001
Lot's of things to do to break a plateau... <p> 1. Look at what you're eating... are you eating lots of breads, rolls, buns, baked goods? Starches? Carbs? Switch some Carbs for Protein foods.. Excessive carbs will stop weight loss in it's tracks... <p> 2. Watch those starches..they turn to sugar... i.e. Corn, potatoes.. <p> 3. Are you getting in 64 oz of WATER or better a day.. <p> 4. Don't drink directly after eating a meal wait at least an hour. <p> 5. Switch up exercise routines.. Walk one day, jog (if you're able) one day.. light hands weights for arms and use on ankles for leg lifts. Ride a bike, step aerobics, when you walk swing those arms and hips (fast walk). Increase the length of time you exercise .. Walk a little further than you normally do... Key is working on different parts of the body... Variety in types of exercise is great.. <p> 6. Reward the body give it what it craves (NOT HIGH CALORIE OR SUGAR SNACKS) example: I don't eat potatoes as a rule or corn (starch) But if I'm stuck bouncing a few pounds back and forth I'll add a baked potato on one meal then increase the exercise ( boom ) works every time for me.. Giving the body that fuel it needs will kick start weigh loss again. It's like treating it for a job well done then it can resume the weigh loss pattern again. <p> 7. Use DietWatch http://www.dietwatch.com every day to record EVERYTHING you eat.. It's an online program..You might be surprised. (they now charge for their service .. However there are others out there... . <p> 8. If you're drinking a lot of juices look at the sugar content ..learn to read labels. <p> 9. Watch your sodium use a salt substitute <p> 10. Plan three meals a day try to stay at set times.. snacks should be low calorie with some protein content if you can.. Plateau's we will all have from time to time it's inevitable these ten tips just might help though.. If I have been on a plateau I sure didn't know about it my monthly weight drops consistently .. I'm not hung up on weighing daily that's a no no.... No more than once every other week.. once a month might be even better at the doctor's office.. All these tips and more at my webpage.. http://www.angelfire.com/ok3/vbowen or check my profile here on AMOS
   — Victoria B.