Question:
I am almost 6 weeks I have been on a plateau for 3.5 weeks should I call my Dr?

I posted initially when it began but didn't imagine it would be this long I don't understand how my body has avoided losing any more pounds.I have followed the previous suggestions but still haven't broke it. It looks like the surgery cost $2,000 a pound.    — Candace F. (posted on February 26, 2002)

February 26, 2002
Candace, I also had an early plateau. It is a very scary feeling no matter how much you are prepared for it. It started at 2.5 weeks post op and lasted about 2 weeks. Then, when it was over, I dropped like 6 pounds in one day! What helped me emotionally was reading all about plateaus in the AMOS library, getting e mails from people who have been there, and looking at before and after pics. This is NOT the end! Repeat this like a mantra...It WILL come off...it HAS to! The more I read...the more I see how common a plateau is at this stage...between week 2-4. Just keep on doing what your doctor and nutritionist say and you will be just fine. Feel free to e mail me if you need to.
   — Karen B.

February 26, 2002
Candace- I had a four week plateau at about that same time. It does pass, but it is so hard to be patient! Hang in there!
   — blank first name B.

April 24, 2003
Hi Candace, I share your fustration. I am almost six weeks out (surgery 3/12/03). I have hit 2 plateaus early (and actually gained 3lbs back Total lost is between 27-30). Everyone says that this is normal, so I guess we have no choice but to hang in there. It's sooooooo fustrating. Let me know how you make out and I will do the same. Good luck
   — Jeana C.

May 6, 2003
I am 7 weeks out have been on a plateau for 3 weeks also and also gained 3pds, I freaked. Its depressing. I am trying to hang in there waiting for that magic day when the scale moves. Hang in there you are not alone
   — Jeana C.

May 17, 2003
Candace, hang in there! I went through a 4-5 week plateau starting at about the four month mark. Prior to that point I had lost about 100 lbs. It was really coming off very quickly. My doctor had warned me that the fast loss would continue for the first two months and then it would slow down to about about 8-12 lbs per month after that. I feel fortunate to have gotten the four months of fast loss out of the process. However, once I hit the four month mark, it felt like I hit a brick wall. It was so frustrating. For my situation, I eventually took a hard look at what I was doing, eating-wise. I came to the conclusion (right or wrong) that the initial loss was from the decrease in food volume that was coming in to my body...regardless of what the food was. I was more or less continuing my same bad food choice habits, just in much, much smaller quantities. I am convinced that I had reached a point where what I was eating was now just as important as how much I was eating. I have taken all of the bad foods out of my diet and am now eating lots of eggs, salads, tuna and complex carbs, trying to get as much protein as possible. About three weeks ago, the weight started coming off again and I am now, as of this morning, down a total of 113 lbs. I know I read on these boards about how many people eat correctly from the start and still hit plateaus, so you are not alone even if you are eating right. As for me, I could be totally wrong about the conclusions I have drawn, but it is what seems to make sense for me. Regardless, even if what I am theorizing is completely wrong, I am still an example that there is hope for getting past the plateau. Keep on eating right, talk to your doctor, and hang in there. It will happen.
   — Steve O.

May 17, 2003
Candace...don't feel like the lone ranger...I am 5 weeks out as of Fri and I have only lost 20 lbs...there was absolutely no "big" weight loss....10 lbs. the first two weeks...(liquid)..and 10 lbs. the last 3 weeks...soft foods...I drink plenty of water...do not eat carbs..and I am walking in the pool several days per week...I feel as frustrated as you...Everyone seems to have that first "push"...except me.
   — pat C.