Question:
what can I do to get the weight loss going again?

I am 8 months out and hae lost 120 pounds I need to lose like 20-30 more. I haven't lost any weight in 2 months. AM I DONE? I have been watching the carbs and drinking a lot of water I do work out, Just cardio, I do it 3 times a week do I need to do it more? I am not losing inches. Wht do I do? should I go on the atkins diet and cut carbs out all together? Please help me get on the right track! I should still be losing. I started at 292 I am now 172 and in a size 10/12. Let me tell you I don't feel any different than I did like 50 pounds ago. I still feel fat and I need to see some results, Thank you guys I love you all!    — nicole79 (posted on May 11, 2003)

May 11, 2003
As you know platueas are normal and we all get them. I have had a few that lasted about 6 weeks. I am 5'7" and started out at 275. I am down 102 pounds in 10 months. I think your doing very well. Keep in mind that your body will remember the different weights that you stayed at for long periods of time throughout your life. For example,I was at 180 pounds for about a year in my late teens. So when I got down to 180 after my WLS I stayed there for what felt like an eternity. Anyway,just stir up things a bit with your exercising. Keep up what your doing and add something new.Maybe a walk 2-3 times a week or a trip to the pool 2-3 times a week. Also add more protein. Your body will adjust to your normal routine,so we have to give it a shock every now and then to get the weight moving. Try not to focus on what you want to lose. Remind yourself how far you've come and how much healthier you are getting.Give yourself a pat on the back,you deserve it. Good luck with reaching goal. Another reminder,the final pounds before goal are always the hardest and the closer you get the more we have to work for it.Don't despair you'll make it. I know I'm working on the last 13 pounds. They are stubborn,but so am I. Stay healthy Becky
   — perpetualuv

May 11, 2003
I had read quite a few times about people breaking a plateau by going back to the liquid diet that you started out from surgery with. I tried it and managed to break my 2 month plateau and lost another 5 pounds in only 2 days. It's not for everyone but it did the trick for me. I think you are doing great by the way and definately deserve a pat on the back for your progress so far. Good luck!
   — Laurel C.

May 11, 2003
Nicole, your weight loss is slowing down, but I don't think you're done. I thought I was done a couple months ago, and I am at my goal, but low and behold I am still losing weight, just very slowly. Can't control your body sometimes, but I would suggest increasing your exercise and upping your protein. Try an extra day of the gym or walking or whatever, and add say 10 grams protein more a day, I think that should help you.<p> Also, there are alot of emotional issues that we deal with after WLS that no one really prepares us for. I'm a size 5 and still feel fat. I still feel like I need to lose more weight and have some body image problems. Overall, I have a great self-confidence, but it could be better. It can take a year or so just for you to see yourself as the "new you." We've been obese for so long, its hard to see ourselves as anything but. It will take time, and some need counseling for it. You'll get there- and you've done great so far! Goodluck to you :-)
   — Lezlie Y.

May 11, 2003
For what it's worth, I am in the same boat as you...size 10/12, weighing 166lbs., wishing I were in the 140 range and wearing an 8 or a 6. But 'cha know what? We are a good normal size now...I am done stressing over my weight. I can shop in regular stores, try on pretty much anything, and look pretty darn good. So I guess what I am saying is don't stress too much. Keep doing what you're doing and know that you will stabalize right where you're supposed to be...that's sort of my game plan. (But if I could just get these last 20lbs off!)
   — rebeccamayhew

May 11, 2003
You have nothing but pounds and inches to lose if you try the Atkins diet. I plan to start induction tomorrow. I tried it before and lost 6 pounds the first week but didn't follow through. I plan to stick with it this time.
   — Candace F.