Question:
Desperate to Break Through a Plateau: How Do I Do It?

Hello all! I am seeking input from other WLSers regarding their experience with plateauing. I had my surgery last October 19th & was thrilled to be down 105.5 lbs. in the first six months (from 317.5 to 212). But since mid April & despite eating right & exercising daily (30-45 min. of cardio a day plus weight training once or twice a week), I have only lost an additional 5 lbs!!! I am so frustrated!!! I know one can expect plateaus throughout the post wls process but this one has lasted over 6 weeks!!! Is this normal? Have others experienced this frustrating situation? How did you get through it & start to lose again? I am only 50 lbs away from my goal weight but I am now despairing of getting there. Please help!!! A Very Frustrated Maureen    — Maureen M. (posted on June 7, 2005)

June 7, 2005
I've been on a plateau for the past 9 months. Lost 140 pounds to start and just have stayed the same. I had an appointment (1.5 year follow up) with my surgeon last week. He indicated there could be a medical problem - a fistula or my pouch could be stretched. I'm scheduled for an Upper GI test this Friday to confirm. The problem is that I don't really want more surgery to correct this if it turns out that there is an issue. I'll keep checking to see if you get suggestions for how to get over this. I'm trying some new tactics - changing what I'm eating, adding more, adding less, more exercise, more water. Best of luck to you! Laurie
   — Laurie L.

June 7, 2005
When I hit my first plateau (about 6 months out), my doc and other WLSers suggested I try eating a little more! I thought they had lost their minds but actually it did the trick. Up your intake (not ridiculously so, mind you) and you should break through that plateau in no time. Hope this helped. Tanya.
   — Tanya G.

June 7, 2005
I've posted a new document on my website which addresses this issue. It's called "Embrace Your Plateau" :-) You can find it at: http://www.geocities.com/tiger_angie/EmbraceYourPlateau.pdf Also, another one I found very enlightening was this one, since at around 6-7 months we become the "stallers" :-) http://store.bariatriceating.com/stallers.html Don't get too frustrated... you are going through the same exact thing many are going through... hang in there! More protein, more water, exercise, and say bye bye to so many carbs... that seems to do the trick :-) Angie 280/175/135 http://www.geocities.com/tiger_angie
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 7, 2005
I know this is not what you want to hear. However, I had to readjust what my goal would be. Some people get to goal, and some people do not with no scientific explanation. I never did reach my goal, I think science does not fully understand obesity and we have to simply accept that. I hope others understand because I speak from my heart. Carla
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 7, 2005
Congratulations are in order. you have come this far. Success is in sight, A plateau is a necessary thing that occurrs during weightloss, it is your body's sign post that you are now fitter and a new stratagy is required. There are several things you can do, Be sure to keep up your water intake, as well as your protein shakes, vitamines and minerals, they are the platform that your body works with and any shortfall in thesewill mean your weightloss efforts will not happen as well or fast. You have now entered a new stage of fitness and your body now requires an extra challenge, to puff and sweat just a little more, try walking up and down a hill or some resistance training. A chat with your friendly gym instructor should yeild results. It will take just a little more effort now, and that is how it should be. Check your physical inches as you have new muscles and they weigh heavy, but they look much nicer on you than the same ammount of fat, Your heart and other major organs thank you for the work you have done so far. Once again you have my congratulations on a job well done. keep it up, you are going to get there.
   — Lise K.

June 8, 2005
Hi Maureen, Congrats on the awesom transformation, down to 207lbs. How tall are you? What's your goal dress size? An 8-week+ plateau doesn't seem "normal" to me; BUT, the great news is that it is correctable! Start with a reality check: 1) Are your cardio workouts really achieving cardio status for a minimum of 25 min. nonstop? That means working up a sweat and being able to talk only in short soundbites! 2) If you are achieving aerobic levels, are you giving yourself a cardio workout a minimum of 5x weekly? 3) Have you tried alternating cardio formats: treadmill, exercycle, fasttrack (like cross country skiing), stairmaster, etc.? Sometimes we get into a metabolic rut & shaking up the routine helps! 4) Exactly what are you eating, how much, & how often? If you're using "soft" foods for your protein sources, chances are you're eating more than you need to because soft foods don't fill up & STAY in our pouches for 2-3 hours. Also, cut out ALL simple/refined carbohydrates, especially ANYTHING WHITE (potatoes, rice, pasta, store bought sandwhich breads & buns, muffins, sweets & other sources of refined sugar, etc) 5) Keep a food journal for 3 days & write down EVERYTHING you swallow, how much, what time & how you were feeling EMOTIONALLY before, during & after you ate. Don't treat yourself as a criminal under surveillance, but a scientist who wants to understand herself better. 6) Avoid relying upon nuts as a major source of protein; yes, they are nutritional, but if you'll note the serving size listed on their containers, a tiny amount is all you need & the temptation to "graze" on them is strong! 7) Slice up & eat half an apple with breakfast or as a mid morning snack, & the other half as an afternoon snack. Why? Apples are very high fiber so they stay with you longer, they're sweet & juicy so you get energy & the fiber is great for keeping your plumbing running in optimal fashion. 7) Besides water (64 oz. daily, min. depending upon level of physical activity) are you drinking fruit juices? Lemonade? Sweet tea? I LOVE Propel fruit-flavored waters, and there's only 30 cal. per 20+oz. bottle, but I even dilute that 50% when I'm not exercising. The flavor makes it easier for me to get my water quota in. Using a straw or sports bottle makes it waaaay easier to consume water than simply drinking from a glass, BTW. Hope this give you some useful options! Lovingly, Lauralyn Lap RNY 2/13/03 @ size 3X Today @ size 8.
   — EmbodySuccess

June 8, 2005
email me pvtly and i can send you what i do for my locals
   — vitalady