Question:
Need help getting off plateau.

Im 22 months out and lost 100lbs (I had the rny). I only drink crystal light, eat nothing but chicken, veggies, fruit, sugar free candies as a treat. I exercise 5 days a-week for 30 minutes on elliptical machine or cardio dvds that last about 25 minutes. I have switched up my calorie intake and the exercises. I don't know what else to do. I eat about 1300 calories a-day on average    — glennka (posted on March 30, 2008)

March 30, 2008
Hi Kar-Re, Sounds pretty discouraging. I am wondering why you have such a limited choice of foods? Where is your beef, pork, fish, eggs? Are you using some kind of sauces when you make the chicken, like pre-made stirfry sauce that would have flour or cornstarch or sugars in it? What kind of veggies and fruit, canned, frozen, fresh? Are the fruits in natural syrups and do you rinse them off? Are you adding lots of cheese to things you make? What about plain water? I don't see you listing that. From what my dietician tells me you need plain water to flush out the system. Is your exercise the sweat inducing kind of exercise? Maybe you need to switch exercises. Seems to me 1300 cals a day are quite a few. What is your resting metabolism calorie use? My resting calorie burning has decreased as I lost weight. Went from over 1500 down to 1400 now. So I still have to watch out for those cals. Do you have a bariatric dietician you can see? How often do you do the sugar-free candy treats? Are you nibbling on fruits and stuff between the planned meals? Mostly what I see is boredom with the foods. I would never make it on that limited of food choices. I even treat myself to buffalo or crab cakes now and then. I had a rny 13 months ago, lost 130 lbs and am at my goal now. But if I slide and add too many condiments, ww crackers, things like that I gain weight quick as a wink. Go see a bariatric dietician would be my best advice. Karen
   — KarenSchmidt

March 30, 2008
Hi Kar-Re, From my personal experience, you probably need to mix up your workout. Add some weight and resistance training. Also, 30 minutes may not be long enough for a work out. It takes about 30 minutes to get your heart rate up to where it needs to be. You should try working out for an hour at least 3 days a week. I don't know but also sometimes drinking and eating things that have artificial sweeteners can affect your weight loss. Try drinking plain water instead of mixing it with flavored mixes. You may want to watch the intake of the sugar free candies too. Are you taking in any protein drinks? They seem to help me. Lastly, mix up your food choices a bit. Although we aren't to focus on eating a lot of carbs, you do need some whole grains and healthy fats in your diet too. Best of luck to you!
   — Ladysmilesmuch

March 30, 2008
iI think youshould start measuring yourself rather than stepping on the scale. Your body has lost a happy amount of weight and is now converting some of the excess to muscle...That is a really good thing. Set points are hard to get over but your r n y will kick back in and get you where you want to be. Patience...your body is ajusting to the big difference and making the changes to be healthier, It might take a little , even a long while to re calibrate to 100 lbs lost.... And just that is a huge victory!!!! Own the Victory and forgive your body for taking a little while to catch up...It's all Good. All you need to do is not self sabotage and stay positive you are doing everything right so relax and enjoy...love and hugs
   — [Deactivated Member]

March 31, 2008
Kar ren you are doing all the right things. I would change from crystal light to water for a while, bump up the water and just be faithful. Be sure you are getting enough protein, but it sounds all good. Sometimes it just takes months to break through a tough plateau. If you are faithful though, I think you will come through this. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

March 31, 2008
I would make sure that I drank water and not all crystal light. I have also heard (and tried and it works) that if you up the protein it will help get the weight loss going again. You have to remember PEW which is protein, excersise and water. It works.
   — Brenda R.

March 31, 2008
You may want to have some protein shakes as well. My dr told me I am to get 60-80 oz of Protein in a day. Yes it should come from food, but I also do that shakes.
   — tlsdc1972