Question:
I really need encouragement and/or advice.

I am coming up on 7 months post-op. Started as a lightweight, so the loss has been slow, now 75-77 lbs. I know that plateaus are normal, and I have had them and dealt fine with them, but this one is going on way too long. It is almost 5 weeeks now with no loss, actually up and down the same 2 lbs. My metabolism has always been REALLY slow. Even when I did weight watchers at 1200 cals, I never lost weight. I'm taking in about 1000 and still not losing, do I need to drop down to 800? I increased my exercise (started walk/running), incr. my H2O, I already do protein drinks, don't do sugar, teeny bits of carbs, no sodas, no fruit juices (I only do water). I am up against a wall here. Am I done? A friend of mine post WLS does milk (2 glasses a day faithfully) and small amts. of sugar and has surpassed me in w-loss and still going strong (I know, don't compare, but geesh, I'm only human). Maybe I should lighten up and break some rules? I weighed my steak yesterday and can only eat 3 oz. with a small salad, so pouch seems right. Can someone help me?    — Cheri M. (posted on May 29, 2002)

May 28, 2002
Hi Cheri :-) Congratulations on your weight loss. Cheri you are doing great! I also had a plateau at 7 months out that lasted almost 2 months. I increased my protein and water and it started coming off again. Your weight loss will slow down the futher out you get. Everyone is different in their weight loss journey. If you are only eating around a 1000 calories your body may not be getting the protein it needs and may think its starving. I would talk with your Dr. You may need to up your calories to at least 1200. If I can help you in anyway please feel free to e-mail me. (((HUGS )))
   — Kathy H.

May 29, 2002
Cheri: I am at 11months. I have lost 135lbs and at goal. I went 9-11months without losing a pound so i thought I was through. Then last week I lost 6lbs. I did nothing different. I think I must have been losing inches. So hold on and realize this time in your loss you are losing inches and not weight. Congrats on your weight loss.
   — Candiss T.

May 29, 2002
Hi Cheri, When I have been on a plateau (I'm 4 months post-op), I take my measurements in inches, and both times now I have lost inches but no pounds. It's depressing but knowing I'm losing inches helps, it might help you too! And I also cut down to taking in only 800 - max 1000 calories per day. Good luck! Elena K.
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 29, 2002
Muscle weighs more than fat. If you are doing more, you could be replacing your fat with muscle. The scale won't recognize the difference, but your body will. Muscle has a higher metabolic rate than fat. If you are interested, balance your aerobic work out with some strength-training - resistance - anaerobic exercise. The fat tissue you replace with muscle will burn calories faster. Aside from the scale this month, are you happy where you are? Eating better? Feeling better? Looking better? Then the scale isn't doing you any favors right now, is it? Put it away for two weeks. Don't demoralize yourself if your answers to the first questions are yes. Hang tight. This is just a plateau. It's not like you're cheering for the Steelers or anything!
   — Karen F.

May 29, 2002
Hey there Cheri, I have to agree with the first poster about upping the calories a bit. Believe it or not, even though all our logic tells us different, it seems to work! During the past year, whenever I hit a plateau, I would try for days to cut back cause that's what I was always conditioned to do. Then, for a day or two, out of frustration, I would up my calories a bit by eating a bit more (but just healthy stuff, of course! LOL)and VOILA!!! A couple of pounds gone! I guess it's really true that our bodies need to be fed in order to metabolize. I know it's scary to think that you need MORE, but honestly, try adding a few more calories by adding some more cottage cheese, or an extra protein shake or bar, or some extra peanut butter (just a little bit though) and I bet you suddenly see results! Also, I have found that eating every 2-3 hours helps me metabolize better, and lots of research also supports this, especially if you work out. So keep nourishing your body all day long as you rev up your metabolism. I am now just past one year post op and am below goal, and believe me, I plataued myself all the way there! You too will get there, I promise, especially since you are so determined! Keep up the great work and best of luck!
   — Vicki K.