Question:
Needing guidance about plateaus... Anyone please share.

I am Krista from Marion, Ohio. I had to lose 97 lbs before my dr would do my RNY. I lost 104 before surgery and only 25 since my surgery 2/08. Been on a plateau for 3+ weeks now. I am new to this website anyone with advise, please reply or find me on yahoo under kristacastle. I currently weigh 288 and have a really long way to go. Thanks for your time. Have A Great Day. Krista    — kristaaxline (posted on April 17, 2008)

April 17, 2008
WOW, I am impressed at what you lost before surgery. That is so wonderful. Hang in there, we have all hit a plateau at one time or another I am at one now and yes it it frustrating. My dr. always says "protein, protein, protein, water, water, water" so that is what I try to remember. You are doing WONDERFUL!
   — Claudia C.

April 17, 2008
I am pre-op for VSG so I can't really give you any advice. But I wanted to say a big Congratulations on your pre-op weight loss. That is an incredible accomplishment! You must have fabulous will power. You should be so proud of yourself for ths alone. Hang in there! I'm sure you'll get off your plateau soon. Kim
   — GlitterGal

April 17, 2008
Kirsta, Great job before and after surgery! I was very depressed when just three weeks after surgery I hit my first three week plateau. Since then they have beencome all to common. Just stay focused on the diet and excersize. You can try making a change for a day and then going the other way the next day, like lay off excersize one day and eat an extra 200 calories, and go back to normal the next. You system is simply trying to hold out because you are starving it. Drink 100 oz of water a day. I stat the day with 6 bottles of 16 oz of water, and at the end of the day I want 6 empties. Make sure you get 65 OZ of protein, and the weight loss will return. You have come a long ways and you will make it. Just keep focused on your goal. Best of Success to you. Bill
   — William (Bill) wmil

April 17, 2008
My heart goes out to you Krista. You did such an amazing job of losing 104 lbs. BEFORE surgery. I more people were capable of that then there wouldn't be as many people needing the surgery. It sucks that you've been on a plateau so early. I'm 3 months out and although my weight loss has slowed I'm still losing...just about 3 lbs. per week. All I can say is hang in there and keep sticking to the program. You'll probably start losing again soon. Take care. Chris
   — cjjordan

April 17, 2008
Hi Krista - I'm in Cleveland BTW. You are doing great and the stall is not unusual at this point. I have come to believe that, for most people, this experience is a series of plateus followed by a couple of pounds lost. You can't apply the "other world" to us. I try to average 10 pounds a month as my goal. It is easier to look at it in months so you don't keep concentrating on each day's loss. It will drive you crazy but just be confident that it will go. You have lost an amazing amount of weight and if you average it out I'm sure you are way ahead. With this new tool it will be a lot easier to lose the next hundred than it was to lose the first 100. You are right on track. Keep the faith.
   — jannmyers

April 17, 2008
Krista, Congratulations on all of your accomplishments to date. What an amazing feat you have accomplished so far! I too started out in the super obese category @ 402# with a BMI of 71 so I can somewhat relate. The difference is I didn't have to lose much weight pre-operatively as a self pay and I had LapBand. I have lost 135# so far and still have a long way to go as well. In my experience, when I have reached a plateau or talked to the MANY people who experience these frustrating situations, many different things can help. I have found that changing something up in my routine is the answer. I will change my activity to work different muscle groups, change the type of food I'm eating, and add a little more or less strength training. Surprising or "shocking" the body just might be the trick. You can never underestimate the significance of protein and water. I might also suggest tracking your intake to see just EXACTLY what and how much you are ingesting- you might be surprised and find an answer in those numbers. Hope this helps and good luck. I know it doesn't make it easier but we all go through this- our bodies are adjusting. Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC
   — DawnVic

April 17, 2008
Hi Krista, thanks for writing. You have done so well! Congratulations on your weight loss. I really do understand your struggle, but you have to look at the fact you have lost 129 pounds, not 25. When you see it like the big picture, it does not surprise me at all that you have a current bump in the road. Even though surgery helps, your body can only take so much, and it won't continue to just lose all the time. It needs a break. By definition, a plateau is 3 MONTHS at the same weight, not 3 plus weeks, so take heart, this could just be a bump in the road. Increase your water, and maybe change your exercise routine a little for variety. I am sure you are not eating much since you are only 2-3 months post surgery, so just watch the kinds of foods you are eating much like I am sure you are doing now, and just BE FAITHFUL. That is truly the key, just be faithful to the task, and it will happen in it's time. Your body weighed 417 pounds if all the math is right, and now you weigh 288. Think about that Krista, you have come so far, so just be patient and keep working diligently and consistently, and your body will respond. You go girl! Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

April 19, 2008
I lost 50 pounds b4 RNY & only 22 pounds in the 2 months since. Think my loss is slower now because I lost a lot b4 surgery (wow, you lost so much more), and I'm 50 years old, which doesn't help. Been plateued for couple weeks now, but my clothes are still getting looser so know there's still progress. I know I need to exercise more and could use more protein, but overall think I'm doing well and getting healthier. You are doing great, keep up the good work.
   — Susan C.