Question:
Is this the right time for a plateau?

I have seemed to hit a plateau. I was 9 months out from a rny on Oct. 8, 2009. I am at 198 from 336. But I have been stuck for about 3 weeks. I feel myself being able to eat more now and wonder if the foods that i am eating are hindering my progress. I don't eat much carbs but love mashed potatoes and gravy and crackers. could that be bothering me now where as it wasn't before now that i am getting further out?    — michelle7507 (posted on October 18, 2009)

October 18, 2009
you'll really want to look at exactly what/how much you're eating and how much exercise you're getting. while a stall is not uncommon after being several months out, you could either be contributing to it or not. try tracking your calories and your fat/protein/carb intake. measure everything you eat and drink at least 64 oz of water a day. be proactive and the scale will move.
   — greenpunchbuggie

October 18, 2009
I don't know which surgery you've had. If you have a Lap-Band, it sounds like it is time for another "fill". If you've had a by-pass or Lap-Band, the following advice will apply. Go back to the "basics". Take small bites, chew thoroughly, and wait 3-5 min. between bites. Half of your plate should contain protein, and half should contain fruit &/ vegetables. Take one bite of protein for each bite of anything else. Avoid simple sugars, empty carbs (white flour products like white bread, pasta, most crackers, etc.), and starchy vegetables like potatoes, peas, and corn when you are gaining weight or are stuck in a plateau. Concentrate on whole grains, and complex carbs (like those found in fruits and vegetables). Avoid drinking your calories. Eat solid (not soft) food. It is very important to get plenty of protein (meat). This will fill you up faster, and keep you full longer. Liquids just slide through too fast and leave you hungry again within a short period of time. Keep a food and exercise log to show your surgeon or dietitian when you are having difficulty losing weight. Join a WLS support group and attend on a regular basis. You'll get good information, encouragement, and answers to your questions from other who have gone through the same struggles and successes as you. Also, you will be a great source of support to others who are struggling with things you've already been through. Finally, don't get too worried unless you start to gain weight, or your plateau goes on for more than a month. Plateaus are normal. Your body just needs to get used to all of the changes your weight loss brings from time to time. Even one pound lost a month is progress in the right direction. Remember that this is a life-long change. Being able to live with and enjoy our new way of eating is very important if you want to maintain your weight loss. Maintenance is the one thing I always struggled with prior to my Lap-Band surgery. The surgery is only a tool to help us, not a magic solution. I know you can get back on track, and you'll feel great once you do. I wish you all of the best. God Bless.
   — KimM

October 18, 2009
Plateaus occur in all of us. You need to log all the foods that you eat and drink so you can get a true "picture" of what you are taking in and then you can see if you need to cut back on carbs. Maybe you need to up your exercise a bit as well.
   — rkurquhart

October 19, 2009
I am having a plateau right now after 14 weeks, but my surgeon and nutrtionist say, its cuz I lost alot of weight relatively quickly and its just time for my body to adjust. They suggest the 10 day plateau diet and keep doing the work, cuz the surgeries work weather its lap band or RNY. I had lap band. Keep up the work and it will all balance out in the end. (So I'm told!! LOL))
   — Banded7-27-09

October 19, 2009
If your scale isn't moving it could be because you are losing inches now and not pounds. Inches will not show up as a lose, but if you were to keep track of your measurements, you are sure to notice a difference. Your pouch will stretch out naturally, so you will be able to eat more as time goes on. But......based on how dense the food is; is based on how much you can eat. If the consistancy is like mashed potatoes, then you will be able to eat more. If you eat eggs (protein helps in this too) you will not be able to eat as much. If you are consuming a great deal of mashed pots and gravy and crackers, I could see a stall in the weight loss. But if you limit these to a few times a month or so, you will continue to lose. Remember, all the above have white flour and carbs in them, so use good judgment when eating these. And make sure you are stopping when you are satified, not full or stuffed.
   — Kristy

October 22, 2009
I'm wondering what the 10 day plateau diet is, I've never heard of it. Can someone explain it to me?
   — domoreland