Question:
How can I get to my goal weight?

Had surgery 2 years ago but have been at the same weight for about 6 months. Lost 130lbs so far but can't seem to get the rest of my weight off no matter what I do. Any suggestions?    — addiejo (posted on February 6, 2009)

February 6, 2009
Sounds like you've hit a stubborn plateau. Try exercising if you aren't already. And if you feel well enough kick your workout up a notch. Also check your diet or food moderation as I like to call it. Eating more or experiencing "head hunger"? Just some thoughts. vinnigirl, retired RN
   — vinnigirl

February 7, 2009
Hello, I am in the same boat. Last week I started Dr. Atkins strictly and have started losing again. Carbs had crept back into my diet--though not many. I think that there is a segment of the population that does not process carbs well--I have been aware that mine never has. I just have always done better on proteins. I was never really an over eater so I was really just desperate enough to have this surgery-I did not really believe that it would work but my Doc assured me that it changes the way your body processes food. Get on line to find the products that make Atkins tolerable ('miracle noodles'(great!), Cheese, pork rinds etc.) I am feeling much better too! Christine
   — Christine M.

February 7, 2009
I agree with Christine. I lost 80 pounds. I need to drop 20 more. I had surgery a little over 2 years ago. I have been at the same weight for a while now. I recently took control(again) and started looking at the behavior that was causing me to stay at the same ol weight.It was CARBS AND SUGAR!!! I started Atkins and immediately dropped 4 pounds.I added exercise and the inches are coming off too. It almost feels as if I have gone back to the basics, but whatever it takes to reach my goal is what I'm determined to do.It's easy to get off track. We have to remind ourselves that the weight can return, if we don't watch what we put in our mouths.You pretty much have to figure out what will work best for you long term.Having the tool and doing Atkins this time really works.I did it prior to surgery and wasn't so successful. Now it almost feels natural.After over two years I'm getting a second chance at losing again. The compliments are rolling in and I feel Great!! Best of luck to you.
   — purnellj

February 8, 2009
JoJo,I am having the same issue. I had my wls Feb.20,2007. My weight as of late goes up and down 5 to 10 pounds. I get bloated really badly as well. I have ordered this book called,"The 5 day pouch test".sounds really good. Anyone out there read it? But I am interested as well in what the others have said about the Atkins. I tried it before,with not much luck. But I have to get back on track. I have been craving sweets,I can't eat much of them though without getting sick.And I am emotionally eatting too. I lost my job and having a hard time finding one,stress is building.LOL....So good luck to ya.Thanks for the post.
   — pcjacobus

February 9, 2009
JoJo, I saw the "5 Day Pouch Test" mentioned. This is a really good way to get back to basics. It's not easy, and you really want to get back on track. Atkins can be successful, except some people, like me, will dump when eating so much fat. The best way is to go back to the begining and start out with just liquids, then add back soft foods, and so on, like the 5 Day Pouch Test. But you have to also EXERCISE. That is the key to getting over your 6 mo. plateau. When I say exercise, it has to be where you get your heart rate up to 75% - 80% of your maximum (220 -age = 100% max. HR), for a sustained amount of time, at least 30 min. and more (60 min.) is better. This should be done minimum of 3 times a week. 5-6 times a week is better. Besides doing the aerobic exercise, in addition you should be doing strength training 2-3 times a week. I know this sounds like a lot, but if your serious about loosing the rest of your weight, this just might be what it takes. I know, because I am in the same place, struggling with my last 50 lbs. of 150 lbs. I am almost 1 year post op and stuck at 90 lbs. lost and on a plateau for the last 2 months. Hope this extra info. helps. Good luck, Paula B. M.A., Exercise Science
   — paulajaneb