Question:
is it ok to go back to a clear liquid diet?

Hey Everyone! I am stuck on a plateau. I 7 months post op and I have lost 97 pounds. I am very happy with my weight loss so far but the scale hasn't moved in almost 7 weeks. Is it ok to go back to a clear liquid diet? I'm just trying to get off of this plateau. If I do go back to a clear liquid diet how can I get my protein in? Any advice or suggestions will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance. Jenifer    — ohjenifer (posted on March 30, 2004)

March 30, 2004
Plateaus just happen. You are 17 months out. I'm not sure what procedure you had, however if you had the RNY Gastric Bypass, you do plateau around 12-18 months. This doesn't mean you may not lose a few more pounds, but it becomes harder at this point. Continue to follow the diet your dietitian or surgeon has prescribed, continue with an exercise program. This is the point where it becomes very important that you take part. The surgery is a tool, and I know you feel much better. Going back to a clear liquid diet is not necessarily the answer. If you do, you may lose a few pounds, but you may gain a those back as you increase the consistency of your food. I would not recommend stepping back to clear liquids unless you were having a problem keeping foods down.
   — drum_mer1

March 30, 2004
I hate to say it, but you could be done. 17 mo out is usually the end of the "honeymoon" period. I lost until around 17 mo out then it quit. I would work on exercise to tone the body vs the clear liq diet. When you starve yourself your metabolism slows as your body protects you. Then when you do eat it clings to every calorie. Good Luck!
   — ZZ S.

March 30, 2004
Hi, I'm a little over 10 months out, down 118lbs. I have done the liquid thing a couple of times just for 1 or 2 days, to kick start the weight loss again. It has worked in the fact that I did lose a few pounds, and I did not gain it back when I started eating again. But it really doesn't make you lose all that much. I think sometimes all liquids isn't a bad idea. Cleanses your system so to speak. I lived on yogurt, water, and my Isopure zero carb protein drink. Normally I will drink one 20 oz bottle a day (half in the morning, half at night) to give me 40 grms of protein. When I do all liquids, I drink 2 bottles througout the day. Good luck to you! :-)
   — KellyJeanB

March 30, 2004
I know for a fact that if you watch the carbs and start LOGGING your food intake (such as fit day.com) you can jump on the losing side again, no matter how far post op you are. My surgeon, a WLS patient himself motivates me (and I work for him) because he's shown me that being 30 months post op, he can still lose by going back to his "four rules". Protien first, meals 6 hours apart, exercise and water. He's lost about 15 lbs in the past couple of months doing this very basic thing. You can do it!
   — Happy I.

March 30, 2004
Why not go back to full liquids and do protein shakes for a few days. You will get all of your protein and get back on track. I do this occasionally and it really works for me.
   — Carol S.