Question:
What specific things should I do to break this plateau?

I am on a 7wk plateau. Need help. Have cut carbs, protein intake is approx 35-50 grams/day and exercise 1 hr 4x per wk.    — Alexandra M. (posted on September 6, 2003)

September 6, 2003
I was on a 5 week plateau at only 2 mo post op I was going crazy I finally called my Doctor and they said obviously protien wasnt working for me and to cut back on my water can you believe that and switch to fruits and vegetables so i did and I lost 7 pounds in one week but again I'm on another one no loss in a week I guess I'll go back to protien and water. Good luck to you How far out you???
   — Monica T.

September 6, 2003
I hit a plateau at 2months post-op also. I kept losing inches though. I went forv five weeks then dropped 6 pounds. Weight has been coming off very slowly about 1-2 # a week. But at least it is going down and not up. Hang in there.
   — Carol H.

September 6, 2003
Not sure what your surgeon's nutrition program dictates, but you definately need to boost your protein intake and probably your exercise. Eating 35-50 grams/day isn't enough for healing and muscle health. Your body probably thinks it's starving. Make sure you're getting a minimu of 64 oz. of water.
   — Cathy S.

September 6, 2003
I'm with Cathy, according to my Doc's plan, you need more protein. Also check your calorie intake. If your body thinks it is starving it will not budge. Lastly, it may be that your body is just trying to play catch up. It may need a rest, then you'll lose more.
   — M B.

September 7, 2003
For 5 months out your protein definitely should consistently be pushing the 50-60 grams most surgeons require. I looked at your profile and you are down to a 29 BMI which means you are not to far from goal likely. The weight loss is going to slow way down and sit steady for weeks and months on end. That really is the long term goal to be able to go on with our lives and not gain but hold steady. <p>When you say you have cut carbs that could mean anything. Remember the rules protein, veggies, fruit and other carbs. Try to get in at least 50% but closer to 75% of your food as protein, or higher if you want to go back into ketosis to burn more fat off, but that gets much harder to deal with this far out. <p>Also if your exercise is all aerobic type throw in some weight training. Nothing like building some muscle to bump the metabolism up and turn your body into a burning machine. You can do it, just keep trying different things till you find something that works.
   — zoedogcbr