Question:
How often do plateaus hit and how long do they last??

Okay, I know I'm not supposed to dwell on my weight or compare myself to other posters. But I am almost 3 months out and have lost only 33 pounds. I haven't lost any weight in the last month. Can someone tell me their experiences with slow early weight loss? Does it pick up? I hope!! Thanks for any help.    — Anastacha B. (posted on August 27, 2003)

August 26, 2003
What are you eating? Are you getting your water and protein EVERY day? I have yet to hit a plateau and have noticed that many others doing what I am doing dietarily have also not hit plateaus. I do find that if my water consumption slows down my weight loss slows down and vise versa. The more I drink the more I lose. I also get 80-100+ grams of protein per day including 1-2 Real Meals shakes. I know it will sound like hooey but I stopped the Real Meals for 2 weeks out of boredom and my weight loss slowed to almost nothing! I am back on them and at 7 months out I am 20 pounds from goal. I also see a nutritionist every week and journal all of my food. It has been the most crucial thing for me in terms of changing habits and being honest aboiut what I eat. Please let us know what you are doing so we can help. Lap RNY 1/15/03 277/167/147
   — Carol S.

August 27, 2003
Hi Carmen, I stick to the diet plan religiously and hit plateaus every month. Everyone is different though. Some people don't hit them at all, some hit them right away, some don't hit 'em until 12 mos out even if they stick to a high protein diet plan. Mine average 3 weeks at a time, I only lose weight one week every month. How much weight did you have to lose? Light-weights lose slower, although I have to admit 33lbs in 3 months doesn't sound right. What does your Dr. say? Are you leaving carbs alone? How much food are you eating at one sitting? Are you "grazing"? Are you excersizing? Sounds like you need a trip to your surgeon and the dietician.
   — M B.

August 27, 2003
OK, I have heard you must go for 3 months without losing a single pound to be in a true plateau, but that doesn't comfort those of us who experience early plateaus. I lost a bunch of weight the first month because I was on a clear liquid diet. Just broth and juice. Then as I slowly added soft foods, the weight loss slowed to a crawl, but never entirely stopped. But I could go for weeks and only lose a couple of pounds. I don't know, maybe it is the exercise I dded or the veggies and fruit, but it has speeded up again in the last couple of weeks. I think our bodies take a break after a rapid weight loss, but often times a change in routine such as an increase in water or exercise, or even a decrease if you have been exercising a lot, will kick start the loss again.
   — Carole V.

August 27, 2003
No matter what I do, I seem to consistently hit plateaus about every 10 pounds. Then I'll sit there for a couple of weeks and the scale won't budge. After a couple of weeks, out of the blue, the weight will start coming off again and after another 10 pounds are gone, I'll sit there for another 2 weeks. It's frustrating but I just look at it as my body's way of adapting to the change .... after it's adjusted, it will let go of a few more pounds. Just be sure you are sticking to your plan and getting lots of protein, fluids, and exercise because that will make all the difference in getting the scale moving again and keeping it moving. Good luck! :)
   — MomBear2Cubs

August 27, 2003
Do you remember when you were putting the weight on? You hit plateaus then as well. You may have stayed at one weight for weeks or months even. Then all of a sudden the scale moved. It is the same thing when losing weight. Your body will find those comfort weights and stay there for a while. As long as you are following your doctor's program of diet, exercise and water you should be fine. Please keep in mind also that when the scale is stagnant is when you lose inches.
   — Charlene W.

September 1, 2003
I'd like to thank everyone that took the time to give me their advice. I saw the doctor 8/28 and I was down another 12 pounds, so maybe I spoke too soon. That is 45 pounds in 4 months. The doctor said that he would've liked to have seen more, but he wasn't really concerned. I do drink plenty of water, I do get my exercise. I know I don't get all my protein in. I seem to only be able to get 45 to 55 grams a day. My starting weight was 381 btw. Thanks again! Hugs to my WLS family.
   — Anastacha B.