Question:
I am just about 16 months post op and have hit a 6 week plateau, is this normal?

I am just about 16 months post op and this is now my 6th week of no weight loss. I have lost a little bit inch wise, but I am starting to get panicky. Is my body starting to level off? I have lost 144lbs in 16 months and 69 inches, but I still would like to lose another 30 (60 according to my surgeon).<p> I haven't changed much except that I am a tax accountant and my 4 months of tax season overtime started so I am working about 60 hours a week. That means my 1 hour a day exercise routine had to be shortened to 30 minutes a day. I am guessing that is a big factor.<p> I was just looking for some input from other long-term post op's. My surgeon said I would stop losing at about 24 months, so I still have 8 months left and I guess thats why I am getting upset. I really want to lose those last 30 pounds, but I don't want to starve myself to do it. Right now I track my intake and I get in 75-100 grams of protein a day, about 1200-1500 calaries depending if I eat carbs, and at least 80 oz. of water.    — ckreh (posted on January 22, 2004)

January 22, 2004
Kristin, I doubt that you are on a plateau. You are probably done losing weight through WLS. From here on out, anything you lose will be through sheer willpower using calorie restriction and daily exercise. Most people quit losing earlier than their doctors say. The window of opportunity is more like 12 - 18 months rather than 18 - 24 months. I quit losing at 14 months out. Lots of folks stop losing at 12 months. <p>Also, be aware that you are still considered a success. Very few people lose 100% excess weight. The average for the RNY is 60% - 80%. For the DS, the percentage is 80% - 90%. You have done very well. Congratulations! Now comes the part where you have to keep it off. Don't obsess over not reaching goal. Rather, focus on maintaining your weight loss. Best wishes to you.
   — artistmama

January 22, 2004
I agree with Brenda, you are probably thru losing, give or take a pound or two, and at a comfortable weight for the amount of calories you are taking in and burning thru exercise. You can try eating less calories, or upping the exercise but frankly it sounds like you are doing very well with water, exercise and protein and calories right now. Perhaps your body is trying to tell you it likes where it is. Is 30 more pounds realistic? If so, you may not like living with what it will take to get there and even worse, maintaining it....I stopped losing at around 14 months post-op.
   — Cindy R.

January 22, 2004
You are fortunate that you continued to lose until 15-16 months. i am 11 months out and fear i have stopped. But that is alright. I am 15 pounds below my surgeons goal.
   — Delores S.