Question:
depressed because am at a non losing plateau stage. Any suggestions welcomed!!!

I've only lost about 50 lbs. since surg. 5/98. Loss of energy, lack of motivation. Cry because I'm frustrated with standstill wt loss. Need a Dallas support grp badly.    — Kathy A. (posted on September 28, 1999)

September 28, 1999
Drink water while you answer. What type of surgery did you have? Where? Who? What was your post-op diet? What do YOU perceive as your "faults" when you blame yourself? ANd what do you atttribute to the type of surgery you had?
   — vitalady

September 28, 1999
Hi Kathy. I am 15 months post-op. I did really great the first 6 months. I lost 70lbs. I was so excited. The last 10 months have been a different story. Like you I am on a plateau that just won't give. I did lose an additional 12# between 7 and 10 months, nothing since then. I understand your frustration. I really don't have an answer for you but want you to know you are not alone. At -82# I'm only half way. I was projected to lose 159#. I've tried increasing my activity, changing my vitamins, adding herbs, rethinking and changing my eating habits.....but nothing has helped. So right now I am trying very hard to remember a few basic FACTS: #1 I have increased endurance, even though I tire easily. #2 I look nice. I feel better about how I look. #3 It's easier to find pretty cloths that fit(in normal sizes 16-18). #4 I haven't gained any weight. That's a WOW. I can't remember a time when if not on a diet I was gaining weight. Some days it's easier to be happy with where I am in the process. Some days I am very depressed about what I see as a lack of progress. I have e-mailed a few other folks that have this same problem. I still haven't found anyone with an answer. Hoping the best for you. Hang in there. If you want to talk privately you can e-mail me at [email protected] I don't have daily access to e-mail so it may take me a few days to get back to you.
   — Penny W.

September 28, 1999
The three things that have helped me over my plateaus are more water, exercise, and up your protein intake. Good luck.
   — dboat

September 29, 1999
I am not in Texas. But hopefully I can offer some help. First are you getting enough protein? This is so important. Secondly are you taking all your vitamins. And lastly are you drinking enough water 8-8 oz glass a day. Have you had your blood work done lately, you may need to increase your protein if you iron level is down. If you are doing all of these per your doctors orders, then I would call your doctor. How long have you been on this plateau? Are you exercising? Another thing is to measure yourself, I have heard that when the scales stop moving that you start to really lose the inches and this is your bodies way of catching up. Let us know what you find out and good luck on finding your support group in Dallas. They are wonderful to have.
   — bperrin