Question:
Is a plateau at 5 months common?

I have searched in the library and found it common that people experience a plateau around the 5 month mark. I was so hoping to hit the century mark by the 5 month mark but I made it to -97#. I am so happy about that, but now I seem stuck for the past two weeks, not one pound gone! I guess my question is... can others please tell me if this was common for them and when did it pick up again. I am drinking water like a horse, and trying to stick to protiens with no luck. Another problem I have is I only go to the bathroom every few days and only with the help of colace. Could that contribute? Thanks for any advise you may have.    — Happy I. (posted on October 17, 2003)

October 17, 2003
I had the same problem with month 5 then in month 6 I lost 16lbs. Your profile doesn't indicate that you workout or exercise much. I would suggest you start increasing your exercise routine. The closer you get to your goal weight the harder it becomes. After month 6 your weightloss will slow down, it is at time that you will have to work much harder to continue to lose. So increasing your exercise and physical activity will help you greatly. Try to get some fiber in your system. For some reason, apples make my bowels go. But in month 5 i was having constipation as well, but the exercise guaranteed that i would have at least one bm everyday. Congrats on your success thus far. Keep up the work... Keisha... Open RNY- 3/12/03 316/219/160 -97lbs
   — keishax

October 17, 2003
Lisa, I wouldn't consider a 2 week span with no loss as a plateau, but if it continues, then it may turn into one. Plateaus are common at any stage in the journey, no rhyme or reason why some are queens of plateaus and others sail right thru. Continue what you aredoing with protein, water and heart pumping regular exercise and it will pick up again. I was further out but had a 3 month plateau...
   — Cindy R.

October 19, 2003
Hey Lisa, it's me! Michelle! I'm right there with ya babe. That plateau is kicking my butt. I'll go down a pound or so, and then nudge back up. I'm ready to throw the scale out the window, but it would kill not knowing if it was moving or not. Some people say wait a week to weigh, but I'd sure enough be screaming if I didn't lose a pound after waiting a whole week to weigh. Can't offer much advice here, but let ya know that I'm right here with ya.
   — Michelle A.