Question:
what do I do now? plateaus are lasting months!!!

I lost great the first 5 months after surgery, then in month 5, I hit a plateau that lasted till month 9, lost 10 lbs, then in month 9 to now (month 12) I am at another plateau. I cannot figure out what works for me, upping protein, exercise, water, or upping carbs, changing the mix, getting in 500 cal vs getting in 1000-1200 cal, I cannot figure out what works for me to consistently lose, it is like my body has just quit. I don't know what to do now, I am a year postop and afraid it is over for me...I still have 50 lbs to lose. I am very very frustrated. My surgeon just says, be patient, you will lose,, but when???? signed Deb in Ohio    — DarlinIYQ (posted on November 7, 2003)

November 7, 2003
I know you've probably heard this before, but try getting back to basics. 64oz of water daily at a minimum, 65 grams of protein at a minimum. I personally don't count carbs, but stay away from white breads, pastas, rice, etc., stay away from refined sugars. Some say to go back to a liquid diet for 3 days to jump start the weight loss. You can do this!!
   — Carolyn M.

November 7, 2003
I'm sorry this is so frustrating for you. Its hard to know what to advise you on, since it may be a suggestion you have already tried and it seems that you have tried quite a few. But heres a few thoughts... I might ask, though, how long did you try each plan out for? Maybe sticking with a particular plan for a good month is what it takes? Also, is your exercise heart pumping cardio and done regularly? Some people exercise, but the type they do is not the kind that boosts the metabolism to burn more calories, its more for toning or strengthening...have you also tried tracking every bite that goes into your mouth to ensure that you are getting in enough protein, water etc? Its annoying, I know, but may be necessary to try to get to the route of why your not losing more consistently. Are you eating frequently, to keep that metabolism burning too or are you one who eats rarely, which puts your body into starvation (hold onto those calories) mode. And snacking? Is that kept to the minimum? I hate to say it, but some people just stop losing at a certain point because that is where their body is most comfortable and the only way to go further is hard work-less calories and more burning of what you take in..
   — Cindy R.

November 7, 2003
Hi there. I'm in the same boat. Hang in there my friend, we'll become losers again -- hopefully soon. Plan to start the three day liquid diet to see if that will help. You can do it. You've come a long way baby and sometimes we have to be patient. Easy for me to SAY as I'm not a patient person! Keep your chin up.
   — Deanna C.

November 7, 2003
500 calories? Is that enough food? What kind of exericse do you do? Is it walking or is it really, sweating gym-style cardio? Also, a good way to lose is to start lifting weights. You will gain some muscle. Maybe you will go up a pound or two, but those added muscles need more calories to keep them going. I find I can eat a little more and still lose just by weight training a few days a week.
   — mrsmyranow

November 7, 2003
PS. I also do 5 days a week of cardio.
   — mrsmyranow

November 7, 2003
You said you dropped you calories to 500 from 1000-1200, that's not good, since with too few calories and your body can go into starvation mode and prevent you from losing. Seems the oposite from what we have all trained ourselves with but you may need to eat more to start losing again.
   — Patricia T.

November 7, 2003
Hi, I to am a year post op, actually we had surgery the same day. I have been the same weight for months. I bounce back and forth 3-4 pounds and oh yes it is very frustrating. I just keep having faith that it will come off. I have 8 pounds to lose for my personal goal and I want to get there by the end of the year. I work out 4-5 days a week and trying really hard to up my water intake. I get in all my protein but still bounce back and forth. I just wanted you to know you are not alone. We will make it just keep your chin up. You can email me if ya want to talk since we are same day surgery buddies. Bonnie Open RNY 11/4/02 284/151/145 -133 pounds
   — Bonnie C.