Question:
6 weeks out & hit a plateau already!!!

I'm starting to get very upset. I'm six weeks out I started at 235 and for the past 1 1/2 weeks I've been stuck at 212 & 213. I'm walking, drinking, and getting all my protein in. Is there anything else I should do? And did this happen to anyone else?    — vllgmz4 (posted on April 29, 2004)

April 29, 2004
If you have been on this site for any length of time you know that this is normal for several different reasons. One: you are a lightweight at 235, they tend to lose slower. Two: your body is just now realizing what has happened to it and is throwing on the brakes so that it can catch up. Three: a plateau is generally considered to be one full month with no pounds AND no inches lost. Take your measurements, and stay off the scale. You will lose the weight if you are following protocol. It's not a race, you don't get a prize for fastest loss. Enjoy the journey - just be thankful you've had surgery, survived and that the scale is going DOWN, not UP! <p> I know this sounds harsh, but it seems like every newbie hits the same panic button and forgets everything they have read while researching the surgrey. Just calm down, follow the rules and everything will be OK.
   — Ali M

April 29, 2004
I agree with Ali. Your body is in overdrive and needs a break. There's nothing else to do if you are already following the rules except to get off the scale :)
   — Yolanda J.

April 29, 2004
EVERYONE hits a plateau at this time...don't freak out and get away from the scale. :)
   — RebeccaP

April 30, 2004
Estella...I have had plateaus since 6 weeks out. I am currently at 16.5 weeks out, and have lost 62.5 pounds. I was really freaking out because not only did I not lose as fast as my friends did, but I actually gained 6.5 pounds in one week. Many people from this website and from my surgeons website have all counseled with me and I have finally come to grips with it all. Everyone loses at their own pace. We cannot compare ourselves to others. They say to stay off the scales, but that's not possible with me. I have to weigh everyday, no matter how hard I try NOT to. But as long as you're getting the proper amount of protein, fluids, and exercise you WILL lose, even if it's not as fast as others. I have only just now, at 4 months out, been able to accept that. And look at it this way (this helps me when I think this way), if you lose more slowly than others do, maybe you won't be as flabby as you would be if you lost all the weight very quickly....at least that's what I'm telling myself. LOL Just hang in there...you're not alone. The weight will come off as long as you follow your surgeons instructions as to protein, fluids, and exercise. Good luck and God bless on the rest of this journey we're all going thru.
   — Katherine F.