Question:
i am almost 6 months post op and on a platuau.

For breakfast i was able to eat a 1/2 cup of cottage cheese and a nectarine. Can anyone help me and let me know if that is a normal amount? Thanks so much.    — karen K. (posted on August 29, 2003)

August 29, 2003
Everyone plateaus-- it's really just a question of how long they last. I have been able to avoid plateaus of more than just a few days by reducing my carbs to about 10-15 grams/day when I am plateauing; at those times, I also try to push my protein intake above 70 grams per day. [Basically, I go into an Atkins induction diet mode for three days which jumpstarts the losing again.] As healthy as the fruit is, you may be taking in too many carbs with it, which, in turn, could be slowing your weight loss. But, as with all the advice those of us post-operative laymen offer, you should always check w/ your surgeon or nutritionist. Good luck.
   — SteveColarossi

August 29, 2003
Yes, that could be considered a normal amount. The good carbs are an important part of a healthy diet and fruit is certainly considered a good carb. That would not cause you to plateau. Plateaus are a normal part of our journey, some are very short-just a few weeks and others can last months! I had one that lasted 3 months (months 13-15). Check out the library for lots of stories...Some things that worked for me at your stage-eat small frequent meals (if not eating enough or often enough the body has no fuel to burn and so tries extra hard to conserve the fat/calories it has left), shake up the exercise routine by doing something different-but make sure it is heart pumping cardio (the only type of exercise to burn calories), monitor the # of calories you take in and add an extra 200 a day for a week, then lower by 300 a day for a week.
   — Cindy R.