Question:
WLS June 25... down 75...no loss in 2 months. Unusual?

First, I was amazed by losing 75 lbs in 6 months. I'm almost 8 months out and haven't lost anymore since before Christmas -- despite being more active than ever. What amazes me NOW is the fact that eating such small portions is good for only maintaining (side note: no yo-yo'ing!... In and of itself, that's a miracle, based on my history!). Anyway, just wanted to know -- anybody else hit a really long plateau... and it finally broke?! Is my situation more typical than not? I'm trying to honor the intelligence of my body, give it credit for knowing what its doing. Frustrusted all the same, tho, for I still have at least 60 lbs to go! I'd love to hear from those who have had the same experience... followed by ultimate success. I'm eager to hear your advice. Thanks!    — Bj G. (posted on February 10, 2003)

February 9, 2003
Bj, I have had a very similar experience. I can't say I've had "ultimate" success but I've been rather successful down 233 lbs during my first year. But after my first 6 months, I didn't lose any weight for a couple months, then dropped 30 lbs in 2 weeks, and then it's done it again a couple times since then. But everyone is different, but you're not the only one. :) Good luck in your journey
   — Elizabeth D.

February 9, 2003
I don't know what you started at.. but I've been out almost as long as you have.. and I've lost about 130.. or less depending on the scale.. which has not been my friend for almost three weeks.. up and down the same couple of pounds.. this morning, finally it moved two pounds in the right direction. I've found that changing my exercise.. and being REALLY vigilante about what/when I'm eating, and getting more protein does pay off. I am doing some form of exercise 6 days a week... exercise simply for exercise. .. not just being more active... I think plateaus are typical of all of us.. but I think how/when they break is different for everyone... Good luck!
   — Lisa C.

February 9, 2003

   — Linda A.

February 10, 2003
BJ, its not unusual to be on a plateau for a few months. Between 9-12 months out for me, I think I lost just a few pounds (that included gaining and losing the same 3 pounds over the holidays). Are you eating enough? And are you getting in enough protein. To break a plateau, up the protein, up the water, up and/or vary the exercise, up the calories if not enough, and lower the carbs/snacking/sugar. Yes, its like being on a diet, but eventually we have to learn to use this tool that we have been given if we want to get all the way to our goals. Some are lucky and just seem to sail thru, get below goal and wonder why they can eat ANYTHING and maintain such a low weight-well, they are the exception and most of us have to work to get off the last 10, 20 or more. Good luck..you still have lots of time left to lose the weight.
   — Cindy R.

February 10, 2003
I had my surgery 6/16, and plateaued the WHOLE month of December. I was at a weight that I maintained for about 10 years or so- I had a feeling that I would plateau there. Since then, I've lost 11 pounds. Was there a time when you were at this weight for a long time? Perhaps that's it- perhaps that's just your body. In any case, follow the advice- protein, water, exercise, low carbs. It's GOTTA come off! Good luck!
   — Loretta E.

February 10, 2003
I am so glad you asked this question. In fact we are almost surgery twins. I had my surgery one day after you, on June 26th, 2002. I have also been plateauing since January 1st, of all dates. It has now been six weeks and it is driving me batty. I am horrified and scared that this will be it - end of story - end of weight loss. I have decided to be proactive and I have gone on Lindora's Lean for Life "diet", which is just a moderate carb 50-100 grams a day, high protein, plan which is sensible. I also bought a pedometer and try to log in 7,000 to 10,000 steps a day. But to be honest, I have only been on it a week and I have still not lost anything. I have to have hope though, that eventually it will come off. I worry about this surgery - if it actually changes or lowers our metabolism. The thing about Lindora is one eats three sensible meals and 3 pure protein snacks in between, so it ups the protein, and we are supposed to drink 80 oz of water and take the vitamins. In other words, it is exactly what my surgeon recommends. Any high protein, low carb, pro-water plan will do ... Still it is disappointing, to have a lot of weight loss for 8 months, and then suddenly, blammo, nothing. The free ride is over for me and it is time to really take advantage of this "tool", I suppose. Please let us know when and how you break your plateau. I would love to know and learn from you.
   — C. C.

February 10, 2003
Have you had your mechanics checked? Staple line disruption or anything? AS Linda said, if you want to kick your wt loss in the behind and there is no mechanical failure, try upping your protein supps to 3-4 drinks per day, in 30g increments. And of course, water, water, water.
   — vitalady