Question:
How long is the window of opportunity

Hi, its me again. I am still plateaud. Now it is 1 l/2 months since I have been stuck at l92. I had surgery April l4th of this year. I have increased my exercise, water and really trying on the protein. Would love to buy the protein powders but too expensive at this time to afford. Just what is the window? how long does it last? Are calories still not fully absorbed during this time? Help, I am happy and frustrated at the same time. 73 lbs lost is really something to cheer about and I know this and feel guilty being so worried about being done but I would hope I am not and can still lose. Any encouragement would be appreciated.    — Maureen C. (posted on December 23, 2003)

December 23, 2003
I am 2.5 years out. Recently getting addicted to oreo cookie bars had me gain 10 pounds. I went back to basics and lost the extra pounds. It was reassuruing that this far out the weight fell off.<P> The window of opportunity is what we make of it.
   — bob-haller

December 23, 2003
Bob is right - or at least, I hope he is! I plateaued about 7 months after surgery. I refuse to believe I am done losing, as I have about 40 more pounds to go. On my last (1 year) visit to my surgeon, he said that it is all up to me, now (But I already knew that). I keep plugging away and hoping the rest will eventually come off.
   — koogy

December 23, 2003
Increased exercise, get your water and protein in. See my profile I lost a LOT after goal gutting a friemnds fore damaged home. 4 hours a night of shoveling devbris will peel the weight off!
   — bob-haller

December 23, 2003
Hi, are you doing cardio? This is the real test of ur plateau. I don't know how old u are. But you need to do at least 30minutes of intense cardio where ur maximum heartrate is reached. Cardio burns fat. The longer u keep ur heartrate up, the longer u are burning fat. what type of exercise are you getting in? Keisha 3/12/03 316/202/160
   — keishax

December 24, 2003
Maureen, check around, you may be able to find some protein powders that are not that expensive. I know Trader Joe's brand sells for about 10 dollars a cannister. Being on a 1 1/2 month plateau, while frustrating, is not unusual. To try to shake it up though you must do something different. Are you exercising, that heart pumping cardio that another poster referred to? Only the heart pumping kind burns those calories! Next try increasing the protein. Add an extra few hundred calories a day of pure protein for a week or two-see if that shakes it up. also up the water, and cut back on any carbs or sugars your having. also, eat every few hours. This keeps the metabolism burning
   — Cindy R.

December 24, 2003
Muareen, EVEYBODY IS DIFFERENT...there is no rhyme or reason to this surgery. I will tell you that I was 305 pre-op and lost 100lbs very quickly, in less that 7 mos. However, in the last 9-10 mos, i have only lost an additional 25lbs. WORK IT HARD AND GET BACK TO BASICS, don't lose out on that window of opportunity, go back to shakes, cut out the carbs and pick up the exercise and the water. Good Luck. heather 8-15-02 305/183/150
   — heathercross

December 24, 2003
I just bought a can of Aria women's protein for 5.99 (delicious vanilla) and a can of Designer Whey for about the same price at Trader Joes.
   — Susan F.