Question:
Plateaus

I am6 mos postop from Lap RNY. I have been at 65 lbs off for almost 2 months. I enjoy a glass of wine with dinner so I thought it was the wine. I have completely stopped alcohol for two weeks and nothing! I heard of a guy who is six months out that continues to lose 4 lbs per week. But he eats three crackers with anchovies on for lunch. If thats what I have to to lose weight, I'd rather be fat and enjoy life. I am continuing to use the south beach diet and keep my fluids up. I am so frustrated right now, I feel like I made a mistake having the surgery. Its true that I feel immensely better with more energy and no more arthritis. My BP meds are in half and my cpap pressure has been reduced by 1/2. Some people may say that I am already a success yet I have a goal of 120 lbs and I am really down because of it.    — Paul L. (posted on June 17, 2005)

June 17, 2005
Paul, The only thing you don't mention is your protein intake. Without protein supplements (ie drinks) I think it would be very hard to hit a high enough protein level with the SB diet. I would guess that you should be at 80+ grams of protein per day (my guess is more...I am at about 120 gms per day at 2 months out). The other thing you don't mention is exercise. Are you walking 30 minutes everyday? Remember this surgery is a tool not a cure. Hang in there, persevere...this surgery works different for everybody. God's Blessings, Dave Open-RNY - April 15, 2005 488/403 PS - Do you keep a food diary? If you don't, start immediately and if you do, make sure you are being true to it and recording everything that goes in your mouth. When you have problems, go back and review to make sure that what you think you are eating is in fact reality! ****Disclaimer - This posting is not an attempt to diagnose your issue(s) it is merely an interpretation based on similar experiences I have had which makes for great reading. All problems pre and post operative should be immediately directed to your doctor!!!
   — David B.

June 17, 2005
Paul, A plateau is not necessarily a bad thing, it is your body telling you that you have reahed a new level of fitness and you now need to put in something more. You didn't mention your exercise regime, and this is critcal to reach your goal weight, together with your nutrition, (I hate to mention diet, as I think of it as a four letter word meaning punishment) Let us have a look at the program that you were directed to by your surgeon, you might need to go back to basics, or get some more infomation. While attending the NY convention last month I found an astonishingly good book but inexspensive book Written by Dr. Terry Simpson, who describes the various WLS and shows you how to get the best out of the procedure that you have chosen. It is called "Weight Loss Surgery, a lighter look at a heavy subject" I am almost cdertain you will find the very thing you needed to know to help you off your plateau. Don't forgrt to attend your nearest support group, generally speaking those who attend over a longer period do very well indeed. And he opposite applies for those who go it alone. In my own case when I reached a plateau after effortlessly losing 65lb, (No exercise or diet) I got the ball rolling after I inroduced a 40 minute period of brisk walking, arms at 90% and marching to my ipod music, the weight just fell off again, and the next plateau7 I got to meant that it was time to take tougher measures for that. I introduced a hill or two. I went to gym once a week and did resistance training. Works a treat. Then I took up rock and roll dancing, wow what fun. I have been at my current weight for some 15 years, aged 63 and still feel and look as good now as I did then, and still wear the same same size. But I still wlk at least 2 to 3 times a week. Just get up a little earlier Dr. Terry Simpson also wrote a book to help those who are working towrd reaching their final goal weight, called "the last 30lbs" This too is a great book to acquire. He also qrote a hand book for you to work and reord your efforts "Getting to goal and staying there" These are truly inspiring writting by a man who knows his stuff. Good luck in your efforts to attain health
   — Lise K.

June 17, 2005
I agree with keeping track of what you're eating. I was on a 3 month plateau before I started using www.fitday.com and I could not believe how many calories and carbs I was eating daily! If you're on South Beach, your carb intake should be low and your protein intake should be pretty high, yes? Are you exercising? Drinking lots of water?
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 18, 2005
I am not a Dr. but I have seen several people reach plateaus and their Dr's have been telling them to up their food intake a small amount and more liquids or water. You might bring this suggestion up to your dr. I am just now out of the hospital so I have not had this problem as of yet. Good luck!
   — Angelfirewithwings

June 18, 2005
Paul, Don't worry this is normal to see. Your body has to adjust to the weight loss. Watch the carb intake keep it low, increase your water intake, and the protein... this is very important, remember you should get at least 60 grams a day, but we only absorb about 30 grams at a time so drink your protein shakes between meals. You may want to increase your activity also. Good luck and remember all good things come to those that wait. We've all been there, it does get better just keep working at it.
   — nans