Question:
Help me with this plateau?

I could really use some support now. I had surgery a few days short of 11 months ago(06/2000). I was really clipping along at a nice speed(have gone from 330 lbs to 195 lbs)in my weight loss until I reached 200 lbs(for about 2 months), and then 195 lbs.(where I have been staying steady now for a month) I have read that others have hit the dreaded 200 lb plateau, and I understand about the "set point". I was doing so well with my excercising and such, then I got busy with life(new job, started graduate school, single mom), and have been too tired to excercise like I should be. Yes, I have been drinking my water and crystal light. I have been eating mostly proteins, some carbs(for energy), and fruits, and unfortunately some sugars(although I do dump regularly). I have learned that when I get stressed I want to eat. And finally, I have realized that I am now able to eat more than I did in the beginning, which I suppose is normal(?). I would really like to hear from others who have similar situations, and how you handled the negative feelings(guilt for not being as "good", depression and fear at wondering if this will be all the weight loss, and self anger for not continuing with the good habits)associated with this.    — twenc (posted on May 2, 2001)

May 2, 2001
Toni, Hey! Remember me? We had our surgeries on the same day. I don't really have any answers for you but just wanted to let you know that I am experiencing pretty much the same thing. I started at 295 and am down to 175 but that's where I've been for a couple of months now. Unfortunately, the answer is probably going to be to really watch what we eat and increase our exercise. Not too fun, huh? But you know something? As much as I would LOVE to lose this last thirty pounds, I'm still thrilled to death to be where I am now. A lot better than this time last year!! Hope you're doing well. Hugs, Candace
   — Candace S.

May 2, 2001
I would suggest counseling for the emotional eating, this is very dangerous. Remember that's how you got to what you were before surgery. As far as diet, if you want to loose more weight you'll need to cut out those sugars again and carbs. adding more exercize again, you can do it that's for sure, look what you have already done. It's just getting a little harder now and you really have to focus on good eating habits. Congratulations on you success, fantasitc job, now just keep it up. good luck.
   — Lisa B.