Question:
Will this pass? long plateau

I had my surgery on August 25, 2003. Since then I have lost 72lbs. Since January 1 have not lost a pound. I actually lost the weight without exerxcise. I was unable to exercise because of a knee injury which has started to get better. The funny thing is that now that I am exercising I have not lost any weight at all. I have been eating properly I think. I mainly eat meat and vegetables. I do not like bread, rice or pasta. That is why I mainly eat meat and vegetables. I just found a protein shake that I can tolerate, I try to get in at least 80 grams with the protein supplements plus what I get from eating my meals. I started working out 5 days a week. I have a hard time getting all my water down. I mostly drink 32 - 64 oz. of water. This plateau is getting me down. Most people at this stage have lost more than what I have lost and now it has come to a complete halt. Could there be something wrong or do you think this is normal. Do anyone have any advise?    — kioh46 (posted on February 11, 2004)

February 10, 2004
Well you've lost more than me, and I had my surgery 8/18. I've lost 66lbs. I think you are getting too much protein. My surgeron says by now protein needs to be 40-50g a day. I had a 3 week plateau, and tried everything. Finally, upon the suggestion of my surgeons office, I did a day of just liquids, protein and vitaminds. The next day I lost 2 pounds. In fact since then, I am back to losing about 2lbs a week.
   — Sandy A.

February 11, 2004
If you're working out now, you are probably building muscle. Are your clothes getting looser although the scale isn't moving? You sound like you're getting about the right amount of protein to me but you definitely need to get all your water. Not only does that help you lose but it is essential to your health. You especially need more water since you've started working out five days a week. And there will be times when we will all hit a non-losing streak. Maybe it's just time for your body to adjust to a 72 pound loss before you start losing again. Sounds to me like you're doing the right thing except for the fluids which should be at least 64 oz. everyday.
   —  SCbabe B.

February 11, 2004
I think you are developing more muscle and that's good. I didnt really start working out until I was 5 months post op and my weight actually went up. I'll be 50 this spring and I am very pleased to say my body has firmed up really well due to exercize, actully much better than some post ops who have not exercized and they are 20 years younger- best wishes
   — debmi

February 11, 2004
I would speak to your Dr. The least of your worries is a plateau. You can't exercise and only drink a small amount of water. If you get up to 80oz a day the weight will fall off again. I do this.... no breakfast until I drink 16 oz water, no lunch until 16, no dinner, and no sleep. I actually drink 24 oz between dinner and bedtime.
   — mrsmyranow

February 11, 2004
Well, you're doing everything right. Eventually, the scale follows, from doing everything right. You can look upon your new exercise regime (congrats! and on a bad knee, too!), and your good eating habits, as investments in your future. Some months, there's no payoff; other months, there's a lot. It's a long-haul kind of process.<P>You've already pinpointed one possible thing you can improve, and that's water intake. So, try to work on that. Stick with what you're doing. It could be that your body is simply plateau'ing because you lost so much so fast in that first three-four months after surgery. Only time will tell.<P>Please hang in there and give it more time. Have faith, and the scale will follow.
   — Suzy C.

February 11, 2004
I HAD MY SURGERY AUGUST 27TH, 2003 AND HAVE LOST 68 POUNDS. I ALSO HAVE BEEN ON A PLATEAU FOR THE LAST MONTH. I ALSO WAS NOT ABLE TO START EXERCISE TILL JUST A FEW WEEKS AGO. NOW FOR THE PAST 2 WEEKS I HAVE BEEN WALKING 3 MILES A DAY AT THE MALL. AND STILL THE SCALE IS NOT MOVING! I CALLED THE DOCTORS OFFICE THE OTHER DAY AND THEY SAID, MUSCLE WEIGHS MORE THAN FAT AND NOW THAT I AM WALKING I AM BUILDING MUSCLE. THEY ALSO SAID THAT MY BODY IS CATCHING UP WITH ALL THE WEIGHT LOSS AND THAT NOW I PROBABILY AM LOSING INCHES AND NOT WEIGHT. THE SAID TO MAKE SURE AND GET MY WATER IN AND UP MY PROTEIN AND LOWER MY CARBS. I'M GOING TO GIVE IT A TRY AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS. THEY SAID THE WEIGHT LOSS WILL START UP AGAIN BUT, THE PLATEAU COULD LAST FROM 1 WEEK UP TO 6 WEEKS. FOR YOUR SAKE AND MINE, I HOPE THIER RIGHT! GOOD LUCK..
   — CHERYL M.

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