Question:
What can I do to get over this plateau?

I am almost 5 months post-op and have been on a plateau for about a month now. I began at 321 and have lost exactly 100 pounds. I have had a problem getting my protein in, but am doing better now, getting in about 30g or more per day. I cannot tolerate most meats, but have been eating more cheese, eggs and protein bars. (I feel like I am eating all the time yet not getting in the protein I need.) I get in more than enough water and have tried to limit my carb intake. I want to lose another 60 pounds and I am a little nervous that I have went through the honeymoon phase earlier than most (I lost the first 70 pounds in less than 2 months) and the remainder will not come off. I finally began working out, but only twice a week for 30 minutes. Will upping it to 5 days a week help with my weight loss or should I be doing something else? I am not complaining about the loss whatsoever! I am the happiest I have ever been! I just want to get out of the "obese" range (I started at <i>super</i> morbidly obese)- down to about 160/150 pounds. I know everyone hits these plateaus, I am just trying to pinpoint what I can do to help it along. Anyways, any suggestions or will by body just eventually catch up and teh weight loss will begin again? Thanks!    — karmiausnic (posted on February 6, 2003)

February 5, 2003
Sweetie, I just want to tell you you're not alone in this - I am nine months out and have only lost about 10lbs in the past three months. It's so hard when we get used to the rapid weight loss to have it slow down to a more normal pace, but it sounds like you're doing everything right. For inspiration, check out Paula M's profile. She started at about the same wt as you and has managed to blow her goal out of the water within a year. You'll make it. Good luck!
   — rebeccamayhew

February 5, 2003
Karen, I concur, Check out Paula M,,,we had dtr by the same surgeon and he is my WLS IDOL! I have met her and we correspond by email, she is a doll and GEORGEOUS in person! That being said, she works her BUTT OFF! I am 2 wks short of 5 6mos (Open RNY 8/15) and I am down 91bs. I started off at 305 and want to get to 150 myself. I have only lost 6 lbs this month, so, i feel you! My suggestion UP THE PROTEIN, lose all carbs (stay less than 20g per day) for the next wk tro week & half and see if this helps. It always helps me when i don't lose for a few days/week! Good Luck to you. Heather (Open RNY 8/15 - 305/214/150)
   — heathercross

February 5, 2003

   — Linda A.

February 5, 2003
I just want to say slow and steady wins the race. I have been at the same weight for about 3 monts now. I am now 1 year post op and it does get to me at times. Before January I was not doing hardly any exercise and I do have some trouble snacking and eating too many carbs. But in Jan I picked up the exercise pace aggressively I now walk at least 6 days a week and 4 of those days I walk about 3.5 miles. I also do free weight exercises every other day with 5 lb weights. Well the scale still has not moved but just this week I have had at least 3 people tell me you've lost more weight, my husband has told me that my body is taking a different shape and I can honestly say that I can tell. So dont despair if you do decide to increase your exercise and you do not see an immediate drop in pounds. Hang in there!
   — SARose61

February 6, 2003
I know how you feel, I to am down @ 100 lbs. and things sure slowed down. I know that it is normal and most of the time I feel like if I didn't lose another pound, I would still be happy and call this a success. I drink 70 oz plus per day, I supplement with protein shakes (30 grams each) excercise 4-5 days a week and I'm stuck. It's sloooowwwlly coming off now. I was hoping to hear more input other that water, protein.... I am doing all that and it's still very slow now. The only thing I can say is that we just keep plugging along and stop weighing ourselves at this point. Maybe weigh 1-2 times a month. Good luck to you!
   — Dana B.

February 6, 2003
Karen, you have lost a significant amount of weight in a very short period of time-your body needs time to take a breath. Your definitely not done losing, and you will continue to lose at your own pace. There are a few things you can do to help it along-first, definitely up the exercise! Increase to 4 days a week and add weight training. the weight training will build muscle which is the building block you need to up the metabolism and burn more calories-hence, more weight loss. Then, try to get that 30 grams of protein doubled. At 5 months post-op, you should be getting in much more protein than you are. Can you try supplements? Its definitely the best way and the best absorbed form of protein. Try finding a whey protein isolate (has the best absorbtion rate). BTW, great weight loss- I'm sure your feeling great!
   — Cindy R.

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