Question:
What am I doing wrong?

I am getting discouraged! I am 5 weeks post op, I lost 30 pounds the first 3 weeks then nothing for the last two. I have increased my exercise, walking 2 miles a day and I am getting my protein and water in. I have read the other postings on plateaus, but feel I am doing all the right things. How long is this going to last? I could sure use some encouragement and suggestions! Thanks    — Sandie H. (posted on June 25, 2002)

June 25, 2002
Sandie, Hang in there!! I am 5 weeks out too, as of yesterday and was delighted to see that my FOURTH plateau ended with a 2 pound loss. So I am down 25 pounds in 3 weeks -- and I am thrilled. A two-week plateau is par for the course when you drop 10 pounds a week, 3 weeks in a row. Your body is recovering/redistributing/preparing for the next loss cycle. Then, as if that wasn't enough - you are walking 2 MILES!!! Likely, you weren't doing that prior to surgery, which means you are building muscle. Muscle is mean to us on the scale -- short term -- because it weighs more than fat, but it has a much greater metabolism than fat, which means it is burning calories for you even while you sleep! We love muscle!!! Stop letting your brain demoralize your body when it is working so hard for you. The pounds will go, but at the rate your body feels is in your best interest. Use the library on this site to research slow weight loss and you will see you are not slow at all... you are normal. Yes, some lose it much faster, but we will all be needing those tummy tucks at some point, right??? Hide the scale until Saturday -- you deserve better than to be feeling discouraged when you are doing so well!
   — Karen F.

June 26, 2002
I am sure you are doing all the right things...just hang on a little bit longer...I just came off of a 4 week plateau. I am 4 months post op. This past weekend I finally saw a 6 lb loss. Get a tape measure and take your measurements especially during those weeks where you dont see a loss on the scale. Your body is still changing especially if you are exercising.
   — SARose61